Discover Portugal Tour: Schist & Beirão

In association with Filomena Pascoal

Schedule (As PDF)

08:00 a.m. – Departure by bus from Caldas da Rainha 

10:00 a.m. – Arrival at Miranda do Corvo (and meeting Filomena!) 

10:30 a.m. – Visiting the schist village of Gondramaz

The village is structured from a main street that runs up to the limit where the slope allows for construction. From this street, there is a network of narrow, winding alleyways that we feel like walking through with curiosity. We are welcomed with a poem by Miguel Torga, on a metal plaque in the reception area of the village. Gondramaz is distinguished by the specific shade of schist which envelops us from head to toe. Even the ground you walk on is an example of the best art of working the stone by hand. 

This is, in fact, a land of artisans whose skillful hands create charismatic figures that are a mark of the mountains and carry with them the name of the master and of the village beyond its frontiers. Situated on the western slope of the Lousã mountain range, the landscape surrounding Gondramaz is a work of Nature's art. There is a fine acoustics in the streets of this village that awaken all our senses. 

Within its streets, the voice of the people becomes clearer and more inviting. With a remarkable application in schist, the pavement allows the development of an accessible route for people with reduced mobility. 

11:00 a.m. – Departure from Gondramaz

11:30 a.m. – Arrival at the factory of Licor Beirão

The most famous liqueur in Portugal Licor Beirão, commonly simply known as Beirão, is a Portuguese liqueur from the Beira region of Portugal. Originating in the 19th century, it is the most consumed alcoholic spirit in Portugal. 

Production began in the 19th century in Lousã, in the Beira region, from where it got its name (Beirão means "from Beira"). It is made from a double distillation of seeds and herbs, including mint, cinnamon, cardamom and lavender, from all over the world, including former Portuguese colonies of Brazil, Sri Lanka, and India. 

12:00 p.m. – Departure from the Beirão shop 

12:30 p.m. – Lunch at the Restaurant “O Burgo”, near the castle of Lousã 

14:30 p.m. – Departure from the restaurant and stopping at some viewpoints 

15:00 p.m. – Visiting the schist village of Talasnal and relaxing 

This is, for a long time, the Schist Village of Serra da Lousã that has given more visibility and charisma to the whole. For its size and layout, but also for the many details of the restoration of its houses. The fountain and the tank emit the melody that accompanies our visit. 

The houses are decorated with the branches of the vines. The main street follows the slope of the hillside, in a steep path. From it, steps and alleyways branch out, creating an atmosphere of discovery that everyone likes to explore, waiting for the surprise of a new corner. 

Discovering this village means plunging into the magical world of the Serra da Lousã and immersing yourself in the lush vegetation, where deer, roe deer, wild boar and many other species can be seen. Nature reigns here, sensitive and demanding respect. But it also offers countless possibilities for leisure and active sports. 

Here you can feel the pulse of the earth and its communion with men when you can see the villages in the distance. They seem to have been born from schistous soil, naturally, like the trees. 

16:30 p.m. – Departure from Talasnal 

19:00 p.m. – Arrival at Caldas da Rainha

Filomena Pascoal 2023 

Caldas Hotels for staying the night before the trip or extending your visit to the Silver Coast