Vila Real Travel Guide

Vila Real de Santo António (normally shortened to just Vila Real) is the main border town between Spain and the South-East of Portugal. The closeness of Ayamonte in Spain (just a few minutes ferry journey across the Guadiana River - there is also a new bridge) can be seen in the way that shops show their prices in both currencies. (Some really keen ones even show prices in other currencies as well).

Apart from travelling across the river to Spain the only item of interest to the tourist is the main square. This, cardinally arranged, tiled square tries to emulate that of Seville but while it is worth a look it does not have Seville's ambience or style.