|
The Algarve, the southernmost region, is among Portugal's
most popular tourist destinations. The region has its administrative
centre, which is the city of Faro. International Faro/Algarve airport
and the University of the Algarve are situated in Faro.
The approximate area of the Algarve region is 5,500 square kilometers.
About 450,000 inhabitants live in the area that consists of sixteen
municipalities (Albufeira, Alcoutim, Aljezur, Castro Marim, Faro,
Lagoa, Lagos, Loule, Monchique, Olhao, Portimao, Sao Bras de Alportel,
Silves, Tavira, Vila do Bispo, Vila Real de Santo Antonio). During
the peak summer months, this number can be easily doubled.
The territory of today's Algarve was occupied by the Moors until
the mid-12th century, when the Moorish occupation ended due to successful
campaigns of the Kingdom of Portugal. The area was called Al-Gharb
Al-Andalus - Arabic names for the West and Muslim Iberia. The area
was absolutely secured from the Moors by the end of the 13 century.
Then King Alfonso III of Portugal called himself King of Portugal
and Algarve.
In 1910 the Kingdom of Portugal and the Algarve ceased to exist,
making way for the Portuguese First Republic. This historical province
became then the southernmost region in Continental Portugal.
|
