Schist Villages of Lousã Mountain: Artistic and Natural Rewards in a Half-Day Tour from Coimbra
4.9
18 Ratings
Coimbra
Embark on a half-day tour from Coimbra to explore the Schist Villages of Lousã Mountain. Immerse yourself in the artistic inspiration and natural beauty of these small villages nestled in the mountains.
Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Aldeias do Xisto - Visita a 3 aldeias de Xisto da Serra da Lousã à escolha do cliente
What's Included
  • Bottled water
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges included
  • Professional driver/guide
  • Comfortable transport in an air-conditioned minivan
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
Additional Information

Embark on a journey to the Schist Villages in Serra da Lousã, a cluster of shepherd settlements speckled across the mountain range.

Your exploration kickstarts at Cerdeira Village, nestled in the very heart of the mountains. This location serves as a hub of artistic muse, influenced by the School of Arts and Crafts that fosters creativity and artistry in harmony with the prevailing tranquility and rich natural resources around.

Your trek carries on to the Village of Candal. Perched amidst the mountains on a south-facing slope, visitors can stroll through the steep, narrow lanes, and from the vantage point, marvel at the breathtaking valley views.

At the pinnacle of the mountain, you’re treated to a stunning panorama and get to experience some fun on the Baloiço do Trevim (Trevim Swing).

Post this exciting breather, we descend to the Village of Talasnal, which stands as the largest and most conserved village. Wander through its steep, narrow hillside lanes for a journey that defies time.

After this captivating ‘blast from the past’ experience, we head back to Coimbra.

Location
Av. Emídio Navarro 21
Avenida Emídio Navarro
In front of Astória Hotel
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(18 Ratings)
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Karen_v
Apr 16, 2024
A Wonderful History Lesson in a Beautiful Area - Beautiful trip. Our driver and driver in training were very knowledgeable, engaged with us, and made our trip enjoyable. They had great senses of humor. They were patient in answering our many questions. A great experience!
Review provided by Viator
Debra_c
Mar 14, 2024
We loved our tour of Schist Villages! - Our guide was wonderful and made our trip to Schist Villages so informative and enjoyable. The pickup spot and in Coimbra was easy to locate. Our guide told us the history of the villages as well as showed us many other interesting things on the way to and from the villages. It was our favorite Portugal tour and we loved it. The settings for the villages is in the mountains so we saw mountain streams and hiking trails among the houses. We learned about the red and yellow hiking signs which explain the routes through the mountains. The construction of the houses is fascinating. We definitely recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Suzanne_e
Jan 31, 2024
Beautifully Unique - Great day. Excellent tour guide who knew a great deal about the villages. Beautiful scenery. Unlike any other experience in Portugal.
Review provided by Viator
Suewebb
May 14, 2023
Great value for short schist village tour - We loved our half day tour of the schist villages with Xavier. He was knowledgeable and interesting, providing lots of information.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
N7459shmattb
May 14, 2023
Fantastic tour guide - We were in Coimbra for 2 days and spent one of them with Xavier touring the Schist Villages. Xavier was extremely knowledgeable and was a fantastic tour guide. Would highly recommend to anyone interested in getting out of the city for a day and exploring a bit of history!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jsjeffrey
May 12, 2023
Not a wine tour, but…. - Xavier was very knowledgable, taking all the time we needed as we asked questions about the schist villages and their origins. It was a bit of a highlight to climb down into Talasnal, find a delightful shop and a Taberna, and to have a good glass of regional wine, just opened, for 1.5 Euro.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Margaretoy9275nu
Apr 5, 2023
A must see of early mountain village life - Saw three of the shale rock (schist) villages in mountains near Coimbra. 4 hour trip with our wonderful guide Xavier who was so friendly and informative. Glad he was driving very steep and narrow mountain roads. The villages were so interesting unbelievable architectural style and beautiful surroundings. Definitely will seek out this company and Xavier on our next Portugal trip
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Margaretoy9275nu
Apr 5, 2023
Great tour of mountain villages with Xavier an excellent guide who spoke English very well - Fantastic trip to these 3 schiste rock villages in the mountains near Coimbra. Xavier was an excellent guide, friendly and informative . Architecture was amazing in beautiful forest surroundings
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Roam633042
Nov 28, 2022
Charming Aldeas de Xisto - Charming villages, Aldeas de Xisto, that we visited. Xavier was a great company and provided lots of interesting information.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Teresa_v
Oct 1, 2022
Highly recommended - Xavier was a really fantastic and fun guide! The villages were such a unique experience. Highly recommended!!
Review provided by Viator
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up to 8 guests
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May 2024
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