Travel Guide of Vila Real in Portugal by Influencers and Travelers
Vila Real is the capital and largest city of the Vila Real District, in the North region. It is also the seat of the Douro intermunicipal community and of the Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro historical province.
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The Best Things to Do and Visit in Vila Real
TRAVELERS TOP 10 :
1 - Douro
The University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro is a public university located in the north-eastern city of Vila Real, Portugal.
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2 - Peso da Régua
14 km away
Peso da Régua, commonly known as Régua, is a municipality in northern Portugal, in the district of Vila Real. The population in 2011 was 17,131, in an area of 94.86 km² km².
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3 - Boat Tours in Mondim de Basto
19 km away
Come and cruise the Douro River on this guided Douro Valley boat tour from Pinhão! The Douro Valley is a large region in northern Portugal marked by the passage of the Douro River and known for being one of the oldest wine regions in the world...
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4 - St. Leonardo de Galafura
15 km away
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5 - Mesão Frio
20 km away
Mesão Frio is a municipality in the district of Vila Real in Portugal. The population in 2011 was 4,433, in an area of 26.65 km².
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6 - Hiking in Mondim de Basto
21 km away
Portugal's wines are known worldwide, especially Port wines, as the Douro Valley is the largest wine producing region with terraced vineyards stretching across the valley and the majestic Douro River running through it, which in the past transpo...
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7 - São Pedro
21 km away
The small Chapel of Sao Pedro de Balsemao, is situated in the civil parish of Sé, municipality of Lamego in the northern region of Portugal.
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8 - Valença do Douro
22 km away
Ervedosa do Douro is a civil parish in the municipality of São João da Pesqueira, Portugal. The population in 2011 was 1,294, in an area of 40.24 km².
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9 - Sightseeing | Pinhão
20 km away
Discover the charm of the Douro Valley with a personalized tour and wine tasting at Quinta da Formigosa, a boutique estate renowned for its intimate and exclusive experiences.
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10 - Quinta do Seixo
22 km away
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11 - Lamego
24 km away
Lamego is a city and municipality in the Viseu District, in the Norte Region of the Douro in northern Portugal. Located on the shores of the Balsemão River, the municipality has a population of 26,691, in an area of 165.42 km².
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12 - 4x4 in Porto
16 km away
Discover the beauty of Douro Valley near Porto with a 4x4 Jeep Tour that takes you on an unforgettable journey through the region's vineyards. The adventure begins at 9 am with a warm welcome at your hotel. From there, you'll embark on a scenic route...
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13 - Amarante
28 km away
Amarante is a municipality and municipal seat in the Tâmega e Sousa subregion in northern Portugal. The population in 2011 was 56,264, in an area of 301.33 square kilometres. The city itself had a population of 11,261 in 2001.
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14 - Resende
28 km away
Resende is a municipality in the Viseu District in Portugal. The population in 2011 was 11,364, in an area of 123.35 km². The present mayor is Manuel Garcez Trindade, elected by the Socialist Party. The municipal holiday is September 29.
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15 - Fafe
40 km away
Fafe is a municipality in the northern Portuguese district of Braga. The population in 2021 was 48,502, in an area of approximately. The city itself had a population of 14,144 in 2001. The present mayor is Antero Barbosa, elected by the Socialist Party. The municipal holiday is May 16.
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Book Tours and Activities in Vila Real
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Pictures and Stories of Vila Real from Influencers
Picture from Cristiano Pinto who have traveled to Vila Real
- Mountain trekking in Vila Real, Portugal (not too far from Porto). Shot on iPhone 5. ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Cristiano Pinto | ©Unsplash
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Why should you visit Vila Real ?
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🌲 PlainHow to visit Vila Real ?
Why traveling there?
Vila Real is a picturesque city in Northern Portugal, known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and delicious local cuisine. Traveling to Vila Real offers a chance to experience the authentic Portuguese culture, away from the hustle and bustle of the more touristy cities. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers, as it is surrounded by beautiful natural parks, rivers, and vineyards. Additionally, the city boasts impressive historical sites, such as the 16th-century Mateus Palace and the Vila Real Cathedral.
How to get there?
To reach Vila Real, you can fly into Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO), which is the nearest international airport. From there, you can rent a car or take a bus to Vila Real. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours by car and 2 hours by bus. Alternatively, you can take a train from Porto to Régua, and then a connecting bus to Vila Real. The total journey time using public transportation is around 3 hours.
What to book in advance?
While Vila Real is not as crowded as other popular Portuguese destinations, it is recommended to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the summer months. If you are planning to visit any wineries or participate in wine tastings, it is a good idea to reserve these experiences ahead of time as well.
What are the costs?
Vila Real is a relatively affordable destination compared to other European cities. You can expect to pay around €40-€60 per night for a mid-range hotel, while budget accommodations can be found for as low as €20 per night. Meals at local restaurants are reasonably priced, with a typical meal costing between €10-€20. Entrance fees for attractions such as Mateus Palace are around €12, while most other attractions are free to visit or have minimal fees.
Best things to do
- Visit Mateus Palace, a magnificent 16th-century manor house and gardens.
- Explore the Vila Real Cathedral, a beautiful baroque-style church.
- Stroll through the city's historic center, with its charming streets and squares.
- Discover the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding areas, such as the Alvão Natural Park and the Douro Valley.
- Sample the local cuisine and wine at traditional Portuguese restaurants and wineries.
Where to eat?
1. O Ze Pataco: A popular local restaurant offering traditional Portuguese dishes and a cozy atmosphere.
2. Tasca da Quinta: A charming eatery serving delicious regional cuisine, including the famous Vila Real pastries.
3. Adega Regional A Venda: A wine bar and restaurant with a wide selection of local wines and tasty tapas-style dishes.
Where to stay?
1. Hotel Miracorgo: A comfortable 4-star hotel located in the heart of Vila Real, offering modern amenities and excellent service.
2. Casa Agricola da Levada: A charming guesthouse set in a beautiful rural location, perfect for a relaxing getaway.
3. Quinta da Cumieira: A delightful country house offering stunning views, a swimming pool, and easy access to nearby vineyards.
Off the beaten path
For a unique and unusual experience, visit the Fisgas de Ermelo Waterfall, located in the Alvão Natural Park. This impressive waterfall is one of Portugal's highest and least-known waterfalls. It offers breathtaking views, especially after heavy rainfall. You can hike to the waterfall through the park's beautiful landscapes, where you may spot a variety of flora and fauna, as well as traditional stone villages. This off-the-beaten-path destination will allow you to immerse yourself in the unspoiled beauty of the region and enjoy a truly memorable experience.
Where to Stay in Vila Real
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More Travel spots to explore around Vila Real
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Discover more travel spots to explore around Vila Real
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