The first people in the Algarve, were the Phoenicians and the Carthaginians.
They will live from the resources of the coast.
But the most important facts in the Algarve's history is the five centuries of Arab occupation, visible in the architecture, (Mosques, castles, whitewashed houses, with their terraces and chimneys), in the agriculture, vegetation, and in names beginning with Al.
The Arabs built solid defense fortifications. The development of agriculture was notable as new techniques and plant species were introduced. The Arabs introduced the plough as well as watermills to bring water up from wells. They also introduced new irrigation methods namely the construction of dams and dikes, thus transforming barren zones into cultivated areas and orchards.
When D. Afonso III took the throne, part of the Algarve had already fallen into the hands of the Christians. The "knights Templar" and the "Knights Hospitallers", military orders, helped to retake the area.
Since 1249, and until the Republic proclamation, the Portuguese monarchs were entitled "King of Portugal and of the Algarves".
As the southwesternmost people of europe, the algarvian, were the natural leaders of that work of exploration which had been carried on during the middle age. The long shoreline, with its fine harbors, had been the training-ground of a race of adventurous seamen. It was impossible, moreover, to expand or reach new markets except by sea: the interposition of Castile and Aragon, so often hostile, completely prevented direct land routes to other European countries. Consequently the Portuguese merchants sent their goods by sea to England, Flanders, and Italy.
As the southwesternmost people of europe, the algarvian, were the natural leaders of that work of exploration which had been carried on during the middle age. The long shoreline, with its fine harbors, had been the training-ground of a race of adventurous seamen. It was impossible, moreover, to expand or reach new markets except by sea: the interposition of Castile and Aragon, so often hostile, completely prevented direct land routes to other European countries. Consequently the Portuguese merchants sent their goods by sea to England, Flanders, and Italy.
The Algarve was used as one of the main departure ports. The algarvios (people from the Algarve) were an important part of the maritime adventures .
The 1755 earthquake, which had its epicentre very close to Lagos, destroyed much of the Algarve. The tremors of destruction were felt everywhere and many important monuments were lost.
Today, the Algarve is a paradise, voted as one of the world's most desirable place to invest,
offering beautiful luxury resorts and golf courses.
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