Almeida is another must-visit village in Portugal because of its rich Portuguese. This village was originally founded to serve as a major Portuguese fortification on the Spanish border in the 12th century.Located in a vast high plain overlooking the Côa River, Almeida was one of the most important strongholds in Portugal during Modern Age. Although it had been occupied by humans since the Palaeolithic, it was only during the Arabic period that it received the name al mêda, which means “the table”, possibly referring to the flat soil in which the village was established. There is an ancient tale which has enriched its history. According to this tale, the name comes from a sumptuous table, decorated with precious stones which once stood at this spot.
