Algarve is the southern coast of Portugal and is mostly known for its sunny climate, yellow sand beaches and green golf courses. But it was also here, that in the 15th century the Portuguese set off to the unknow and began to discover the world.
Five centuries of Moorish occupation, left a strong influence in this region, which is easily noticed in the names of villages, monuments, and local architecture. In fact, most of the portuguese words that starts with "al" have an arabic origin - eg: Algarve (al-gharb - the west), Azulejo (al-zuleij - tile) or Azeite (az-zayt - olive oil).
This rich historical inheritance is still very much alive in the local culture. You can visit museums, churches, forts and castles in places like Aljezur, Lagos, Silves, Faro, Tavira, Castro Marim and Alcoutim, and witness the magnificence of Portuguese history, its people and their traditions.
