Miles of golden sandy beaches, clear waters and virtually guaranteed beautiful weather during the holiday season has made the Portuguese Algarve one of Europe's top holiday destinations. Originally derived from the Portuguese pronunciation of "al-gharb", an Arab name meaning "the land beyond", the Algarve has drawn in millions of foreign visitors over the years. And although popular, it remains a diverse region where one is still able to discover the "real" "unspoiled" Portugal, as well as being able to enjoy the "livelier" side of the culture.
		The Algarve has historically been a cultural "melting pot". The predominant influences in the region are as much Mediterranean as Atlantic, and as much North African as Southern European. The character of the region, and its people has been moulded by regular waves of traders, invaders and occupiers. in the first millennium BC, Portugal was inhabited by Celtiberian tribes. Then came the Phoenicians, Carthaginans and the Romans. With the decline of the Roman Empire came the Suevi, Vandals and Visigoths. The most significant occupation was of the North African Islamic Moors, from the 8th century. The Moors' civilized rule lasted for more than 500 years, until the Christian re-conquest and the incorporation of the Algarve into the independent Portuguese nation in the 13th century.
The Algarve is roughly divided into three main tourist regions. The westerly coast (Barlevento) is rocky and dramatic. It stretches from Portugal's south-easterly point town of Sagres; where Portuguese explorers first set sail in the 1400s, to Portimáo with its famous Praia da Rocha beach resort. The Central coast contains the Algarve's most popular beach resorts and golf courses. Here you can find the Algarve's most famous spot - Albufeira, once an old fishing town, now is a bustling resort with great restaurants and bars. Although popular, Albufeira has lost none of its character, with cobbled streets, painted archways and a market feel to the main square, with stalls offering local pottery and handicrafts. The Easterly coast (Sotavento) stretches easterly from the Algarve's modern capital - Faro. Here you will find salt marshes, quiet beaches, and the quaint town of Tavira. This is an ideal place to visit if you're trying to avoid the crowds during the summer months. The islands of Armona and Culatra are served by ferries from Olhao. These islands are noted for their superb (and in some cases deserted) beaches.
		Upon visiting the Algarve, one of the most appealing aspects that you will notice is its relaxed way of life. As international airliners fly holidaymakers into Faro airport according to strict schedules, the Algarveans feel no compulsion to be punctual or to rush. Some of Europe's most sophisticated holiday resorts are viewed without envy by ordinary locals, who like to sit outside their humble townhouses grilling sardines on mini makeshift barbecues. For those of us used to the traffic-jam rat race lifestyle, this relaxed attitude is most welcome. It quickly rubs off on visitors and contributes towards making the Algarve an adopted "second home" for many of them.