Schist Villages of Lousã Mountain, half-day from Coimbra
Description
Travel to the Schist Villages of Serra da Lousã, a group of small villages of shepherds spread across the mountains. The visit begins at the Village of Cerdeira, right in the heart of the mountains. It is a place of artistic inspiration based on the School of Arts and Crafts that promote art and creativity in line with the silence and the surrounding natural wealth. We continue through the Village of Candal. Nestled in the mountains on a hill facing south, the visitor walks through the narrow, steep streets and from the top of the viewpoint contemplates the beautiful views over the valley. The Village of Talasnal, the largest and best preserved. Discovering the village through the narrow, steep streets of the hillside is timeless. We return to Coimbra after this journey "in time" to our rural ancestor.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The Schist Village of Cerdeira, right in the heart of the mountains, distinguished by its natural beauty. It is a place of artistic inspiration based on the School of Arts and Crafts that promote art and creativity in line with the silence and the surrounding natural wealth. Perfectly rebuilt with houses integrated into the landscape, thanks to the reuse of shale stones, clay and brown wood.
The Schist Village of Candal, the best located, developed and most visited, thanks to its easy access. Nestled in the mountains on a hill facing south, the visitor walks through the narrow, steep streets and from the top of the viewpoint contemplates the beautiful views over the valley.
The Schist Village of Talasnal, the largest and best preserved. The village with the most charisma, endowed with a natural setting that makes us immerse ourselves in a magical world. Discovering the village through the narrow, steep streets of the hillside is timeless. There are alleys to discover, stairs to go up or down and balconies to admire. Here Nature and Human hand are brought together.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(44)
The views are magnificent, the schist villages intriguing, and our guide Monica was amazing! Seeing the recent impacts from fires and storms was also moving.
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the magnificent views and found the schist villages so intriguing—these landscapes really are something special. It’s also wonderful to know that Monica made such a positive impression; we’ll be sure to share your feedback with her. The recent impacts from the fires and storms have indeed been very significant, and we appreciate your sensitivity in noticing that part of the journey as well. We hope to welcome you again for another experience in the future! Kind regards, Xavier
It was a rainy and foggy day so that definitely impacted the beauty. But we made the best of it. It was a long drive up winding roads. So I'm sure it's lovely on a sunny day. Would have been nice to sit with a coffee and take it all in!
Yes, in fact we haven't been able to change the weather conditions, yet... :) Thank you for your visit and we look forward to your next one, which will be very sunny so we can sit on the Candal terrace and enjoy the views.
Everything well organized and working 100% s hr nice and interesting tour with lots of local knowledge Very good tour planning
Thank you very much for your comments, I hope to see you on your next visit to Portugal.
It was a great tour off the regular tourist track. Our guide Pedro gave us a lot of history and explanation. He was a wealth of information not just about the villages but Portugal in general. He gave us plenty of time to walk around and take in the beautiful, picturesque villages. Highly recommend if you are in Coimbra.
Thanks for your review, it's my pleasure to share our country and some secrets near Coimbra. Pedro
Tour with amazing views, and Pedro, our guide, enriched our tour with his experience and for being a very nice person. I recommend!
Thank you for being with our company and discover the Schist Village, it was a pleasure to meet you and share the history. Pedro
Xavier is an easy going, fun and informative guide. We really enjoyed walking thru three villages stopping for tea prior to leaving. The villages are extraordinary the views breathtaking
Hi Sarah, Thanks for you review, I'm glad you liked the villages cheers
Xavier provided a wonderful half day experience. He is very knowledgable , and although he had to change his normal route because of the car rally, we still experienced and enjoyed the villages and the architecture and the scenery. Amazing!
Hi Jennifer, Yes the rally : ) There's always a plan B :) I'm glad you liked it, I hope to welcome you soon Cheers
A perfect afternoon with a wonderful guide! Outstanding explanation, Extra comfortable vehicle with super driver. Thank you
Hi It's for these kinds of comments about experiences that we exist... Thanks for the review.
Wonderful scenery, professional guide, comfortable ride to places you could not get to otherwise and are completely worth it. Such an inspiration, yet another lovely hidden corner of Portugal!
Yes, the villages are a hidden paradise that only those who know them can truly show. Unfortunately we didn't have much time; we'll leave a longer visit for next time. Cheers
It was a outstanding trip. Our guide Xavier, was fantastic. Very friendly and knowledgeable. Visited 3 villages, and had a nice coffee and Biera brake. I highly recommend this trip.
Thank you very much for your words, I am very happy that you enjoyed the villages and the coffee with Beirão liqueur :) I really enjoyed being able to welcome you and who knows, I might join you on another tour in another day?! Thnak you so much!!! Cheers
