What if we told you that you didn’t have to drive hundreds of kilometers to find a schist refuge? As an alternative to the stunning but more remote villages of the Serra de Lousã, just 30 kilometers from Porto, the municipality of Penafiel hides a ‘treasure’ that has just been recognized worldwide: Quintandona.
Located at the northwest end of the parish of Lagares e Figueira, the ‘Preserved Village of Quintandona’ stands out for its schist walls, narrow streets and picturesque air. Here, where silence reigns, nostalgia is renewed with the life that the village has gained in recent years, thanks to various redevelopment works.
Table Of Contents
A village distinguished by the United Nations
Part of the Route of the Romanesque, this is one of the most beautiful ‘secret’ villages near Porto. Although it’s not exactly unknown, since it’s been attracting the attention of tourists, Quintandona continues to stand out for its bucolic atmosphere.
In October 2025, Quintandona officially ceased to be a local ‘secret’ when it was selected by UN Tourism – a specialized agency of the United Nations Organizations – for the Best Tourism Villages programme. As such, the village in the district of Porto is now part of a network aimed at territories that demonstrate high potential for sustainable tourism development.
A movie set (in shale and slate tones)
In Quintandona, schist and slate dominate the landscape, creating a visually warm and welcoming environment. On our visit to the village, we strolled through its narrow streets, always with the camera on, as there is no shortage of details that deserve to be recorded, such as the flowers carefully placed next to the windows of the typical houses, or the granaries.
At the heart of the town, the pillory and the centenary chapel (over 200 years old) stand out, as does its vibrant stained glass window. The public washhouse, essential in the agricultural life of other generations, is well preserved; and on this journey through time there is yet another stop: the climb up Monte da Pegadinha, where there is a stunning natural viewpoint over the landscape.
Do you like to eat? Stop by Casa da Viúva
No one visits the village of Quintandona without taking a strategic break to eat or taste a good wine at Casa da Viúva – Wine Bar. Housed in a beautifully restored stone house, this ‘spot’ offers some of the best regional flavors, not forgetting a careful selection of wines. Stopping here is synonymous with enjoying a lazy evening, with a full belly and in an atmosphere that breathes tranquillity.
How do I get to the village of Quintandona?
Perfect for a weekend trip, to get to the village, just take the A4 towards Penafiel and, in about half an hour, you can swap the noise of the Porto Metro for absolute serenity!
Don’t miss out! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and now also on WhatsApp!