Schist Villages at Lousa Mountain
Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant_then_manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
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!
Available options
Morning Tour
Optional: Hotel, Hostel or Guest House paid locally.<br/>Duration: 4 hours<br/>Optional: Pic-nic or restaurant paid locally<br/>4WD Toyota LandCruiser<br/>Morning tour: Come with us and live an unforgettable experience in Lousa mountain visiting the schist villages !<br/>Pickup included
Full Day Tour
Optional: Hotel, Hostel or Guest House paid locally.<br/>Duration: 8 hours<br/>Optional: Pic-nic or restaurant paid locally.<br/>4WD Toyota LandCruiser<br/>Full day tour: Come with us and live an unforgettable experience in Lousa mountain visiting the schist villages !<br/>Pickup included
Afternoon Tour
Optional: Hotel, Hostel or Guest House paid locally.<br/>Duration: 4 hours<br/>Optional: Pic-nic or restaurant paid locally<br/>4WD Toyota LandCruiser<br/>Afternoon tour: Come with us and live an unforgettable experience in Lousa mountain visiting the schist villages !<br/>Pickup included
What's included
One souvenir photo
Binoculars
Driver/guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected)
Professional photographer guide
Meals as per itinerary (L=lunch, D=dinner) are optional and paid separately on site.
All activities
Transport by private vehicle
Detailed itinerary
1
Cerdeira is a magical place. At the entrance to the village, a small bridge leads us to a handful of houses peeping through the foliage. It seems like we are crossing the portal to a fantasy world. Everything appears perfect in this deeply romantic setting. The slate path points the way to a spring hidden among lush vegetation.
Between steep slopes rent by watercourses tumbling down from higher up, Cerdeira nestles in the most bucolic of surroundings. This is a village that art and creativity have helped to refound. Indeed, at certain times of the year, the village becomes alive with events that combine art and botany.
2
Benefiting from the ease of access provided by the National Highway, Candal is generally regarded as the most developed of the mountain villages and is one of the most visited. Its inhabitants are used to being joined by holiday and weekend visitors who flock here in search of pure air and good company.
3
Here nature reigns. For a long time now, this is the Schist Village of the Lousã Mountain that has lent most visibility and charm because of the many details of the restoration of its houses. And also by the way the village seduces us through the mouth.
4
Passing along the unpaved road, the presence of Casal Novo almost escapes us. The village lies in a fold on the steeply sloping, north-facing hillside and the woodland surrounding the village hides its outline.
5
Gondramaz is a completely restored shale village with about 50 houses where there is a tourist resort and where we will have a coffee.
6
Cadaval Cimeiro and Cadaval Fundeiro are two abandoned shale villages that burned twice in the 1980s. There we will hike between the two.
7
Aigra Velha is the highest altitude Schist Village (770 metres), not far from the summits of the Lousã Mountain, but easy to get to. It is a small place, but one with wide horizons. The landscape surrounding the village makes all the difference. Here everything is simple and done following the natural cycle of nature that is all around us.
* - Only Full day tour.
8
ith its simple plan of low schist buildings, Aigra Nova consists of three small streets that cross the village.
Its spring and the mild climate favour agriculture and broad pastures. In this living village there are market gardens, livestock, donkeys and many activities that will surprise the visitor.
* - Only Full day tour.
9
This village is the perfect result of construction in a combination of schist and quartzite. A centuries-old chestnut guards the entrance to the village.
* - Only Full day tour.
The local topography dictated that the village developed along a promontory, making it seem that the houses are defying the laws of equilibrium and the force of gravity.
The village of Pena takes full advantage of the crystal clear waters of the stream. Alongside it, the Penedos de Góis offer adventure for the daring.
What's not included
Food and drinks, unless specified
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Available languages
Guide guide
PT
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.9
77 reviews
5★
72
4★
4
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.9
50 reviews
5★
49
4★
0
3★
0
2★
1
1★
0
Important information
Specialized infant seats are available
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
A maximum of 10 people per booking
Meeting point
Green 4x4 vehicle with logo.
About Coimbra
Coimbra, known as the City of Students, is a historic city in central Portugal with a rich academic tradition. It's home to one of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Coimbra, and is famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture, vibrant student life, and cultural heritage.
Top Attractions
University of Coimbra
One of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Coimbra is a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning architecture and a rich history.
Historical
2-3 hours
€12 (general admission)
Coimbra Cathedral (Sé Velha)
This Romanesque cathedral is one of the most important religious buildings in Portugal, featuring beautiful architecture and historical artifacts.
Religious
1-2 hours
€3 (general admission)
Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha
A ruined monastery that was once the home of Queen Saint Isabel, offering a glimpse into the city's medieval past.
Historical
1-2 hours
€4 (general admission)
Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra
A beautiful and serene garden with a diverse collection of plants, perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Nature
1 hour
Free (with University of Coimbra ticket)
Portugal dos Pequenitos
A miniature park featuring scaled-down replicas of famous Portuguese monuments and buildings, ideal for families and children.
Cultural
1-2 hours
€7 (general admission)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Cozido à Portuguesa
A hearty stew made with various meats, vegetables, and beans, cooked slowly in a clay pot.
Dinner
Contains meat and beans
Bacalhau à Brás
A popular dish made with shredded salted cod, onions, potatoes, and eggs.
Dinner
Contains fish and eggs
Leitão à Bairrada
Roast suckling pig, a specialty of the Bairrada region, served with a crispy skin and tender meat.
Dinner
Contains pork
Pastel de Tentúgal
A traditional pastry from the Tentúgal region, filled with sweet cream and topped with cinnamon.
Dessert
Contains dairy and sugar
Popular Activities
Hiking in Bussaco Forest
Kayaking on the Mondego River
Visiting thermal spas in Luso
Strolling along the Mondego River
Exploring the University of Coimbra
Visiting the Coimbra Cathedral (Sé Velha)
Swimming at nearby beaches
Visiting the Festa das Latas (Bottle Caps Festival)
Best Time to Visit
May to September
This is the best time to visit Coimbra for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city is lively with students and tourists.
15°C to 30°C
59°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Portuguese
- Widely spoken: English, French, Spanish
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (Western European Time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Coimbra is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Be cautious of your surroundings, especially at night
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
Getting there
By air
- Francisco de Sa Carneiro Airport • 110 km from Coimbra
By train
Coimbra-B Station, Coimbra A Station
By bus
Coimbra Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The bus system is efficient and covers most parts of the city.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Bolt, FreeNow
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Alta
Baixa
Sé Nova
Day trips
Conímbriga
15 km from Coimbra • Half day
Conímbriga is a well-preserved Roman settlement with impressive mosaics, ruins, and a museum.
Luso and Bussaco Forest
20 km from Coimbra • Full day
Luso is a charming spa town known for its thermal waters, while Bussaco Forest offers beautiful hiking trails and a historic palace.
Aveiro
60 km from Coimbra • Full day
Aveiro is a charming coastal city known as the 'Venice of Portugal' for its canals and colorful moliceiro boats.
Festivals
Queima das Fitas (Ribbon Burning Festival) • Late May
Festa das Latas (Bottle Caps Festival) • December
Pro tips
- Visit the University of Coimbra early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience
- Try local specialties, such as Cozido à Portuguesa, Bacalhau à Brás, and Pastel de Tentúgal, at iconic eateries like O Sucesso, Zé Manel dos Frangos, and Café Santa Cruz
- Explore the city's neighborhoods, such as Alta, Baixa, and Sé Nova, to discover hidden gems, local shops, and cultural sites
- Take a day trip to Conímbriga, Luso and Bussaco Forest, or Aveiro to experience the region's history, nature, and unique culture
- Attend a Fado performance at the University of Coimbra for a traditional Portuguese music experience
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
