Towns and Villages

The town has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as can be seen by the numerous archaeological remains that have been found in the area. Its name comes from Arabic - "alfândega" meaning inn - to which the words "da fé" (of the faith) were added after the Christian reconquest.

Alfândega da Fé is situated in the "terra quente" (hot lands) of the Northern inland region, so-called because the region is very cold in the winter and has very high temperatures in the summer. The region is also famous for its almond-trees in blossom, which lend great beauty to the landscape in February/March.