The wonderful Portuguese culture
"Passion, culture, food and history"
Aldeias Do Xisto
"A hidden gem of natural stone villages"
"Uma joia escondida de aldeias de pedra natural"
Uncover a hidden gem of natural stone villages
In the central part of Portugal are some wonderful authentic natural stone villages. The houses and streets of these picturesque places are made from the local Schist stones. These villages are hidden in the mountains of the Serra da Lousã and Açor. They are a must-do for people who like a total off-grid experience. It is also a popular region for hiking and mountain biking.
What are the topics of this post?
Tradition and authentic rural life * 4 Main areas * Unique natural landscape
keywords:
#schiststones, #hiddengem, #offgrid, #centralportugal, #coimbradistrict
A stunning beauty of tradition and authentic rural life
The Aldeias do Xisto are 27 historic and traditional communities, found across the mountains in the central region of Portugal. These hidden villages are characterised by their unique stone architecture. In English they are called the Schist villages. Schist stones are the dominant building material which blend seamlessly in the mountainous landscape. The inhabitants of these villages have a deep connection with the land, agriculture, traditional crafts, a distinctive local cuisine and cultural heritage. So, this hidden gem of natural stone villages offer an authentic glimpse into Portuguese rural life and stunning natural beauty.
The schist stones of the 27 natural stone villages
Schist stones are metamorphic rocks which are ideal to use a building material. They are known for their layering. This allows them to be split into flat and sturdy slabs, perfect for the construction of walls and roofs of the traditional houses of the Aldeias do Xisto. The colour palette is ranging from dark gray to earthy tones like rusty red, copper and gold. These colours are giving the 27 villages their unique and harmonious appearance that blends perfectly into the surrounding landscape. It makes these natural stone villages an absolute hidden gem to uncover in central Portugal.
4 Main areas cover these natural stone villages
"4 Rural areas around the Rota EN2 in Central Portugal"
The Aldeias do Xisto are separated into 4 geographical areas. These 4 areas are known as the Serra da Lousã, Serra do Açor, Zêzere and Tejo-Ocreza. All these areas are located around the famous Rota EN2. So, it is an ideal stop when you make a road trip on this famous route. Read more about this wonderful route through Portugal on our post about the Rota EN2. While you can read more about the 4 different areas of the Aldeias do Xisto below.
Serra da Lousã
"Rugged and forested mountains"
The Serra da Lousã is a majestic natural park marked by the rugged and forested mountains. These are ideal for hiking and mountain biking. The natural stone villages in these area are closely linked to the Lousã castle and the historic hunting reserves. They are also nestled among the green slopes with stunning natural views. Cerdeira is a popular village in the Serra da Lousã.
Serra do Açor
"The most picturesque villages"
A second area is located in the Serra do Açor, which is dominated by the meandering Ceira river. Here you find some of the most famous and picturesque villages of the Aldeias do Xisto. Piódão is known as the crib village. It has a amphitheatre shape and is most iconic hidden gem of this area. The landscape of the Serra do Açor has deep valleys, steep slopes and crystal-clear river pools. Like those found near the Fraga da Pena waterfall.
Zêzere
"The valley of the Zêzere river"
This area connects a region of lower-lying villages in the valley of the Zêzere river. It has large reservoirs and river beaches. The Portuguese word for river beaches is Praias Fluviais. Most of the villages here are located near water, which make them ideal for agriculture and transport. A good example is the village Barroca. Some other great opportunities in this area are water sports like kayaking, canoeing and swimming in the calm river waters.
Tejo-Ocreza
"Most traditional life"
The villages of the Aldeias do Xisto with the most traditional life are located near the important Tagus river and Ocreza river. You find them close to the Spanish border. Only 4 unique villages are located in the Tejo-Ocreza area. They still have a strong connection to traditional pastoral and artisanal life. This area has a flatter and more open landscape, ideal for cork oak and holm oak forests. These natural stone villages also houses many archaeological sites. Sarzedas is one of the popular villages in this area of the Aldeias do Xisto.
A hidden gem of a unique natural landscape
"Hiking and mountain biking in authentic Portugal"
This hidden gem of natural stone villages is located in the middle of the mountains. So, it is a paradise for hiking and mountain biking while you enjoy the views, unique landscapes and the nature. Many of the natural stone villages are located in a natural park. While a diverse network of marked trails connect the 27 villages. At the same time, you are immersed in the rugged natural beauty. Ideal to uncover this hidden gem of natural stone villages, while the trails lead you through the forests, along pristine rivers with ancient stone bridges and climb to scenic viewpoints atop the schist mountains. Hikers can choose from family-friendly loops to multi-day off grid treks. Cyclists can go for challenging single-track routes. All these unique experiences are a perfect blend of cultural exploration and outdoor adventure.
Visit this hidden gem of natural stone villages: Aldeias do Xisto
Now it is time to uncover this hidden gem of natural stone villages by yourself. Book a traditional stay, plan your unique hiking experience or your mountain biking route and get a unique adventure in central Portugal. Ideal to get an experience you can't get anywhere else. Press the buttons below to find your perfect flight to Portugal and book your ideal stay in one of the 27 villages of the Aldeias do Xisto.
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