leisure nature
There are so many relaxing ways to enjoy nature in the Aldeias do Xisto. Walking, swimming, contemplating.
classified natural areas
river beaches
foot paths
viewpoints
nature watching
open map
all experiences MyXistotrails
Relax and feel
Contact with nature is reinvigorating. This immersion can take on countless forms. Walking along the Schist Paths. A dip in one of the River Beaches Gazing at the horizon from a viewpoint. Observing many of the rare and protected species that occur here, such as deer, otter, salamander, strawberry trees and mushrooms in autumn. Let yourself be guided by our partners' programmes in unforgettable experiences of immersion and communion with nature. Breathe deeply, relax and feel.
River Beaches
Immerse yourself in discovery! The Aldeias do Xisto have the most river beaches in Portugal. There are more than 50 beaches, with water quality and support infrastructures that, year after year, have been awarded prizes, such as the certified Blue Flag beach, the Quercus Gold Medal and the Accessible Beach certification. Located on the river, stream or reservoir banks, these are ideal leisure areas to enjoy nature and refresh a hot summer's day.
Schist Paths
Step out. Walking is one of the best ways to discover, understand and feel the places we visit. The Schist Paths are short circular routes, starting and ending at the same point in the villages. Many of them are recovered from old paths used by millers, shepherds, farmers, miners, among others. They are the best way of immersing yourself in the environment, heritage and landscape of the Aldeias do Xisto. Put on your trainers and come with us!
Viewpoints
Horizon in sight! In the various viewing points scattered throughout the region you can read the cultural landscape that millennia of relationship between people and nature have left imprinted on the territory. Or you can simply let your eyes cover the horizon in contemplation. There are these small infrastructures scattered everywhere, some more some less informal, which allow you to appreciate the most iconic views of this territory in a safe, comfortable and fun way.
Panoramic roads
A discovery around every corner. Some of the roads that link the Aldeias do Xisto have remarkable panoramic features and reinforce the idea that the path is as important as the destination. If you can, take your time to relax and stop to enjoy the scenery.
In search of a cache
Practised outdoors, geocaching is considered to be the treasure hunt of modern times. There are more than 60 geocaches in the Aldeias do Xisto. Searching for them is also a way of getting to know new places, discovering corners that normally go unnoticed, and valuing natural heritage.
Birdwatching
The quartzite scarps of the Fragas de São Simão, the Penedos de Fajão, the Penedos de Góis and the Barragem de Santa Luzia, the rivers Ceira and Zêzere or the mountains of Açor and Lousã are the places where, in the Aldeias do Xisto, you can observe some of the most remarkable species of Portuguese birdlife.
