The history of Portugal can be traced from circa 400,000 years ago, when the region of present-day Portugal was inhabited by Homo heidelbergensis.
The Roman invasion in the 3rd century BC lasted several centuries, and developed the Roman provinces of Lusitania in the south and Gallaecia in the north. Following the fall of Rome, Germanic tribes controlled the territory between the 5th and 8th centuries, including the Kingdom of the Suebi centred in Braga and the Visigothic Kingdom in the south.
The 711–716 invasion by the Islamic Umayyad Caliphate conquered the Visigoth Kingdom and founded the Islamic State of Al-Andalus, gradually advancing through Iberia. In 1095, Portugal broke away from the Kingdom of Galicia. Afonso Henriques, son of the count Henry of Burgundy, proclaimed himself king of Portugal in 1139. The Algarve (the southernmost province in Portugal) conquered from the Moors in 1249, and in 1255 Lisbon became the capital. Portugal's land boundaries have remained almost unchanged since then. During the reign of King John I, the Portuguese defeated the Castilians in a war over the throne (1385) and established a political alliance with England (by the Treaty of...
Read moreWe’ve had an absolutely fantastic time on the boat tour along part of the Algarve coast, with a special highlight being the visit to the Benagil cave. Capitão Ricardo truly made the experience unforgettable with his captivating stories about the caves and the area's history. His knowledge and passion added a whole new layer of appreciation to the stunning scenery.
The opportunity to jump into the crystal-clear waters was great, making the trip not just informative but also adventurous. What truly stood out was Capitão Ricardo's thoughtful touch of offering champagne during the 2.5-hour journey, which added a touch of luxury and celebration to the experience.
My family and I felt welcomed and taken care of throughout the entire trip, thanks to Capitão Ricardo's friendly demeanor and his dedication to ensuring everyone had a memorable time. This boat tour is undoubtedly a must-do for anyone visiting the Algarve coast around Portimão. The combination of breathtaking sights, engaging stories, and personalized service make it a truly exceptional and...
Read moreAmazing Cave Tour & Snorkeling Experience in Portimão! We had an unforgettable time with Cave Captian during our trip to Portimão, Portugal! The crew was incredibly friendly, professional, and knowledgeable about the area. The boat was comfortable and well-equipped, and we felt safe and looked after the entire time.
The tour took us along the stunning Algarve coastline, stopping at some of the most beautiful sea caves we’ve ever seen—including the famous Benagil Cave. Our guide gave us interesting insights into the formations and history, which made the experience even more special.
One of the highlights was snorkeling in the clear blue waters. The crew provided all the gear and made sure everyone felt comfortable before jumping in. We had plenty of time to swim, relax, and enjoy the incredible surroundings.
This was truly a highlight of our trip, and we’d recommend it to anyone visiting the Algarve. Thank you for such a...
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