The History of Algarve
The Algarve was populated by various peoples since 1000 BC, including Celts, Iberians, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Suevi, Visigoths and Arabs. The period of Muslim occupation was the most important and the most enduring, lasting approximately five centuries (715-1249). Silves was the capital of al-Gharb al-Andalus during the Arab era, a period of great importance for the Algarve, as this region achieved a high cultural and economic status. Muslim influence is still visible today in many aspects of al Garb 's daily life (in Arabic it means "the West"), especially in the well-known Algarvian chimneys, in the formation of a few words (almost all Portuguese words beginning with "al" have Arab origin), mills, the Portuguese caravel, nautical instruments and some agricultural techniques.
The Algarve was conquered on 29 March 1249 by the Portuguese King D Afonso III. The Epic of the Portuguese Discoveries was decisive for the economic growth of the Algarve. The localities of Sagres and Lagos reached a high importance during this golden period of Portuguese history due to the establishment of residence of Infante D Henrique, the great impeller of the Discoveries.
The Algarve region experienced an era of impoverishment between the 17th and 20th centuries. During this period there are some events, namely:
- Earthquake of 1755: the Algarve was deeply affected by the Lisbon Earthquake
- Creation of the General Company of the Royal Fisheries of the Kingdom of the Algarve in 1773
- Foundation of Vila Real de Santo António in 1774 by the Marquis of Pombal
- Revolt of Olhão: revolt of the Olhanenses against the French Invasions on April 14, 1808
- Creation of the steam career between Vila Real de Santo António and Lisbon on June 2, 1853
- Connection of Faro-Barreiro train on February 21, 1889
Since the 1970s, the Algarve has been investing in tourism to promote economic growth. The Algarve has become the main tourist region of Portugal through the bet in several niches, namely:
- Golf Courses
- Beaches
- Surf
- Resorts
- Marinas
- Bird Watching
- Wine