Lousa Mountain
Schist Villages at Lousa Mountain
The Veado Verde / Green Deer challenges you to live an experience in the
Lousa Mountain. Come with us and visit the beautiful and picturesque Schist Villages of Lousa Mountain. We will pass thru forests of pines, chestnut trees, oaks and beeches where we can find deer, wild boars, foxes and squirrels. It´s a wonderful and rewarding experience that includes offroad activities, hiking and visiting the shale villages. It's a 4 hour tour (or 8 hour tour) with Coimbra as the pickup point. Get ready, the beauty of this mountain will leave you amazed!
IMPORTANT: Feel safe, we have the "Clean & Safe" seal from Turismo de Portugal!
Schist Villages of Lousã Mountain, half-day from Coimbra
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.
Discovering the charms and places of Coimbra
Coimbra, a city of students, a city where we learn to say saudade, a city full of charms and nooks where sections of the old wall will guide us in an adventure full of history, memories and wisdom.
We will start this adventure along the banks of the river Mondego, where we will cross a pedestrian colored bridge, the Pedro and Ines Bridge, towards the Tollgate.
On this bridge, you still have the privilege of contemplating a great panoramic view to the magnificent city of Coimbra and surrounding mountains.
Along this route, the vast historical, cultural and natural heritage of this city awakens, in each one of us, the desire to set out on an adventure.
An adventure to discover the history and mysteries hidden along the streets and staircases, from the downtown area to the high zone of the city, an adventure to get to know the old walled city and the oldest University of Europe, the University of Coimbra.
Lousa Mountain Private Tour
The Veado Verde / Green Deer challenges you to live an experience in the
Lousa Mountain. Come with us and watch deer exhibit natural behaviour
in the wild. We will walk in forests of pines, chestnut trees, oaks and beeches where we can also find wild boars, foxes and squirrels. It´s a wonderful and rewarding experience that includes offroad activities, hiking and visiting the shale villages. It's a 4 hour tour with Coimbra as the pickup point. Get ready, the beauty of this mountain will leave you amazed!
IMPORTANT: Feel safe, we have the "Clean & Safe" seal from Turismo de Portugal!
From the Schist Villages of Lousã to the Mills of Penacova
Schist villages have already been dubbed “magic villages”, their names sound like Romans, Arabs and even barbarians, but it is their characteristic appearance that makes them so fantastic. These structures, which date back to medieval times, emanate an architectural beauty that is still difficult to match today, even more fascinating are the places where they are found due to the need to settle for pastoral and agricultural activities.
During this adventure, we will take you to discover some of the most beautiful Schist villages in Serra da Lousã, as well as the breathtaking landscapes that this unique place has to offer…
In the afternoon we will visit Penacova, the village “where Nature lives”, where “you can breathe good air”, a place that awaits you and where the Mondego river will guide you! Follow and listen to the melody of the waters of the River Mondego and the River Alva, feel the “good air” of Penacova contouring your face and discover windmills and watermills while the green mountains will accompany you.
An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã (with walk)
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.
Discovering Nature in Serra da Lousã

Rated 5 Stars, based on 38 Reviews.
Serra da Lousã is known for its "magical villages" of schist but it is not only its stone houses that are magical.
This off-road tour will take you to the discovery of its oak, chestnut and pine forests where noble creatures and magical silhouettes inhabit the Deer.
Among the forests where these majestic beings inhabit we will also take you to observe and know smaller species, but no less important for the ecosystem, which gave us their unique colors and look…
Come with us on this adventure, the Serra da Lousã Nature awaits you.
Lousã Schist Villages

Rated 5 Stars, based on 3 Reviews.
Despite the vestiges of human presence dating all the way back to the prehistoric era, it is only during the Medieval Ages that populations started to settle on this territory. From a count of 27 historic villages that make part of the “Schist Villages Network”, our visit will focus mainly on two of them – Candal and Talasnal – which contain constructions dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. These are located at the Lousã Mountain, a few kilometers away from the city of Coimbra!
Trail Running Lousana mountains and villages of shale

Rated 5 Stars, based on 1 Reviews.
Are you visiting Coimbra or Louisiana and are you a Trail Runner? Then this adventure is for you!
We will tour natural and historic sites of the Serra da Lousã such as the village of shisto! . With its unique flora and soils provides spectacular technical trails for trail lovers.
We take you running on trails full of life and beautiful landscapes while testing your physical limits.
More than a workout, you will be able to experience fantastic places and always have time to take some photos and contemplate the landscape!
Schist Villages of Lousã, full-day from Coimbra

Rated 5 Stars, based on 2 Reviews.
Journey to the rural world, natural country side with tasting of local products. We traveled through the Serra da Lousã, very close to and around Coimbra, in search of ancient customs, rural routines, we enjoyed the local gastronomy, we admired the mountain villages of Cerdeira, Candal, Talasnal and Casal Novo built with schist stone. We will go to extremes, visit Arouce Castle and the natural beach Nª Srª Piedade at the foot of the mountain and climb to the highest point of Trevim to balance on the popular Lousã swing.
Lunch will be served in a typical restaurant with local cuisine, chanfana (goat meat cooked slowly in a wood-fired oven). There are other options if you don't like this typical dish.
To end the day, there will still be space for a tasting of PDO sheep and goat cheese, olive oil, bread and wine in the cheese capital, Rabaçal.
After visits and tastings, we return to the starting point.
Buggy Tour in Serra da Lousã 2Hours

Rated 5 Stars, based on 1 Reviews.
Buggy rides in the stunning Lousã mountains with a stop at Aldeia de Xisto Casal Novo and breathtaking viewpoints.
The dual passion for nature and adventure led us to create an opportunity to share the remarkable beauty of Serra da Lousã with others looking for an experience that goes beyond just getting to know the tourist areas.
Hike – Nature and Villages of Shisto da Lousa

Serra da Lousã is known for its “magic villages” of schist but it is not just its stone houses that are magical.
In this walk of about 18 km and 900 m of positive difference, we will take you to discover its forests of oak, chestnut and pine trees, always accompanied by water courses and waterfalls.
Along this walk we will visit several schist villages where we will take you to imagine what it would be like to live in this summer refuge for shepherds and farmers.
Come with us on this adventure, the nature of Serra da Lousã awaits you.
Lousã and Schist Villages Full Day Private Tour from the West

On this tour, you'll have the opportunity to visit Lousã and the magical schist villages along its surrounding mountains. Breathtaking views and nature at its finest are constant here, and with some luck, you might find some wild animals in their natural habitat.
Besides that, Tugabuddies is a sightseeing tour agency that has been creating and delivering customized tours through the Center and West of Portugal (and a few other stunning places) since April 2016.
We focus on carefully preparing each experience to meet all customer’s expectations and tastes. Our team’s work is based on the passion we all share for our home country, Portugal, but also on knowledge, experience and a great will to serve with care and quality.
We won’t just be your tour guide; we will be Your Portuguese Best Friend!
Private Jeep Tour Serra da Lousã and Schist Villages

Rated 5 Stars, based on 4 Reviews.
Guided route in an off-road vehicle with a driver through the places of greatest natural, human and cultural interest in Serra da Lousã. Includes visit to four Schist Villages of Serra da Lousã, Trevim (highest point of Serra da
Lousã), Santo António da Neve and Neveiros Reais (former Royal Fábrica do Gelo from the 18th century) and the Alge river valley (where the sites of
mountains with more deer and roe deer), passing through places of rare beauty, such as centuries-old chestnut trees, deciduous and coniferous forests and breathtaking viewpoints. Depending on the route (half day or full day) the organization will define the Schist Villages to visit in each program, but as a rule
are the following: Gondramaz (Miranda do Corvo), Aigra Nova (headquarters of the Schist Traditions Eco-Museum) and Aigra Velha (Góis) and Candal,
Cerdeira or Talasnal (Lousã). The program may include lunch.
Lousã and Schist Villages Full Day Private Tour from Lisbon

On this tour, you'll have the opportunity to visit Lousã and the magical schist villages along its surrounding mountains. Breathtaking views and nature at its finest are constant here, and with some luck, you might find some wild animals in their natural habitat.
Besides that, Tugabuddies is a sightseeing tour agency that has been creating and delivering customized tours through the Center and West of Portugal (and a few other stunning places) since April 2016.
We focus on carefully preparing each experience to meet all customer’s expectations and tastes. Our team’s work is based on the passion we all share for our home country, Portugal, but also on knowledge, experience and a great will to serve with care and quality.
We won’t just be your tour guide; we will be Your Portuguese Best Friend!
Private Tour of Talasnal Village

Talasnal is a charming village located in the Lousã mountain range in the centre of Portugal. Known for its picturesque shale houses and narrow stone streets, Talasnal is part of the Shale Village Network, which aims to preserve and promote these unique historic villages.
How to get to Talasnal
The Talasnal is accessible by car. It is about 45 minutes by car from the city of Coimbra. During the trip you will see the panoramic views of the interior of Portugal and the lush forests of the Serra da Lousã.
What to see and do in Talasnal
1. Explore the Village:
Houses of Shisto: Walk through the narrow, winding streets flanked by traditional shale houses, made with the region’s characteristic slate.
Architecture: Admire the rustic architecture, which has been well preserved and restored while retaining the historic charm of the village.