Algarve People

Although the population of the Algarve has arisen from a mixture of all the settlers who inhabited this region, no influence is more marked than the Moorish one. As such, most of the Algarve’s local population (Algarvios) are darker than their northern Portuguese compatriots and lead a more Mediterranean-type lifestyle. This Moorish influence is apparent not only in the local population’s features but also in the region’s unique architecture with its terraces, characteristic elaborate chimneys and whitewashed houses, the water mills, the agricultural produce (oranges and almonds) and the language. In general, the ‘Algarvios’ are an easy-going, friendly and welcoming people who have adapted well to the changes brought about by the boom in the tourism industry of the past decades.

Traditionally dependent on the sea, many coastal inhabitants continue to pursue their fishing livelihoods and co-habit happily with their services-orientated contemporaries, the differences being much more evident between the tourist-driven coastal inhabitants and those of the inland mountainous areas. A visit to one of the inland towns can take on the proportions of a historical journey in time as traditional farming methods, local handicraft, gastronomy and architecture retain much of their original flavour.

The development of the tourism industry and subsequent boom in construction have attracted many of the immigrants from former Portuguese colonies to this region of Portugal. In addition, the mild climate and lower costs in comparison with the rest of Europe have made this a popular destination for many retired and working northern Europeans who have established themselves permanently in the Algarve. A recent Ministry of Health survey states that this is the Portuguese region with the highest demographic increase, the population growing by 16% between 1991 and 2001. The survey also shows that approximately 17% of the work force is made up of foreigners and that registered births of foreign mothers have increased from 5% in 2000 to 20% in 2007.