An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã (with walk)
Overview
Available languages
7 hours
Mobile ticket
Schist villages have already been called “magic 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 exude an architectural beauty that is still difficult to match today, even more fascinating are the places where they are located due to the need to settle for pastoral and agricultural activities.
During this adventure we will take you to know some of the most beautiful schist villages of Serra da Lousã as well as the breathtaking landscapes that this unique place has to offer…
It includes a jeep ride through the Lousã mountain range and a visit to the beautiful Schist villages in the morning and a walk of about 6 km and an intermediate level of difficulty in the afternoon along some of the most beautiful trails in the mountain.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not suitable for people with mobility problems
What To Expect
Coimbra
Departure from Coimbra Castle of Lousa Village of Xisto do Candal Village of Xisto do Talasnal Village of Xisto de Gondramaz Arrivals in Coimbra
Witchyard 19h00 - arrival in Coimbra (approximately)
Options
Full Day Program
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Follow-up by qualified technical guides throughout the course
Photos of the tour
walking sticks
Personal Accident and Liability Insurance
Transportation with collection in the place where it is housed (region of Coimbra and Lousã)
Coffee and/or Tea
NOT included (restaurants available or picnic option)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
29 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience in nature
eduardoe561,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great experience with Sergio, who combines a fantastic two-hour hike through the Sierra de Lousã with a visit to the "Schist Villages" in his 4×4. A lot of knowledge about nature and very kind. We totally recommend it
Adventurous tour around the Schist Billsgez
BelindaK342,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An interesting tour of the Schist Villages with Sergio. It was an informative trip - visited 2 villages - one more rustic and the other more touristic. Sergio was very knowledgeable and had a great interest with the historical features of the villages. Enjoyable tour. We had a better understanding of the area!
Beautiful villages and views with a great guide = memorable day
iand57473,Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a memorable day thanks to a great guide and beautiful scenery and villages. Fatima is an excellent guide and has a really good understanding of the history, culture and environment of the Schist villages. She brought the villages to life for us. There was just my wife and me and due to our mobility issues Fatima modified the tour to suit us and we didn’t miss anything. Lunch was great. The tour is at a good pace. The villages are beautiful, the Schist stone has colours and textures that just draw you in. All in all we had a wonderful day and do not hesitate in recommending this tour and any tour run by Adventurs Forte.
A full day of Schist villages
Elizabeth W,Oct 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This full day experience included three Schist villages, lunch in Lousa, a strenuous hike with steep climbs, and many available restroom stops. Excelente tour guid, Fatima, who was enthusiastic and knowledgeable.
Great tour of the Schist villages
JamesM12794,Oct 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sergio is an excellent guide who provided very interesting information about the villages and the area in general. We had a great lunch together in one of the villages. He hiked with us along trails that were beautiful. Overall a great experience and I would strongly recommend it to anyone.
Schist Village Expert!
Slogotraveler,Sep 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sergio is the perfect guide for exploring the Schist Villages. His deep knowledge of the history, the few locals who remain, and the surrounding nature made the day unforgettable. The pace was ideal—we visited three unique villages with plenty of time for photos, questions, and quiet appreciation. Candal was our favorite, with charming little streams weaving through stone paths. We ended in Talasnal, sipping Beirão and sharing stories as the sun set. Sergio began the day as our guide but left as a friend. An experience filled with beauty, history, and connection—highly recommended!
Fabulous! Must do in the Coimbra area
I8130HOmariab,Sep 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I loved our day with Sergio! He lives in Coimbra, went to the University of Coimbra and was able to give us so much insight into the local culture, university life. Our tour of Gondramaz, Candal and Talasnal was also wonderful. We so enjoyed getting away to the countryside and Lousã mountain areas. Very quiet, peaceful and cool. The villages were mostly deserted and we could wander around at our leisure. No crowds of tourists here! Sergio had so much knowledge about the natural life in the area and he was able to answer most of our questions. Even the ones my botanist husband asked. Lunch was in Lousã village and we thoroughly enjoyed eating the local specialties. Overall, I highly recommend taking a tour with Sergio and his tour company. Sergio was professional, relaxed and personable, and very knowledgeable. I also want to mention that he was an excellent and efficient driver. The mountain roads were very narrow, windy, with steep drops off to the side, but I felt very safe driving with Sergio. Obrigada!
A great day out.
paularmstrong49,May 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful day with Sergio. He was a great guide and very knowledgeable. We really enjoyed the walk through the forest and the villages. Prior to the walk in the afternoon we had had a shower of rain which made the path very slippery in places but Sergio was very attentive and made sure we were safe. We had a lovely afternoon tea at the end of the walk which was included
Sergio and Aventuras Fortes—fabulous experience touring schist villages
Neil B,Mar 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sergio Forte of Aventuras Forte have my wife and I a full day tour with walk to Louisa and the Schist villagers. He is one of the best if not the best tour guides I have ever had. His knowledge about Portuguese history, botany, geography, ornithology, culture etc etc were not exhausted after 8 hours of fascinating conversation and sight seeing. The Schist villages were in gorgeous landscapes and it was educational and helpful to see several—very different. Seeing one is not enough. He also introduced us to an outstanding restaurant in Louisa for a long Bach of goat meat and wild boar cooked in traditional ways. He even introduced us to several different species of salamander in a medieval water structure. With Sergio and Aventuras Fortes you can be confident in a wonderful and unique experience, highly recommended.
Hike and tour of Schist Villages
sammysalter,Nov 14, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great day with Sergio! We really appreciated his knowledge of the local flora and fauna, as well as the history of the area. The trails and villages are beautiful. He recommended a great restaurant for lunch that served delicious local dishes (chanfana and wild boar). I would definitely recommend a guided hike with Sergio.
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Operated by Aventuras Forte(s) - Turismo de Natureza