Things to do in Vila Real

Leisure activities in the Vila Real area

• Centro Cultural António Aleixo: Ruad Teófilo Braga, 8900-303 Vila Real de Santo António
  Tel: 281 510 045

• Sports Complex Vila Real de Santo António: Estádio Municipal de Vila Real de Santo António
  Tel: 281 510 960 
  Fax: 281 510 965
   
  

• River cruises on the Guadiana river (between Spain and Portugal)
  'Rio Sul' - Tel: 281 510 200
  'Turismar' - Tel: 281 513 504
  There is also a newspaper kiosk near to the ferry quay which has details of some of the boat trips and cruises.

• Walking in the Eastern Algarve - enjoy meeting new friends and keeping fit at the same time with walks organised by Brian at Moonlight Services.

• Take the ferry across to Spain: They run about every 30 minutes.
   
  

• Visit the surrounding areas within what is known as 'Baixo Guadiana'.  The 'Odiana' organisation, a tourist information organisation which represents the three municipalities of the eastern end of the Algarve (Alcoutim, Castro Marim and Vila Real) has a very good booklet: 'Baixo Guadiana's Tour Guide' showing where to go and what to see.
  Contact: Odiana, Apt.21, 8950 Castro Marim, Algarve. Tel: 815 311 71.

• Casino Montegordo: Daily shows, dinner and dancing and maybe try your luck! Tel: 281 530 800
   
  

• Golf: 'Castro Marim', 'Quinta da Cima' and 'Quinta da Ria' are the closest courses.

• Municipal swimming pool in Vila Real de Santo António - Opening hours:
  Monday to Friday 9h00 to 13h00  and 15h00 to 21h00
  Saturday 9h00 to 13h00 and 15h00 to 19h00.
  
  

• Jeep Safaris through Castro Marim Nature Reserve and to Zonazul beach (Barragem do Beliche): By Flamingo Jeep Safaris, Tel: 919 668 355

Churches in the Vila Real de Santo Antonio area

• Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Encarnação in Vila Real de Santo António was built in the18th century.
   
  

• Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Assunção in the village of Cacela Velha was built in the 16th century and rebuilt in the18th century after being devastated by the earthquake in 1755.
  
  
   

• Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Dores in Monte Gordo.

Galleries and Museums in Vila Real de Santo Antonio

• Manuel Cabanas Museum, Centro Cultural António Aleixo in Rua Teófilo Braga, Vila Real de Santo António: an exhibition of works by painter and engraver Manuel Cabanas and also a large collection of stones once used in the printing process for cans for tuna and sardines.
  Opening hours:
  10.00h to 13.00h and 15.00h to 19.00h,(closed Saturdays and Sundays)
  During July and August the opening hours are:
  16.00h to midnight. At weekends from 20.00h to midnight.  

• Centro de Artes e Ofícios in Manta Rota: Open in July and August from 6pm to midnight.