The history of Albfeira in 250 words

The origins of Albufeira can be traced back to the Neolithic time and Bronze Age. The first known settlers were the Romans, who gave it the name of Baltum.

By the 8^th century, trade with North Africa led to the Moors exerting a major influence on the area. The Moors called Albufeira Al-Buhera, which means 'Castle on the Sea'. For 5 centuries, the area remained under the influence of the Moors. They established it as an important agricultural area with a port trading with North Africa. It evolved as a rich area with its own castle and defensive walls.

The Christians began a conquest of the region, and Spain, in the 12^th Century. They laid siege to the area, and eventually the Moors were expelled in 1249. Albufeira became part of the Kingdom of Portugal and The Algarves. However,with trade with the Moors disappearing, the economy of the region suffered greatly.

The town received its Royal Charter from King Manuel 1 on 20 August 1504, and subsequently became a city in 1986.

Albufeira has suffered a series of disasters. There was a major earthquake in 1532 and a further disaster in 1755 when a major earthquake and the resulting tidal flood destroyed large parts of the town. Other parts of Portugal were also affected, with Lisbon to the north being almost totally devastated. Due to lack of funds, it took many years for Albufeira to be rebuilt.

Albufeira was also heavily involved in the Portuguese civil wars of the 1830’s. The town was besieged, and set on fire and burnt to the ground. This resulted in a long period of hardship and poverty for the population.

It was not until the middle of the 19^th century that the fortunes of the town began to improve with the expansion of the fishing industry, but it would take another one hundred years for real prosperity to arrive through the advent of tourism.

Albufeira is now one of the most popular tourist destinations for holidaymakers of all ages.

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