Casal de S. Simão has gained fame for its beautiful river beaches and the Fragas de S. Simão boardwalks, perfect for a summer escape on warmer days.
However, this village offers more than just beaches and boardwalks.
Together with Ferraria de S. João, the village of Casal de S. Simão it's part of the group of the 12 Schist Villages in Serra da Lousã
A getaway on the southern slopes of the Serra da Lousã is the perfect mini-holiday.
Ready to explore the beauty of this region?
Fragas de S. Simão Broadwalks
Ferraria de S. João
Starting with the village of Ferraria de S. João, it’s a dream for mountain biking enthusiasts, featuring mapped routes and a dedicated MTB center.
However, we prefer to keep our feet on the trail, and explore the sights with our own boots.
Therefore, we suggest you do the PR1 – Trilho do Rebanho.
This trail starting at the MTB center is a short 5 km circular route that gives a broader view of the area. Don’t be fooled by the distance, though—the route is winding and includes some steep descents.
Alternatively, you can shorten the route by 2.5 km by following the PR1.1 signs near the water wells.
In this village, you can also find various workshops and activities for children at Programa Aldeia Viva
Part of Rebanho Trail
Penela e a Serra do Espinhal
Just a 20-minute drive north, you’ll reach Penela, a picturesque village crowned by its castle. From the top, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the hills, which change color with the seasons—blue, green, yellow, and purple.
Further into the Serra do Espinhal, you’ll find the beautiful Pedra Ferida waterfall. Just 3 km from the village of Espinhal, it’s worth the detour to see it from the viewpoint or hike down to its base.
Pedra Ferida Waterfall
Casal de S. Simão
However, the true gem of the southern slopes of Serra da Lousã, however, is Casal de S. Simão.
Located 20 minutes south from Ferraria de S. João, Casal de S. Simão is simply magical.
Since it was rebuilt by new (and returning) residents who traded city life for the countryside, this one-street village seems to have life bursting from every corner.
What can you do when visiting Casal de S. Simão?
As recomended in Ferraria de S. João, here we also recomend the trail PR1 “Descida às Fragas de S. Simão”.
However, para aceder às Fragas de S. Simão e à sua praia Fluvial you dont have to do the entire trail. You just need to follow the marks at the start, and in 15 minutes you will reach the river beach.
To make the most of it, start in the opposite direction to the river beach, so you end the walk there.
This trail is only 5 km and circular. While considered easy, it does include some steep climbs and descents, especially at the start and finish.
If you want to shorten the trail, you can take the PR1.1 detour near the Ribeira do Fato, reducing the hike to 2.7 km in total.
Part of the trail "Descida às Fragas"
Another must-see is, of course, the Fragas de S. Simão boardwalks.
A 45 minutes hike connects the Fragas de S. Simão viewpoint to the Schist Village of Casal de S. Simão,, crossing the bottom of the valley of Ribeira de Alge.
From these boardwalks, you’ll get a new perspective on the sites you visited on the trail and a view of the entire village of Casal de S. Simão.
Fragas de S. Simão Broadwalks
If you still have time, we suggest a boat ride in the village of Foz do Alge, where you can choose from various routes, including a visit to the charming village of Dornes.
Aerial View of Dornes Village
Lastly, a stop at Sta. Luzia Confectionery to try the traditional sweets is a must.
If you have a few more days, make sure to visit Figueiró dos Vinhos, Pedrogão Grande e Castanheira de Pêra.
Or, discover the other 10 Schist Villages of Serra da Lousã
Are you ready to Break Free?
