The North American newspaper ‘The Washington Post’ selected 12 destinations around the world as being the best for a holiday away from the crowds. The Portuguese Schist Villages, which also includes the village of Água Formosa, were one of the chosen destinations.
‘The Washington Post’ consulted several experts about their favorite destinations for a more relaxed vacation. Factors such as communion with nature, wildlife observation, proximity to small rivers and local cuisine were some of the criteria used in selecting these 12 destinations.
In addition to the Schist Villages, the following destinations are also part of this selection: Bracciano (Italy), Fukui (Japan), Asheville (North Carolina), Dhermi (Albania), Popayán (Colombia), Orkney Islands (Scotland), Holbox Island (Mexico), Tairawhiti Gisborne (New Zealand), Fredericksburg (Texas), Toledo (Belize) and Sumba (Indonesia).
The renowned newspaper refers to the Schist Villages as being “particularly popular with walkers, cyclists and nature lovers”.
Água Formosa is a typical town integrated into the Schist Villages Program, with the vast majority of its houses being built in shale, maintaining the traditional design of other times.
Located 10 kilometers from the Geodesic Center of Portugal, on a sunny slope, you will find a village whose name derives from the founding of an Água Formosa spring there. There is still evidence of ancient traditions, such as the various wood-burning ovens spread throughout the village, but also evidence of traditions linked to the use of water power, in a natural setting that highlights the best of the relationship between Man and Nature.
