As the days grow longer and the nights warmer, the Aldeias do Xisto once again become a place of discovery, encounter, and inspiration.
Throughout the summer, this territory invites you to slow down — to listen, taste, and feel. Between sunset concerts and nighttime walks under star-filled skies, there's space for creative workshops, authentic flavours, summer festivals, and pure joy. All of this in peaceful, beautiful places where the landscape blends with community life, and time takes on a gentler rhythm.
Here's what summer has in store for you in the land of schist:
Nature and Outdoor Leisure
- Nautical Summer 2025 at Pedrogão Grande
Cabrilread in xistopediaThe perfect destination for enjoying the best that… reservoirread in xistopediaThe perfect destination for enjoying the best that…, Pêra River, Bouçã reservoir
21st of june to 13rd september
- Adventure Day
Aldeia da Ruiva River Beachread in xistopediaThe Aldeia Ruiva River Beach is notable for…
9th of july
- Moonlight Talasnal
Talasnal, Lousã
11th of july to 5th of december
- 219th Walking Trail: Vale da Ursa
Proença-a-Nova
20th of july
- Descending the Ocreza River
Proença-a-Nova
26th of july Walking Tours and Boats in the River
Janeiro de Cima
3rd of augustSummer at the Riverside with Aquatic Macroinvertebrates
Lousã
4th, 14th and 21st of august
- Benfeita Trail 2025
Benfeita, Arganil
10th of august
- Perseids Night
Geoscope – Fajão Astronomical Observatory
13rd of august
Culture, Community & Performances
- SunSert 2025
Sertã
2nd of july to 14th of september
- Reading Marathon
Sertã
3rd to 5th of july
- Lavadouros com Alma (Washhouses with Soul)
Ponte de Sótão, Góis
5th to 13th of july
- XJazz Open Week
Janeiro de Cima
6th to 12th of july
- Pôr do Som
Proença-a-Nova
9th of july to 12th of september
- Theatre: Todos ao Monte & Fé em Deus
Miranda do Corvo
12th of july
- Feira Franca de Fajão
Fajão, Pampilhosa da Serra
19th of july
- AigraCultura 2025
Aigra Nova, Serra da Lousã
19th of uly
- The Colors of Schist
Talasnal, Lousã
20th to the 26th of july
- Cinema: Mostra de Xinema de Benfeita
Benfeita, Arganil
27th to 30th of july
- Summer in Covilhã’s Historic Centre
Covilhã
1st to 29th of august
- "Outdoor Cinema" at the River Beaches of Proença-a-Nova
Proença-a-Nova
6th to 20th of august
- Fazunchar 2025
Figueiró dos Vinhos
16th to 24th of august
If you wish to extend your connection to the territory, Bookinxistooffers a wide range ofaccommodation — from rural tourism to boutique hotels — always with the comfort and hospitality that define the Aldeias do Xisto.
Gastronomy and Traditional Flavours
- ATASCAr – Regional Tapas and Sweets Fair
Aldeia das Dez, Serra do Açor
10th to 13th of july
- River Fish Festival
Cernache do Bonjardim
11th to 12th of july
- Maranho Gastronomic Festival
Sertã
17th to 20th of july
- Mercado de Saberes e Sabores (Knowledge and Flavours Market)
Aldeia da Pena, Serra da Lousã
26th of july
- Sausage, Cheese and Honey Fair
Vila de Rei
26th of july to 3rd of august
- Tigelada Festival
Proença-a-Nova
9th to 31st of august
Besides tasting these flavours at the festivals, you can also explore the partner restaurants of the Aldeias do Xisto, where traditional cuisine is served with time and identity. Find recommendations at bookinxisto.com.
Workshops, Crafts & Local Knowledge
- Ceramic and Wood-Firing Course
Cerdeira, Lousã
18th to 27th of july
- Potter's Wheel
Cerdeira, Lousã
9th of august
- Miniature Schist Houses
Cerdeira, Lousã
9th of august
- Ceramics Workshop: Introduction to Handbuilding Techniques
Cerdeira, Lousã
9th of august
- Astrophotography: Xclusive Xisto – Capturing the Magic of the Universe
Fajão, Pampilhosa da Serra
22th to 24th of august
These learning experiences take on deeper meaning when lived in their local context. Some are available all year round, by direct booking at bookinxisto.com.
River Beaches & Well-being
- Mobile Health Unit at River Beaches – Proença-a-Nova
9th of july to 27th of august
- Bibliopraia
Ana de Avis river beachread in xistopediaAna de Aviz River Beach is nationally renowned…, Figueiró dos Vinhos
15th of july to 24th of august
- Recycling is our kind of beach
Açude Pintoread in xistopediaWith abundant shade, this beach tempts visitors to… River Beachread in xistopediaWith abundant shade, this beach tempts visitors to…, Oleiros
16th of july
The river beaches of the Aldeias do Xisto are far more than just places to swim. They’re spaces for gathering, leisure, and contemplation — with clean water, serene landscapes and all the conditions for a perfect day or a longer getaway.
Many are certified with the Blue Flag or Quercus Gold Medal and feature support infrastructures, shaded areas, picnic spots, and beach cafés. During the summer, they also host cultural, environmental and recreational events — striking a perfect balance between nature and entertainment.
Keep an eye on our event calendar to see what’s happening at each beach.
Explore all available options and make your reservation through bookinxisto.com — a commission-free platform that connects you directly with local hosts and authentic experiences.
