The 10 most beautiful schist villages in Portugal to explore by car

According to "The Washington Post": Schist Villages are ranked among the best crowd-free destinations and are part of the 12 chosen places to travel in 2024.

In this article, we will share our knowledge about these picturesque villages in central Portugal, what to do during your visit, and how to prepare your trip with car rental included for greater flexibility.

Embark on this adventure and let yourself be enchanted by the magic of Portugal's Schist Villages.

Discover the charm of schist villages and how to plan your trip

Schist villages have a history that dates back centuries, where houses were built with schist stone, a natural resource used by local communities to build their homes. And to this day, many of them remain intact!

What makes Schist Villages so special is how perfectly they blend with the nature surrounding them.

Imagine stone houses with slate roofs, surrounded by breathtaking mountains and valleys.

Visiting these villages is like taking a trip back in time, where you can enjoy the tranquility of the landscapes and experience local culture and traditions.

Find out what you can do when visiting schist villages

When visiting schist villages in Portugal, there is a variety of activities to enjoy and experiences to live.

Here are some suggestions:

• Stroll through the narrow winding streets of the villages, admire the traditional architecture of the schist houses, and discover charming corners.

• Visit the village museums that tell the region's history, from its geology to cultural traditions and local crafts.

• Taste the regional cuisine in typical restaurants, where you can try traditional dishes made with fresh local ingredients.

• Go hiking in the nearby mountains and valleys or take a dip in beautiful river beaches.

• Participate in outdoor activities such as climbing, canoeing, or bird watching, allowing for total immersion in nature.

• Buy handicrafts - products handmade by local artists, such as ceramics, textiles, and wooden products.

• Photograph the landscape to capture the unique beauty of the schist villages and their surroundings, creating lasting memories of your trip.

• Breathe fresh air, take a spiritual retreat, and take the opportunity to rest from the hustle and bustle of the cities.

See our travel tips for schist villages

This trip requires car mobility to reach each village, as they are located in places with little or no accessibility through public transportation.

Therefore, renting a car is one of our travel tips. Learn about the other tips:

• Research the schist villages you want to visit and create a flexible itinerary.
• Check the road conditions and plan alternative routes if necessary.
• Book your car rental in advance, ensuring the most suitable vehicle for rural roads.
• Consider purchasing comprehensive travel insurance for greater peace of mind during your adventure.
• Organize an emergency kit with basic items such as water, food, a first aid kit, and a mobile phone charger.
• Check the weather forecast and prepare for varied conditions.
• Find out about the opening hours of restaurants, attractions, and accommodations in the villages you plan to visit.

Discover the 10 Most Beautiful Schist Villages in Portugal

Schist villages are grouped into four areas of central Portugal: in total, there are 27 villages that you can find between the Tejo River and the Ocreza stream (four villages); along the Zêzere River (six villages); in the Lousã Mountains (twelve villages); and in the Açor Mountains (five villages).

Now, let us introduce you to our favorite schist villages!

1. Água Formosa

The charming schist village of Água Formosa (Tejo-Ocreza) is located in the parish of Vila de Rei near the geometric center of Portugal.

Owner of one of the oldest springs in the region, the village offers breathtaking landscapes and access to tranquil beaches, such as Bostelim and Fernandaires, as well as the Penedo Furado walkways with their refreshing waterfalls.

NOTE: Rent a car and set off to discover the schist villages. You can spend the night in one of the villages and enjoy a weekend getaway at your own pace.

2. Sarzedas

Still in the Tejo-Ocreza group, discover the charms of the schist village Sarzedas with its bell tower, viewpoints, and views of the beautiful Gardunha Mountains, which belong to the cherry route of Fundão.

3. Janeiro de Cima

Next to the Zêzere River, Janeiro de Cima is one of the six schist villages in this group, which gives you the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, boat trips, and fishing.

In addition, the village has several points of interest, including water mills, old bridges, and viewpoints with panoramic views.

4. Pedrógão Pequeno

Located on the banks of the Zêzere River, the schist village Pedrógão Pequeno is part of the municipality of Sertã. One of its main attractions is the various walking routes that provide an authentic journey through time.

Filipino Bridge crossing the Zêzere River

This small village invites us to discover the Filipino bridges that cross the Zêzere River, go canoeing, and appreciate the wonders of nature.

5. Talasnal

Talasnal is one of the twelve schist villages in the Lousã Mountains. Nestled on the slopes of the mountain, it offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, with lush forests and rocky cliffs.

The Lousã Mountains and its schist villages are highly sought after by foreign visitors who take the opportunity to rent a car in Lousã (Drivalia station) and explore the scenic beauty of this place.

As stated on the official website of the schist villages:

"The Lousã Mountains uniquely combine the cultural and natural aspects of the Schist Villages. Here, almost half of the villages in the network are found. Its landscape provides numerous leisure opportunities."

Perfect for those seeking a break from urban life and wishing to relax in the midst of nature in its purest state.

6. Casal de São Simão

Continuing through the Lousã Mountains, you will find the well-known schist village of Casal de São Simão. In addition to hiking and outdoor activities, one of the tourist attractions of this village is the river beach of Fragas de São Simão, ideal for swimming and enjoying the silence of nature.

Image source: https://omeuescritorioelafora.pt/

7. Candal

And if you're still visiting the Lousã Mountains, get to know one more of its schist villages. At the top of the hill, there it is, so charming and welcoming, ready to welcome those who venture through the mountain trails.

It's worth stopping, relaxing, and tasting the flavors of the land cooked in a wood-fired oven.

8. Ferraria de São João

Located in the municipality of Penela (Serra da Lousã), Ferraria de São João is famous for its ancient tradition of ironwork, which dates back centuries. Here, you can explore the old iron furnaces and learn about the history and culture of this unique village.

9. Aldeia das Dez

North of Castelo Branco, you will find Aldeia da Dez, one of the most visited schist villages in the Açor Mountains.

Image source: e-konomista.pt

Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, the village itself is a veritable lookout point.

TIP: Must-see attractions - Main Church and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Preces.

10. Sobral de São Miguel

Last but not least, still in the Açor Mountains, visit the schist village of Sobral de São Miguel, the village that houses the most schist houses in Portugal and therefore earned the title of "Heart of Schist".

Image source: site da Câmara Municipal da Covilhã

The streets and staircases that run through the village among its houses, the streams that flow, and the authentic flavors of the region are the charms of this village.

Did you enjoy this journey through our ten favorite schist villages?

Prepare your car trip through the Schist Villages of Portugal with Drivalia

Book your trip to the schist villages and count on Drivalia to make your experience even more memorable.

Travel comfortably and freely with our reliable car rental service. Navigate the winding paths of the Lousã Mountains, discover the narrow slate streets of Aldeia das Dez, and immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of Janeiro de Cima, all at your own pace.

With a fleet of modern vehicles and a dedicated team ready to meet your needs, Drivalia provides the perfect combination of convenience and adventure for your trip through the schist villages of Portugal.

Book your car with us now and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the heart of Portugal.