Schist Villages at Lousa Mountain
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Coimbra, Portugal
- 4 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Visit remote places up in the mountains outside Coimbra that take a 4-wheel-drive vehicle to reach on this private tour of the schist villages around Lousã Mountain. Drive up into the mountains to see a series of these scenic villages made of shale stone, some of which will involve hiking to reach and passing through forest home to local wildlife. Places on this tour are limited to travelers.
- Schist villages tour of Lousã Mountain from Coimbra
- Experience off-roading and hiking in the mountains
- Choice of a half-day and full-day tour to suit your plans
- Alter the schedule or pace of this private tour as you like
What's Included
- All activities
- Driver/guide
- One souvenir photo
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected)
- Meals as per itinerary (L=lunch, D=dinner) are optional and paid separately on site.
- Professional photographer guide
- Transport by private vehicle
- Binoculars
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Itinerary
1
Cerdeira
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Candal
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Aldeia do Talasnal
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Aldeia do Casal Novo (Pass By)
4
Aldeia de Gondramaz
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
5
Aldeias do Xisto
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
6
Aigra Velha
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
7
Aigra Nova
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
8
Pena
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 7 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
- Infant seats available
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- A maximum of 10 people per booking
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 129 reviews
Julie_S, Apr 2026
We had an enjoyable morning touring the Schist Villages with our guide Alfredo. Alfredo was very knowledgeable about the region and its history. He was also good navigating the steep and windy roads! The villages are stunning and a look into how past peoples lived and of course many of the cottages are being restored and are able to be rented. We stopped at our final village and ordered espresso and the local liquor before heading back to Coimbra. Fun morning!
Susan_Z, Feb 2026
What an absolutely AMAZING day exploring the Schist Villages! 🏡✨
I had the most wonderful guide, Veado Verde - incredibly knowledgeable, super friendly, and genuinely passionate about the region. He shared so many fascinating stories, history, and local insights that I never would have discovered on my own. But what made it truly special was how personalized everything felt. It honestly seemed like the entire tour was customized just for me, at my pace and based on what I was most interested in.
The villages themselves are stunning, peaceful, and full of character — like stepping back in time. I’m so grateful for such a memorable experience and highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting the area. A perfect day from start to finish! 💛
Ann_G, Oct 2025
Alfredo offered us a rich history and the current activity of the Schist villages and gave us time to explore each one at our own pace over the course of the morning and afternoon. We vicariously enjoyed his warm connection with people wherever we went. It was good to stop for a local snack and lunch together. Alfredo is also skilled in spotting wild animals. The area is so beautiful and we were happy that he was doing the driving and not us!
Jennifer_G, Oct 2025
Very unique experience with a knowledgeable guide. Highly recommend the 1/2 day experience for anyone with time to explore the region in more depth.
Kathy_G, Oct 2025
We loved our Schist Village tour with Alfredo. It was such an interesting day learning of all the history here. Learning that they are trying to restore these historical buildings made us happy to hear. If you want to visit somewhere other than the typical tourist areas and like to see and feel history, this is the tour you are looking for. Make sure you wear sturdy walking shoes, you’ll be traveling the paths generations from the past built.
Terre_R, Sep 2025
Loved visiting the villages. Alfredo was a great guide with lots of interesting information about the villages. Also, he was very patient with us regarding my mix-up with the pick-up point.
Martin_P, Sep 2025
Alfredo (with Veado Verde/Green Deer) gave us an excellect, relaxed tour of three Schist villages. Very knowledgeable and charming. Great views and we are glad we included this excursion during our stay in Coimbra.
JeanPhilippe_B, Jun 2025
Alfredo was a nice guide. He has been an excellent driver and we felt we could trust him to drive us around the mountain. Super friendly and had plenty if information to share. I would recommend.
kimheyden, Apr 2025
Tour guide was terrible and a dangerous driver, but the villages and mountains vista views were enjoyable.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you for your review and I am sorry that the tour (especially the tour guide...) did not correspond to your expectations. We will try to do better...!
P.S. - By the way, other clients on the same tour gave us a 5-star review...!!!
Fatima_F, Apr 2025
This was a great tour. Something very different to do while in Portugal. Beautiful views while high in the mountains.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you for your nice review. It was very nice to meet you and do this tour with you...!
Andrew_M, Apr 2025
Great personal experience with my tour Guide Alfredo, it was just me and him for the entire trip. It was such a a calming feeling walking around in the Schist Villages. It was my favorite tour during my stay in Portugal, it felt like I was being showed around by a friend I've known for awhile and all of the locals would come to us and chat like I was a friendly visitor. He also drove me on some off roads to a restaurant for lunch which was remarkable, we had local Chanfana and wine. Overall I would recommend this tour, I was really satisfied that I booked it.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you for your nice review and recommendation. It was very nice to meet you and do this tour with you...!
Peggy_E, Apr 2025
Despite rainy weather really enjoyed this tour. Our guide was very good and knowledgeable. Definitely recommend him.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you for your nice review and recommendation. It was very nice to meet you and do this tour with you...!
Wendy_M, Feb 2025
Alfredo was wonderful as was the entire day. We loved it from the stops to lunch and beyond. Thank you
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you for your nice review. It was very nice to meet you and do this tour with you...!
Sonia_M, Dec 2024
Alfredo was a wonderful host and guide for this half-day tour of Lousã and the Schist Villages. He has deep knowledge of the history of the villages and of the natural environment surrounding them, as well as the people living and working there now. The Schist villages are incredibly unique and the people working there were warm, friendly, and welcoming. I highly recommend this tour!
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you for your nice review and recommendation. It was very nice to meet you and do this tour with you...!
pattibrown, Nov 2024
Did not know what to expect, but it was amazing. Loved the houses and the fresh drinking water from the mountain that reminded me of growing up. Tour guy was pleasant and aimed to make our experience special. Enjoyed having an opportunity to try the Chestnut and Strawberry tree liquors. If you have time, do not miss this tour!
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you for your nice review and recommendation. It was very nice to meet you and do this tour with you...!
Norman_L, Nov 2024
Alfredo was an outstanding tour guide. Extremely knowledgeable of both the history of the villages, the surrounding region and Portugal in general, all of which added an extra dimension to the journey. Highly recommend his tour.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you for your nice review and recommendation. It was very nice to meet you and do
this tour with you...!
Laural_D, Oct 2024
Alfredo was a wonderful guide! Although we had a car for our stay in Portugal, after reading several articles, we were so glad that we hired a driver. Although not far from Coimbra, as you enter the mountain areas, the roads were steep, non-paved, and no rails! The Schist Villages are exquisite. Highly recommend.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you for your nice review. It was very nice to meet you and do this tour with you...!
Sally_T, Oct 2024
The walking through the streets and observation of the buildings was impressive. Enjoyed the visit of a rebuilt building.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you for your nice review. It was very nice to meet you and do this tour with you...!
Sheila_W, Oct 2024
The schist villages at Lousa Mountain are a must-see. Our tour guide Alfredo was wonderful. He explained the history of the villages and walked us through them. The views from the mountain were breathtaking. Alfredo pointed out a huge buck deer standing in the forest about 20 yards from us. It was such a beautiful animal. We highly recommend this tour.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you for your nice review and recommendation. It was very nice to meet you and do this tour with you...!
Moira_H, Aug 2024
Our guides knowledge a familiarity with the region was invaluable. He explained all the history and culture, and answered all our questions in a friendly way. A fantastic tour!
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Thank you for your nice review and recommendation, Moira. It was very nice to meet you and do this tour with you and John...!
Amy_S, Aug 2024
This is tough...I could go on & on and on! This tour grounded me and was an elixir for my soul!
My Guide, Alfredo was knowledgeable, kind, personable and you can tell he really loves doing this! (Apologies if I've misspelled your name, my friend.)
As many other reviewers have mentioned, there will be many steps up and steps down. I kept up pretty good, but I always felt like my guide would be accommodating should I need a "moment".
I felt a connection to the Villages, its Ancestors, towns people, shopkeepers and mostly ALFREDO by the time the tour ended.
The tour ended a few hours ago and I'm still glowing.
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Thank you for your nice review, Amy. It was very nice to meet you and do this tour with you. And by the way, you wrote well Alfredo it's my name...!..!
Narelle_L, Aug 2024
Our guide was amazing. It was so far the most captivating experience of Portugal. Country side was incredible and the walks were lovely. So much history. So quaint.
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Thank you for your nice review, Narelle. It was very nice to meet all of you and do this tour with you...!
emina_a, Aug 2024
It was just beautiful and wonderful and the Tour guide was thr best. Would do it agaon and recomment it. Thank you
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Thank you for your nice review, and recommendation, Emina. It was very nice to meet you and do this tour with you and Tenzila...!
Marvin_P, Jul 2024
Did the full day tour with Alfredo and it was just me that day- nevertheless I felt welcomed and comfortable. Very knowledgable on its history. Had one of my favorite pastries on my whole trip in Portugal here, and the lunch was so good as well. Visiting the villages felt like I was being transported to the past. Would definitely recommend for those who like nature and quiet.
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Thank you for your nice review, and recommendation, Marvin. It was very nice to meet you and do this tour with you...!
ETIENNE_M, Jul 2024
Thanks for a memorable day in these amazing villages. Lunch was to die for as well... Thanks to Alfredo for showing us around.
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Thank you for your nice review, Etienne. It was very nice to meet you and do this tour with you and Andrew...!
Yevgeniya_B, Jul 2024
- Tranquility of the mountains
- Beautiful villages in different stages of restoration
- Unique flowers
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Thank you for your nice review, Yevgeniya. It was very nice to meet you and do this tour with you...!
Esther_N, Jun 2024
It was great to see several of these villages, each is a bit unique. You need to be able to clamber around somewhat steep steps. Alfredo is a great guide and gave details on animals, trees, and plants. You will enjoy it if you're looking for an opportunity to experience in the countryside near the city of Coimbra.
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Thank you for your nice review, Esther. It was very nice to meet you and do this tour with you...!
Hans_K, Jun 2024
A wonderful day in the mountains with a super friendly and knowledgeable Alfredo as the guide. We had some deep and meaningful discussion. We can thoroughly recommend the whole day tour.
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Thank you for your nice review, and recommendation, Hans. It was very nice to meet you and do this tour with you and Michaela...!
Richard_K, Jun 2024
Great day with Alfredo. Historian and naturalist and society interpreter. Beautiful isolated villages saved from extinction. Don’t miss it
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Thank you for your nice review, and recommendation, Richard. It was very nice to meet you and do this tour with you and Alice...!
Kay_H, Jun 2024
A wonderful half day with Alfredo and another customer from Argentina. Wonderful conversation comparing our different countries. Alfredo was fantastic at translating and keeping us all in the conversation. Loved visiting the villages and hearing Alfredo’s knowledge and love of the area
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Thank you for your nice review, Kay. It was very nice to meet you and do this tour with you and Dave...!
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Schist Villages at Lousa Mountain
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