This northern Portuguese city has a 13th-century cathedral and the baroque Mateus Palace. Racing fans gather annually for the street circuit World Touring Car Championship.
Vila Real, a city in northern Portugal, rises above the Corgo River gorge on a scenic plateau. You can walk through the baroque gardens of Mateus Palace, examine ancient Roman inscriptions at Panóias, or trek the mountain paths of Alvão Natural Park. The city's streets contain 16th-century mansions with detailed family crests carved above their doors, while thousands of university students fill the cafes and shops with activity.
Getting to Vila Real
The city lies 100 kilometers east of Porto. While there's no train connection, regular buses run from Porto (1.5 hours) and Lisbon (5 hours) through companies like Rede Expressos and Rodonorte. If you're driving, take the A4 motorway from Porto for a one-hour journey.
Weather and Climate in Vila Real
Winters are cold and wet, with temperatures dropping to 0°C (32°F) and occasional snow. Summer temperatures reach 30°C (86°F) but the season is short. Plan your visit in spring or fall for mild temperatures and smaller crowds.
Mateus Palace
Walk 4 kilometers from the city center to reach this baroque mansion. The 18th-century palace interior includes hand-carved wooden ceilings and period furniture. Wander through the formal gardens with their 35-meter cedar tunnel, boxwood hedges, and reflecting pool. The palace library contains rare books, including an early copy of 'Os LusÃadas'. Open daily 9:30-17:30, entry €10.
Panóias Archaeological Site
Visit this 2nd and 3rd-century Roman site to see granite rocks carved with Latin and Greek inscriptions. The rocks contain basins and cavities once used in sacrificial ceremonies. Information panels explain the ancient rituals performed here.
Walking the Historic Center
Start at the 19th-century Town Hall on Avenida Carvalho Araújo and walk toward the Gothic Cathedral. Look for 16th-century houses with Manueline windows and wrought-iron balconies along the way. Stop at Capela Nova church to see its baroque architecture and 18th-century azulejo tiles.
Modern Vila Real
The University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro brings 7,000 students to Vila Real. You can attend performances at the Vila Real Theater or visit the Sound and Image Museum. Watch international touring car races at the Circuito Internacional, where drivers compete on the city's street circuit.
Alvão Natural Park
Hike through 7,220 hectares of mountain terrain north of Vila Real. Follow marked trails past waterfalls and through valleys. Look for golden eagles soaring overhead and visit traditional villages built from slate and schist. In remote areas, you might hear wolves howling at night.
