A vast territory was the headquarters of the Knights Hospitaller, now known as the Order of Malta, lands belonging to the Álvares Pereira family, to which the history of Portugal owes so much. Between legends of deadly loves in Flor da Rosa and secular defences in the Castles, we have fertile lands that have been peopled with scattered settlements since prehistoric times. Today, this is marvellous countryside for walking; you can feel the energy from those bygone days, in landscapes that have already borne witness to so many fabulous civilisations.