Location: Vila Real
Top Things to do in Vila Real
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What to do and see in Vila Real, Northern Portugal: The Best Things to do
Vila Real is a municipality and simultaneously the capital and largest city of the Vila Real District, northern Portugal. The population in 2011 was 51,850, in an area of 378.80 square kilometres.
Restaurants in Vila Real
1. Cascata de Pincaes
2. Parque Natural de Alvao
3. UTAD Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Since 1988, a new botanical garden with thematic collections and ornamented spaces was founded in Portugal. The Botanical Garden of the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (JBUTAD) is one of the largest botanical gardens in Europe (130 Ha), and about 1000 plant species from the four corners of the world can be here observed.At the same time, this botanical garden is specialized in the propagation and conservation of plant of western Iberian Peninsula. This conservation effort will be gathered not only throughout their thematic collections, but also in spaces intended for integration and ornaments of the campus buildings. In fact, the current demands of society are clearly reflected in this innovative garden, with one of the most advanced and innovate systems of information for their visitors.The Botanical Garden of UTAD intended as an example of how any space is good for a sustainable garden. The integration with a constant movement of people and vehicles, in the urban environment of the city of Vila Real, is considered as an example of this purpose. People and plants live here a fraternal relationship, which shows us how the impossible can be reached. Visit this Botanical Garden and the Geology Museum of the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, and you will discover the natural history and the soul of one country.
4. Capela Nova ( Igreja de Sao Paulo )
5. Santuario De Panoias
6. Quinta do Infantado
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Established in 1816, Quinta do Infantado has 46 ha of vines, 100% class A (like a Grand Cru). Certified organic viticulture in 12 ha, sustainable in the remaining 34 ha. The wines, Douro (showing a sunny terroir and freshness) and Porto (drier than usual thanks to a longer fermentation), are exclusively estate grown. Quinta do Infantado in 3 words: balance, terroir and elegance.
Reviewed By azuki
We visited this vineyard as part of the tour at Barefoot George (which I highly recommend). I really enjoy visit the smaller producers, where I get to talk to the owner/winemaker, rather than listening to a canned speech by a company employee. The name, Infantado, refers to Infante D. Pedro. The vineyard was established for the prince who became King D. Pedro IV of Portugal and D. Pedro I of Brazil. Today, the vineyard has been in the hands of the Roseira family for over a century, with its sixth generation in wine production. We entered the dark, cool cellars, where they have some gigantic wine barrels. Everything looks really ancient. I was startled by some noise. The owner said, oh, don't worry, the bats are harmless, they eat bugs. While reassured that there is no bloodsucking fiend, I wondered how this conversation would go with a U.S, food safety inspector. The vineyard is situated in the valley, and while it does not provide gorgeous vista, the view from the tasting room is quite nice. We got to enjoy some wonderful port wine after the tour, as we chat with the owner on everything from Vivino to the future of port wine. It was a most wonderful visit, and needless to say, we bought a few bottles so we can relive the memories at home.
7. Casa de Mateus
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 979 reviews
Reviewed By Carspre - Wilmington, United States
This visit was via a Viking River cruise excursion and was an already familiar place due to the picture on the famous Mateus rosé wine bottle. We all immediately recognized the home as soon as we rounded the last curve of the entrance drive. The grounds were fun to explore before we entered the home. A local guide gave excellent information about the home, the earliest ancestors of the family as well as the current family. Truly, the past and present owners are remarkable people who have served Portugal in other capacities than just estate owners. Although Mateus wine is definitely not my favorite at this point in my life, I was happy to order it for dinner on board the Viking ship that night. One glass was enough to toast the history of my youth as well as the owners of this gracious and iconic home. It was such a pleasure to visit this beautiful quinta.
8. Museu de Arqueologia e Numismatica de Vila Real
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 30 reviews
