Schist is a common type of rock in Portugal, characterized by its laminated, porous structure. Its capacity to protect houses from a wide range of temperatures is extremely practical, and its combination of copper, gold and grey tones when reflected by the sunlight is a sight to behold. It goes without saying that the schist villages are a popular landmark of the region, very attractive for anyone wanting to know the country.

The origin of these distinct constructions gets lost in time. Several villages from the Beira and the Trás-os-Montes regions, and many others spread throughout the interior of the country were built using this rock. Forgotten in the past century, abandoned by people aiming to leave the agricultural world behind to seek a better life in the big cities, these classical houses have kept its original Architecture, now brought back with all its ancient glow practically untouched. The harmony with nature, the hills and the surrounding woods, the nearby rivers and water flows all bestow this place a unique charm, a faithful portrait of earlier days.

The schist villages network is composed of 27 villages from 16 different countries located in the centre of the country, a region delimited by the cities of Coimbra and Castelo Branco. To visit the schist villages is a one-of-a-kind experience, a rare opportunity to relax in a genuine and magical place.

We encourage you to visit some of the most charismatic schist villages:

• Sarzedas
• Martim Branco
• Figueira
• Água formosa
• Álvaro
• Barroca
• Janeiro de cima e de Baixo
• Cascatas da Fraga da Água D`Alta

It is  also a good excuse to get to enjoy the most diverse river beaches and wonderful hikes in the Orvalho Walkways. You surely won’t forget the local dishes, with the “cabrito estonado” coming to mind!