Vila Real: jewel among greenery

Enjoying a stunning location among rural areas, Vila Real is a scenic place to visit. The town can be found at the confluence of two rivers, the Rio Cabril and the Rio Corgo. It is an important academic centre whose Old Town is riddled with stunning examples of interesting landmarks.

Try local specialties at one of the restaurants, take a stroll along the romantic streets, or go on a cycling trip around the town – all of that and even more can be experienced during a holiday trip to Vila Real.

The best place to start your journey around Vila Real is, of course, the Old Town. Colourful houses, interesting dining venues, and plenty of plazas create the quaint ambience that can be felt at every corner of this area.

One of the most notable highlights of the Old Town is the Cathedral of Vila Real. It is an instance of Gothic architecture dating back to the 15th century. If you search for more examples of religious edifices, you should definitely head for Igreja de São Pedro offering a great insight into Baroque architectural style. 

After a short visit at the church, you can also head to Capela Nova located at a stone’s throw away. With its stunning facade, the 17th-century chapel will surprise even the most demanding globetrotters.

If you want to take a short break from the town centre, you can consider a visit at Miradouro de Trás-do-Cemitério. It is a picturesque viewpoint that will be a perfect spot to take a couple of snapshots for your family photo album. From here, you’ll have the opportunity to admire both the Rio Corgo and the Rio Cabril.

For those holidaymakers who are interested in a tour around museums, Vila Real offers plenty to choose from. You should definitely try Archaeology and Numismatic Museum, Geology Museum, Ethnographic Museum, or Vila Real Museum. The last one will bring you closer to topic of the town’s eventful past.

Right outside the town limits, you can venture into the Alvão Natural Park which is home to numerous animal and bird species. The stunning nature park offers two interesting zones, namely Upper Zone and Basal Zone both with unique flora and plenty of interesting geological forms.

One of Portugal’s stunning Baroque masterpieces is surely the 18th-century Casa de Mateus. It was designed by Nicolau Nasoni, an Italian architect. There is a possibility to participate in a guided tour around the palace which will take you on a journey to the past. 

If you’d like your adventure to be comfortable and convenient, you should definitely consider renting a car. Finding your dream rental vehicle will be a piece of cake thanks to the large choice of car rental companies available in major Portuguese cities and at airports.

There are plenty of roads connecting Vila Real to other interesting places on the Portuguese map. The most convenient way to get to other locations is to follow main roads such as A24, A7, and A4. Remember that Portugal has implemented a system of toll roads that requires you to pay a certain amount of money at designated gates. In order to make your life easier, you can get a vehicle equipped with a transponder, a special electronic device that allows you to pay tolls without the need to stop at each gate.