"Algrave, land where the sun sets." Algarve by tompt

Algarve Travel Guide: 2,261 reviews and 5,959 photos

Canons are guarding the end of the world

The Moors called this area ´land where the sun sets´ or in arab: Al Gharb. The name of the Algarve province is derived from that. The Moors conquered this area around the 8th century. By that time Portugal was the last know land in western eyes. Here the sun sets in the ocean, over the edge of the world. In the 13th century the christians reconquered this part of Portugal, and still thought of it as the end of the world (O Fim do Mundo).
It was here, at the end of the world, that Prince Henrique build his school of navigators in the 15th century. From this school ships sailed into the unknown, and they returned without falling of the edge of the world......
Portugal became an important trade country when they discovered a route to the orient.

Morish castle at Silves.

In the Algarve province you can find several reminders of the Moors dominating here for centuries, like the castles in most cities. A great castle can be found in Silves.

But there are also a lot of things to see that link the area to the ocean, fishing and exploring. See the city of Lagos for some reminders of Prince Henrique.

And then there is all the natural beauty to discover. Most of the coastline is a natural reserve. The coastline around Faro, Rio Formosa, is a great example.

Ria Formosa, a swampy coastal area

At this Algarve page we will try to let you see it all through our eyes (cameras).

More info on the Algarve on the internet:
- http://www.visitalgarve.pt/
- http://www.portugalvirtual.pt/

Last visit to Algarve: Feb 2006
Intro Updated Mar 4, 2006
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Reviews (8)

The end of the world and the fortress at Sagres. - Algarve

The end of the world and the fortress at... Things to Do (8)

Cabo de Sao Vincente was thought of as the end of the world because from this southwestern point all you could see was... more travel advice

Lagos, statues Things to Do (8)

In Lagos you can find statues of important people for the city or for Portugal. In front of the citywall there is a... more travel advice

Lagos, the fortress Things to Do (8)

The Fortaleza da Ponta da Bandera is a small fortress guarding the harbor of Lagos. It dates back to the 17th century,... more travel advice

Statue of Infante Henrique; Lagos - Algarve

Lagos, the city of Prince Henrique Things to Do (8)

At the Praca da república stands the statue of Prince Henrique. He was the man who made Portugal to one of the greatest... more travel advice

Travelogues (1)

Written Mar 5, 2006

8 photos

Silves, some pictures

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Comments (2)

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Bwana_Brown May 11, 2006 at 10:58 AM

Great tips and beautiful photos of the sights you saw! I too enjoyed my brief stay in the Algarve, but only had time to drive past Silves. Thanks for the closer look at it!
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catnl Mar 15, 2006 at 8:30 AM

great tips here, an so many interesting things to see, great pic 2, jhope the weather was ok