Candal: The Hidden Schist Village in Serra da Lousã

2025-02-06

Here’s everything you need to know about Candal, the Schist Village that doesn’t go unnoticed by those passing by on the National Road 236 and which has a privileged location in the heart of the Serra da Lousã.

This amphitheatre village is located in the watershed of the Ribeira de São João in the Serra da Lousã, next to the National Road 236 that connects Castanheira de Pera and Lousã.

You’ve probably noticed that here at home we’re passionate about discovering places with history, and the Schist Villages are places we particularly like.

This is because we love to walk the paths of yesteryear, while imagining what life would have been like in other times.

So here’s a short itinerary for spending a day in Candal, the Schist Village that is an amphitheater with fantastic views of the Serra da Lousã.

👉 Check out how much it costs to rent a car in Portugal.

The PR3-LSA is a route that connects two schist villages: Candal and Cerdeira.

Candal Schist Village

The village of Candal, like other schist villages, is relatively small, which means you can visit it in a short time, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t interesting.

In fact, in our case, as the day we did this tour of the Schist Villages in the Serra da Lousã was bad weather, it took us even less time.

Even so, it was a fantastic few hours walking these paths from top to bottom.

Discover Candal, the shist village in Serra da Lousã (map).

What to see and do in the Schist Village of Candal

First of all, we suggest that you go up to the highest part of the village, so that you can get a view from the viewpoint.

In fact, the most beautiful houses, in our opinion, can be found at the top of the village.

Then, as you go down the slope, you can see the alminha, the dam and the olive oil mill.

The old elementary school and the watermills can be found a little further on, but as the village is small you won’t have to go far.

There is also a picnic area in the village, so if you’ve brought a picnic we suggest you take advantage of this space.

Finally, note that there is a store in the village called Aldeias do Xisto with a small cafeteria.

Candal, Schist Village in the Serra da Lousã.

Accommodation in Candal

If you want to stay in Candal, which I highly recommend, in terms of accommodation, I recommend you check out the Recantos da Montanha house, which has a lovely swimming pool.

However, there are other options for places to stay in the region, so if you don’t like the above suggestion, explore the map below.

Everything you need to know before visiting Candal

"Isto É Lousã” viewpoint. — “Isto É Lousã” viewpoint.

Does Candal Schist Village have good access by car?

Yes, there is good access to Candal by car, as the village is next to the National Road 236.

👉 Check out how much it costs to rent a car in Portugal.

Are there any restaurants or places to eat in Candal?

The Sabores Da Aldeia restaurant is a good place for lunch or dinner, but I recommend that you call ahead to check if it’s open. This is because I got the idea that it’s only open at weekends (+351 239 991 393).

Are there any other schist villages nearby?

Not far from Candal I recommend visiting Talasnal, Cerdeira and Casal Novo, which means you could perfectly visit these four schist villages in the same weekend.