The village of Casal de São Simão, in Figueiró dos Vinhos, has just been recognised by the Spanish association ADEGA- Asociación para a defensa ecolóxica de Galiza, with the prize “Oxigénio”, which rewards the best environmental practices every year. Highlighting the best environmental practices, ADEGA pointed to Casal de São Simão as one of the most active communities in the Iberian Peninsula, "for making collective work an objective for the community", also highlighting its role as an aggregating element between the village and the environment. This award is based on the way the community reacted to the serious fires that ravaged the village, repopulating the village surroundings with native species that have proved to be effective in defending against fire risk and favourable to the economy and the common good.

It is also in the Aldeias do Xisto that you can find one of the best "25 Small Hotels" in Europe and top of that category in Portugal: the Convento da Sertã hotel. TripAdvisor has recognised this hotel with a "Travelers' Choice Awards" based on millions of evaluations and opinions gathered by the platform throughout the year and where excellent quality, service, and value stand out.

And if you are looking for the "Best 5* Hotel for Families in Europe 2018” you can find it in the Aldeias do Xisto! The Aqua Village Health Resort & Spa, a five star hotel located on the banks of the river Alva, in Oliveira do Hospital, was given recognition by World Luxury Hotel Awards for its unique and original approach to everything from architecture to services provided.