
Welcome to Lousã – a place where nature, culture, and adventure come together in perfect balance
The Serra da Lousã peaks at around 1,205 meters, offering endless climbs, descents, and pure mountain adventure. The terrain is diverse—riding through pine, chestnut, and cork-oak forests, across rocky schist sections, stream crossings, and old rural tracks that feel untouched by time.
Over 95% of the ride is off-road, mixing flowy forest roads with tight, technical single-tracks and classic “goat paths.” You’ll switch between dirt, loose gravel, and rocky surfaces—sometimes smooth and fast, other times slippery and demanding after rain.
Expect a mix of flow and technique: fast open sections where you can find your rhythm, followed by rooty climbs, rocky switchbacks, and tricky traction zones that test your skill and control.
The setting is wild and authentic—remote mountain trails, hidden schist villages, and untouched nature. It’s a real adventure, not a park ride, so having a guide and the right setup makes all the difference.
Spring and Autumn are ideal. Summer can get hot with fire restrictions, while winter riding is more technical and muddy—but still rewarding for seasoned riders.
After a long day on the trails, riders can enjoy the region’s hearty mountain cuisine, famous for its rich flavors and local ingredients. Traditional highlights include Chanfana (goat slow-cooked in red wine and herbs), Negalhos (rolled tripe stew), and Leitão à Bairrada (crispy roasted suckling pig), all best enjoyed with a glass of robust Dão or Bairrada wine. Local cheeses, honey, and smoked sausages from the Lousã hills round out the experience, offering a true taste of rural Portugal.
The region’s biggest draw is its cluster of centuries-old schist villages. The Schist Villages Network counts 27 settlements across central Portugal, and Gondramaz—our basecamp—ranks among the most picturesque, its stone walls adorned with whimsical carvings.
Our basecamp itself is magical: a rural-tourism haven opened in 2013 in Gondramaz. Nestled deep in the mountains, it pairs dramatic scenery with stylish, detail-perfect lodgings designed to awaken every sense.
The Serra da Lousã region offers a captivating mix of nature, history, and authentic Portuguese charm — the perfect way to unwind after a day on the bike. Riders can explore the beautifully preserved Schist Villages (Aldeias do Xisto), where stone houses and narrow alleys tell centuries-old stories, or visit Lousã’s medieval castle overlooking the valley. The area also offers relaxed mountain cafés, traditional festivals, and natural river beaches ideal for a refreshing swim in summer. Whether you’re soaking in local culture, enjoying live folk music, or simply watching the sunset over the hills, the Serra da Lousã provides a peaceful yet vibrant backdrop to the enduro adventure.
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