algarve. europe's most famous secret

You have probably heard about the Algarve.
A friend may have told you about one of its magnificent beaches, maybe you've seen a report about its cuisine or perhaps you've picked up a brochure like this one before. But there is an Algarve that you haven't seen, tasted
or explored before: it's the Algarve that the local people know and love.
For almost three thousand years Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans, Goths, Maghrebins and Mauritanians did what you
do - they passed through the Algarve. Until, in 1249, the Al-Gharb ("the West") was finally taken from the Islamic world by Sancho II, who took
the title of King of Portugal and the Algarve.
Since then, the pride shared by the inhabitants of the Algarve has compelled them to reveal
their region's greatest secrets to visitors - about their favourite beaches, hidden hamlets, natural walks and even recommending the best restaurants.

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