Things to do in Vila Real

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

0_b542cd4f-6361-46b2-8519-23bef7eb1aa3_raw
The Mateus Palace is a palace located in the civil parish of Mateus, municipality of Vila Real, Portugal. The three primary buildings are the manor, the winery and the chapel. The winery buildings date from the 16th century and were modified in the 1800s. Architect Nicolau Nasoni was involved in the project for the construction of the palace, which took place in the 18th century, possibly between 1739 and 1743, according to one expert. The work was authorized by António José Botelho Mourão, 3rd Count of Mateus. The current manor replaced the former family house which was built in the same location in the early 1600s. In 1910, it was classified as a National Monument. The palace is owned by the Mateus Foundation. I had the pleasure to visit the Mateus palace a few times during my tours. Each of every time I was blown away with the richness and the beauty what it can offer to those who decide to visit it. #history #portugal #thenorth #visitportugal #monument #vilareal #mateus
Casa de Mateus in Vila Real - Portugal
The Mateus Palace (Portuguese: Mateus Palace, Solar Matthew or Matthew's House) is a palace located in the civil parish of Mateus, municipality of Vila Real, Portugal. Architect Nicholas Nasoniwas Involved in the project for the construction of the palace, Which redbourn place in the 18th century.
litlle but precious
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Most popular activities in Vila Real

Tours & day trips

See all 145 activities
Douro Valley Tour: 2 Vineyard Visits, River Cruise, Winery Lunch

Douro Valley Tour: 2 Vineyard Visits, River Cruise, Winery Lunch

Activity duration is 10 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 963 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥17,385 per adult
Douro Valley Tour: 2 Vineyard Visits, River Cruise, Winery LunchOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 62 activities
Full Day Private Tour to the Douro Valley - Lisbon/Porto/Algarve

Full Day Private Tour to the Douro Valley - Lisbon/Porto/Algarve

Activity duration is 12 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥128,103 per traveler*
Full Day Private Tour to the Douro Valley - Lisbon/Porto/AlgarveOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 23 activities
Buggy Tour Offroad - Polaris RZR 4x4

Buggy Tour Offroad - Polaris RZR 4x4

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 10 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥10,980 per adult
Buggy Tour Offroad - Polaris RZR 4x4Opens in new tab

Cruises & boat tours

See all 8 activities
Douro Valley Tour: 2 Vineyard Visits, River Cruise, Winery Lunch

Douro Valley Tour: 2 Vineyard Visits, River Cruise, Winery Lunch

Activity duration is 10 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 963 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥17,385 per adult
Douro Valley Tour: 2 Vineyard Visits, River Cruise, Winery LunchOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 5 activities
Mountain Horseback Ride & Lunch

Mountain Horseback Ride & Lunch

Activity duration is 7 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥43,921 per adult
Mountain Horseback Ride & LunchOpens in new tab

What to do in Vila Real

Discover the most popular places to visit in Vila Real

Nature in its purest form. Few people, large spaces and many interesting places to visit.

Parque Natural do Alvao

Explore the great outdoors at Parque Natural do Alvao, a lovely green space in Vila Marim. You can enjoy the wineries while in the area.

Parque Natural do Alvao

Mateus Palace

You can find out about the history of Mateus with a stop at Mateus Palace. Stroll along the riverfront in this relaxing area, or check out its wineries.

Mateus Palace

Natur Waterpark

Bring the family to Natur Waterpark and enjoy some excitement at this theme park in Andrães.

Natur Waterpark

Cathedral of Vila Real

Cathedral of Vila Real is just one of the places to see in São Dinis, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels?

Cathedral of Vila Real

Panoias

You can find out about the history of Constantim e Vale de Nogueiras when you stop by Panoias. Stroll along the riverfront in this relaxing area, or check out its wineries.

Panoias

Museu Etnográfico de Vila Real

Enjoy an outing to Museu Etnográfico de Vila Real during your stay in Vila Real. Wander the riverfront in this relaxing area.

Museu Etnográfico de Vila Real

Foundation of Casa de Mateus

Foundation of Casa de Mateus is just one of the places to see in Mateus, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels?

Foundation of Casa de Mateus

Carreira Gardens

Explore the great outdoors at Carreira Gardens, a lovely green space in Vila Real. Wander the riverfront in this relaxing area.

Carreira Gardens

Miradouro de Trás-do-Cemitério

You can learn about the history of Vila Real with a trip to Miradouro de Trás-do-Cemitério. Wander the riverfront in this relaxing area.

Miradouro de Trás-do-Cemitério

Popular day trips from Vila Real

Amarante probably had its origin in the primitive peoples who inhabited the Aboboreira mountain range (inhabited since the Stone Age), although the exact name of its founders is unknown. However, it only began to gain importance and visibility after the arrival of São Gonçalo (1187-1259), born in Tagilde, Guimarães, who settled here after pilgrimage through Rome and Jerusalem. To this saint is attributed the construction of the old bridge over the River Tâmega.

Amarante

Portugal, Douro wine growing Region. View of the town of Sabrosa and it's baroque style parish church steeple.

Sabrosa

Entre montes, montanhas, vinha e oliveiras, o rio Tua com um pequeno cais ao fundo

Alijó

Vallée du Douro, Portugal

Peso da Régua

Frequently asked questions

Is Vila Real worth visiting?
Whether you plan to discover the cultural attractions and local charm or try regional foods and go on outdoor adventures, there are many things to do in Vila Real.
How do I spend a day in Vila Real?
When you've checked off top attractions like Natur Waterpark and Casa de Mateus, spend the rest of your day enjoying Vila Real's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Vila Real?
The top tourist attraction in Vila Real is Dourocaves Winery, so don't forget to include it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Vila Real?
You can easily enjoy popular attractions like Natur Waterpark, Casa de Mateus and Palácio de Mateus with a three-day getaway in Vila Real. On average, many travelers book three days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stick around longer and head to Lamego.
Is Vila Real a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Vila Real, like Casa de Mateus and Palácio de Mateus, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's popular neighborhoods on foot. Just 0.64 kilometers from the city center of Vila Real is São Dinis and Arroios is 3 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Vila Real with kids?
If you're looking for sights and activities for all of your group, we've got some fabulous ideas for what to do in Vila Real with kids.

What to do in Vila Real for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or fan of nature, there's lots of things to do in Vila Real for adults including Dourocaves Winery.
Are there free things to do in Vila Real?
From relaxing in parks to wandering around hip neighborhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Vila Real. If you're looking for inspiration, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Miradouro de Trás-do-Cemitério is a must for anyone wishing to save on their travel adventures.