The Historic Villages of Portugal: Monsanto, Piodao and More

In the hills of central Portugal, near the Spanish border, lie some of the most remarkable villages in Europe: houses squeezed under giant boulders, schist hamlets clinging to mountainsides, star-shaped fortresses and castles on granite peaks. The 12 “Historic Villages of Portugal” and the “Schist Villages” make a fantastic road trip off the beaten track.

Quick answer: don’t miss Monsanto (houses built into boulders), Piódão (a schist village on a mountainside), the castle village of Sortelha, the star fort of Almeida and Belmonte’s Jewish heritage. For the Schist Villages, see Talasnal in the Lousã mountains. You’ll need a car and 3–5 days.

The 12 Historic Villages

Since 1991, these 12 villages have been protected and restored as the Aldeias Históricas de Portugal: Almeida, Belmonte, Castelo Mendo, Castelo Novo, Castelo Rodrigo, Idanha-a-Velha, Linhares da Beira, Marialva, Monsanto, Piódão, Sortelha and Trancoso.

Monsanto

Often called “the most Portuguese village in Portugal”, Monsanto is built among, and under, huge granite boulders, with houses using rocks as walls and roofs. Climb to the ruined castle at the top for views over the plains to Spain. Places to stay in Monsanto.

Piódão

A village of dark schist houses with blue doors and windows, stacked in terraces on a steep mountainside in the Serra do Açor. Magical at night when it’s lit up. Places to stay in Piódão.

Sortelha

A tiny medieval village enclosed by walls, with a castle perched on a granite outcrop. Atmospheric and quiet.

Belmonte

Birthplace of Pedro Álvares Cabral, who reached Brazil in 1500, and home to a historic Jewish community that kept its faith in secret for centuries. Visit the Jewish Museum, the synagogue and the castle. Places to stay in Belmonte.

Almeida

A perfectly preserved 12-pointed star-shaped fortress town near the Spanish border, with walls, moats and gates to explore.

Idanha-a-Velha

A tiny village on the site of a Roman city, with Roman walls, a Visigothic cathedral and ancient remains everywhere.

Linhares da Beira

A granite village with a castle on the slopes of the Serra da Estrela, famous for paragliding.

Castelo Rodrigo, Marialva, Trancoso, Castelo Mendo and Castelo Novo

Each has a castle or fortified walls, cobbled lanes and views over wild countryside. Trancoso has a great walled old town; Marialva and Castelo Rodrigo are hilltop gems near the Douro.

The Schist Villages

A network of 27 villages built from dark schist stone, mostly in the mountains of central Portugal. Many were abandoned and have been lovingly restored. In the Serra da Lousã, near Coimbra, Talasnal, Candal and Cerdeira are the most beautiful, linked by hiking trails through chestnut forests. Combine with Coimbra.

Planning a road trip

• You need a car: public transport barely reaches the villages. See driving in Portugal.
• Route idea: Coimbra → Piódão → Serra da Estrela → Belmonte → Sortelha → Monsanto → Idanha-a-Velha, over 3–5 days.
• Stay overnight in the villages to see them without day visitors.
• Best seasons: spring and autumn. Summers are hot inland, and winters cold.
• Tour: see Monsanto and village tours.

Combine with Serra da Estrela and Tomar, or see our Portugal road trip.

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