Xistopedia

Panoramic Roads

Panoramic Roads
nature and leisure
Some stretches of the roads that connect the various Aldeias do Xisto have gorgeous panoramic features, which can be enjoyed in a relaxed manner by those who drive them.

BENFEITA - PIÓDÃO (27KM)

We can take the EM518 through Pardieiros and Monte Frio until we reach the EN344, passing through and then overlooking Margaraça Forest. Continue the climb on the EN344 until the turnoff to the left to Piódão and follow the EM508: there is a panoramic stretch with stopping places and viewpoints from the west to the northeast, which extends to the beginning of the descent to the Historic Village. The final part of the route is particularly attractive because of the sequential angles of approach to the village.

 

PENA - FAJÃO (32KM)

After reaching the EN2, there is first a panoramic stretch over the Penedos de Góis on our right, which extends between Póvoa da Cerdeira and the junction of the road to Santo António da Neve and Trevim. Just beyond Póvoa there is a small viewing point, at an altitude of 670m, in the direction of Penedos de Góis. A second section, from the start of the EN112 at Portela do Vento to the junction for Fajão, provides sweeping views to the south. There is also a third section, on the EM547, from the previous crossroads to Fajão. This section has a number of stopping places.

A stormy sea
“… What most impresses everyone who climbs the Pico do Trevim, in the serra da Lousã, or who, on the way to Pampilhosa along the road that now leads to Castelo Branco, reaches Portela do Vento and looks out over the chain of mountains that goes all the way to Muradal to the east, is that majestic way that reminds one of a shell-shaped sea, marvellous in its grandeur, where the depths of the Zêzere valley and its tributaries are visible. It is a grandiose and dazzling spectacle...”
José Cardoso (N: 1885; F: 1959) Lawyer, b. Fajão

ÁLVARO - PEDRÓGÃO PEQUENO (25KM)

Go along the EN351 until Cruz do Casal Novo. Here, following to the right on the EN350, is the beginning of a panoramic stretch that extends to the fork with the EN238-1. You can stop at Fonte da Mata, at an altitude of 885m, and safely enjoy the landscape. The first views are to the northwest and north (Lousã Mountain, Açor Mountain) and this then also opens out to the south. Shortly after that junction, the road loses its scenic interest.

 

FAJÃO - JANEIRO DE BAIXO (23KM)

Section of the EM547 to Vidual de Baixo. While you’re here, do not miss the viewpoint on this side of the dam. After about 250m turn left, passing through Vale Grande and after crossing the bridge over the Ribeira de Unhais, continue uphill until you reach the junction with the EN344. Try not to miss the viewpoint on this side of the dam. Continue to Armadouro and from there to Janeiro de Baixo.

 

BARROCA - FAJÃO (33KM)

This section of the EM545, which goes through Dornelas do Zêzere, passes through Machialinho to Portela de Unhais where it merges onto the EN344 to Casal da Lapa. At the beginning, there are views over the Zêzere valley and, after Portela de Unhais, over the reservoir of the Santa Luzia Dam and Mount Vidual, with its spectacular quartzite crest. At Casal da Lapa, drive along the Fajão-Janeiro de Baixo section, in the opposite direction.

BARROCA - JANEIRO DE CIMA (14KM)

This is a panoramic stretch of the EN238 overlooking the Zêzere valley. It finishes at the Sarnadela Viewpoint, near the detour to Janeiro de Cima.

 

ALDEIA DAS DEZ - BENFEITA(24KM)

Take the Estrada Municipal (EM) to the Sanctuary of Nª Srª das Preces and from there head towards Piódão. Do not miss the viewpoint at Colcurinho/Chapel of Srª das Necessidades. When you reach the crossroads that give access to that Historical Village, you should take a right. The next section is signposted to Benfeita - Piódão, but in the opposite direction.

 

ALDEIA DAS DEZ - SOBRAL DE SÃO MIGUEL (41KM)

This is a section of the EN230 along the Alvoco river valley, that is, between Teixeira and Pedras Lavradas (junction with the EN231) and the initial 2km of the stretch of the EM from this point to Sobral de São Miguel.

explore

restaurants
Bem Me Quer
Bem Me Quer
Martim Branco
restaurants
Ponte Velha
Ponte Velha
Sertã
restaurants
João Brandão
João Brandão
Oliveira do Hospital
restaurants
Museu da Chanfana
Museu da Chanfana
Miranda do Corvo
restaurants
Callum
Callum
Oleiros
restaurants
Fiado
Fiado
Janeiro de Cima
restaurants
A Malga
A Malga
Aldeia das Dez
restaurants
Adega dos Apalaches
Adega dos Apalaches
Roqueiro
restaurants
Varanda do Casal
Varanda do Casal
Casal de São Simão
lodging
Xisto Sentido
Xisto Sentido
Martim Branco
lodging
Vale do Ninho Nature Houses
Vale do Ninho Nature Houses
Ferraria de São João
lodging
Casa do Zé Sapateiro
Casa do Zé Sapateiro
Ferraria de São João
lodging
Casa de Janeiro
Casa de Janeiro
Janeiro de Cima
lodging
Casa do Tear
Casa do Tear
Figueira
lodging
Casas do Couratão
Casas do Couratão
Pessegueiro
lodging
Casa do Silvério
Casa do Silvério
Barroca
lodging
Quinta Dona Iria
Quinta Dona Iria
Rio Vide
lodging
Casas da Encosta
Casas da Encosta
Cunqueiros
tour
Irrigating Cova da Beira [GRZ - MTB Sector 2]
Irrigating Cova da Beira [GRZ - MTB Sector 2]
tour
Mining Territory [GRZ - MTB sector 3]
Mining Territory [GRZ - MTB sector 3]
Vilar dos Condes
village
Ferraria de São João
Ferraria de São João
heritage
Alvoco das Várzeas Medieval Bridge
Alvoco das Várzeas Medieval Bridge
heritage
Roman Villa of Rabaçal
Roman Villa of Rabaçal
offer
XL Epic Adventure
XL Epic Adventure
heritage
Church of São Bartolomeu
Church of São Bartolomeu
village
Sobral de São Miguel
Sobral de São Miguel
village
Figueira
Figueira
offer
River Walking at Eireira
River Walking at Eireira
tour
Cyclin'Portugal Center of Tábua (P5 - Black)
Cyclin'Portugal Center of Tábua (P5 - Black)
offer
Rota da Floresta I Serra da Lousã
Rota da Floresta I Serra da Lousã

next events

event
Nunes Pereira and the Line: 1927-2001
Nunes Pereira and the Line: 1927-2001
03 feb 2026 - 09 dec 2026, 09:00
Coimbra
event
Concurso de Fotografia “Padre João Maia”
Concurso de Fotografia “Padre João Maia”
13 may 2026 - 26 jun 2026
Vila de Rei
event
4.ª Semana Gastronómica da Caça
4.ª Semana Gastronómica da Caça
13 may 2026 - 17 may 2026, 12:00
event
Feira do Livro de Pampilhosa da Serra
Feira do Livro de Pampilhosa da Serra
14 may 2026 - 30 may 2026
event
1st “The River That Unites Us” Tournament
1st “The River That Unites Us” Tournament
15 may 2026 - 17 may 2026, 08:00
Álvaro
event
Learn to fish in the Schist Villages
Learn to fish in the Schist Villages
16 may 2026 - 11 jul 2026, 11:00
Fajão, Vila Cova de Alva, Álvaro
event
Korean Buncheong Ceramics Course
Korean Buncheong Ceramics Course
22 may 2026 - 30 may 2026, 10:00
Cerdeira
event
Walking Weekend'26 - Festival de Caminhadas
Walking Weekend'26 - Festival de Caminhadas
22 may 2026 - 24 may 2026, 20:30
Pampilhosa da Serra
event
Travessia da Grande Rota do Zêzere em Kayak
Travessia da Grande Rota do Zêzere em Kayak
23 may 2026 - 24 may 2026
Barroca, Álvaro, Pedrógão Pequeno
event
Construction of Dry Stone Walls
Construction of Dry Stone Walls
23 may 2026
Cerdeira
event
Travessia da Grande Rota do Zêzere em Kayak:  Álvaro - Vilar da Amoreira - Barragem do Cabril
Travessia da Grande Rota do Zêzere em Kayak: Álvaro - Vilar da Amoreira - Barragem do Cabril
23 may 2026 - 24 may 2026, 08:30
Álvaro
event
Alva Skate Fest
Alva Skate Fest
23 may 2026 - 24 may 2026, 10:00
event
AXTrail Series 2026
AXTrail Series 2026
30 may 2026 - 18 oct 2026, 08:00
Castanheira de Pera
event
XisFlores - Sobral Florido
XisFlores - Sobral Florido
30 may 2026, 10:00
Sobral de São Miguel
event
TECE – II International Meeting of Weaving and Other Arts
TECE – II International Meeting of Weaving and Other Arts
03 jun 2026 - 08 jun 2026
Aldeia das Dez
event
Introduction to Wood Carving Workshop
Introduction to Wood Carving Workshop
06 jun 2026 - 07 jun 2026, 10:00
Cerdeira
event
Doze Meses, Doze Caminhadas
Doze Meses, Doze Caminhadas
14 jun 2026 - 01 dec 2026, 09:00
event
Moonlight Talasnal
Moonlight Talasnal
26 jun 2026 - 18 dec 2026, 20:30
Talasnal
event
Wood Carving Course
Wood Carving Course
03 jul 2026 - 08 jul 2026, 15:00
Cerdeira
event
3th Aldeias do Xisto Soapbox Racing Circuit Race 2026
3th Aldeias do Xisto Soapbox Racing Circuit Race 2026
12 jul 2026, 11:00
Silvares
event
Ceramic Sculpture – From Earth to Firewood
Ceramic Sculpture – From Earth to Firewood
14 jul 2026 - 24 jul 2026, 10:00
Cerdeira
event
Benfeita Trail 2026
Benfeita Trail 2026
19 jul 2026, 09:00
Benfeita
event
Shades of the Lousã Mountains – Watercolours with Natural Pigments
Shades of the Lousã Mountains – Watercolours with Natural Pigments
10 sep 2026 - 13 sep 2026, 10:00
Cerdeira
event
Sound Ceramics – Masks and Whistles
Sound Ceramics – Masks and Whistles
18 sep 2026 - 27 sep 2026, 10:00
Cerdeira
event
UTAX - Ultra Trail of the Aldeias do Xisto
UTAX - Ultra Trail of the Aldeias do Xisto
16 oct 2026 - 18 oct 2026, 13:00