In the heart of Central Portugal, the Aldeias do Xisto (Schist Villages) form a network of historic settlements that have become a model for sustainable rural development. Built from the very stone of their surrounding mountains, these villages are not just heritage sites frozen in time, but vibrant communities redefining the future of interior regions. Their approach combines responsible tourism, cultural revitalisation, environmental stewardship, and community-based innovation. And in 2025, they will take a step further by participating in Shooting Locations Marketplace, the international boutique event for the audiovisual industry held in Valladolid, strengthening their position as a destination prepared to host film and media productions committed to authenticity and sustainability.
Sustainable Tourism as an Engine of Transformation
Sustainability in Aldeias do Xisto is not a marketing slogan — it’s an operational principle. Tourism here is built on low-impact experiences that foster a deeper relationship with nature, culture, and place. Active tourism is a central pillar: hiking, trail running, mountain biking, canoeing and climbing are all part of the offering, articulated through the My Xisto Trails platform, which maps out signposted routes, support services and curated recommendations. One of the main axes is the Grande Rota do Zêzere, a 370-kilometre trail following the river from its source to its mouth.
Another unique dimension is astrotourism. The Starlight Aldeias do Xisto project, in partnership with the Starlight Foundation, leverages the region’s unpolluted skies to offer astronomical observation experiences that combine leisure, science and territorial development. The dedicated website and a full 2025 astronomical calendar bring the sky into the tourism offer in a way that’s rare in Europe.
The cultural heritage is equally valued. Projects like the Geoscope of Fajão, panoramic scenic roads, and the promotion of local gastronomy —from traditional migas and soups to mountain-cured meats and regional desserts— reflect a territory rooted in memory. Events like XJazz, Xisto Sonoro, Ritmia Folk Fest, and family-oriented programming like Xisto Kids, create a contemporary cultural ecosystem that is deeply connected to place.
Community Regeneration and Territorial Innovation
Community development is at the core of the Aldeias do Xisto mission. The Silveira Tech Regeneration Village stands out as a flagship project: a “living laboratory” in the Serra da Lousã, where innovation, sustainability and rural life intersect. Under the motto “Live, regenerate, belong”, it explores new models of inhabiting the interior, combining housing, environmental awareness and technological experimentation. Events like the Silveira Tech Open Day reflect the growing interest in this alternative approach to rural revitalisation.
Another remarkable initiative is Craft+Design Aldeias do Xisto, which connects local artisans, design schools, universities and communities to create meaningful objects that embody the memory, values and identity of the territory. Workshops such as the Ceramics and Overglazing Course are not only training sessions, but also tools for community empowerment and economic diversification.
The commitment to sustainability is also visible in environmental actions like volunteer-led reforestation programs, and in the broader strategy of encouraging people to live and invest in the region, positioning the villages not only as tourism destinations but as real alternatives for relocation and entrepreneurship.
All of these initiatives are coordinated by ADXTUR, the Agency for the Touristic Development of Aldeias do Xisto. It manages the network, secures European co-funding for strategic projects, and maintains platforms like Bookinxisto, which facilitates accommodation bookings, restaurant reservations and access to curated experiences across the territory.
While there is no explicit mention (as of now) of audiovisual facilities or cinema-specific incentives in the region, the scenic and architectural richness of the Aldeias do Xisto offers clear potential for film and TV productions. The villages’ inclusion in Shooting Locations Marketplace 2025 is a strategic move that signals their readiness to explore this sector. From the dramatic landscapes of Serra da Lousã to the handcrafted details of villages like Talasnal, Casal Novo or Cerdeira — already protected under Natura 2000 — the region holds visual and narrative value for filmmakers seeking authenticity and environmental sensitivity.
In this sense, Aldeias do Xisto are not only a model of sustainable tourism and rural regeneration — they are a growing opportunity for the audiovisual industry to tell stories in places where community, culture and landscape converge in harmony.