Vila Real

Situated at the foot of the Serra do Marão among vineyards and orchards, Vila Real is a beautiful small city embellished by numerous patrician houses of the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries. The city has developed in recent years, partially due to the University of Tras-os-Montes and Alto Douro, which gave the city the excitement that was missing.

With the intersection of transport routes in the Upper Douro, it is a good starting point for exploring the Douro valley and Alvão Natural Park.

This bustling city is famous for its black pottery pieces that are manufactured in the vicinity and also for its racing circuit.

Vila Real is the capital of the district that includes the following counties: Alijó, Boticas, Chaves, Mesão Frio, Mondim de Basto, Montalegre, Murça, Peso da Régua, Ribeira da Pena, Sabrosa, Santa Marta de Penaguião, Valpaços, Vila Pouca de Aguiar, Vila Real. 



Crafts

The small village of Bisalhães, 6 km from Vila Real is famous for its black pottery, like the pitcher of secrecy, for example, from which not everyone can drink at first try. Other items of importance are the linens, pottery, basketry, cooperage, the tin, embroidery and lace, wood miniatures, bullock carts, harvest baskets and rabelo boats, weaving, singing, clogs and tapestry.

To visit

Chaves’ historic center

Pitões das Júnias Village

Misarela bridge – Ruivães

Alto Douro Wine Region

Casa de Mateus – Vila Real

Alvão Natural Park and surrounding villages