Vila Real: The Complete Guide

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Varun Shiv Kapur

Vila Real, the capital of Trás-os-Montes in Northern Portugal, is a bustling town located on a plateau in the foothills of the Serra do Marão. The town is connected by bridges that span the deep ravines created by the Corgo and Cabril rivers, which converge here. From a terrace high above, once the site of a castle, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the gorges below. To reach the lookout, head in a straight line from the cemetery. From this vantage point, you can also see houses perched precariously on the edge of the Corgo ravine.

Vila Real’s historic center is worth exploring, and visitors can spend a pleasant two hours or so wandering the streets and stopping in cafes for a glass of port. Most of the town’s interesting sights and buildings are located along Avenida Carvalho Araújo.

The town’s agricultural roots make it an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area, including the Parque Nacional do Alvão to the northwest, which features waterfalls, flower-filled valleys, and ravines. The tourist office can provide maps and suggest places to visit. To reach the park, take the IP-4 west for 10km (6.25 miles), then turn onto the N304 heading towards Mondim de Bastro and Campeã. This scenic drive takes you through some of the most picturesque parts of Trás-os-Montes, though you’ll first need to pass through the drab modern suburbs of Vila Real, which are in stark contrast to the charming historic core.

History of Vila Real

Vila Real: Early Beginnings

Vila Real was founded in 1289 by King Dinis of Portugal. Its name, meaning “Royal Town,” reflects its early significance as a regal settlement.

Vila Real: Medieval Era

During the medieval period, Vila Real flourished as a strategic and commercial hub. Its location on the Corgo River made it a vital center for trade and defense.

Vila Real: Renaissance and Baroque Influence

The town saw significant growth during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, with the construction of impressive mansions, churches, and palaces that still stand today.

Vila Real: Modern Developments

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Vila Real continued to expand and modernize, becoming an important cultural and economic center in the Trás-os-Montes region.

Visiting Vila Real for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Vila Real on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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This complete guide to Vila Real not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Vila Real and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Casa de Mateus

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Marcoslopes86

The Casa de Mateus palace, constructed in the first half of the 18th century and featuring the skilled hand of Nicolau Nasoni, is located on a vast estate and surrounded by stunning gardens. It is considered one of Portugal's most exquisite examples of baroque civil architecture. The interior of the palace boasts intricately carved wood ceilings, furniture from various periods,…

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Location: Fundação Da Casa De Mateus, Casa de Mateus, Vila Real, Portugal | Website | Distance: 2.4km

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Visiting Casa de Mateus

We recommend to rent a car in Portugal through Discover Cars, they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies. Book your rental car here.

A day trip from Vila Real offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Vila Real provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary. If you are looking to rent a car in Portugal I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Peso da Régua

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Vitor Oliveira

Peso da Régua is a town located in the Alto Douro wine region in Northern Portugal, and it is considered the capital of the Upper Douro province. The town is situated on the banks of the Douro River, and it is an important center for the production and trade of port wine, which has been the main economic activity in…

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Visiting Peso da Régua

Here is a complete selection of hotel options in Vila Real . Feel free to review each one and choose the stay that best suits your needs.

Pinhão (Alijó)

CC BY-SA 3.0 / jfreire

Pinhão is a small town located in the heart of the Douro Valley wine region in Northern Portugal. It is situated on the banks of the Douro River, surrounded by rolling hills covered in vineyards. The town is often considered to be one of the most picturesque in the region, with its traditional whitewashed houses and red-roofed buildings. Pinhão is…

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Visiting Pinhão (Alijó)

Lamego

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Vitor Oliveira

Lamego is a city located in the Viseu District in Northern Portugal. It is situated in the Douro Valley region, known for its picturesque landscapes and world-renowned wine production. Lamego has a rich history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to prehistoric times. In the Roman period, the city was an important center for trade and agriculture, and later…

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Visiting Lamego

Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Concierge.2C

Situated on Mount St. Stephen (Monte de Santo Estêvão), the Marian shrine constructed between the 18th and 20th centuries attracts pilgrims from across the country, particularly on September 8th, the Nativity of the Virgin and the pinnacle of the festivities in honor of Our Lady of Remedies. The celebrations usually feature fireworks, musical performances, and a range of sports and…

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Location: Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, Lamego, Portugal | Hours: Winter: 8.30 a.m.- 1.30 p.m. / 1.30 p.m.-6.00 p.m.; summer 8.30 a.m. - 7.00 p.m. | Distance: 24.1km

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Visiting Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios

Castelo de Numão

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Vitor Oliveira

The Castle of Numão is a medieval castle located in the village of Numão, in the northern region of Portugal. The castle dates back to the 12th century, when it was built by the first king of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques, as a strategic fortress to defend the Portuguese borders from the Spanish Kingdom of León. The castle is situated…

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Location: Castelo de Numão, Portugal | Distance: 43.9km

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Visiting Castelo de Numão

Guimarães

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Feliciano Guimarães

Guimarães, often regarded by the Portuguese as the birthplace of their country, is blessed with an abundance of riches that can be almost overwhelming. Nestled at the base of a mountain range, this city, which served as the first capital of Portugal, has managed to preserve a medieval ambience at its core. It was in Guimarães where Afonso Henríques, the…

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Visiting Guimarães

Vila Nova de Foz Côa

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Aires Almeida

Vila Nova de Foz Côa is a municipality located in Northern Portugal, in the district of Guarda. The municipality covers an area of approximately 398 square kilometers and has a population of around 6,500 people. The town of Vila Nova de Foz Côa is situated on the banks of the Douro River and is known for its rich history and…

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Visiting Vila Nova de Foz Côa

Braga

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Feliciano Guimarães

Braga is a town steeped in history, with a plethora of churches, palaces, gardens, and fountains visible almost everywhere you turn. The Romans knew it as Bracara Augusta, and it has been inhabited by various conquerors, including the Suevi, Visigoths, and Moors. For centuries, it has served as an archiepiscopal seat and pilgrimage site, with the Visigoths reputed to have…

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Visiting Braga

Porto

Porto or Oporto is the second-largest city in Portugal, the capital of the Oporto District, and one of the Iberian Peninsula's major urban areas. Oporto city proper, which is the entire municipality of Porto, is small compared to its metropolitan area, with an estimated population of just 231,800 people in a municipality with only 41.42 km2. Porto's metropolitan area has…

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Visiting Porto

Barcelos

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Krzysztof Golik

Barcelos is a picturesque town in Northern Portugal, celebrated for its vibrant markets, artisanal craftsmanship, and traditional Portuguese charm. One of the main attractions for visitors is the weekly market, one of the largest and most historic in the country. This bustling event offers a mix of fresh produce, hand-painted ceramics, textiles, and regional delicacies, creating a colorful and lively…

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Visiting Barcelos

Espinho

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Ricardo Saraiva de Almeida

Espinho, located in northern Portugal, is a charming coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, seafood delicacies, and relaxed atmosphere. The town’s golden sands and rolling Atlantic waves make it a popular destination for beach lovers and surfers alike. Praia de Espinho, one of the main beaches, offers stunning sea views and a lively boardwalk lined with restaurants and cafés,…

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Visiting Espinho

Esposende

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Otávio Nogueira

Esposende, a coastal gem in northern Portugal, offers visitors a relaxed atmosphere and a beautiful mix of sea, river, and countryside. Located between Porto and Viana do Castelo, it sits at the mouth of the Cávado River and is part of the Green Coast (Costa Verde), a region known for its natural beauty and temperate climate. The town is ideal…

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Visiting Esposende