A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy

Discover the beauty of this enchanting Portuguese town

Vila Real is a city located in northern Portugal, in the Trás-os-Montes region. With its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and delicious cuisine, this destination is perfect for culture and nature lovers.

The historical center of Vila Real

The heart of Vila Real is its charming historic center, where you can wander through cobblestone streets and admire traditional architecture. The市政广场is the ideal starting point, with its beautiful town hall and the Church of São Domingos. Don't miss the Mateus House, an impressive baroque mansion surrounded by lush gardens.

The Mateus Palace

The Mateus Palace is one of Vila Real's main attractions. This 18th-century palace is known for its elegant architecture and beautiful gardens. You can explore the different rooms of the palace, which are decorated with antique furniture and works of art. The gardens are a perfect place to relax and enjoy peace.

The Vila Real Cathedral

The Vila Real Cathedral, also known as the Church of São Domingos, is another must-see tourist spot. This church from the 18th century combines baroque and neoclassical elements, and its interior is impressive. Admire the beautiful azulejos and religious paintings while exploring this sacred place.

The surrounding nature

The area around Vila Real offers a wide variety of natural landscapes that will leave you breathless. The Alvão Natural Park is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts, with its steep mountains, waterfalls, and crystal-clear rivers. You can also visit the Douro Internacional Natural Park, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Douro River and discover a great diversity of flora and fauna.

The gastronomy of Vila Real

You can't visit Vila Real without trying its delicious cuisine. Try the famous roasted kid, a traditional dish of the region, or enjoy the flavors of Portuguese traditional cooking in one of the town's welcoming restaurants. Don't forget to pair your food with a good regional wine, such as Porto wine.

Gastrological Products of Vila Real

Vila Real Ham

Vila Real ham is one of the most prominent gastrological products in the region. It is a cured ham made from high-quality pork known for its excellent flavor. The curing process follows traditional methods, giving it its distinctive aroma and texture. It is perfect for tasting as a tapa or as an ingredient in main dishes.
Goat Cheese

Vila Real goat cheese is another star product of the local cuisine. Made from the region's goat milk, this cheese is characterized by its mild and creamy flavor. It can be enjoyed on its own, in salads, or as an accompaniment to other dishes. It is a delight for cheese lovers.
Douro Region Wine

The Vila Real region is known for its wine production, particularly the wines from the Douro area. These wines are recognized internationally for their quality and flavor. They are primarily made with Touriga Nacional grapes and offer a wide range of flavors, from fruity notes to intense and complex ones.
Fig Dessert

Figs are a much appreciated fruit in Vila Real and are used in the preparation of various traditional desserts. One of the most popular is fig dessert, which consists of fresh figs cooked in syrup and served with cream or ice cream. It is a delicious sweet dish and perfect to finish a meal.

Highlighted Gastronomic Places in Vila Real

If you're looking for places to enjoy the delicious gastronomy of Vila Real, you're in luck. This Portuguese city offers a wide variety of restaurants and taverns that will surprise you. Below, we present some of the most outstanding ones:

Solar dos Presuntos Restaurant

Located right at the heart of Vila Real, the Solar dos Presuntos Restaurant is known for its excellent Portuguese cuisine. Here, you can savor traditional dishes such as bacalao a la brasa, arroz de pato, and the famous lechazo asado. Additionally, its welcoming atmosphere and friendly service make this place an ideal choice for enjoying an unforgettable meal.

Taberna do Largo

If you're seeking a place with charm and good prices, the Taberna do Largo is an excellent option. This cozy establishment offers a wide variety of tapas and typical Portuguese dishes, such as the famous sardinhas assadas, pataniscas de bacalhau, and arroz de marisco. Moreover, its wine list allows you to pair your favorite dishes with the best selection of Portuguese wines.

Sports Activities in Vila Real, Portugal

Football

Vila Real is home to the football club Vila Real, which plays in the third division of Portugal. Tourists can attend a match and experience the passion for Portuguese football.

Bicycling

With its beautiful landscapes and varied terrain, Vila Real is an ideal place for cycling. There are several cycling routes available, both for beginners and more experienced cyclists.

Hiking

The Natural Park of Alvão, located in Vila Real, offers a wide variety of trails for walking and enjoying nature. The trails vary in difficulty, so there are options for all levels of skill.

Water Sports

The Corgo River, which crosses Vila Real, is a popular spot for various water activities such as rowing and kayaking.

Golf

For golf enthusiasts, Vila Real offers several high-quality golf courses. The Vidago Palace Golf Course is one of the most popular and features stunning views of the region.

Places near Vila Real (Portugal)

If you're in Vila Real and want to explore a little more, here are some cities and towns nearby that offer unique tourist and culinary experiences:

Peso da Régua

Peso da Régua, in Portugal, is a charming tourist destination located in the heart of the Duero valley. Known for its vineyards and wineries, it offers visitors the opportunity to taste delicious wines and enjoy breathtaking landscapes while exploring this unique wine region.

Amarante

Amarante, a charming destination in Portugal, perfectly combines its rich history with a delicious cuisine. Discover its cobblestone streets, its famous egg dessert "papos de anjo" and let yourself be captivated by its natural beauty and its exquisite culinary offerings.

Mateus

Mateus is a charming Portuguese village that combines its rich history with a delicious cuisine. Its cobblestone streets and its famous green wine make Mateus an unmissable tourist destination for food lovers and culture enthusiasts.