About half an hour south of Coimbra, tucked into the hills of central Portugal, you’ll find Lousã — a small mountain town surrounded by nature, stone villages, and quiet charm. It’s one of those places that doesn’t make the headlines but leaves a big impression once you discover it.
It’s peaceful, scenic, affordable, and, thanks to new infrastructure, getting easier to reach than ever before.
Getting There: The New “Metro do Mondego”
One of the big updates for the area is the Metro do Mondego project. Despite the name, it’s not a subway, it’s actually a modern bus system that runs on its own dedicated track, connecting Coimbra to Lousã.
Buses are expected to run every 15 minutes, and the trip from Coimbra will take about an hour. Tickets will cost roughly €3.25 one way, or between €38 and €50 for a monthly pass, depending on your age and travel zone.
That’s a bit longer than driving (it’s only about 30 minutes by car), but it’s a big improvement for locals who don’t want to rely on their cars every day. It’s also great news for anyone thinking about moving to the area, as public transport makes a huge difference when you’re living outside a major city.
The Famous Schist Villages
The Lousã mountains are known for their schist villages, small settlements built entirely from dark, layered stone. They’re unlike anywhere else in Portugal — rustic, beautiful, and full of history.
For years, many of these villages sat abandoned because they were hard to reach. Now, thanks to restoration and tourism, they’re slowly being brought back to life. Talasnal is one of the most famous — a short but winding 20–25-minute drive from Lousã. It’s all narrow roads and cliffside bends, but when you arrive, it feels like stepping into a storybook.
Most of the old homes have been restored into guesthouses and holiday rentals, some with small pools. The views are incredible, and the village has that quiet, timeless atmosphere that’s hard to find anywhere else.
There are around 40 officially recognized schist villages in the region, including Candal, which is another popular stop about an hour and a half away. They’re best for weekend trips or short stays rather than everyday living. The roads are steep and winding, and grocery stores aren’t exactly around the corner, but they’re perfect for anyone craving peace and nature.
Life in Lousã Town
The town of Lousã is small, with a mix of old and new. The historic center has plenty of character but could use some renovation, as lots of buildings still show their age. Across the “new” side of town, things look more modern, with updated apartments, cafés, and local shops.
The upcoming Metro do Mondego line will run right through the town, connecting these two areas and making daily life more convenient. There’s also been new investment here, like the restoration of the main church and the opening of the Octant Lousã Hotel, a four-star spot with a stunning view over the valley.
From a property standpoint, Lousã is still very affordable. The average price is around €982 per square meter, which is quite low by Portuguese standards. For context, you can drive to Coimbra in half an hour, reach Porto in about 90 minutes, and get to Lisbon in a little over two hours. It’s central, accessible, and has a lot of potential for growth in the next few years.
River Beaches and Mountain Roads
One of the nicest things about this part of Portugal is its river beaches — natural swimming spots along rivers that become lively in the summer.
A popular one near town is the Praia Fluvial da Senhora da Piedade, just below the old “castle” (actually more of a medieval watchtower). It’s a short drive up the mountain, surrounded by trees and hiking paths. In early autumn, the water levels drop a bit, but in summer it’s a great place to swim and relax.
A little further out, around Castanheira de Pera and Pedrógão Grande, you’ll find other amazing fluvial beaches like Poço Corga. It’s got a picnic park, a small restaurant, a restored watermill, and even an adventure park. In Pedrógão Grande, there’s also a massive wave pool complex, complete with an artificial lake and sailboats. It’s a surprising sight in the middle of the mountains but a fun summer hangout.
Miranda do Corvo: A Pleasant Surprise
Just 15 minutes from Lousã is Miranda do Corvo, a town that really stands out for its neat, renovated look and easy access to Coimbra. It’s closer to the highway, so driving there only takes about 20 minutes.
The town center is clean and lively, with a lovely garden, a small river, and a hilltop church overlooking the area. It’s also a stop on the new Metro do Mondego route, which means even better connections.
A big highlight here is the Biodiversity Park of Serra da Lousã, a nature and wildlife park that’s home to Iberian lynxes, wolves, bears, and birds of prey, along with local farm animals. It’s an educational and really enjoyable visit, especially for families.
The best part? Property prices are even lower than in Lousã — around €529 per square meter on average. It’s one of those underrated towns that could easily gain value as the new transport line opens and more people discover it.
Why Lousã?
Lousã and its surroundings offer a lot for anyone looking to live or invest in Portugal. You get mountain views, river beaches, charming villages, and good access to bigger cities — all at a fraction of what you’d pay on the coast.
It’s not a busy place, and that’s part of its appeal. You’ll find peace, space, and that slower pace of life that Portugal does so well. But it’s also an area that’s quietly moving forward, with new infrastructure, small businesses, and more visitors discovering its charm every year.
For travelers, it’s a great off-the-beaten-path destination. For buyers or expats, it’s a chance to get in early on a region with real potential.
If you’re thinking about moving to Portugal or just want to learn more about life in different regions, Savvy Cat Realty can help. We’re a local relocation and buying agency that works all across the country, helping expats find their dream homes that fit their lifestyle and budget.
You can learn more about our services at www.savvycatrealty.com or reach out to us directly at contact@savvycatrealty.com
Lousã may not be on most people’s radar yet, but it just might be one of the best-kept secrets in central Portugal.
