visit & enjoy

Visit & Enjoy

Communion with nature

Community and nature are the two structural pillars of the Aldeias do Xisto Villages. Nature is ever present, and everything emanates from it. Over time, people's relationship with the land has moulded a cultural landscape that makes the Aldeias do Xisto a unique destination. It is a region with distinctive geophysical characteristics, essentially linked to forests and water and the predominance of schist. It is a mountainous area, where the medium altitude mountain ranges follow one another. The territory contains important natural areas and countless species, making it one of the most important in Portugal in terms of nature conservation. A visit to the Aldeias do Xisto always involves an experience of deep communion with nature.

The People, custodians of identity

The people come first, those who have always lived here and persisted, and those who have fallen in love with the villages and come to live here, not excluding those who visit. The preservation of the heritage, the reconstruction of the houses and the creation of infrastructures and services were designed to provide better living conditions and well-being for the inhabitants and, at the same time, to welcome visitors, allowing them to discover and feel each village and its surroundings. In the Aldeias do Xisto, the enjoyment of nature tourism is inseparable from the way of life of the inhabitants, the institutions and the tourism agents who operate here. This project is from the heart, from people. Those who cross the whole village to inform that there is already water in the levy, who exchange foodstuffs and give away what they have leftover, how offer help to neighbours to pick olives, who share the new wine and olive oil, and who are always with open arms to share all this with those that visit them. 

Sport for all

The culture of "sport for all" and the quality of the facilities and information available in the Aldeias do Xisto offer the opportunity to practice a whole range of sports, for both amateur and professional enthusiasts as well as people with special needs. From mountain biking to trail running, canoeing to climbing, whether for a relaxing walk or to test your physical and technical limits, there will always be a suitable trail and specialised support services for you. All the active tourism services available on Aldeias do Xisto’s My Xisto Trails platform, where you can easily and intuitively plan your whole trip.

Aldeias do Xisto are a mountainous area, where the medium altitude mountain ranges follow one another.

From mountain biking to trail running, canoeing to climbing, whether for a relaxing walk or to test your physical and technical limits, there will always be a suitable trail and specialised support services for you.

In the Aldeias do Xisto, the enjoyment of nature tourism is inseparable from the way of life of the inhabitants, the institutions and the tourism agents who operate here.

All the active tourism services available on Aldeias do Xisto’s My Xisto Trails platform, where you can easily and intuitively plan your whole trip.

Bookinxisto – X marks the heart

Bookinxisto is the easiest way to plan your visit to the Aldeias do Xisto and explore the diversity that this territory has to offer. The online booking platform, exclusive to the brand, brings together accommodation, restaurants, experiences, programmes and vouchers. It's easy to mark an X on your map and then quickly and conveniently book your journey. Bookinxisto operates under fair trade rules, with no middlemen or commissions. In other words, the entirety of your booking goes directly to the local partner.

Immerse yourself in discovery

With crystal-clear waters, stunning natural landscapes, pure air, freshness and tranquillity, Aldeias do Xisto’s River Beaches are unique places of leisure and well-being that provide an intimate relationship with nature. The quality of infrastructure, support services, municipal transport and entertainment improves every year. The proof is that this selected set of beaches is awarded the certifications such as the Blue Flag Beach, the Gold Medal of Quercus or the classification of Accessible Beach every year.

Living and evolving culture

The traditional culture of the Aldeias do Xisto is still very much linked to agricultural cycles, the seasons of the year and figurative celebrations. The land and what is taken from it, gastronomy, important dates, legends, myths and religion are at the basis of many of the traditions and undertakings that perpetuate the collective memory, shape cultural identity and reinforce the sense of belonging to the community. Ever evolving and vibrant, this culture is open to the world, welcoming new perspectives on habits and customs. Follow our cultural agenda and keep up to date with all the events.

Ever evolving and vibrant, this culture is open to the world, welcoming new perspectives on habits and customs.

Community and nature are the two structural pillars of the Aldeias do Xisto Villages. Nature is ever present, and everything emanates from it.

Over time, people's relationship with the land has moulded a cultural landscape that makes the Aldeias do Xisto a unique destination.

The traditional culture of the Aldeias do Xisto is still very much linked to agricultural cycles, the seasons of the year and figurative celebrations.

Under the stars

The Starlight Foundation awarded the Dark Sky Aldeias do Xisto Project with the Starlight Tourist Destination international certification. Alongside the excellent conditions of visibility, transparency, and darkness of the sky, this accreditation also attests to the commitment of public, private, and scientific bodies, and the readiness and quality of tourist services, augmented by the genuine interest of the resident community. The work in progress for the implementation of the Dark Sky Aldeias do Xisto Project involves empowering and specialising the territory in hosting astrotourists and promoting new business among the brand's economic agents. The Aldeias do Xisto Villages are one of the best destinations for stargazing, one of the regions where the relationship with nature is most intimate and profound, and also a tourist brand with services perfectly suited to the demands of astrotourists.

Flavours of the Villag

Made by the hands of ancient knowledge, the recipes of the Aldeias do Xisto are served seasoned with the genuine flavour of tradition. The quality of the region's cuisine is evident in many of the network's partner restaurants, which offer the best of local produce and the region's culinary wisdom, in traditional dishes or innovating with contemporary cullinary creations.

The Village is a school

The Aldeias do Xisto are a living laboratory and have been calling on creativity and experimentation to become centres for the transformation of the social fabric that can give rise to new ways of doing, living and being. There is a welcoming and immersive artistic and scientific atmosphere, as well as the technical capacity that allows to experiment or develop projects. Here you can create and learn from old knowledge or develop innovative ideas and projects. Through Bookinxisto you can book workshops and try your hand at weaving, carpentry, pottery, drawing, making bread, cheese or honey, learn to identify the flora and fauna, or sail a traditional boat.

The Seasons

In the Aldeias do Xisto you can feel the change of seasons every day. This slow transformation in the colours, the smells, the landscape becomes perceptible.  In spring, the kaleidoscope of life emerging and the mild temperatures are an invitation to enjoy life outdoors and appreciate the living rainbow that covers the landscapes. In summer, there's nothing like diving into one of the more than 50 Aldeias do Xisto river beaches and taking advantage of the various activities organised by our partners, for those long hot days. Autumn brings new colours and flavours. The trees shed their green and explode into various shades of brown, yellow or even red. Chestnuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, strawberry tree fruit and mushrooms enrich the tables and the menus. In turn, winter paints the landscapes white, where the mist mingles with the smoke from the fireplaces that cosy up the houses, creating a magical and fantastic atmosphere. At Bookinxisto, there are several experiences that will enrich your stay, whatever the season. 

Spring is a kaleidoscope of life.

In summer, the fresh and clear waters of the river beaches are an invitation to relax.

Autumn is a sublime festival of colours and flavours.

In winter, the white of the snow blends seamlessly with the mist and the smoke from the fireplaces that cosy up the houses.

explore

restaurants
Sabores da Aldeia Restaurant
Sabores da Aldeia Restaurant
restaurants
Callum
Callum
Oleiros
restaurants
Casa da Ti Augusta
Casa da Ti Augusta
Figueira
restaurants
Fugas Restaurant
Fugas Restaurant
restaurants
As Beiras
As Beiras
Pampilhosa da Serra
restaurants
Fiado
Fiado
Janeiro de Cima
restaurants
Museu da Chanfana
Museu da Chanfana
Miranda do Corvo
restaurants
Bem-Me-Quer
Bem-Me-Quer
Martim Branco
restaurants
Varanda do Casal
Varanda do Casal
Casal de São Simão
lodging
Casas da Serra do Açor
Casas da Serra do Açor
Casal Novo, Arganil
lodging
Casas de Água Formosa
Casas de Água Formosa
Vila de Rei
lodging
Casa do Talasnal
Casa do Talasnal
Talasnal
lodging
Casa Lausus
Casa Lausus
Talasnal
lodging
Mountain Whisper
Mountain Whisper
Gondramaz
lodging
Aldeia Oliveiras
Aldeia Oliveiras
Proença-a-Nova
lodging
Casa Cova do Barro
Casa Cova do Barro
Janeiro de Cima
lodging
Casa do Caminheiro Hostel
Casa do Caminheiro Hostel
Talasnal
lodging
Aqua Village Health Resort & SPA
Aqua Village Health Resort & SPA
Caldas de São Paulo
heritage
Church of São Bartolomeu
Church of São Bartolomeu
tour
Panoramic Road:   Aldeia das Dez - Sobral de São Miguel
Panoramic Road: Aldeia das Dez - Sobral de São Miguel
village
Sobral de São Miguel
Sobral de São Miguel
village
Ferraria de São João
Ferraria de São João
tour
Schist Walking Trail of Aldeia das Dez 3 – The Footprint of the Ermit
Schist Walking Trail of Aldeia das Dez 3 – The Footprint of the Ermit
Hotel Rural Quinta da Geia
village
Figueira
Figueira
offer
Night Canoeing on the Santa Luzia Dam
Night Canoeing on the Santa Luzia Dam
heritage
Roman Villa of Rabaçal
Roman Villa of Rabaçal
heritage
Alvoco das Várzeas Medieval Bridge
Alvoco das Várzeas Medieval Bridge
tour
Irrigating Cova da Beira [GRZ - MTB Sector 2]
Irrigating Cova da Beira [GRZ - MTB Sector 2]
offer
Passeio Geológico de Foz do Cobrão e Sobral Fernando
Passeio Geológico de Foz do Cobrão e Sobral Fernando
offer
Geological Walk in Sobral Fernando
Geological Walk in Sobral Fernando

next events

event
Exposição Habitar o Interior
Exposição Habitar o Interior
13 sep 2024 - 13 oct 2024
Proença-a-Nova
event
Moonlight Talasnal
Moonlight Talasnal
20 sep 2024 - 13 dec 2024, 20:30
Talasnal
event
Festival de Caminhadas da Serra da Lousã
Festival de Caminhadas da Serra da Lousã
04 oct 2024 - 06 oct 2024, 18:00
Castanheira de Pera
event
XX Festa da Castanha
XX Festa da Castanha
12 oct 2024 - 13 oct 2024, 21:00
Aldeia das Dez
event
Alambicada in Aigra Velha
Alambicada in Aigra Velha
13 oct 2024, 10:00
Aigra Velha
event
Festival do Achigã em Vila de Rei
Festival do Achigã em Vila de Rei
18 oct 2024 - 27 oct 2024
Vila de Rei
event
AXTrail na Serra da Lousã
AXTrail na Serra da Lousã
18 oct 2024 - 20 oct 2024, 10:00
Aigra Nova, Aigra Velha, Candal, Casal Novo, Cerdeira, Chiqueiro, Comareira, Gondramaz, Pena, Talasnal
event
Festival Gastronómico Sabores de Outono
Festival Gastronómico Sabores de Outono
18 oct 2024 - 27 oct 2024, 11:00
Lousã
event
Festival Gastronómico do Bucho Recheado
Festival Gastronómico do Bucho Recheado
18 oct 2024 - 20 oct 2024, 18:00
Pedrógão Grande
event
Feira Franca de Fajão
Feira Franca de Fajão
19 oct 2024, 10:00
Fajão