2025-02-06
Benfeita is one of the 27 Schist Villages and is located in the municipality of Arganil, next to the town of Côja and in the heart of the Serra do Açor.
It is a White Schist Village, as the traditional schist houses are fewer in number than the white-painted ones.
However, Benfeita hides some secrets that we are committed to uncovering in this article. In fact, this village, which at first glance may go unnoticed, has a rustic charm and a heritage that dates back to time immemorial.
Its strategic location, embraced by the majesty of the Serra do Açor, gives Benfeita a unique character that is well worth visiting.
And it’s not just its beauty that makes Benfeita worthy of a visit, but also its vital role in preserving the traditional architecture of the schist villages.
These small villages are the true guardians of the region’s cultural identity!
So take me up on my invitation to discover what to do and see in Benfeita, the surprising White Schist Village!
👉 Check out how much it costs to rent a car in Portugal.
What to see and do in Benfeita, the White Schist Village
Visit the Tower of Peace (Torre da Paz)
Exploring Benfeita is much more than looking at the pretty houses; it’s about discovering the special things that happen in the village.
For example, the Tower of Peace, in the middle of the village, is an important place with a special tradition.
This is because every year, on May 7, the tower’s bell rings 1620 times to remember the end of World War II.
This event unites the community with history and the values of peace.
Visit the four chapels
There are four chapels in Benfeita: the Chapel of Santa Rita, the Chapel of Senhor dos Passos, the Chapel of São Bartolomeu and the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Assunção.
The chapel depicted in the image is dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption and is believed to have been the first built in the village, although the exact date is not known.
Although modest in size, the presence of four chapels in Benfeita is surprising for a village, revealing the marked religiosity of the local community.
Each chapel, as well as embellishing the landscape, tells a part of the village’s history and tradition.
And as I mentioned, the Chapel of Our Lady of the Assumption, in particular, evokes a sense of veneration that probably goes back to the very beginnings of the community.
Go to the Ponte Fundeira
If you explore beyond the boundaries of the village of Benfeita, you’ll find a hidden gem: the Fundeira Bridge.
Located on the outskirts of the village, this bridge crosses the Ribeira da Mata and is an interesting place to see.
As for the history of the Fundeira Bridge, in the past it was made of wood, but the constant challenges it faced were many.
So, in 1880, frequent destructions led to the decision to build a more robust and resistant bridge in order to overcome the inclement weather that plagued the region.
The result was a structure that not only resisted the vagaries of the weather, but also added an element of durability and stability to the village.
See the Figueiral Mill (Moinho do Figueiral)
Another unmissable activity in Benfeita is the Figueiral Mill.
This mill has been restored, meaning it offers a unique opportunity to explore its interior and witness its historical workings.
To visit this historic mill, go to Avenida Dr. Mário Mathias, near Ribeira da Mata.
What to do in Benfeita Schist Village
- Take advantage of the bathing area; if you visit the village of Benfeita in the summer, don’t miss the opportunity to take a dip in the Ribeira da Mata river beach; the water is quite cold, which is perfect for cooling off on hot days.
- Buy local handicrafts, such as wooden spoons and schist houses at the Aldeias do Xisto store;
- Discover the cultural heritage at the Simões Dias House-Museum;
- Delight in the local cuisine, which in mountainous lands includes chanfana, roast kid or bucho de Vila Cova do Alva; desserts include rice pudding, pumpkin filhós and tigeladas.
Hiking trails in Benfeita Schist Village
PR1 AGN – Benfeita Schist Trail – Frescura das Cascatas
The PR1 AGN – Benfeita Schist Trail stretches for 10.4 km and is a popular walk, despite being considered difficult.
It starts at Largo do Ameal, in the center of the village and passes several points of interest, such as Benfeita’s river beach, the waterfall mills at Ribeira do Carcavão, the spring at Fraga da Pena, the Levadas, several schist buildings and the Pardieiros Museum, as well as the Peace Tower, the Nossa Senhora das Necessidades Mother Church, the Sardal Chapel and the Pardieiros Chapel.
How to get to Benfeita
To get to Benfeita from Porto, take the A1 motorway south towards Lisbon.
After around 100 km, take the A13 towards Coimbra and continue to the N2. Follow the signs towards Benfeita, which is a village located in the municipality of Arganil.
The drive from Porto takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes.
From Lisbon, take the A1 north towards Porto and exit at the A13 towards Coimbra. Then take the N2 towards Arganil, following signs for Benfeita.
The drive from Lisbon takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes as well.
As public transport options are limited, driving by car is the most convenient way to reach Benfeita.
👉 Check out how much it costs to rent a car in Portugal.
Day trip from Porto:
Day trip from Lisbon:
Other schist villages in Serra do Açor
- Aldeia da Dez
- Benfeita
- Fajão
- Sobral de São Miguel
- Vila Cova de Alva
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- Things To Do in Vila Nova de Poiares: Top Activities and Attractions.
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