Portugal has three main tourist centers: the capital, Lisbon, the city of Porto and the incredible beaches of the Algarve. But in the Portuguese country you can find many other wonders far from its best-known places, and in the heart of the cradle of the fado there are authentic rural wonders which are perfect to make an unforgettable weekend trip from Spain in these autumn weeks.
Proof of this are those known as Villages of Xisto, which literally translates to ‘Shale Villages’. These small towns located just one hour from Coimbra They are characterized by their beautiful cobbled houses, which are surrounded by the imposing nature of the mountains in the heart of Portugal. Among all of them, the beautiful Talasnal town, an authentic rural paradise that was on the verge of disappearing, but that today is a tourist destination incredible.
Talasnal, the jewel of the Serra da Lousã
Of the 27 towns that make up the Aldeias de Xisto, twelve are located in the Serra da Lousã, although the one that stands out above all thanks to its size and its street network It’s Talasnal. Located on a western slope of the mountain formation, the restored stone and slate houses they seem “challenge the rules of balance”, as indicated on the villages page. It is an idyllic haven of peace nestled in the wildest nature from the interior of Portugal.
The origin of this extraordinary village dates back to late 17th century and early 18th century, and although it never exceeded 130 neighbors, in the 80s of the 20th century as only one couple left living in these beautiful places. Everything changed when the small towns of the region decided to unite to avoid disappearance, and in this way the precious architectural heritage both from Talasnal and the rest of the towns in the area.
The narrow streets flanked by houses with shale facades dark give the village a bucolic as well as mystical appearance, and from its main street you can enter into beautiful corners without knowing what you are going to find when you turn the corner, all with the sublime surroundings of the Serra da Lousã as a backdrop. Therefore, Talasnal is not only an ideal destination for lovers of rural tourism, but it is also ideal for those who want get into nature.
After tasting your typical talasnicos (sweets based on chestnuts and honey), you can visit some of the hiking trails that start from the village and wind through enclaves that seem straight out of a movie, which also In autumn they turn reddish tones. From pretty wooden bridges in the Ribeira de São João basin to lush vegetation among which deer and wild boar hide, the natural environment of the village is a “magical world” that you will never forget.
How to get to Talasnal from Spain
Although the most feasible option to get to this rural paradise is to do so from Coimbra, you can also make a excursion from Spain. To do this, you must take the A-23 (Mudéjar Highway) and then leave it at exit 18, towards Pombal/Sertã (IC8 road) and, after that, take the N236-1 in Castanheira de Pera, as indicated on the villages’ website.
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