Human presence in the Algarve dates from pre-historic days. The Romans civilised it. From 8th to the 13th century it was a flourishing and cultured Arab kingdom. After the Christian reconquest, the geographic and stategic relevance of Lagos made it capital of the Algarve from the 16th to 18th century, linked to the Discoveries and the figure of Prince Henry the Navigator. Lagos is now one of the major resorts in the Algarve and it combines its long historic past with the ability to grant tourists an unforgettable holiday. Some of its attractions include the great wealth of historical buildings and picturesque cobbled stoned streets, the pleasant Mediterranean influenced climate, with mild winters and hot summers, stunning lace-like cliffs coastline framing small golden sandy coves and the delicious fish and shellfish gastronomy. The Portuguese people are friendly and make you feel most welcome.