You dream of authentic villages and a total immersion in Portuguese culture, as well as a moment of harmony with a beautiful nature. Discover a rich architectural heritage, a symbol of time that seems to have stopped. Then, during a hike, rub shoulders with animals enjoying total freedom. The 27 villages of Schist, in Portuguese Aldeias do Xisto, are the gateway to one, or rather unique experiences, in a region that offers travellers, including families, intense contact with nature, as well as with the inhabitants.
The Aldeias do Xisto, immersion in an authentic and historical Portugal
Situated in the heart of a mountainous region where there are many forests, the Aldeias do Xisto are small villages that reveal their history and incredible architecture, due to the abundance of stone found in the region and which men have used to build houses and monuments. What a pleasure it is to walk the steep streets, contemplate the houses and meet the local communities, always happy to reveal the secrets of their villages, which constitute one of the most beautiful treasures of Portugal and its culture apart. They are also places to sit at a restaurant table and enjoy some local specialities, whose recipes have been handed down from generation to generation. There are 27 villages along the Serras de Lousã and Açor, from which there is always a viewpoint to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding relief. We can mention Álvaro, which overlooks the Zêzere River, or Figueira, where the inhabitants live according to the rhythm of the agricultural cycles. Castles and museums also punctuate the discovery of a region that never ceases to evoke its past and the richness of a heritage to be presented to all future generations. Each village is a unique experience, to be discovered as a couple or as a family, there is something for everyone.
Take part in active tourism, in the heart of a nature shaped for various sports activities
Who says nature often says the possibility of engaging in physical and sports activities, and the natural environment that surrounds the Aldeias do Xisto offers infinite possibilities. In the villages, it is always possible to access quality information on the infrastructures that offer the best solutions in terms of leisure activities. Trail, mountain biking, climbing, canoeing, all these activities allow you to take care of yourself, to exercise, while conquering splendid natural landscapes. And for lovers of softer activities, such as hiking or swimming, central Portugal is a territory of choice. For walkers, many marked trails await those who simply wish to take the time outdoors and enjoy the wildlife
If the country has a strong history with the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean, one should not neglect the rivers, which are also wonderful places to put one's towel in the shade of a tree and allow oneself a few fathoms. From the waters of rivers, waterfalls and natural lagoons, the river beaches of the Aldeias do Xisto are among the best bathing areas in central Portugal. This is evidenced by the various awards obtained such as the Blue Flags and this year no less than 12 river beaches have been awarded the Gold Medal for the Environment by Quercus,the National Association for Nature Conservation
The Aldeias do Xisto project reinvents the culture of the place with the people who live there in order to socially and economically develop this territory and affirm it as a quality destination to stay, live, invest and create. Here you will have unique immersion experiences that you won't find elsewhere, intense contact with nature and local communities
To book accommodation, from bed and breakfasts to 4-star hotels, and get an idea of the restaurants and activities offered by the Aldeias do Xisto, do not hesitate to visit bookinxisto, an exclusive quality booking site that practices fair trade, i.e. without commissions or intermediaries.
