An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
The villages of Shale have already been dubbed "magical villages," their names sound like Romans, Arabs and even barbarians, but it is their characteristic appearance that makes them so fantastic.
These structures dating back to medieval times emanate an architectural beauty that is still difficult to match today, even more fascinating are the places where they find themselves by necessity of fixation for pastoral and agricultural activities.
During this adventure we will take you to know some of the most beautiful villages of Shale of Serra da Lousã as well as the sweeping landscapes that this unique place has to offer ...
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Not suitable for people with mobility problems
What To Expect
Coimbra
Program 1 Lousã Castle Candal Shale Village Cerdeira Shale Village Program 2 Shale Village of Stye Talasnal Shale Village Young Couple Shale Village Witchyard
Lousa
One of the possible starting points. We pick up your accommodation.
Options
Program 2
Shale Village of Gondramaz Talasnal Schist Village Schist Village of Casal Novo
Program 1
Lousã Castle Candal Shale Village Cerdeira Shale Village
What‘s Included
Follow-up by qualified technical guides throughout the course
Photos of the tour
Personal Accident and Liability Insurance
Transportation with collection in the place where it is housed (region of Coimbra and Lousã)
Coffee and/or Tea
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
103 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Quiet Portugal
weizhenleew,May 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sergio took us to visit two villages and also through the national forest area. Both Schist villages are beautiful and very quiet and is a completely different Portuguese experience. Highly recommended
AMAZING!!!
cliffs108,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing tour. If you're thinking about it, stop and just book. This tour was amazing and he took us to two different places. All villages look basically the same, but the one he took us too wasn't built up at all so you see how it was before it's all remodeled and tourist take over.
We were surprised that...
Raffi T,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We were surprised that this was a private tour, so well worth the money. Sergio was very pleasant and knowledgeable and even took pictures himself which he later forwarded to us. This allowed us to enjoy the activity freely. Great driving skills, do not attempt at home!
Great tour to unique places.
emiliya2014,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We recently had the pleasure of visiting the Schist Villages and it was truly a memorable experience. The scenery is absolutely stunning — charming stone houses, peaceful forests, and breathtaking mountain views everywhere you look. The villages feel authentic and wonderfully preserved, offering a glimpse into traditional Portuguese life. Our tour was well organized and relaxed, giving us enough time to explore, take photos, and enjoy the atmosphere without feeling rushed. It’s the perfect destination if you enjoy nature, history, and beautiful small villages off the beaten path. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Portugal who wants to experience something unique and truly picturesque!
Amazing experience.
H8659XHolegb,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00"We have an absolutely wonderful tour experience! Everything was incredibly interesting, and our guide was very engaging and friendly. The entire tour was just perfect—I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Highly recommend it!"
Villages of Lousã
cindyvY7497BK,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was a beautiful experience for the place and for Fatima that guided us. Since he came to find us he gave us peace of mind for his sympathy and kindness so it was a very pleasant experience. Otherwise, he told us part of the history of the villages, which makes the tour more enriching. The place is beautiful, different, historic and certainly a place that maintains its magic and authenticity. It is certainly a point to know about your time in Portugal 🇵🇹
Lousã castle and Xisto villages
hlL95BZ,Dec 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We visited 3 of the villages and it was interesting to see the differences. It is an area that if you have the weather you could have a great time exploring the trails. Sérgio was great company and we were well looked after.
Very Impressive!
N1708SVkarenv,Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an incredible, informative tour of two Schist villages with our tour guide Sergio. After our tour we received numerous photos (taken by Sergio) that documented our day in the villages. We had family visiting from Canada and this tour was a very impressive reflection of life in Portugal in the Schist Villages of Lousã!
Schist villages.
MollyBarnes,Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An excellent afternoon in an area we knew little about. Collected promptly, great commentary on the drive to the mountains followed by a wealth of knowledge shared about these villages. An illuminating experience added to by the sharing of wonderful photographs taken and restaurant ideas. Fascinating.
Memorable Trip to Schist Villages
Shelly L,Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sergio was an exceptional, friendly, knowledgeable guide. He made sure that we had ample time to explore and capture some great photos of a truly memorable day. Highlights were a visit with a local resident in Gondramaz and coffee at a bar/cafe in Talasnal. Highly recommended this tour.
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