Journey to the Schist Villages of Serra da Lousã, a group of small shepherds' villages scattered throughout the mountain range.
The half-day tour includes visits to three shale villages: Cerdeira, Candal, and Talasnal.
The visit begins in Cerdeira, located right in the heart of the mountains and renowned for its natural beauty. It is a place of artistic inspiration, centred around the School of Arts and Crafts, which promotes art and creativity in harmony with the surrounding tranquility and natural richness. The village has been beautifully rebuilt, with houses seamlessly integrated into the landscape thanks to the reuse of schist stone, clay, and chestnut wood.
Next, the tour continues to the Schist Village of Candal, which is the best located, most developed, and most visited, thanks to its easy accessibility. Nestled in the mountains on a south-facing hill, visitors can stroll through its narrow, steep streets and, from the viewpoint at the top, enjoy beautiful views over the valley.
We then descend to the Schist Village of Talasnal, the largest, best-preserved, and most charismatic village, set in a natural setting that transports us into a magical world. Exploring the village along its narrow, steep hillside streets is a timeless experience. There are alleys to discover, stairs to climb or descend, and balconies to admire. Here, nature and the human hand come together.
The full-day tour, on the other hand, includes visits to the aforementioned villages of Cerdeira, Candal, and Talasnal, as well as Casal Novo, where the village's urban fabric is shaped by a steep upward/downward slope.
We will venture to the extremes, visiting Arouce Castle and the natural beach of N.ª Sr.ª Piedade at the foot of the mountain, and then climb to the highest point, Trevim, to swing on the popular Lousã swing.
Lunch, which is included, will be served at a traditional restaurant featuring a local speciality, chanfana (goat meat slowly cooked in a wood-fired oven). Other options are available if you do not care for this traditional dish.
We will return to Coimbra after this journey “back in time” to our rural past.
