Where did the earliest Portuguese explorers come from?

The earliest Portuguese explorers primarily came from the coastal regions of Portugal, particularly the Algarve and the northern provinces like Porto and Lisbon. These areas were well-positioned for maritime activities due to their access to the Atlantic Ocean. The Age of Discoveries in the 15th century saw these explorers venture along the coasts of Africa, into the Indian ocean, and eventually across the globe in search of new trade routes and territories. Their expeditions were often sponsored by the Portuguese crown, reflecting the nation's growing interest in exploration and expansion.