The word “Algarve” comes directly from the Arabic *Al-Gharb*, which literally means “the West.” During the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, this was the westernmost region of the territory under Al-Andalus rule.

The Douro, the world’s oldest demarcated wine region, combines breathtaking landscapes with centuries of human engineering. The river and its slopes hold fascinating secrets that go far beyond wine production. The Douro landscapes are among the most stunning and unique in the world, shaped by the river and centuries of human labor. See below the key visual perspectives that define the Alto Douro Wine Region:

Contrary to what one might think, the city’s name did not originate with the Catholic apparitions. Legend has it that, during the Christian Reconquest in the 12th century, a Moorish princess named Fátima was captured by the knight Gonçalo Hermingues. The knight fell in love with her; the princess converted to Christianity (adopting the name Oureana), and her birth name eventually gave its name to the land.

The town of Nazaré, located on the coast of Central Portugal, is one of the country’s most fascinating destinations. World-famous for its giant waves, the region combines natural records with ancient legends and unique cultural traditions that have endured through the centuries.

Why is it the “Invicta City”? The title of “Invicta” (meaning “unconquered”) was earned in the 19th century. During the Siege of Porto (1832–1833), the city heroically resisted the absolutist troops of Dom Miguel for over a year, defending the liberal cause of Dom Pedro IV.