Hidden among the leafy mountain slopes, the slate villages are one of our best-kept secrets, but their friendly and welcoming inhabitants are happy to reveal them.

In this magical world, where time passes more slowly, the hospitable people always take the time to welcome visitors and share their stories, crafts, and traditions. Like us, we enjoy savoring their culinary delights, prepared with recipes passed down from generation to generation! Or take home a linen or wooden item handcrafted with the expertise of local artisans.

This land also boasts castles that seem to emerge from the mist, straight out of fairy tales, and museums and monuments that bear witness to what life was like many years ago.But much of its charm lies in its untouched nature. The river beaches with crystal-clear waters offer moments of relaxation. And in the forests, you can explore on foot along slate paths or along the bike paths marked by mountain bike centers, which offer various difficulty levels and support for cyclists. There are also other extreme sports options, such as canoeing, climbing, rappelling, and water slides.

The five villages scattered throughout the Serra do Açor, very close to the Serra da Estrela, are called schist villages, as this stone is used to build houses and is abundant in the region. The various hues of this rock, also used to pave the narrow, winding streets, blend perfectly with the colors of the natural landscape and are not always easy to distinguish. But it's worth a try. What you definitely shouldn't miss...

Relax on the river beaches of the schist villages

• Try extreme sports in Serra do Açor
• Walk the shale trails
• Try maranhos (lamb sausage) and tigeladas (a dessert made with baked eggs)
• Admire the Fraga da Pena waterfall
• Buy herbs for cooking and tea
• Enjoy the thrill of mountain biking trails

The region is a must-see for anyone traveling to Central Portugal and offers a refreshing alternative on hot days or a relaxing mountain hike on colder days.

From Quinta da Palmeira – Country House Retreat & Spa, the slate villages are a 10- to 25-minute drive along winding national mountain roads.