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

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/