History of the Algarve - Al-Gharb - Learn its origins and all its history.
The history of the Algarve is a fusion of cultures and civilizations dating back at least 3500 years ago. Discover the History of the beautiful region.
The Algarve is known for its sunny beaches, cliffs, golf courses, and lively tourist spots. But beyond the natural beauty lies a deep and fascinating history.
The Algarve is Portugal’s southernmost region. Its modern identity comes from a mix of cultures, conflicts, and civilizations.
Many influences, including Roman, Moorish, and Christian conquests, have shaped the Algarve’s history, from Phoenician trade to a tourist spot.
We will cover the key events, figures, and cultural changes that shaped the Algarve.
Ancient Map of the Algarve History
History of the Algarve - Why is the Algarve called the Algarve?
What is the Origin of the name “Algarve”? The name Algarve comes from the Arabic term “Al-Gharb,” meaning “the West.” It referred to the westernmost part of the Islamic world during the Moorish rule of the Iberian Peninsula to the west of Andalusia.
As per Wikipedia;
“The name Algarve comes from Gharb Al-Andalus (Arabic: غرب الأندلس, gharb al-ʼandalus; “The West of Al-Andalus”), or just Al-Gharb (Arabic: الغرب, al-gharb; “The West”), the name given by the Muslims of Iberia to the region to the west of Andalusia”
Early History of the Algarve: Prehistoric Settlements
Long before the Romans and Moors set foot in the Algarve, prehistoric communities inhabited the region.
These ancient people were primarily hunter-gatherers and later evolved into agrarian societies, influenced by the geographical benefits of the region.
Long before the Romans and Moors set foot in the Algarve, prehistoric communities inhabited the region.
Megalithic Structures: The First Monuments
Archaeological findings suggest that humans have lived here for thousands of years. Evidence of early settlements dates back to the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods.
Archaeological finds, like megalithic monuments and cave paintings, prove that these early communities existed. Sites like Alcalar in Portimão hold these finds.
One of the most striking remnants of this era is the megalithic monuments still found in the Algarve today.
These stone structures, such as the Menhirs near Vila do Bispo, provide a glimpse into the spiritual and societal practices of the region’s earliest inhabitants.
- Key Sites: Alcalar Megalithic Monuments.
- Artifacts: Stone tools and primitive pottery have been discovered, marking the Algarve as a significant area of prehistoric human activity.
These structures suggest that the Algarve’s early inhabitants had a complex social and religious life.
Neolithic and Chalcolithic Periods in the Algarve Region
The Phoenicians and Greeks were among the first to trade and settle in the Algarve. They brought advanced seafaring technology and began Mediterranean trade with the locals.
The Algarve’s coast was a rich source of food from the sea. Its inland areas were fertile for farming.
Around 3000 BCE, we entered the Chalcolithic (Copper Age). Metalworking became vital to these societies.
The Phoenicians and Carthaginians established trading posts along the coast around 1000 BCE.
- Trade goods: olives, wine, and metals like copper were among the key commodities traded.
- Settlements: Early trading hubs in Tavira and Lagos acted as gateways for the exchange of goods and culture.
There is still evidence of the Phoenician times in Tavira, today you can still see sector of the wall they built around the old town of Tavira.
The Phoencians are also part of the history of the Town of Loulé being the first to settle in Loulé.
The Roman Influence in the History of the Algarve (2nd Century BC - 5th Century AD)
The Romans arrived in the Algarve around the 2nd century BCE, and their influence left a lasting mark on the region.
The Algarve, known to the Romans as “Cyneticum,” (believing that people are only interested in themselves and are not sincere), became part of the Roman province of Lusitania.
During this period, the Algarve became known for its rich agriculture and strategic location along key trade routes.
Roman rule introduced new systems of governance, architecture, and trade that would shape the development of the region.
- Key Contributions:
- Infrastructure: Roads, aqueducts, and Roman villas were constructed, remnants of which can still be seen today.
- Urban Development: Faro, then known as Ossonoba, was an important Roman town, serving as an administrative and trade center.
The Importance of Port Cities
During Roman times, the Algarve’s coastal cities, such as Ossonoba (modern-day Faro), thrived as key trading ports.
Ossonoba became an essential center for commerce, exporting fish, olive oil, and wine across the Roman Empire.
The city was also a hub for Roman culture, with amphitheaters, temples, and aqueducts being constructed to serve the local population.
Roman Engineering: Roads and Aqueducts
The Romans were master engineers, and their infrastructure significantly improved the Algarve’s connectivity and economy.
They built a network of roads that connected the Algarve to the rest of the Iberian Peninsula, facilitating trade and military movements.
Roman aqueducts, some of which can still be seen today, revolutionized agriculture by improving irrigation systems, enabling more consistent crop yields in the region’s fertile plains.
Roman Legacy in Modern Algarve
The influence of Roman rule is still evident today in the region’s architecture and place names.
The Roman Ruins of Milreu, located near Faro, offer a glimpse into the Algarve’s importance in the Roman world.
The History of the Algarve during the Moorish Period: A Golden Age for the Algarve (8th -12th Century)
Perhaps the most profound influence in the history of the Algarve came during the Moorish period, which began in the 8th century CE.
The Moors, Islamic invaders from North Africa, arrived in 711 CE and quickly established dominance over the region. Under Moorish rule, the Algarve became a flourishing cultural and economic hub, deeply connected to the wider Islamic world.
This period saw the Algarve integrated into the Islamic caliphate of Al-Andalus.
It is during the Moorish Period that Algarve gets its name Al-Gharb meaning west!
Throughout the Algarve you can witness many Moorish contructions such as the Loulé Castle and Castle walls.
In Loulé the Moors ruled over 400 years.
History of the Algarve - Islamic Baths in Loulé
The Islamic Public Baths in Loulé were where built by the Moors during the 12th Century.
These well-preserved baths are important to the history of the Algarve. Today, you can visit the Islamic public baths and be taken back in time.
Visit the 3 sectors of the baths; The Hot Room, the Tepid Room and the Cold Room.
Agricultural Innovations: The Influence of Irrigation
One of the most significant Moorish contributions to the Algarve was their introduction of advanced irrigation techniques.
The Moors built sophisticated irrigation systems, known as “noras” (waterwheels) and “levadas” (aqueducts), which allowed them to cultivate crops like oranges, almonds, and figs, which remain important in the region today.
Architectural Heritage: The Legacy of the Moors
Moorish architecture left a lasting imprint on the Algarve. The city of Silves, once the Moorish capital of the Algarve, is home to the famous Silves Castle, an imposing fortress that showcases the military and architectural prowess of the Moors.
The region’s whitewashed buildings, often adorned with intricate tile work, also reflect Moorish influence, creating a unique blend of cultural aesthetics that continues to draw visitors today.
History of the Algarve during the Reconquista and the Integration into Portugal (12th - 13th Century)
The fall of Moorish rule in the Algarve was part of the larger “Reconquista,” a centuries-long effort by Christian forces to reclaim the Iberian Peninsula.
The Algarve was the last region in Portugal to be reclaimed from the Moors, with the final conquest occurring in 1249 under King Afonso III. King Afonso III was known as the King of Portugal and the Algarve.
This marked the beginning of the Algarve’s integration into the Kingdom of Portugal.
History of the Algarve - The Fall of Silves and Reconquest by Afonso III
In the 12th century, the Christian kingdoms in northern Portugal began their slow reconquest of the southern regions, known as the Reconquista. The Algarve was one of the last areas to fall, with King Afonso III capturing Silves in 1249, marking the end of Moorish rule.
- Key Events:
- Battle of Silves: A decisive victory for the Portuguese during the Reconquista.
- Cultural Shifts: The conversion of mosques into churches and the establishment of Christian institutions.
The city’s strategic importance made it a focal point of military efforts during this period. After the Reconquista, many of the region’s Moorish influences were retained, blending with the new Christian culture that began to flourish.
Changes in Society and Economy Post-Reconquista
After the Reconquista, the Algarve underwent significant changes. Christian settlers replaced Moorish inhabitants, and the region became fully integrated into the Kingdom of Portugal.
- Economy: Agriculture continued to thrive, but with a new focus on wine and olive oil production, alongside a burgeoning fishing industry.
The Algarve’s Role in the Age of Discovery (15th – 17th Century)
Prince Henry the Navigator and Sagres School
Following the Reconquista, the Algarve became a critical launching point during the Age of Discovery. This playing a great part in the history of the Algarve and Portugal.
Prince Henry the Navigator, often considered the father of Portugal’s age of exploration, established his school of navigation in Sagres. Prince Henry the Navigator used the Algarve as a base for their ventures into Africa and the Atlantic.
- Key Contributions:
- Development of new maritime technologies, such as caravels and navigational tools.
- Training of explorers who would later discover new sea routes to Africa, India, and the Americas.
This period marked a new chapter in the Algarve’s history, as it became a gateway for Portugal’s imperial ambitions.
The Algarve in the Modern Era
The modern history of the Algarve is one of transformation. From the 18th century onward, the region experienced both periods of decline and resurgence.
The 1755 Lisbon earthquake devastated much of the Algarve, particularly in coastal cities like Faro, Vila Real de Santo António and Lagos, leading to significant rebuilding efforts in the centuries that followed.
Economic Growth and Tourism
In the 20th century, the Algarve underwent another major transformation with the rise of tourism.This happened in the 1960s, people started to realize how amazing the Algarve was for holidays.
Its stunning beaches, mild climate, and rich history made it an attractive destination for tourists from around the world. Today, tourism is a crucial part of the region’s economy, attracting millions of visitors each year who come to enjoy not only the natural beauty but also the historical and cultural richness of the Algarve.
The first towns to boost tourism were:
- Albufeira
- Once a small fishing village
- Now it’s known as the “Gateway to Tourism” in the Algarve
- Portimão
- Has a beautiful beach called Praia Da Rocha
- One of the first to attract international tourists
- Vilamoura
- Built specially for tourists in the 1970s
- Famous for its international award winning marina and top class golf courses
- Lagos
- Has a long history and beautiful beaches
- Became popular with younger travelers
These towns started building hotels and offering things for visitors to do. Soon over the years, more and more people wanted to visit the Algarve.
The Algarve Today
Today, the Algarve is one of the most popular places in Europe for holidays.
Millions of people visit every year to enjoy the beaches, try rich food, and learn about its history.
The region continues to evolve while preserving its rich heritage.
- Population: Over 481 370 permanent residents.
- Major cities: Faro, Portimão, Lagos.
- Economy: Dominated by tourism, but diversifying.
Challenges:
- Balancing development with environmental protection.
- Preserving local culture amid international influences.
- Managing seasonal population fluctuations.
Opportunities:
- Expanding eco-tourism and cultural tourism.
- Developing technology and creative industries.
- Enhancing sustainable practices in tourism and agriculture.
