Mountain Village Adventures with Viaje Portugal in Coimbra
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8–10 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have a reasonable fitness base to manage includes hiking on uneven rocky terrain and some moderate climbing.
Overview
Step beyond Coimbra and into the rugged Serra da Lousã mountains with Viaje Portugal’s full-day trip. Ancient stone villages, dramatic granite peaks, and authentic regional flavors await on this immersive Portuguese mountain journey.
Aldeias de Xisto da Lousã full-day desde Coimbra
• All Ages • Nature
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About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating journey through the Serra da Lousã, exploring charming mountain villages and ancient customs. Savor local gastronomy, including traditional chanfana, and enjoy a delightful tasting of PDO cheeses and wines in Rabaçal. Experience breathtaking views and unique adventures, including a climb to Trevim and a visit to Arouce Castle.
About
Journey to the rural world, natural country side with tasting of local products. We traveled through the Serra da Lousã, very close to and around Coimbra, in search of ancient customs, rural routines, we enjoyed the local gastronomy, we admired the mountain villages of Cerdeira, Candal, Talasnal and Casal Novo built with schist stone. We will go to extremes, visit Arouce Castle and the natural beach Nª Srª Piedade at the foot of the mountain and climb to the highest point of Trevim to balance on the popular Lousã swing.
Lunch will be served in a typical restaurant with local cuisine, chanfana (goat meat cooked slowly in a wood-fired oven). There are other options if you don't like this typical dish.
To end the day, there will still be space for a tasting of PDO sheep and goat cheese, olive oil, bread and wine in the cheese capital, Rabaçal.
After visits and tastings, we return to the starting point.
More info
What it includes: Air-conditioned vehicle All taxes, fees and insurance Minimum 2 people or equivalent Local lunch Bottled water
Available in: Portuguese, English and Spanish
What to bring
Comfortable shoes and clothes
Adventure Tips
Bring sturdy footwear
Trails through the schist villages and climbs like Trevim require durable, grippy hiking shoes to navigate rocky and uneven terrain safely.
Pack water and snacks
Though meals are included, comfortable hydration and energy bars are recommended to keep fueled during outdoor sections of the trip.
Weather can change rapidly
Mountain weather shifts fast; bring a light windbreaker or rain jacket especially in spring and fall.
Limited cellphone coverage
Some remote villages have patchy cellphone signals—download maps and notify someone of your plans beforehand.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Iberian hare
- Eurasian jay
History
The Aldeias de Xisto villages were originally built with local schist, a form of slate-like rock abundant in the Serra da Lousã, reflecting centuries-old rural architecture.
Conservation
Sustainable tourism initiatives here prioritize protecting fragile mountain ecosystems and supporting local communities through responsible visitor engagement.
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Adventure Hotspots in Coimbra
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Hiking boots
Protects ankles and provides traction on schist stone paths and mountain trails.
Layered clothing
Allows quick adjustments to changing mountain weather throughout the day.
all specific
Water bottle or hydration pack
Staying hydrated is critical during the physically demanding portions of the trip.
summer|spring|fall specific
Daypack
To carry snacks, extra layers, camera, and any personal items comfortably.