Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
History & Culture
The area of the Algarve has been populated since the Palaeolithic and Neolithic periods,
acting as an important trade port for the Phoenicians as far back as 1,000BC. The Romans
also settled in the area around the second century BC and remained there until the Visigoths
took control in the 5 th Century, who in turn were ousted by the Muslim conquest at the be-
ginning of the 8 th Century.
The region was conquered by the Kingdom of Portugal in the mid-12 th Century and became
known as the Kingdom of the Algarve, with King Afonso III of Portugal taking the title
King of Portugal and the Algarves which would continue to be used by monarchs until the
Portuguese Republic occurred in 1910. The town of Lagos played an important role during
the Age of Discovery, being the place from where Gil Eanes set sail in the 15 th Century
to round Cape Bojador. During the 1960s, the Algarve launched a hugely successful cam-
paign to attract tourists, becoming one of Europe's top holiday destinations.
© Wikimedia / Lacobrigo
The Town of Silves
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