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Óbidos Portugal – The Ultimate Guide to Obidos [2024]

Encircled by medieval walls and defended by a Moorish castle, Óbidos is a village that immediately takes you back in time. To many it’s known as the ‘finest walled village in Portugal’ and for anyone looking to get more out of a trip to Lisbon its one of the top day trips available.

An hour by road, or around two hours by public transport makes it an easy trip too! This popularity lends itself to a hectic day trip, but taking in the walls, or just wondering off the main street, you’ll discover charming village life. It’s a stunningly preserved medieval village, and well known as one of the best tourist destinations in the Lisbon region, and a common stopping point for visitors travelling between Lisbon and Porto.

An Introduction to Óbidos

It’s believed today that Óbidos gets its name from the Latin oppidum. Which means walled city, and those surrounding walls were built in the 1300s. Historically it was known as a place of beauty and wealth and was traditionally owned by the Queen of Portugal. This tradition started in 1282 when the town was gifted to Queen Isabel on her wedding day by King Dinis. It was held by the Royal family of Portugal all the way up until 1883. Today it’s also known as creative town and is part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Attracting a wide range of artists and creatives, and holding a yearly Literary festival called FOLIO (International Literary Festival of Óbidos).

What to see and do in Óbidos ?

Wondering the streets of Óbidos you’ll discover whitewashed houses, cobbled alleys, colourful flowers, and in many ways, living history. The castle walls give you an amazing view of the entire village and the surrounding area, and are well worth the hour or two spent walking around the entire village.

The Porta da Vila

The Porta da Vila is the main gateway into Óbidos from the south. It’s the usual entry point for people arriving by car, or by bus. It’s the closest entry to the bus stop and both free and paid car parking.

The Porta da Vila is an impressive and somewhat unusual double gateway, with a chapel and balcony in the middle of it. The gateway was designed like this to prevent cavalry charges and a storming of the city, by forcing attackers through an elbow. You’ll find other examples of these fortifications at other city and castle gateways in Portugal like in Silves.

From the outside of the gate, the door to the right of the gateway enters the chapel of Nossa Senhora da Piedade, the patron saint of Obidos. Between the two gateways and inside of the elbow, you’ll find a balcony which served as an oratory, and lavish Azulejo tiles that depict the Passion of Christ. These beautiful painted blue and white tiles date to around 1740. Continuing through the gate will lead you straight to Rua Direita – Óbidos’ main street. However, before heading down this street we recommend you taking in the incredible city walls and Porta da Vila from above.

Muralhas da Cidade – The Town Walls of Óbidos

An immediate left after walking through the Porta da Vila will lead you to a steep staircase which will take you above the open air double gateway. Here you can see the defensive idea behind the elbow gateway. With two doors and a tight corner to force themselves through. Any attacker of Óbidos would then have to face the defenders striking them from above while attempting to storm the towns second gate. It’s here you can also decide to take on the full walk of the town walls, or even just a section of it. The ancient town walls encircling the historic centre of Óbidos remain surprisingly intact, thanks in part to their restoration in the 1930s.

It’s possible to walk the entire length of the walls, a complete lap is around 3km and will take you around the Castelo de Óbidos and all the way around the town. However, the path can be steep and uneven at times, and there is no guide or safety rail. Children need to be supervised, and if you’re afraid of heights or steep drops, it’s probably not recommended. There are also several narrow sections with people passing on both sides of the walkway, so you’ve been warned! That said, we loved it, and found it a fascinating and peaceful walk. Away from the main sections, the Porta da Vila and the Castle you’ll find very few people attempt the full walk!

Baloiço Óbidos – Óbidos Swing

Is there an Insta famous location in the world that doesn’t have a wooden swing and it’s accompanying hash tag? You’ll find Óbidos’ very own version slightly hidden and a little bit more adventurous to get to. You’ll need to walk the eastern section of the walls, and head down a stair case into a small wooded area. Or find the stairs upward from a very quiet street below. Being slightly hidden means it’s also very quiet, it’s a shady spot to relax, take in Óbidos array of historic rooftops and get your Instagram post!  

Castelo de Óbidos – Óbidos Castle

Following the castle walls will lead you directly to Castelo de Óbidos. There’s no way around or through the castle so you’ll have to head down from the walls and walk across the front of the castle. The castle dates to around 1148. Although it’s believed to originally be the site of a Roman fortress, that was then adapted by the Moorish. In 1138, it was conquered by the Christian armies, repaired, and once again expanded. During the reign of King D. Manuel I, a luxurious palace was constructed within the castle walls.

Today that palace is an upscale Pousada that you can stay the night , or more if you wish! It’s one of the most luxury hotels in the Óbidos area so you’ll have to pay for it (€150 a night in the low season, and as high as €300 in the high season). However, you’ll get to experience the restored rooms and traditional architecture, as well as the historic setting within the castle walls.

Igreja de São Tiago

Just a few steps from the castle is Igreja de São Tiago. The original church dates to around 1150 and was intended as a place of worship for the castles royal inhabitants. It was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake and rebuilt to align with Rua Direta . Today it’s an auditorium and a bookshop and has to be one of our favourites in Portugal. Despite looking every bit like a church from outside, you’ll find shelves of books, cosy corners, and sofas. During the literary festival it hosts authors and sit downs.

Rua Direita

Rua Direita is the main street and serves as the commercial hub of Óbidos. It runs directly from the main gate – Porta da Vila, all the way to the Castle. It’s lined with lots of shops, cafes and even a few restaurants. You’ll find souvenirs, both the tacky and upscale kind, as well as local arts and crafts, all housed within the buildings of an original medieval street.  It’s one of the most popular, and hectic parts of Óbidos and can often feel like a funnel.

As the main thoroughfare from one end of Óbidos to the other, it can feel very hectic and overcrowded. However, it is part of the Óbidos experience, with many people enjoying the hectic nature, standing café spaces on the street, and the mix of buskers. That said, during the late afternoons, once the day trippers and coach tours have moved on, the overall pace of the street gets a lot more relaxing, allowing you to take your time, shop, and even taste ginjinha at a much slower pace.

Ginjinha d’Óbidos – Sour Cherry Liquor

Mentioning ginjinha, it’s probably about time we dived in. What exactly is ginjinha, and what’s it got to do with Óbidos? Ginjinha which is often shortened to Ginja, is a Portuguese liqueur made by infusing ginja berries (sour cherries) in alcohol – usually a local brandy (aguardente) or a wine spirit. Supposedly, and many of the ginjinha sellers in will tell you that it originated with monks in Obidos, but that’s firmly disputed. It’s a drink that’s associated with Lisbon, as well Alcobaça, and Covilhã. That said it is still a very typical drink from Óbidos and firmly part of the tourist experience.

You’ll find multiple brands and distributors, some of the large ones that you’ll find in supermarkets, as well as a few more artisanal producers too. The hardest decision will be whether to have it with, or without the chocolate cup. Traditionalists will tell you the chocolate cup is a recent invention, to appeal to the tourists, but it’s also the go to method of serving. No need to clean, or dispose of a cup, when the cup is edible! For people not wanting an alcoholic drink, or children, you’ll find other types of drinks also available – we tried a non-alcoholic lemonade flavoured with ginja that was delicious.

A Day Trip to Óbidos?

Óbidos is widely regarded and advertised as one of the best day trips in the Lisbon region. For visitors to Lisbon it offers an experience that can not be found within the metropolitan city. Óbidos is convenient in that it is only around 1 or 2 hours travel (depending on if you are taking public or private transport), and can be explored in a few hours. Quick visits can be done in 2 hours, but we do recommend a few hours at least! Óbidos is also a fantastic stopping point for travellers between Lisbon and Porto, providing a rest and some sight seeing on the journey between the two cities.

Óbidos for More than a Day Trip?

Óbidos can make a fantastic day trip but also suffers because of this. During the day the arrival of public transport, and coach trips means continual waves of tourists. Not to mention school trips and younger tourers. This can often mean that the main entrance gets ‘clogged’, and Rua Direita seems exceptionally busy. However these waves of tourists rarely venture from the main sites, and generally move on quite quickly. For that reason we do recommend you to visit early in the morning, or late in the afternoon. During the summer season, the heat of the sun during the day can also be a bit much! The lunch time rush can also be exhausting. However, in the late afternoon, the town feels completely different, relaxed dining and drinking with the few visitors that decided to stay.

Organised Tours to Óbidos

As one of the most popular trips, there are a wide variety of tours and trips available to be booked. Several trips are available that only go to Óbidos for around and these can be found for around €50 a person. Do note that these are large group tours – coach trips that will start in Lisbon and bring you back in the same day.

Alternatively, you’ll find larger, multi-destination tours that are combined with nearby Batalha, Nazaré, Fátima, or Alcobaça. These are a great way of seeing lots of towns and sites in a short space of time. However, they are often rushed and don’t allow you much time in each place. Many only allow an hour in Óbidos which is usually just enough time to walk along the Rua Direita to the castle and back, and a quick stop for a ginjinha. You can also opt for a private organised tour, which are usually much more customisable, and much more expensive. You’ll have the benefit of a private guide, who can tailor your trip exactly to what you need. Here’s our pick of our favourite and best reviewed tours:

• Lisbon: Day Trip to Fatima, Alcobaça & Óbidos with Transfers (€75 per person)
• From Lisbon: Fátima, Óbidos, Batalha and Nazaré Group Tour (€80 per person)
• From Lisbon: Fátima, Nazaré and Óbidos Private Tour (€375 per group)

Should you Stay in Óbidos?

For the more adventurous traveller, Óbidos can make a fantastic base to explore the wider central Portugal region and coastline. Its convenient location means you can access the coastal towns of Peniche, Foz do Arellho, and Nazaré very easily, without having to experience the resort feeling and hectic atmosphere of those towns during the summer months. As we’ve said, after the peak hours, Óbidos changes completely. Drinking wine as the sun sets over the surrounding landscape is an experience like no other. That said, staying in Óbidos is not for everyone, it is a quiet town and after dining there really is not much to do other than wonder the streets!

The best places to stay in Óbidos

As a town of 3000 in a small area, Óbidos has a very small number of hotels, guest houses and private accommodation. For equal parts of luxury, and character, than the best place to stay is the Pousada Castelo de Óbidos , there is simply nothing else like it anywhere nearby. However, for something more reasonable in cost, but no less charming, the Óbidos History Hotel is also located within the city walls in a historic building. Do note that all the hotels and guest houses within the walled town are housed within historic and often small buildings! For the full list of available accommodation, you can check this list here.

How to Get to Óbidos from Lisbon – Public transport between Lisbon and Óbidos

Lisbon to Óbidos is the most popular route and the most common type of trip. Óbidos can be reached by both bus and train. The quicker of the two methods is the express bus operated by Rodatejo. Which departs Lisbon from a bus stop in Campo Grande. If you’re staying in Lisbon, you can reach Campo Grande on the metro by using either the green (Verde) or yellow (Amarela) metro lines from anywhere in the city. A single bus ticket costs €8, and you need to by two separate single tickets as no return tickets are available. On week days there are hourly departures from 7am, at weekends and on public holidays, departures are approximately every two hours starting from 7.30am. The route is called the Rápida Verde and the full timetable is listed on the Rodatejo website.

Alternatively, you can take the train as Óbidos has its own train station. However, the train takes longer and can be more complicated. The quickest and most direct train departs Lisboa Entrecampos, and stops at Sete Rios before continuing north on the regional line. This train takes around 2 hours and costs €8.50 but can take over three hours depending on the route. Alternative routes are available from Rossio and Oriente, but these involve multiple train lines and stops to swap trains. For this reason, often the bus is the recommended method of transport between Lisbon and Óbidos. The full time tables can be found on the Comboios de Portugal website .

What to Combine a Day Trip to Ó bidos with?

Have longer, or want to get more out of a trip to Óbidos? This area of Portugal is dense with historical towns, beach resorts, and other incredible sites, so its easy to combine Óbidos with visits to other nearby places. The UNESCO heritage site of Batalha and its monastery is 45 minutes away by car. The beach resort and surfers paradise of Nazaré is even closer at around 30 minutes away. Not to mention the smaller beach towns of São Martinho do Porto, Foz do Arelho, and Peniche. This region of Portugal is dense in activities and sites for you to explore. Slightly further you have the religious town of Fátima, and another UNESCO world heritage site in the riverside town of Tomar . There’s a lot more to this region than just Óbidos!

Should you Visit Óbidos?

Óbidos is a wonderful place to visit, or even base yourself in to explore the slower paced Central Portugal . Not only is it an authentic village that offers a very different experience to Lisbon. But you’ll find great food and local history. Óbidos makes a great day trip, and can be combined with nearby Batalha , or Nazaré for a complete experience to fully absorb yourself in Portuguese history and culture. It’s also a great stopping point for travelers heading north of Lisbon and well worth a visit!

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Óbidos Tourism Guide

The essential travel planner.

E nchanting Óbidos is one of Portugal’s most beautiful destinations and one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval villages or walled towns . Everywhere you turn is a postcard view, and that has inevitably made it one of the country’s most visited sites. But tourism hasn’t ruined its authenticity, with around two thousand people still living in its pretty whitewashed houses with gothic doorways, potted plants and bougainvillea, all inside the crenellated walls of an ancient castle. Many of those people still dedicate their lives to the traditional handicrafts and the famous local drink, Ginja de Óbidos, sold on the only real street in town, Rua Direita.

Although the name Óbidos derives from the Latin oppidum , meaning “walled city,” the quaint village dates back to Portugal's Celtic period, and was only later taken over by the Romans in the 1st century AD. They created the Roman city of Eburobrittium, and were followed by the Visigoths and other Germanic tribes in the 5th century. The Moors took it over in the 8th century, and finally Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques, conquered it in 1149. It then became property of Portuguese queens until the 1800s.

The walls you see surrounding the picturesque village today were built in the 1300s, and although they were partly damaged in an earthquake in 1755, they were completely restored in the early 20th century, starting in 1910.

Óbidos was actually an important port at one time, but the river silted up in the 16th century. Due to its ties to the royal family, however, it continued to prosper. The fact that it’s only about 80km north from the capital also helped, and today it's a popular day trip from Lisbon . Many travelers also stop by on their way between Lisbon and Porto.

Why Visit Óbidos

Not only is it one of Europe's best-preserved medieval villages, it’s the best example of a traditional Portuguese village . In 1951 the castle and the entire village were classified as national monuments and, in 2007, it was voted one of the seven wonders of Portugal. It’s also conveniently located just one hour north of Lisbon, making it an easy day trip.

What You Need to Know Before You Go to Óbidos

It’s known as “The Wedding Present Town” - King Dinis and Queen Isabel spent their honeymoon in Obidos in 1282, and the king ended up giving her the entire town as a wedding gift. Portuguese queens then controlled much of what happened in town (until 1834), including the construction of monuments, such as the landmark aqueduct, which Queen Catherine of Austria (who married Portugal’s King João III) had built in the 16th century. Obidos maintains a romantic atmosphere, and couples today often choose to go on carriage rides around the town. The horse-drawn carriages can be found lined up outside the walls, by the main gate, throughout the year.

It was home to one of the world’s most exceptional female artists - Óbidos’ most famous resident was Josefa De Óbidos (sometimes spelled “Josefa D’Óbidos”), a 17th-century artist whose works are found in several of the local churches, as well as in museums around Portugal and even the world, such as the Louvre in Paris. She was born in Seville (Spain) in 1630, to a Portuguese father and Spanish mother, but moved to Óbidos at the age of 4. Her father was a painter, so she started collaborating with him, but ended up being quite a prestigious painter herself. Today she’s regarded as one of Portugal’s greatest artists, and is also quite an exceptional and rare example internationally, as she’s one of the few female painters of the time. Her works have been on display in institutions like the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington DC, but it’s in Obidos’ churches and museums that you can see a larger concentration of them. She’s buried in the Church of St. Peter .

It hosts popular festivals throughout the year - Óbidos is the stage of some of Portugal’s most popular festivals, attracting thousands of visitors throughout the year. Those include the Chocolate Festival in the spring, the Medieval Fair in the summer, the Literary Festival in autumn, and the Christmas Village in December. These festivals charge admission, and are especially popular on weekends.

You should avoid the weekends - The best times to visit Óbidos are on weekdays, especially when there’s a festival. Residents of neighboring towns and from Lisbon often head to Óbidos on weekends, joining the many tourists, so the narrow streets become packed, and you may have to wait a while for a table at the restaurants.

How Long Should You Stay in Óbidos?

Óbidos is quite a small place, and can be seen in just one morning or an afternoon. However, we recommend that you don’t rush your visit, and spend an entire day, giving you extra time to relax with a meal, and perhaps visit a museum. Many people also choose to stay overnight, for the experience of sleeping in the castle, but the other charming hotels are also good options, as you get to experience the town in the hours without the crowds of tourists. If you have a car, take the opportunity to visit other major attractions nearby, such as the Buddha Eden Garden, the dinosaur park in Lourinhã, or the beach of the Obidos lagoon.

Where to Go After Óbidos?

If you have a car, consider a stop at the Buddha Eden Garden , which is just 15 minutes away. In about 30 minutes you may also be at the dinosaur park in Lourinhã, or at the beaches by the fishing port of Peniche. Back closer to Lisbon is also the great palace of Mafra, and the beaches and surfing waves of Ericeira . If you’re visiting Óbidos as a day trip from Lisbon, also don’t forget another trip to the fairytale town of Sintra , or a day by the sea in Cascais . If you’re stopping by on your way to Porto from Lisbon, you can make further stops in Alcobaça (35 minutes from Óbidos) and Batalha (45 minutes), both home to monumental mostasteries classified as world heritage sites.

Official Óbidos Tourism Office

Everything you need to know about Óbidos and to plan your visit is on this website. It’s completely independent information from travel experts, not sponsored by or associated with any local institution or organization. However, if you still have any questions, pass by the official tourism office, which is located outside the walls, facing the gate and by the main parking lot. It also has a gift shop and often sells tickets for local concerts and events. It usually opens at 9:30am, and closes at 6pm or 7:30pm, depending on the season.

Complete Óbidos Guide

What to see & do.

Top 10 Attractions

Porta da Vila

Porta de Nossa Senhora da Graça

Igreja de Santa Maria

Rua Direita

Igreja de São Pedro

Capela de São Martinho

Igreja da Misericórdia

Igreja de Santiago

Casa do Arco da Cadeia

Museu Municipal de Óbidos

Museu Paroquial

Museu Abílio de Matos e Silva

Galeria Nova Ogiva

Ginja de Óbidos

Buddha Eden Garden

Day Trip from Lisbon

Attractions Map

Where to Stay

Top 10 Hotels

How to Get There

Transportation from Lisbon

Festivals and Events

Medieval Fair

Chocolate Festival

Christmas Village

Folio Literary Festival

Portugal Travel Guides

Lisbon Beaches

Enchanting Óbidos, Portugal: The Best Things to Do + Travel Guide

With its delightful maze of whitewashed streets, the stunning views from its castle walls, and the town’s exciting collection of festivals, it’s safe to say that the best things to do in Óbidos, Portugal are bound to delight.

Tiny but mighty, Óbidos is one of our favorite small towns to visit in Portugal, packing a wonderful array of attractions into a very small footprint.

For more than 600 years–starting with King Alfonso II and Queen Urraca in 1210–Óbidos was given to the queen of Portugal as a gift from the king.

In other words, visiting Óbidos is truly an experience fit for royalty.

Want to make the most of your visit to this fairytale town?

Here’s what to do in Óbidos, Portugal–plus tips for making the most of your visit!

Table of Contents

Where is Óbidos, Portugal?

The best things to do in óbidos, portugal, how to get to óbidos from lisbon, where to stay in óbidos, portugal, getting around óbidos, portugal.

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Óbidos is located about 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Lisbon in Central Portugal.

The town makes an excellent day trip from Lisbon , either on its own or combined with other nearby destinations like Peniche, Nazare, Alcobaca Monastery, Batalha Monastery, and more.

Popular day trips like this take visitors from Lisbon to Óbidos as well as a few of the popular surrounding sights and are a great option with limited time.

Óbidos is a bit over an hour from central Lisbon by car or express bus.

Walk along the castle walls.

Without a doubt, one of the absolute best things to do in Óbidos is to stroll along the castle walls!

Óbidos’ historic center is completely encircled by its medieval castle, and you can walk the entire route in a mere 1.5 kilometers.

Walking along the castle walls is completely free–and completely at your own risk.

There are no handrails or fences, merely a stone wall on one side and a sheer drop on the other.

You’ll need to watch your step, but it’s truly not as nerve-wracking as it sounds.

I’m scared of heights and was way too captivated by the views to be worried about being so far from the ground!

There are several staircases around town where you can start or end your climb, but if you simply can’t wait to get started, make a hard left as soon as you enter the historic center after passing Porta da Vila, and you’ll find a staircase there.

Want to tour the inside of Óbidos’ Castle?

Sadly, it’s not a typical museum, so you can’t simply buy a ticket–but you can check in!

Pousada Castelo de Obidos is a luxury hotel located inside the castle and is one of the most memorable places to stay in Óbidos.

Sample ginjinha in a chocolate cup.

Ginjinha , also known as ginja , is Portugal’s most popular liqueur.

And, as someone who typically doesn’t care for liqueurs, let me say–this one is absolutely fantastic.

Made with morello cherries among other delights, ginjinha is served in a small, shot-sized glass, but it is meant to be sipped.

The shot glass in question is sometimes made of chocolate, and that’s especially true in Óbidos.

You can’t walk more than a few feet down Rua Direita without finding another shop or cafe selling the drink right out of their front window–no need to sit down or grab a table!

The going price for a chocolate cup filled with ginjinha is a Euro, and while you’ll certainly want to pace yourself, sipping this liqueur is a delightful Óbidos travel experience.

Step inside the stunning Igreja de Santa Maria.

Set in the heart of town, the Igreja de Santa Maria is the most beautiful church in Óbidos–and one of the most historic.

With roots dating to the Visigoths, this church has a long history.

Most of what we see today, though, dates to the 1600s, as various occupations, an earthquake, and more caused it to be rebuilt several times.

The result is astounding, from the painted ceiling to the walls of azulejos, and we definitely recommend going inside during your Óbidos trip!

The Igreja de Santa Maria, though it would have looked different at that time, was also once the site of a memorable royal wedding: the marriage between King Afonso and Queen Isabel in the 1400s.

Sadly, both bride and groom were pre-pubescent children at the time of the wedding.

Browse Óbidos’ unique bookshops.

Between hosting FOLIO (The International Literary Festival) and being the home of The Literary Man Hotel , it’s safe to say that Óbidos is proud of its literary leanings!

Outside of festival times, this translates into an outsized number of beautiful bookshops for such a small town, an absolute delight to bibliophiles like us.

Livraria de Santiago, for example, is located within a historic church and is absolutely worth a visit!

Stroll along Rua Direita.

Running directly through the center of town, Rua Direita is Óbidos’ main drag and one of the best places to visit during your trip.

Not that you’ll be likely to miss it!

Rua Direita is lined with restaurants, souvenir shops, and attractions, and makes up the heart of Óbidos’ shopping district.

Get lost in search of viewpoints.

As charming as Rua Direita is, be sure to also step off the main street and explore the smaller, less congested streets during your trip to Óbidos.

Once away from Rua Direita, Óbidos becomes a maze of whitewashed buildings accented with blue and yellow paint, separated by cobblestone lanes that occasionally dead-end into a magnificent view.

You’ll need to be prepared for a bit of a workout–steep hills are somewhat inevitable–but exploring Óbidos’ backstreets is a peaceful and rewarding experience.

Pay a visit to Igreja de Misericordia.

Less ornate than the Igreja de Santa Maria, Óbidos’ Igreja de Misericordia is still absolutely worth a visit!

Featuring tiled walls and beautiful art, the Igreja de Misericordia is located just steps away from the Igreja de Santa Maria and is an easy addition to your Óbidos itinerary.

Marvel at Porta da Vila.

Porta da Vila is the main gate to Óbidos, but when people talk about visiting, what they really mean is admiring the gorgeous balcony.

Decorated with azulejos dating to 1740 that depict the Passion of the Christ, this magnificent balcony is one of the best things to see in Óbidos.

The rest of the gate, while not quite as eye-catching, is also worth your attention: notice how the 2 doors are set diagonally from each other.

This was a typical feature of medieval Portuguese castles and prevented a direct charge by aggressors.

Most visitors will enter Óbidos by walking through Porta da Vila, and usually have a chance to appreciate whichever busker is currently there as they do!

Head outside the town center to visit the Sanctuary of Senhor Jesus da Pedra.

Dating to the mid-18th century, this massive baroque-style church sits surrounded by farmland, just outside of the historic center of Óbidos.

If you don’t have a car with you, you probably won’t choose to visit–but be sure to keep an eye out for an amazing bird’s eye view of the building when strolling along the castle walls!

There are many legends surrounding the origin of this enormous landmark in Óbidos, but whatever the facts may have been, today, it’s one of the most distinctive buildings in the area.

The sanctuary has limited hours, so if you happen to luck out by visiting when the building is open, be sure to take the chance to step inside.

Take a look at Óbidos’ aqueduct.

Less of a specific Óbidos attraction than a point of interest, Óbidos’ aqueduct nonetheless has quite the history!

Commissioned in 1573 by Queen Catherine of Austria, who was married to King João III, the aqueduct still stands today, stretching for 3 kilometers.

It’s not exactly in a scenic location these days, but it is in a very simple place to access.

Right across the street from Óbidos’ historic center is a dirt parking lot where visitors park their cars… and that’s where you’ll find this nearly 500-year-old aqueduct.

Experience one of Óbidos’ many festivals!

Around Portugal, Óbidos is famous for its many festivals.

Among the most popular are the Medieval Festival , the Chocolate Festival , FOLIO (the International Literary Festival), and the Obidos Christmas Village .

While visiting Óbidos during a festival is certainly more crowded and–if you’re staying overnight–more expensive than visiting during a “normal” time, it’s also incredibly fun.

If you’re looking for a unique cultural experience and are lucky enough to have your trip to Portugal overlap with one of Óbidos’ festivals, it’s definitely worth squeezing in a visit!

Getting to Óbidos from Lisbon takes a little over an hour, and you have plenty of options to do so!

First, and simplest, would be to rent a car and drive yourself.

There’s ample parking available just outside the historic center, and it also comes with the bonus of being able to visit other nearby attractions with ease.

We typically rent a car and drive to visit Óbidos.

Second, you can take the express bus from Lisbon.

Third, you could take the train–but Óbidos’ train station is very small and a 20+ minute (fairly dull) walk from the historic center, so this is less than ideal.

Finally, there’s the option of booking a guided tour from Lisbon.

If you’re short on time in Portugal and want to squeeze as much sightseeing in as possible, an organized tour is a fantastic option!

Most group day trips to Óbidos from Lisbon, like this popular one , include 2-3 other stops as well, at places like Peniche, Nazare, Alcobaca, Batalha, and/or Fatima, allowing you to make the most of your day in Central Portugal.

Book your day trip to Obidos today!

While you can technically see all of the typical Óbidos attractions in a day (or less, to be honest), Óbidos also makes an excellent base for a few days when visiting Portugal.

Not only is the peaceful evening atmosphere lovely, but Óbidos is positioned within very easy reach of many of the most popular places to visit in central Portugal, including all 3 UNESCO World Heritage Site monasteries, Peniche, Nazare, and Fatima.

When it comes to where to stay in Óbidos, there are 2 unique properties that are incredibly popular and deserve to be considered: The Literary Man Hotel and the Pousada Castelo de Obidos .

Staying in The Literary Man Hotel is a unique experience that bibliophiles will love–there’s nothing quite like being surrounded by that many books!

Want to add sleeping in a castle to your Portugal bucket list?

If so, checking into Pousada Castelo de Obidos , which is located in a wing of the otherwise closed Óbidos Castle, is the place for you.

Looking for something a bit simpler?

Casa de S. Thiago de Obidos Guest House gets incredible reviews and will allow you to stick to more of a budget while still staying in the heart of Óbidos.

Check rates & book your stay in Obidos today!

Once you’re inside Óbidos’ castle walls, the entire town is extremely walkable!

This is good news–because walking is really the only realistic way to get around the historic center.

Plan to climb a fair number of hills and stairs, especially if you want to walk the castle walls, but your efforts will be well-rewarded.

With the exception of visiting the Sanctuary of Senhor Jesus da Pedra, all of the things to do in Óbidos that are listed in this travel guide can be found within a very short walk of each other inside the historic center.

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

2 thoughts on “Enchanting Óbidos, Portugal: The Best Things to Do + Travel Guide”

Loved all this information. I’m a travel agent in GA, USA. Will be in Lisbon in March and am planning a day trip to Obidos (per you suggestion with a group, also visiting Fatima and Nazare.

Thanks, Deborah!

I hope you enjoy Obidos (and Portugal in general) as much as we do! 🙂

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

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Surrounded by a classic crenellated wall, Óbidos’ gorgeous historic centre is a labyrinth of cobblestoned streets and flower-bedecked, whitewashed houses livened up with dashes of vivid yellow and blue paint. It’s a delightful place to pass an afternoon, but there are plenty of reasons to stay overnight, as there's excellent accommodation, including a hilltop castle now converted into one of Portugal’s most luxurious pousadas.

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Experience the real Óbidos. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Muro de Óbidos

Óbidos' dramatic, fully intact Moorish wall imposingly surrounds the historical centre of town and stretches in a completed loop of 1560m, all of which…

Castelo de Óbidos

You can walk around the unprotected muro (wall) for uplifting views over the town and surrounding countryside. The walls date from Moorish times (later…

Igreja de Santa Maria

The town’s elegant main church, near the northern end of Rua Direita, stands out for its interior, with a wonderful painted ceiling and walls done up in…

Porta da Vila

The main gate of Óbidos' historic centre bears the King João IV-ordered inscription, 'A Virgem Nossa Senhora foi concebida sem pecado original' ('The…

Museu Municipal

Located in an 18th-century manor house just next to Igreja de Santa Maria, the town’s museum houses a small collection of paintings spanning several…

Santuário do Senhor da Pedra

Below town this imposing, if a little ramshackle, church is an 18th-century baroque gem in need of some tender loving care. It's worth the stroll down…

Aqueduto de Óbidos

The impressive 3km-long aqueduct, southeast of the main gate, dates from the 16th century.

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Visiting Obidos, Portugal: Things to Do + Travel Guide

Have you dreamed of visiting a storybook village?  Don’t miss adding Obidos to your central Portugal itinerary: a town that was literally a royal gift from a king to his bride!  Learn about the history of this charming town, things to do in Obidos, and all the tips you need to plan a visit.

Obidos, Portugal is a picturesque medieval town located on a hilltop about 50 miles (80 km) north of Lisbon. Its narrow cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and colorful bursts of bougainvillea make it a joy to explore. 

Obidos was once a gift from a king to his bride as part of her dowry. Over the centuries, the town became a favorite of Portuguese royalty, and many kings and queens had a summer residence in Obidos.

Just an hour from Lisbon , the town today is a popular destination for tourists, who come to explore its historic landmarks, sample the local cuisine, and shop for traditional souvenirs.

While many visit Obidos on a day trip, I recommend staying at least one night here in the Obidos Castle. I’ve got all the tips you need to visit, including must-see sights, fascinating history, where to eat, and — of course — the best places to stay including spending the night in its 12th-century castle!

This article contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I might earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support in this way! Learn more in my Disclosure Policy .

Want to be sure the castle isn’t booked for your dates?

Don’t miss your chance to stay in the 12th century castle! ⫸ Reserve a room for your visit at the Pousada Castelo de Óbidos

Rather visit Obidos on a day trip from Lisbon?

Check out these tours with excellent reviews and easy online booking: ⫸ Private Tour: Discover the Rich Medieval History of Obidos ⫸ Fátima, Nazaré, and Óbidos Small-Group Day Trip from Lisbon ⫸ Private tour of Tomar, Obidos, Batalha and Nazare

Keep in mind that the tours that include several cities will only have time for a quick stop in Obidos.  And you’ll also be there during its busiest hours.  So if you want to really enjoy Obidos , keep reading for all my tips to plan an independent visit.

Check out my Instagram reel from Obidos as a preview!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Adrienne Barile | The Haphazard Traveler (@thehaphazardtraveler)

In this Guide to Obidos, Portugal Travel 

History of Obidos | UNESCO City of Literature | Best Things to Do | Castle Walls | Obidos Castle | Porta da Vila | Rua Direta | Chocolataria Óbidos | Literary History | Municipal Museum | Aqueduto de Usseira | Santuário do Senhor da Pedra | Best Restaurants | Souvenir Shopping | Where to Stay | Holidays & Festivals | Safety | Getting to Obidos | Obidos Tours

History of Obidos, Portugal

Obidos has a rich history that dates back to Roman times, when Romans built a settlement in the area. In the 8th century, the Moors conquered the town.  They were later expelled by the first king of Portugal, Dom Afonso Henriques, in 1148.

Obidos is often referred to as “The Queen’s Present” or “The Wedding Present Town” because it was given as a gift from King Dinis of Portugal to his wife, Queen Isabel, in the 13th century as a token of his love and affection. In the following centuries it was often given to Portuguese queens as part of their dowry, so it was maintained and improved by the different dynasties. 

Is Obidos Worth Visiting?

Today, Obidos is a well-preserved medieval walled city .  I loved strolling its winding narrow streets, where all the houses are whitewashed and trimmed with a band of blue or yellow.  It’s well worth a day trip or overnight stay to explore its historic sights, shop for souvenirs, and take in views from a walk along the castle walls.

UNESCO City of Literature

To renovate and preserve some of its aging and abandoned buildings, the town began to convert spaces to bookstores starting in the early 2010’s..  Obidos hoped to establish itself as a center of culture and literature.  Over the next few years several bookshops opened, including one in a renovated church and even a literary hotel .  

In 2015 Obidos was recognized by UNESCO as a City of Literature , joining the Creative Cities Network which stretches around the globe.  This same year it also began hosting the annual FOLIO International Literary Festival , including writer’s workshops, concerts, and exhibitions.

The Best Things to Do in Obidos, Portugal

Whether you spend a few hours in this quaint walled city or a few days, these are the sights you won’t want to miss!

Roam the Castle Walls

A self-guided walk along the ramparts of the castle and walls of the town is a great way to explore Obidos. The walls were built by the Moors and expanded by the Portuguese in the 14th century. Along the way, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the town and the surrounding green countryside.

Just be cautious: there are no railings along the walls!  There is room to pass if you meet other visitors going the other direction.  But be sure to wear shoes that will allow you to keep your footing.  I recommend sneakers or sandals with a back – not flip flops.  

However, if you’re afraid of heights or unsteady on your feet, skip this or just climb up a few minutes for the views.  There is an area with walled walkways just as you enter town, over the Porta da Vila (town gate).  Or if you’re staying in the castle, you’ll have access to ramparts with views of the town and countryside.

Visit the Obidos Castle

The Obidos Castle is the best-known landmark in the town. It was built in the 12th century during the Moorish occupation and has served as a royal residence and military fortress. 

Today, visitors can visit the medieval castle’s courtyard, take photos from its overlook, dine at the restaurant, or even stay in the hotel here!  Overnight guests also have access to the castle’s ramparts and interior spaces.

I recommend splurging and staying in the castle if you can!

Pause at the Porta da Vila

The Porta da Vila is the main entrance to Obidos, built in the 18th century. It features a beautiful double gate and is decorated inside with traditional Portuguese tiles that date to the 18th century. Visitors can walk through the gate directly on to the Rua Direta, the main street through the town’s historic center.  

Adjoining the gate there is actually a hidden chapel, the sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Piedade, the patron virgin of the town.  From outside the gate, you can see the chapel entrance; from inside, you’ll see the chapel’s beautiful baroque balcony and blue and white tile.  There is often a busking musician playing here, so have some coins ready because you’ll want to get a video of the lovely scene!

After you enter, there is a stone staircase on your left which you can climb for views of the town.  It’s a wide staircase, but be careful and stay close to the wall since there’s no railing.

Stroll the Rua Direita 

Rua Direita is the main street in Obidos and is lined with shops and cafes . Visitors can stroll along the pedestrian street, admire the traditional architecture, and stop in for a coffee or pastry at one of the many cafes.  The street leads up a hill from the Porta da Vila directly to the castle.

Along the Rua Direta you’ll also encounter many shops selling souvenirs and ginginja or ginja, a traditional sour cherry liqueur .  Ginja (pronounced “jeen-jah”)  is made locally here.  While you can also find it in other Portuguese cities, Obidos is the best place to try it.  The local version Ginja de Obidos is often served in small chocolate cups!

Visit the Igreja de Santa Maria and its Lovely Square (Praça de Santa Maria)

The Igreja de Santa Maria is a beautiful church located in the town center. It was built in the 12th century and features stunning azulejos and a renaissance tomb.  It was also where King Alfonso V and his cousin Isabel, aged 10 and 8 respectively, married in 1444.

The Santa Maria Church is set in a square just off the Rua Direta.  Here you’ll also find other sights including the historic town fountain, a 15-century pillory , the modern post office, and a small market.

Visit the Igreja de São Tiago

The Sao Tiago Church is located next to the Castle, and offers a nice vantage point overlooking the town.  Climb its steps for great views and photos.  Inside, you might be surprised to discover it’s no longer a working church – but rather a bookstore !  And not a religious bookshop, but one with classic and modern Portuguese literature and books. 

There is also a picturesque arch here which leads to the castle walls.  As you face the church, it’s on your left.

Immerse Yourself in the Literary Traditions of Obidos

In the 2010s, Obidos began converting abandoned spaces to bookshops , in a bid to establish itself as a city of literature and culture.  In 2015, it was recognized as a UNESCO City of Literature, joining cities such as Barcelona and Dublin.

In recent years, the town has also become a hub for literary events and festivals . The Óbidos International Literary Festival FOLIO takes place annually in the town, and it brings together writers and readers from all over the world to celebrate literature and the arts. The festival features workshops, lectures, and book signings, as well as musical and theatrical performances.

Other than the castle hotel, Obidos has another unique accommodation option , The Literary Man Hotel , which is dedicated to literature and boasts a collection of over 50,000 books. The hotel has a restaurant and bar, which serve traditional Portuguese cuisine. 

⫸ Book a stay at The Literary Man Hotel

Be sure also to visit the Livraria-Iglesia Sao Tiago (church and bookshop), Livraria do Mercado – Ler Devagar, Livraria da Adega, Casa José Saramago, and O Bichinho do Conto for children’s books .

Stop for a Sweet Treat at Chocolataria Óbidos

Chocolate lovers won’t want to miss a visit to Chocolataria Óbidos. It specializes in handmade chocolates using traditional methods and high-quality ingredients.

The shop offers a wide variety of chocolate products , including chocolate bars, truffles, bonbons, and hot chocolate.  It’s located just off Rua Direta and makes a great stop for a treat or dessert.

I came away with a selection of truffles which didn’t even last until I got back to the hotel that evening!  (Yes, they were that good.)  It can be a little overwhelming making a choice, so just ask for help – the staff is quite friendly and knowledgeable.

Wander the Charming Streets

However long you stay, be sure to leave time to wander!  The streets wind around and go up and down, leading to pretty courtyards , quaint shops and restaurants, and bursts of blooming bougainvilleas .

Anyway, you’ll need to walk off the truffles so you have room for dinner!

Discover Obidos History at the Municipal Museum

The Municipal Museum of Óbidos is located just off the Rua Direta near the Santa Maria church. The museum is housed in a former 18th-century manor house where artist Eduardo Malta once lived.

The museum’s collection includes archaeological artifacts, religious art, paintings, antique azulejo tiles, and sculptures. Here you will also find the works of Andrei Reinoso and of Josefa de Óbidos , a 17th century female painter.   The museum also has a gift shop with books about Portugal and the art and history of Obidos.

Explore the Aqueduto de Usseira

History nerds (like me) will want to make a stop at Aqueduto de Usseira, an impressive aqueduct located just outside of the walled village  Built in the 16th century, it served to bring water from the Usseira hills to the town. The aqueduct stretches for over three miles and has more than 100 surviving arches, some of which are over 75 feet high.

Today, the aqueduct is a popular attraction and a great place for a leisurely walk or hike. There are several hiking trails that lead to the top of the aqueduct, which offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Santuario do Senhor da Pedra

Architecture and history lovers will want to stop at the Santuário do Senhor da Pedra, also known as the Sanctuary of the Lord of the Stone.  This church and religious monument dates back to the 18th century and is located a few minutes outside of town. You can spot it from viewpoints as you walk along the town walls.

The sanctuary has a unique hexagonal shape , with a beautiful altar and azulejos inside.  An annual pilgrimage takes place here each year on May 28.

Spend a Quiet Moment in the Obidos Cemetery

For those of us that like visiting cemeteries in our travels, you can easily check out the one in Obidos.  From the main parking area south of town, reach it by climbing up a set of steps.

Best Restaurants in Obidos

Obidos is busiest midday with tour groups and day trippers, so eating earlier or later will allow you to avoid the crowds.  Although town tends to clear out in late afternoon, a dinner reservation is recommended at top eateries.

Some of my top picks for the best restaurants here are:

• Tasca Torta is a small wine bar on Rua Direta. The menu features a variety of tapas-style dishes, such as cheese and charcuterie boards, grilled octopus, and traditional Portuguese small plates. The wine list includes a great selection of local and Portuguese wines, as well as international wines.  I had lunch here and loved it!
• A Nova Casa de Ramiro is a restaurant located just outside the Obidos walls.  With a menu of a variety of fresh fish, codfish dishes, and Portuguese meats.  It’s also known for a romantic candlelit atmosphere and great service.
• Restaurante O Caldeirão is a popular restaurant in the heart of Óbidos. The menu features traditional Portuguese dishes, such as grilled sardines, pork and clams, and seafood rice. The restaurant also has a great selection of Portuguese wines and homemade desserts.
• Bar Ibn Errik Rex in Obidos is known for its cozy and intimate atmosphere, as well as its wide selection of craft beers, wines, and spirits. In addition to drinks, the bar also offers a variety of snacks inspired by traditional Portuguese cuisine, such as cheese plates, cured meats, and olives.

Souvenir Shopping in Obidos

Save a bit of room in your luggage for some souvenirs and gifts from Obidos!  The Rua Direta and other streets offer an array of quaint shops brimming with traditional spirits, food items, books, handicrafts, Portuguese tiles and more.

I have a collection of world nativities and couldn’t resist buying a few cuties here!

Expect to find many shops selling books, textiles, pottery, local food items like tinned sardines, and toys and figures based on the Knights Templar and medieval knights.  In particular keep an eye out for:

• Ginja liqueur: Ginja liqueur is a traditional Portuguese liqueur made from sour cherries. While you can easily pick up a bottle at the duty-free airport shops, it’s more fun to buy one in Obidos, especially if you find a favorite brand.
• Casa dos Azulejos: a popular shop located in the heart of Óbidos. It specializes in traditional Portuguese tiles, which are a great souvenir to take home.
• Mercado Biológico de Óbidos: this market on the Rua Direta sells organic produce from the surrounding area, as well as a selection of books on wine, travel, and Portuguese gastronomy among other topics.
• Olaria de São Pedro pottery : this pottery shop is famous for its beautiful hand-painted ceramics. The shop sells a variety of items, including plates, bowls, cups, and vases. 
• Chocolataria Óbidos is a chocolate shop located in the town center.  I gorged myself on truffles here and have no regrets – although they would have made great souvenirs to take home!

Best Places to Stay in Obidos, Portugal

Have I convinced you to spend longer than a few hours here? If so then you’ll need my best picks for where to stay in Obidos:

Top Pick: Pousada Castelo de Óbidos

Pousada Castelo de Óbidos is a historic hotel located inside the Óbidos Castle, one of the 7 wonders of Portugal! Castelo de Óbidos combines medieval accommodations with modern facilities in the heart of the village of Óbidos. (Don’t worry, there’s air conditioning and Wi-Fi!) The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the hotel has a classy restaurant. Don’t miss having exclusive access to the castle interiors and ramparts! ⫸ Reserve a room for your visit at the Pousada Castelo de Óbidos

I stayed in the Pousada and totally recommend it – where else can you stay in a castle?  The “castle rooms” are the most budget-friendly; splurge a little more by upgrading to one of the suites.

Casa Senhoras Rainhas

Casa Senhoras Rainhas by Unlock Hotels is a boutique hotel located within the walls of Óbidos. It offers air-conditioned rooms with a balcony overlooking the castle walls. It has a regional restaurant and a terrace bar.

⫸ Book Casa Senhoras Rainhas

Torre de Maneys

Torre de Maneys was built in the 16th century and is believed to have been a former storage tower of the Castle of Obidos. Staying here is like stepping back in time, as the rooms are beautifully decorated with antiques and books. Guests love the unique building , location a few blocks from Rua Direta, sumptuous breakfast and friendly service.

⫸ Book Torre de Maneys

Casa de Sao Thiago do Castelo

Located in the heart of medieval Obidos’s historic city cente r, this family-run guest house offers a spacious terrace and a living room with fireplace. The castle is a 5-minute walk away.

⫸ Book Casa de Sao Thiago do Castelo

Need more options? Check out these other stays with great reviews:

• Hostel Argonauta : Cozy, friendly hostel outside the town walls with self-checkin
• Casa de Cima : Three-bedroom, two bath villa a stone’s throw from the Castle
• Casa Lidador : 4-star hotel with modern, cheerful rooms and an outdoor pool
• Castle House Óbidos : Charming 2-bedroom, 2 bath house with a balcony

Holidays and Festivals in Obidos

Obidos is famous for its many festivals and celebrations , which offer a unique opportunity to experience local Portuguese culture and traditions.

If you’re planning to attend a holiday or festival, plan ahead and book accommodations early , as hotels and rental homes can fill up quickly during peak festival times.

• The Medieval Market in July is one of the most popular events in Óbidos. The walled town is transformed into a medieval village, complete with knights, maidens, and merchants. Visitors can enjoy live performances, street food, and traditional crafts.
• Chocolate Festival in April is a sweet celebration of all things chocolate and takes place in April. The festival features chocolate sculptures, tastings, cooking demonstrations, and workshops. Visitors can also enjoy live music and street performers.
• Holy Ghost Festival in May l is a religious celebration that features parades, processions, and traditional meals.
• International Piano Week in September features classical piano performances by musicians from around the world. Visitors can attend concerts and masterclasses and participate in workshops and lectures.
• The Obidos International Literary Festival (FOLIO) usually takes place in the fall, typically in October. The festival brings together writers and readers from all over the world to celebrate literature and the arts. It features workshops, lectures, and book signings, as well as musical and theatrical performances.
• Obidos Vila Natal in December is a Christmas-themed event that features a winter wonderland, complete with an ice skating rink, a Christmas market, and live performances.

How to Get to Obidos

The easiest way to reach Obidos is by organized tour, bus, or car.

Getting to Obidos By Car

Obidos is about an hour drive from Lisbon or Sintra.  Once you arrive, you won’t be able to park within the city walls.  Instead, park in the large lot just south of the Porta da Vila.  

If you’re staying in the Castle or one of the other hotels at the north end of the town, there is a small lot just outside the castle walls that might have spaces.  The narrow road winds around the town and ends at an entrance to the castle walls near the medieval market.

Please see my cautionary note below about reports of thefts of luggage left in vehicles.

Parking lot location: Estacionmento Obidos (near Porta da Vila)

Getting to Obidos By Bus

The Rodo Tejo bus line offers a rapid service from Lisbon on its “Rapida Verde” line.  This is the most direct and fastest way to get to Obidos compared to taking a train.

The bus leaves from the Campo Grande bus station, which is just a few minutes’ walk from the metro station of the same name. It takes about an hour. On weekdays, there are frequent departures; on holidays and weekends, the options are more limited.  Check the timetables here .

Getting there By Taxi, Uber, Or Bolt

It’s possible to travel by taxi from Lisbon to Obidos. The rideshare apps Bolt and Uber are also used in Portugal. There is also a taxi stand outside the city walls between the tourist office and the Porta da Vila.

Obidos, Portugal Tours

Most visitors see Obidos on a day trip from Lisbon .  Keep in mind that many tours pack in a lot to the itinerary, leaving you only a short time here to stroll Rua Direta and see the castle.  For this reason, you might prefer to take a bus and stay overnight before continuing to your next stop.  

It’s also possible to book a private tour where you won’t be as rushed as a group trip. Check out these private tour options:

• Obidos Medieval History Private Tour from Lisbon
• Obidos, Nazare and Alcobaca Private Tour
• Private Tour: Tomar, Batalha, Nazare and Obidos
• Obidos and Mafra Private Tour

If you have only a short time and are looking to maximize your sightseeing day, these small group tour itineraries all include Obidos:

• Caldas da Rainha: Obidos Village & Buddha Eden Garden Tour
• Fátima, Nazaré, and Óbidos Small-Group Day Trip from Lisbon
• Fátima, Óbidos Medieval, Nazaré Atlantic Coast Tour from Lisbon

Or if you’re headed to Porto, you can book a convenient private transfer that includes a stop in Obidos with other cities:

• Lisbon to Porto Private Transfer with Stops in 3 Cities

If you’re staying in Obidos or a nearby city and want more options for exploring :

• Obidos Medieval Tale walking tour
• Boat tour of the Obidos Lagoon
• Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour

Safety in Obidos: A Caution About Car Break-Ins

This charming town is quite safe , with the exception of reports of thefts of luggage from cars in the parking lots.  I had read about this in some Facebook groups and was prepared.  I planned my itinerary for an overnight stay here, dropping off my bags at my hotel before heading to lunch.

There are two main parking areas, one where tour buses park just south of the Porta da Vila.  I wandered this lot and it’s quite visible, but I still recommend being cautious about leaving belongings in your vehicle here.

The other parking lot can be reached by a narrow road that winds around the town and ends behind the castle .  This lot is quite secluded, and thefts are reported to occur.  Note: there are security guards here who ensure you don’t drive into the town (only residents can do this apparently).  But don’t expect them to watch your vehicle; they wander off periodically.  I actually had other visitors stop to warn me, until they realized I was unloading my bag to stay!

Luggage Storage for Day Trips

Unfortunately, there are no luggage storage options in the train station or bus stop in Obidos. Some local hotels may be willing to store luggage for non-guests for a small fee. For example, if you plan to eat at a hotel’s restaurant, contact them ahead of time and ask about luggage storage during your visit.

Ready to Plan Your Obidos Visit?

Obidos is a charming and historic town that offers a unique glimpse into Portuguese culture and history . Whether you’re interested in exploring the town’s rich history, trying traditional Portuguese cuisine, or shopping for unique souvenirs, Obidos has something for everyone.

And if you’re lucky enough to attend one of the town’s many festivals or celebrations, you’ll experience the local culture and traditions in a truly unforgettable way. I hope this inspires you to add Obidos to your Portugal travel itinerary and discover all that this charming town has to offer!

Read next ⫸ Magical Piodao, Portugal: A Visit to the Historical Village of Piodao

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I was a travel hot mess, but I got better! I kept the name and now blog my best tips for culture + adventure travel from around the globe. Follow along for travel advice, destination guides, and photography from faraway lands and at home in Washington, DC.

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Obidos: One of Portugal’s Most Beautiful Villages

Obidos, a small town so beautiful, that in 1210 King Alfonso II gifted it to his queen, resulting in being nicknamed as ‘The Town of Queens’. Don’t miss out on visiting this little slice of Portuguese heaven, with its whitewashed cottages, painted walls, and colorful flowers. Climb the castle walls, visit one of the many stunning churches, or choose from one of the many top things to do in Obidos, Portugal .

6 Things to do in Obidos

1. explore the streets of obidos.

The number one thing to do in Obidos is to get lost in the labyrinth of narrow white-painted cobbled streets. The city is stunning, with each street filled with small white houses, traditionally painted with blue and yellow edges.

You’ll find beautiful doorways, red-tiled roofs and balconies, and endless colorful flowers growing up the walls. Spend an hour or two simply wandering and taking pictures in this photographer’s heaven.

Also discover: The Coastal Paradise of Cascais, Portugal

2. Shop on Rua Direita

The main street of Rua Direita is home to many shops selling handicrafts, art, and souvenirs, as well as plenty of great restaurants & bars. The main thing you’ll see on sale is Ginjinha, a sour cherry liquor typical of the town.

Here are all your hotel options in Obidos.

You may have also seen it in Lisbon ; however, in Obidos, it is uniquely made by marinating the cherries for over a year!

Tip: If you start on Rua Direita, be aware that it can get very busy, especially during the summer. This is another good reason to explore the quiet narrow streets nearby.

3. Climb the Castle Walls

At the end of Rua Direita is the magnificent Castle of Obidos! The Moorish castle, and its walls, are so impressive that it was chosen as one of ‘The Seven Wonders of Portugal’.

Also read: Complete Portugal Travel Guide (3-weeks)

The walls are 13 meters high and an incredible 1.6 km in length. You can actually climb on top of the walls and walk the length around the castle. Because of the height, the views are incredible (especially during sunset) across the surrounding countryside and vineyards.

Good to know: Be aware that there are no barriers or fences, so be careful when walking.

The inside of the castle is not open for visitors, as it has been converted into a Pousada (a government-run luxury hotel). So if you’re keen to experience Obidos as a castle resident, make sure to book your room online.

4. The Churches of Obidos

Despite its small size, Obidos is home to 14 churches! You could spend a whole day exploring each one. Our favorite options for your day trip to Obidos would be:

Igreja de Santa Maria

The most famous to visit is the Igreja de Santa Maria, known for its stunning interior of azulejos blue tiles.

Senhor Jesus da Pedra

The baroque church of Senhor Jesus da Pedra is unique and easily visible from the town walls. The church its main feature is its unusual hexagonal shape. 

Porta da Vila

Porta da Vila is most commonly known as the town gate; however, it is also a chapel. On the second story of the building, you can see the famous azulejos tiles that make this town gate one of the most beautiful in Europe !

Tip: Pass through the gate directly onto Rua Direita or take the stairs up to the castle walls leading towards this chapel.

Igreja de Sao Tiago 

This small church lies right next to the castle entrance. It is no longer in use as a church, but it’s a charming bookstore instead!

Also check out: Porto’s most famous bookstore

5. Aqueduct of Obidos

One of the most eye-catching features of the town is the huge aqueduct that lies on the edge of Obidos. This 6 km-long stone structure served as the town’s main water supply and even survived the great earthquake of 1755!

6. Municipal Museum Obidos

Even though Obidos is like an open-air museum itself, to discover more history, you can visit the Municipal Museum. It is located on the main street (Rua Direita) and showcases some historical pieces like weapons of war and Roman artifacts. However, it’s most popular for its incredible collection of art, including work from the famous resident artist of Obidos: Josefa de Obidos.

Opening times: Tuesday-Sunday 10 AM-1 PM / 2 PM-6 PM. Closed on Mondays.

How to visit Obidos

Obidos is just a 1.5-hour drive from Lisbon, so it’s the perfect option for a day trip while you’re on a Lisbon city trip . Alternatively, stay overnight to see a different side of the town, when it’s peaceful and sleepy in the evenings.

Driving is the best way to visit Obidos as it also allows you to visit spots outside the city too, for example, the lagoon or various other beaches north of Lisbon like Nazare.

We recommend to rent a car in Portugal through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

If you want to take public transport, the best option is via bus from Lisbon. There are trains to Obidos, but they have a limited schedule and take over 2 hours (stopping off at lots of small towns en route).

Getting Around Obidos

The town is small, and one of the best things to do is walk around the town. If you’re driving, please note that the entire center is pedestrianized, so you have to park outside the old town before passing through the town gate.

Best Cafes and Restaurants in Obidos

Aside from Obidos’ cherry liqueur and dark chocolate, the town also has lots of beautiful restaurants serving traditional Portuguese dishes. You can even book to eat inside the castle’s hotel restaurant! Here are some nice places to have lunch/dinner in Obidos:

• Avocado (great coffee & healthy food)
• Pontinha (European)
• Jamon Jamon (Portuguese)
• Vila Infanta (Mediterranean)

Where to Stay in Obidos

If you choose to stay overnight in Obidos, there are a range of accommodations to choose from, such as the luxurious hotel inside the castle. There are also lots of mid-range guesthouses/hotels inside the old walls of the town. 

Hotels in Obidos 😴

Best Time to Visit Obidos

The summers are hot and busy in Obidos. Because of its small size and popularity for day trips from Lisbon, the streets can get very busy at this time. A good alternative is to visit during the springtime or the early fall. Spend the night at Obidos to have the town completely tourist-free.

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Home » Travel Guides » Portugal » 15 Best Things to Do in Óbidos (Portugal)

15 Best Things to Do in Óbidos (Portugal)

The captivating town of Óbidos became home to Portugal’s queens after Afonso II gifted it to his wife Urraca of León in the 1200s. Many of the buildings and monuments in were founded or funded by a queen. On a narrow ridge, the town’s weaving, carless streets are contained by the dominant walls of a medieval castle.

You can saunter along these alleys, calling in at museums and churches and browsing artisan shops. And then you have to scale the walls to watch over the fertile valley of vines and cherry orchards as a guard might have done hundreds of years ago.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Óbidos :

1. Historic Óbidos

Pass through the Porta da Vila and you’re met with a historic townscape that could be a movie set.

The difference here is that these houses are authentic, and have whitewashed walls trimmed with blue or yellow borders and with bougainvillea creeping up the sides.

As you make your way along Rua Direita you’ll be tempted to explore the side streets and stairways beckoning you to hidden corners of the town.

If you want to beat the crowds aim to get to Óbidos or later in the evening.

But if you don’t mind the bustle you can idle along, popping into souvenir shops and picking a restaurant or ice cream parlour that catches your eye.

2. Óbidos Castle

Reigning over Óbidos to the north, the castle was founded by the Moors as early as the 700s, and they also plotted the course of those daunting city walls.

The building was reworked in the 1200s, and its interior was gradually made more habitable for the succession of queens who lived here.

Now it’s a pousada (heritage hotel) so the only way to appreciate the inside is to book a room.

But you can access the battlements and walk the perimeter of the walls that defend Óbidos.

This is an experience not to be missed, particularly on the west wall, where the vistas of the town, castle and the countryside of vineyards and orchards are sensational.

3. Igreja de Santa Maria

No sooner had Óbidos been recaptured from the Moors by Kind Afonso Henriques in 1148 than this church was founded on the main square.

There isn’t much left of the medieval building, and this is down to seismic events, quite literally: Following an earthquake in the 15oos the first of a few reconstruction campaigns gave the church its present Mannerist design.

Almost every inch of the interior walls is clad with tiles from the 1600s and 1700s, and there’s a marvellous retable from the same period.

But the thing you have to see is the Renaissance tomb of João de Noronha in the Chapel of our Lady of Mercy, fashioned by French sculptors Jean de Rouen and Nicolas Chantereine.

4. Praça de Santa Maria

Allow some time to potter around the square in front of the church, as there are some neat things if you know where to find them.

One is the pillory, a monument to the town’s autonomy and a place to punish criminals.

This is from the 1400s and bears the coat of arms of Eleanor of Viseu.

A poignant detail on the crest is a net, which symbolises the fisherman’s net that her infant son was wrapped in after he drowned in the Tagus.

Beneath this is a 16th-century fountain once fed by the town’s aqueduct.

Up on the north side is the Telheiro, a building easy to recognise for its portico with six columns, and housing the town’s indoor market until the 1900s.

5. Santuário do Senhor Jesus da Pedra

This hexagonal sanctuary to the north of Óbidos merits a detour for the stone cross in its altar, etched with a primitive image of the crucifixion.

One glance will tell you that the cross is extremely old, and it has been dated to the 2nd or 3rd centuries.

It has been at this place since long before this Baroque church.

The story goes that Queen Eleanor of Viseu placed the cross nearby in the 1500s to indicate the route to Caldas da Rainha, hot springs that she founded.

It was forgotten until being rediscovered by a farmer in 1730 gaining a new generation of  devotees and resulting in the church that was finished in 1737.

6. Museu Municipal de Óbidos

Where there was royalty there was also culture and art, and a lot of this has ended up at the town’s municipal museum.

There’s a collection of painting from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries by artists like the Mannerists Diogo Texeira and Belchior de Matos.

The Spanish Baroque painter Josefa de Óbidos is also represented and she was a favourite of Queen Maria Francisca of Savoy in the 1600s.

The museum also has weapons from the Peninsular War, a chronology of Óbidos through the centuries and a room with finds from the excavated Roman city of Eurobrittium.

7. Lagoa de Óbidos

A little way west of Óbidos is the lagoon of the same name, which fills a depression for four kilometres or so before it empties in the ocean.

The body of water a beautiful sight along the pine-edged roads of its shores, but for tourists the attraction is on the coast.

Here there are two long sandy spits that don’t quite meet in the middle.

On the north side is the resort of Foz do Arelho and on the south is a more discreet community of old fishing cottages and newer holiday villas.

At Praia do Bom Sucesso and Praia do Mar, you can choose between the lagoon’s glistening, shallow waters and the invigorating power of the Atlantic on the ocean side.

• 8.  Porta da Vila

The southern gate to Óbidos contains a small Baroque chapel.

The roots of this building descend to 1246 as a small oratory was founded at this spot.

This was placed here after the town repelled a siege by the forces of Sancho II against his own brother, Afonso III. But the chapel as we see it today dates to 1727 when its altar, chancel and choir were installed; the walls were coated with azulejos and its ceiling was painted with filigrees.

These works were funded by Bernardo de Palma, a magistrate based in India, and whose daughter is claimed to have died from a broken heart due to unrequited love for a man from Óbidos.

9. Igreja Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Óbidos

This church was founded by Eleanor of Viseu herself at the end of the 15th century and is replete with art and precious fittings.

One that greets you right above the entrance is a ceramic image of the Virgin and Child.

This was produced by a Lisbon workshop between 1665 and 1680, while the wooden doors below were carved in 1623. The single nave is adorned with blue and yellow geometric tiles that were painted in the 1620s, and around the tribune there’s an ensemble of Mannerist carving from the same period.

It’s worth taking a moment to study the two paintings here by Baroque master André Reinoso in the retable: The Visitation of the Virgin to Saint Elizabeth, and the Pentecost.

10. Caldas da Rainha

This town and Óbidos go hand-in-hand and you can catch a train from Óbidos and be there in five minutes.

Caldas da Rainha (Springs of the Queen) was born in the 1400s when Eleanor of Viseu set up a church and hospital beside its hot springs.

These are still frequented today for their pungent but therapeutic sulphurous water.

But for a day-tripper, the sophisticated 19th-century park laid out next to the spa is the first thing to see.

There’s an excellent museum for the naturalist painter José Malhoa, while Caldas da Rainha’s clay-rich soils have been exploited for pottery since Neolithic times.

This craft is still in rude health, and there are dozens of workshops, and a museum boasting pieces by the 19th-century master potter Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro.

11. Aqueduto de Óbidos

Catherine of Austria ordered this aqueduct in the 1570s, and it delivered water from a source about six kilometres to the south in Usseira.

The aqueduct’s destination was the Chafariz Real (Royal Fountain) on Praça de Santa Maria, and for half of its length it travelled underground.

As the main supply of water to the town, this structure served its purpose for well over 200 years, and its high arches were repaired twice, at the end of the 1600s and again a century later.

The most impressive stretch is just at the southern entrance to Óbidos.

12. Igreja de São Pedro

Another church with medieval origins, St Peter’s was consecrated at the start of the 14th century.

Unfortunately the building was toppled by the 1755 Lisbon Earthquake that wreaked havoc across the country.

The one piece of decoration to standing in the wreckage was the dainty gilt-wood altar, which has a majestic throne flanked by angels and was completed in 1705, while the tower and its spiral stairway is also from the original building.

The remainder is rather bare, except for the tall painting in the chancel of St Peter receiving the Keys of Heaven from Jesus.

13. Mercado Medieval de Óbidos

The home of queens is just the place for a medieval market and fair.

This is an epic event that begins sometime in the middle of July, running into August.

The stalls are laid out in the upper part of town in a very atmospheric setting beside the castle’s west wall.

Along with freshly prepared food you can buy handicrafts like jewellery, scarves, pottery and even novelty weapons, all in the presence of jesters, dancers and minstrels.

A space is also cleared for re-enactments and jousts with convincing choreography and trained stuntmen.

Óbidos is rammed with souvenir shops, many of which are on Rua Direita.

If you’re going to buy something here it might as well be something that has genuine ties to the city, namely the sour cherry liqueur ginja.

This drink is produced all around the Lisbon area, but in Óbidos there’s a distinct way of making it: The cherries are picked at the orchards in the town’s countryside and macerate for at least one year.

When the liqueur is extracted it has an intense ruby tone, and doesn’t require any dyes or preservatives.

It goes without saying that ginja and dark chocolate is a match made in heaven, and is normally served in an edible chocolate cup.

15. Festival Internacional de Chocolate de Óbidos

For about three weeks from mid-March to early-April a chocolate festival takes over the streets and restaurants of Óbidos.

Each year there’s a different theme; in 2017 this was “music”, so for example on Praça da Tablete there was a tent filled with chocolate sculptures by master chocolatiers depicting famous artists like Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan, James Brown and Madonna.

In this square there’s also live entertainment, workshops, demonstrations and tasting events, when chefs and confectioners from far and wide arrive to show off their skills.

15 Best Things to Do in Óbidos (Portugal):

• Historic Óbidos
• Óbidos Castle
• Igreja de Santa Maria
• Praça de Santa Maria
• Santuário do Senhor Jesus da Pedra
• Museu Municipal de Óbidos
• Lagoa de Óbidos
• Igreja Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Óbidos
• Caldas da Rainha
• Aqueduto de Óbidos
• Igreja de São Pedro
• Mercado Medieval de Óbidos
• Festival Internacional de Chocolate de Óbidos

Guide To Óbidos Portugal, Best Things To Do In The “Queen’s Present”

The charming and cobbled Old World cornucopia of medieval Óbidos Portugal is just an hour north of Lisbon. The dreamy UNESCO village is perched fetchingly on a hill and encircled with stout medieval walls.

It’s decorated with splashes of ultramarine and saffron yellow paint and filled with bougainvilla-covered whitewashed homes a cherry pots of geraniums.

You’ll be seduced by its beauty and shabby chic romantic aura.

I arrived via car on a cloudy day in late April. After Lisbon’s hustle and bustle, Óbidos seemed laid back and bucolic.

The clouds didn’t deter me one bit. I was entranced, basking in the brisk springtime air and the honeysuckle breeze.

Here’s my guide to amazing things to do in Óbidos.

>>> Click here to book a guided walking tour

Mini History of Óbidos

The word Óbidos derives from the Latin term oppidum, which means citadel or fortified city. If you want to see a really ancient oppidum, visit Citânia de Briteiros in northern Portugal outside Porto .

The Visigoths founded Óbidos in the 7th century. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Moors occupied the town and built Óbidos Castle. The Christians reconquered the town in the 12th century.

Under Portuguese rule, and due to its strategic location along the Atlantic Ocean, Óbidos flourished into a major trading port.

Beginning in 1282, each king of Portugal gave the town of Óbidos as a wedding present to his future queen.

King Dinis began the tradition. When he showed his future wife Dona Isabel the lovely town, she fell instantly in love — a common enough spell for those visiting Óbidos.

King Dinis decided to gift her the town as a wedding present.

The tradition continued from the 13th to the 19th centuries. As a result, Óbidos is nicknamed the Queens’ Town or the Queens’ Present.

Today, Óbidos has a population of just 3,000. But it’s looked the same way for centuries.

When you enter the city gates, you’ll feel like you’re unwrapping a beautiful present as the town spills out before you.

Best Things To Do In Óbidos: Top Attractions

The tourist office is just outside the Porta da Vila, if you want a map or information.

1. Porta da Vila

You enter through the double arched Porta da Vila, or the Town Gate, which dates to around 1380. The town gate was built to defend the castle.

In the middle, you’ll see a balcony that’s the shrine of Nossa Senhora da Piedade, Our Lady of Mercy.

It’s richly decorated with 18th century blue and white azulejo tiles and a Baroque balcony. It show scenes from the passion of Christ.

2. Rua Direita, The Main Drag

After entering the gate, you arrive at the gorgeous main drag, Rua Direita. Your head will be spinning right and left to take it all in.

It’s a pedestrianized lane that runs from the Porta da Vila to Óbidos Castle. A stroll down the street is one of the best things to do and see in Obidos.

You may want to start your day in Obidos with some hot chocolate and pastries at an adorable cafe, Pastelaria d’Avo Adelia.

Rue Direita is a cobbled lane dating from the 13th or 14th century.

It’s stuffed with whitewashed buildings, quirky bars and cafes, exquisite shops, and ubiquitous ginjinha stands. The iron street lamps and chipped stone facades complete the vintage look.

I was especially taken with the pottery shops and made several purchases.

These are not your typical tacky souvenir shops. Most of the shops have one of a kind, artisan quality goods.

Be sure to tear yourself away from the lovely ceramics on Rua Direita. It’s Óbidos’ busiest street.

The real magic of Óbidos lies off the main drag.

So veer towards Óbidos’ quiet maze of pathways to enjoy the quiet, color, and romance.

You won’t find another person in sight. This is where you’ll find the intangible fairy dust of Óbidos, and its greatest gift to the traveler.

3. Ginjinha de Óbidos

Ginjinha bars may be on trend in Lisbon, but there’s no escaping them in Óbidos. They’re everywhere. You can’t visit Obidos and not sample it.

Ginjinha is a Portuguese liqueur that’s basically a sour cherry brandy. The one from Óbidos is renowned for its quality and strength.

If you buy Ginjinha from a street vendor, you can have it served up in a plastic cup or in a much more satisfying chocolate cup.

One of the popular stops is to try Ginja right outside the main town gate. They also sell chocolates in a cute wood container, which can be brought home as a souvenir. 

4. Igreja de Santa Maria

You’ll eventually land in Óbidos’ elegant main square, Praça de Santa Maria.

There, you’ll find the austere and imposing Igreja de Santa Maria. The church is free to enter and one of the best things to do and see in Obidos.

The Renaissance church was built in the 12th century. In the mid 15th century, it was the site of a royal wedding.

It’s where the child king King Afonso V (age 10) and his child bride and cousin Isabel I (age 8) were married. Historical records note that a riotous reception took place after the gala event.

The inside is eye catching. There’s a beautifully painted barrel ceiling and altar.

17th century blue and white azulejos blanket the walls. You will also find a 16th century tomb inside. The altar has paintings by thee 17th century artist Josefa of Obidos, who was born in Seville.

In front of the church is a pillory column. It’s a monument to the town’s autonomy and a place where criminals were once punished. Note that the church is closed on Mondays.

5. Igreja da Misericordia

The street to the right of the main square holds the 16th century Igreja da Misericordia.

It’s worth a quick look just for its blue and yellow azulejo tiles that completely cover the side walls.

You’ll also find 17th century sculptures of the Virgin and a painted ceiling showing the royal crown.

6. Bookstores

Óbidos has been inventing itself as a literally center. Themed bookshops abound.

In 2015, Óbidos held its first literary festival, Folio, which is now an annual event . Óbidos was named the UNESCO City of Literature in 2015.

The former church of São Tiago, St James, has been nattily transformed into a bookshop, the Livraria de Santiago.

The exterior of the building retains the appearance of the original 12th century church. Inside, there’s a colorful altar and the hushed tones make the building bookshop worthy.

Once a 19th century convent, the bookstore that put Óbidos on the literary map is the Literary Man Hotel Bookshop. It’s just off the main drag at Rua D’João d’Ornelas.

It’s the world’s largest literary hotel . It holds over 65,000 secondhand and rare vintage books. There’s a wall of books at every turn.

You can pick anything up off their shelves and check in with reception, if you want to make a purchase.

The bookstore’s open from 8:00 am until midnight. Book nerds can sip a cocktail at the in house gin bar while they get lost in a book.

7. Óbidos Castle

A stroll down Rua Direita eventually leads to Óbidos Castle. It’s one of the seven wonders of Portugal. It’s ancient and forms the northern boundary of the walled town.

The castle was built in 713 during the Moorish occupation. In 1148, during the Reconquista, it was captured by Alfonso I, Portugal’s first king.

In 1210, Alfonso II expanded the castle and gifted it to his wife. It was a favorite spot for royals when they needed a quiet getaway.

The castle witnesses a fair share of joy and misery. In the 13th century, it was the honey moon locale for Dinis and Isabel. In the 14th century, it was for Portugal’s Romeo and Juliet, the star crossed lovers Ines de Castro and Dom Pedr o .

In 1755, it was damaged somewhat in the big earthquake that shattered Lisbon. The castle was restored.

Though Óbidos is easily visited as a day trip from Lisbon, there’s plenty to keep you busy. And the hilltop castle isn’t all views. In 1948, it was converted into a luxurious pousada (hotel). It’s one of Portugal’s most historic inns.

The castle retains its medieval decor. The stairs are narrow and steep. There’s no windows, just skinny archer portals.

You’ll get a good night’s sleep because the walls are 3 meters deep, blocking out all light and noise. You can even book a room in one of the castle’s two split level “tower chambers.”

Unfortunately, you can’t go inside the castle unless you’re staying there. But, still, just admiring its crenellated battlements is something.

8. Walk The Medieval Walls

You can see Obidos’ city walls as you approach the town. They date from Moorish times, though they’ve been restored over the years.

Walking the walls is definitely one of the best things to do in Obidos. It’s a completely free activity. And, unlike the streets below, they’re not crowed with people.

There are several places to access the walls, from steep stairways to rocky paths. Once you’re on the walls, it’s a narrow path. You may want to walk single file.

It’s only a 1.5 kilometer walk and takes approximately one hour. They’re a bit perilous because there are no handrails.

The castle walls offer some great views of Óbidos and the countryside.

9. Festivals in Óbidos

Óbidos knows how to host a good festival.

Every year, the castle grounds and public squares are taken over by the Chocolate Festival , the Medieval Fair , the Opera Festival, or the Christmas Village.

I was lucky to arrive during the annual Chocolate Festival, which is usually held in April. This is heaven for chocolate lovers.

The narrow streets are filled with stands displaying every conceivable form of chocolate, including huge chocolate sculptures. Top chefs even give cooking demonstrations.

The choices were almost overwhelming. I settled on chocolate covered strawberries.

The Medieval festival is held in July or August. People done medieval costumes and eat and drink 9with goblets) at wooden trestle tables.

10. Santuario do Senhor da Pedra

Below the town and a bit of a stroll is a rather ramshackle abandoned church, the Santuario do Senhor da Pedra.

It’s an 19th century Baroque gem in need of some TLC. It’s unique for its hexagonal interior.

If you want to give yourself a gift, visit medieval Óbidos, the Queen’s Present. It’s one of Portugal’s most otherworldly pretty villages.

Tips For Visiting Óbidos:

1. how to get to obidos.

It’s a 1.5 hour drive from Lisbon to Obidos. If you are driving, don’t bother driving into the old town. There are parking areas just outside the walls, some free and some not. You can’t park inside the town.

From Lisbon, it’s easier to take a bus than a train to Obidos. The RodoTejo Verde (green) bus from Campo Grande station in Lisbon takes just over an hour to arrive in Obidos at Rua da Praca. You can pre-book bus tickets on the Moovit App.

By Guided Tour:

Taking a guided day tour is a great way to explore Obidos as well and makes logistic easier. Most tours combine Obidos with another town.

This full day tour from Lisbon takes you to Obidos, Fatima, and Nazare. This full day tour also includes Batalha.

2. How To Get Around Obidos

Obidos is a very small town, so it’s eminently walkable.

And you don’t really have any choice either. Access to the streets are by foot only.

You might consider booking a guided walking tour to get the full scoop on the town’s history and culture.

3. Where To Stay In Obidos

If you decide to stay overnight in Obidos, you are in for a real treat. In the evening, the day trippers are gone and you will have the town to yourself.

Your best choices are Pousada do Castelo de Óbidos and The Literary Man Óbidos Hotel .

I mentioned the castle above, and that’s the most luxurious option. The Literary Man hotel is cool too.

It’s housed in a former convent and has a literary theme. You will find a restaurant, a gin bar, and a wine cellar on the property.

4. Places To Visit Near Obidos

If you are driving to Obidos, or taking a day tour you can definitely add some other attractions or small towns in Portugal. Here are a few places near Obidos that you could also visit.

If you want to hit the beach, head to Nazare. It’s about 40 minutes by car from Obidos to Nazare and many guided tours include a stop there.

Nazare is an ancient fishing town and the largest resort town on the Estremadura Coast.

In Nazare, a long sandy beach feeds abruptly at a 360 foot cliff. You can take a funicular to the top. From a lookout point, you can see the resort area.

Batalha Monastery

The Dominican Monastery of Santa Maria de Vitoria is an ornate UNESCO-listed landmark with Gothic and Manueline elements. Building began in 1388 and continued for centuries.

The historic structure was built to celebrate a pivotal 1385 battle, when Portugal overcame the mighty Spaniards in the Battle of Aljubarrota.

The monastery and its church, the symbol of Portugal’s national pride, were built by Portugal’s prolific builder King Joao I, whose tomb is inside.

Characteristic of Gothic-Manueline architecture, you’ll be delighted by the intricate carved floral and marine elements.

The monastery is a must see for lovers of architecture, history, religion, or warfare. You can visit the church for free, but must pay to see the beautiful cloisters.

Alçobaca

Just a little over an hour from Coimbra is the he breathtaking Alçobaca Monastery. If you love history or architecture, the 800 year old Alcobaça Monastery is a must visit destination in Portugal.

The monastery became a UNESCO site in 1989 because of its “size, the purity of its architectural style, the beauty of the materials and the care with which it was built make this a masterpiece of Cistercian Gothic art.”

When you approach the great edifice from the street, you are confronted with an imposing and ornate Baroque facade from 1702. 

Once you enter the doors, everything changes. The monastery is actually a monument to simplicity that feels light and airy.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to the best things to do in Obidos. You may enjoy these other Portugal travel guides and resources:

• 10 day itinerary for Portugal
• Historic landmarks in Portugal
• 4 day itinerary for Lisbon
• 2 day itinerary for Lisbon
• 2 days in Porto itinerary
• 1 day in Coimbra itinerary
• Guide to Lisbon’s Alfama neighborhood
• Guide to Lisbon’s Belem neighborhood
• Guide to Pena Palace
• Day trips from Lisbon
• Tips for Visiting Sintra

If you’d like to visit the beautiful town of Obidos Portugal, pin it for later.

2 thoughts on “Guide To Óbidos Portugal, Best Things To Do In The “Queen’s Present””

Great overview that I’m going to be using! Just an update – as of summer ’22, you can pre-buy bus tickets using the moovit app.

Thanks for the tip!

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Last Updated on January 6, 2024 by Leslie Livingston

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Obidos, Portugal in 2024: an independent travel guide

Obidos is the finest example of a Portuguese walled town and is one of the best tourist destinations of the Lisbon region.

Historically, Obidos was owned by the Queen of Portugal, a tradition that began in 1282 when the town was gifted to Queen Isabel on her wedding day. This royal patronage has left a positive enduring legacy on Obidos, and today it is the most charming and attractive town of central Portugal.

During your trip to Obidos, you will discover traditional houses, pretty cobbled streets and an impressive medieval castle. While the town may be small, taking only a couple of hours to explore, you will definitely enjoy all of your time spent here.

The region surrounding Obidos is equally as fascinating, from the fishing town of Peniche and the pristine beaches of Lagoa de Obidos, to Europe’s largest collection of Buddha statues at the Buddha Eden. Obidos is a fantastic base from which to explore this enthralling region, and the town has become an increasingly popular destination for a holiday.

This article will provide a guide to Obidos, helping you get the most from your visit to the town and region.

Highlights of Obidos

The Muralhas da cidade - The ancient town walls encircling the historic centre of Obidos remain surprisingly intact. The tops of these walls can be walked (with care), providing a scenic and peaceful way to see the town.

The Porta da Vila – The decorative double gateway into Obidos, with its pretty chapel and Azulejo tile paintings.

The Azulejo tiles paintings of the Porta da Vila depict the Passion of Christ.

Ginjinha d’Obidos – A delicious, sweet cherry flavoured liqueur that is served in a chocolate cup – the perfect energy replenisher during a long day of sightseeing!

The Rua Direita – The delightful main street of Obidos, which has barely been altered since the medieval era. This cobbled street leads up to the castle and is lined with baroque styled churches, family-run restaurants and unique shops.

Related articles: Lisbon day trips - Lagoa de Obidos – Peniche guide

A day trip to Obidos

Obidos is regarded as one of the best day trips of the north Lisbon region, and a visit here is highly recommended if you are on holiday within the area.

As a small town, Obidos can be fully explored in just 2 to 3 hours of sightseeing. While it takes less time to visit than the other popular day trip destinations - such as Sintra, Cascais, Setubal or Evora - the real appeal is its charming appearance, rather than the number of tourist attractions it has to offer.

It’s easy to travel to Obidos from Lisbon using public transport, and there is a regular bus service - details are provided later in this article.

If travelling to Obidos by car, you’ll find a large car park to the southeast of the town. With a car, a day trip to Obidos could be combined with visits to Peniche, Foz do Arelho, Nazaré or Bacalhôa Buddha Eden.

Insight: Obidos makes for a great stop on the drive from Lisbon to Porto (or Coimbra), and is very close to the A8 expressway.

The interactive map below displays a suggested tour of Obidos. The green line shows the suggested tour, the yellow line marks the city walls, and the shaded green area is the busy tourist area along the Rua Direita. ( Note: zoom in to see all of the points)

Sights of the tour 1) Porta da Vila Gateway 2) Rua Direita 3) Muralhas da cidade (town walls) 4) Trilho do Castelo (castle trail) 5) Igreja de São Tiago 6) Castelo de Óbidos 7) Estrada da Cerca Gateway 8) Igreja de Santa Maria 9) Igreja de São Pedro 10) Capela de São Martinho 11) Aqueduto de Óbidos (aqueduct)

Warning: It is possible to walk the perimeter of Obidos via the town walls, but care must be taken. The tops of the battlements are uneven, with many trip hazards, no handrails and narrow sections. The walls are not suitable for children.

Related articles: Sights and tourist attractions of Obidos

Getting the most from your trip to Obidos

While Obidos makes a fantastic day-trip destination, it can suffer through its own popularity. In the summer months, the town is crowded with coach tours and day-trippers, with visitors jostling along the Rua Direita up to the castle.

It is recommended to visit early in the day before the arrival of the coach tours (11am to 2pm) and when the sun is less intense. Most tourists leave Obidos by 3pm, with the town taking on a much calmer atmosphere.

Insight: Coach tours from Lisbon often visit Obidos as their first destination, as it is the closest tourist town of the Alcobaça/ Batalha/ Fatima/ Nazaré / Obidos region.

If the Rua Direita is too busy, then head to the western side of Obidos. The streets are much more peaceful here, and you’ll find a less busy stairway to the castle walls. Another quiet section of Obidos is to the southeast of the castle.

The quiet side streets of Obidos free from any tourists

During peak season, there is high demand for the restaurants in the town’s historic centre at lunchtime. To avoid the crowds, plan for an early or late lunch.

If you join a multi-destination tour, be aware that these tours do not spend long in Obidos (as they rush on to Fatima, Batalha or Nazaré). These tours only allow enough time to walk along the main street, see the castle, and have a glass of Ginjinha d’Obidos.

The main advantage of visiting Obidos independently (rather than joining a guided tour) is that you can plan to avoid the busiest hours and spend more time within the town.

Sights for a day trip to Obidos

The Porta da Vila is the main gateway into Obidos. It is comparatively small in size, as the gateway was designed to prevent a cavalry attack. The door on the right enters the chapel dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Piedade, the patron saint of Obidos.

The Rua da Talhada follows the western wall and is the prettiest section of Obidos

The Castelo de Óbidos is a delightful medieval castle perched upon a rocky outcrop at the highest point of Obidos. The castle has a close connection to the Portuguese Royal Family, as it was historically the dowry gift to the Queen - a tradition that began with Queen Santa Isabel in 1282. Today the castle is an atmospheric hotel - www.pousadas.pt /pt/hotel /pousada- obidos

The Igreja de Santa Maria is the main church of Obidos and was originally constructed on the site of a Moorish mosque. It was here that child King Afonso V married his cousin Isabel in 1444. Most of the medieval church was destroyed by an earthquake in 1535, with the present building dating from the late 16th century.

Organised tours to Obidos

Organised tours are a great option if you have limited time or would prefer to avoid the hassle of public transport. Tours in Portugal are designed for modern and worldly travellers, offering knowledgeable guides and the chance to meet fellow tourists. We have worked with GetYourGuide.com over the last six years, and some of their best tours that include Obidos are: • A popular tour of Fatima, Obidos, Batalha and Nazaré (€65) • Fátima, Nazaré, Óbidos & São Martinho do Porto full-day tour (€60) • Óbidos, Fátima and the Atlantic Coast (€65) Do note: Multi-destination tours will only spend 30 to 60 minutes in Obidos.

Obidos as a holiday destination

Obidos makes a fantastic holiday destination if you are seeking an authentically Portuguese experience, with an ambience far removed from that of the hectic beach towns. Once the day-trippers leave Obidos, the town offers a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere, with evenings enjoyed in the family-run restaurants eating traditional home-cooked food.

Highlights of the Obidos region include the surfing beaches of Baleal (near Peniche), the monastery of Batalha, the traditional resort town of Nazaré and the Berlenga islands. To get the most from a holiday to Obidos, a car is recommended. Related articles: Nazaré Guide - Batalha Guide

Accommodation in Obidos

Obidos has a very limited number of hotels, meaning accommodation is always in high demand. This is especially true during the peak season when the town and surrounding region will be fully sold out. Our advice is to book accommodation as early as possible, while the best locations are still available. Insight: Foz do Arelho is a delightful beach town only 7km from Obidos.

The map below shows the location of hotels and rental rooms in Obidos. By altering the date to your holiday, the map will display the current prices ( Note: Zoom in or out to see more options)

Public transport between Lisbon and Obidos

The best way to travel to Obidos from Lisbon is by the express bus. The bus service departs from Campo Grande bus station in Lisbon, which is located on the green and yellow metro line. The journey takes 1 hour, and a single ticket costs €8.00 (there are no return tickets, so two single tickets must be purchased).

The express bus to Obidos is operated by the Rodojejo bus company, and the route (which is called the ‘Rapida Verde’) connects Lisbon to the city of Caldas da Rainha. There are many departures Monday to Friday, with fewer services at the weekend. Rodojejo website - www. rodotejo .pt Rapida Verde timetable - www.rodotejo.pt /wp-content /uploads/ rapida_linha_ verde.pdf Obidos does have a train station, however the train from Lisbon is a slow, regional service. The train from Lisbon to Obidos takes over hours, so the bus is a more sensible option. Related articles: Lisbon to Obidos

The Rodotejo bus to Obidos waiting at the Campo Grande bus station, which is next to Estádio José Alvalade (Sporting Lisbon’s stadium)

Ginjinha d’Obidos

The Obidos region is famed for its cherry liqueur called Ginjinha d’Obidos, and no trip to Obidos is complete without savouring this sweet tasting drink in one of the town’s small bars. Ginja is produced by infusing Morello cherries in Aguardiente (hence the strength of the drink!) and is served with a cherry in the glass. A modern twist is to serve the drink in a chocolate cup.

Bacalhoa Buddha Eden

Hidden within the rolling farmland and vineyards of the Obidos countryside is Europe’s largest collection of Buddhas. This unique collection includes sculptures, terracotta statues and pagodas and is set amidst the grounds of a traditional Portuguese farm. The Buddha Eden is 10km south of Obidos, and the entrance fee is €5. bacalhoa.pt/ enoturismo/bacalhoa-buddha -eden

Obidos for golf

Within the Obidos region are a number of world-class golf courses. West Cliffs Golf was named the World’s Best New Golf Course in 2017, while the Bom Sucesso course is part of the exclusive European Tour Properties network. • West Cliffs Golf - westcliffs.com /pt/ campo-de -golfe- west-cliffs/ • Bom Sucesso - www.bomsucesso .net/pt/ golfe/

Obidos’ former harbour

Historically, a harbour was situated at the base of the hill on the western side of Obidos. However, this coastline was dramatically altered in the 15th century due to a tsunami following an earthquake.

The tsunami created a sandbar at Foz do Arelho (10km to the west of Obidos), restricting the flow of water and forming the Lagoa de Obidos. This pretty lagoon can be seen from the town walls of Obidos.

The pretty beach of Foz do Arelho overlooking the Lagoa de Obidos

What to combine a day trip of Obidos with?

Obidos can be easily seen within a couple of hours, so a trip here could be combined with visits to Caldas da Rainha, Peniche , Nazare or the Buddha Eden. For a day trip which takes in multiple towns, a car is recommended. However, there is a regular bus service between Obidos and Peniche (25km, 40 min €2.75 fare, see http://rodoviariadooeste.pt/), or express bus to Caldas da Rainha (10km 15min). Another option if you have a car is to visit Mafra Palace on the way back to Lisbon.

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A complete list of all of our guides to central Portugal

• Obidos Introduction
• Things to See in Obidos
• Obidos day trip
• Lisbon to Obidos
• Tomar Introduction
• Things to see in Tomar
• Lisbon to Tomar
• Evora Introduction
• Evora Things to See
• Day Trip to Evora
• Lisbon to Evora
• Capela dos Ossos
• Evora or Sintra?
• The Alentejo region
• Fatima introduction
• Lisbon to Fatima
• Mafra Introduction
• Lisbon to Mafra
• Ericeira introduction
• Lisbon to Ericeira
• Ericeira beaches

Central Portugal

• Alcobaça monastery
• N2 road tour
• São Martinho do Porto

Portugal Guides

• Where to go in Portugal
• 1 week in Portugal
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• When to visit?
• Portugal's best beaches
• Top 10 Portugal
• Portugal airports
• Portugal for families
• Lisbon to Porto tour
• Where to live in Portugal
• Portugal in January
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• Porto in 1 Day
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South Portugal

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• Albufeira activities
• Albufeira beaches
• Day trip to Albufeira
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• Lagos guide
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• Praia da Marinha
• Praia da Rocha
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• Tavira guide
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• Vilamoura beaches
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Charming Óbidos: 17 best things to do in Óbidos, Portugal

The medieval town of Óbidos is one of the most charming places in Portugal. Referred to as the ‘Town of the Queens’ this place introduces you to medieval architecture through its narrow cobblestone streets, squares, walls, and the medieval castle.

Óbidos is the perfect destination for a day trip from Lisbon! We visited Óbidos in the middle of summer, exploring known and hidden corners of this magical town including Óbidos castle, Rua Direita street, city walls, and the famous Óbidos chocolate shops.

But my favorite place in Óbidos was the Porta da Vila gate with the beautiful Portuguese tiles – azulejos! In this blog post, you will find all the best things to do in Óbidos with photos, descriptions, and locations on Google Maps . Happy exploring!

Read more » Enchanting Sintra: 17 best things to do in Sintra, Portugal

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TABLE OF CONTENTS »

1. Visit the glorious Castle of Óbidos!

One of the must-do things to do in Óbidos is to visit the Óbidos Castle. The castle is one of the most famous medieval castles in Portugal and is among the Seven Wonders of Portugal – the most iconic landmarks in Portugal voted by the Portuguese people.

Want a local guide? Join Medieval Tales and Secrets Spots Walking Tour in Óbidos!

Construction of the castle took place during the 12th and 13th centuries, but the castle and the fortifications were rebuilt, expanded, and renovated over the centuries that followed. The castle also suffered great damage during the 1755 Lisbon earthquake.

Óbidos Castle sits on a hill about 80 meters above sea level. It is part of a defensive structure that consists of the castle, towers, and defensive walls that completely encircle the Óbidos Old Town.

The castle building mixes different architectural styles and has elements of Gothic, Manueline, Baroque as well as Romanesque architecture. During the medieval centuries, this town and castle were favored as a residence by many Portuguese queens.

The castle itself today is turned into a luxury hotel, so you cannot visit the castle as a tourist unless you book a stay there .

It is part of a hotel network in Portugal called ‘Pousadas de Portugal’ where historic state-owned buildings (like castles and palaces) are turned into hotels. This helps the state earn income to maintain the old buildings.

Óbidos Castle also hosts medieval shows and activities. You can see the program at the entrance to the castle grounds, however, when we visited there must have been a lunch break as nothing was going on.

In any case, it looked like a fun place with medieval singing, different tools and arms, some food, and other activities. But we did get a typical Portuguese lemonade in a special clay pot in the shape of a castle tower. We got to keep it as a souvenir!

Location: Castle of Óbidos

2. Walk around the medieval walls of Óbidos!

Did you know that the entire town of Óbidos is encircled by massive defensive castle walls? It is true. And the best part about it is that you can actually walk around the town walls like a town guard a couple of centuries ago!

You can climb on the walls using stairs near the Óbidos castle or next to the city entrance gate – Porta da Vila. The perimeter of the walls reaches more than 1500 meters (nearly a mile) and offers amazing views over the whole town!

This small town is like no other in Portugal. In 1210, King Afonso II, the third king of Portugal, gave the title of this town to his queen, and ever since that moment, this town has had a special connection to Portugal’s queens.

Later in the 13th century, King Dinis offered Óbidos to his wife Isabel on the occasion of their marriage. Although it was part of her dowry (payment for the marriage), people love to romanticize the fact and call this town a gift to the queen!

Walking around the town walls was one of my favorite things to do in Óbidos! However, at times the path is rather narrow and there are no fences, so you have to be careful. In some places, the walls reach as high as 13 meters!

The path takes you along many defensive towers as well. I felt like a true knight guarding my town, haha! The town was fortified by the Moorish as far back as the 8th century, however, the walls were later restructured and rebuilt by the Portuguese.

Location: Wall of Óbidos

3. Take a photo at the famous Porta da Vila gate!

Porta da Vila was my favorite attraction in Óbidos. It is a stunning entrance gate to the town that is still used today as the main entrance to the fortification. Cars and even minivans regularly use this gateway as we noticed when we were there.

The gateway is the best photo spot in Óbidos thanks to the stunning Baroque balcony and blue and white azulejo tiles. Construction of the main gateway dates back to the 14th century and here you can observe the presence of medieval defence architecture.

It is impossible to miss the gate as it is one of the few places where you can enter Óbidos Old Town. We parked our car in a free parking lot next to the aqueduct and this was the entrance we used to get to the town.

In order to get a photo without any cars, minivans, or people, we came here in the early morning. After 9 AM the usual buzz of the streets of this historic town starts to appear and it gets harder and harder to get a crowd-free photo here. Just so you know!

Location: Porta da Vila

4. Explore the colorful Rua Direita shopping street!

One of the best things to do in Óbidos is to go shopping and explore the landmark street – Rua Direita. It is the main street in Óbidos and is lined with boutique shops, souvenir shops, cafés, restaurants, and more.

Almost all the shops put their goods outside on the street in stands, shelves, or baskets, so it feels like a big marketplace. The street is full of color and scents everywhere you look. Walking the whole length of this street is a must when visiting Óbidos!

I am usually not a big fan of things or stuff as souvenirs, however, we did buy the traditional Óbidos chocolate from a couple of chocolate shops right on this street. Anyway, it was fun to just walk around and feel the buzz. I felt like I was at a festival!

Location: Rua Direita

5. Explore the traditional chocolate culture in Óbidos!

Óbidos chocolate house.

Did you know that chocolate is a thing in Óbidos? One of the best things to do in Óbidos is to explore the traditional chocolate culture and taste the local chocolate in all its variations.

Óbidos even hosts an International Chocolate Festival that has taken place in Spring every year since 2002. It is when the whole town turns into a big festival and celebration of chocolate featuring famous artists, shows, and other festivities.

You can observe one of the masterpieces from the festival in Óbidos Chocolate House. Each year has a theme and there are chefs who carve chocolate sculptures just for this event.

When we visited there was a Spiderman figure put on display from this year’s festival. It said that it took an impressive 278 hours to make this masterpiece!

Besides checking out the chocolate sculpture, you can also buy some chocolate made in Óbidos for yourself. They have creative chocolate bars as well as bonbons. We chose a box of six bonbons filled with different tastes.

Because it was a hot day and we didn’t want to waste the chocolates, we finished all of them right away. They were fantastic! They also offer other snacks like ice cream rolls and drinks. I loved this place!

Location: Óbidos Chocolate House

Fábrica das Bombokas

Óbidos Chocolate House is more like a café with limited chocolate options. In case you are more interested in some different tasty souvenirs from Óbidos, I recommend checking out Fábrica das Bombokas.

They are a local chocolate and souvenir shop offering chocolate from Óbidos in different variations – chocolate bars, chocolate lollipops, artisan chocolate with nuts and berries as well as chocolate bonbons filled with tasty fillings.

We could not resist the temptation of Óbidos chocolate and bought some more chocolate here as well. This is the best souvenir shop you can find in Óbidos!

Apart from chocolate products, they also offered cookies, candy jars, as well as bottles of pastel de nata liqueur, and other stronger drinks as well!

Tip! In case you are visiting Óbidos during summertime, buy chocolate souvenirs at the end of your visit so that they don’t melt in your bag!

This cute artisan shop was a bit hard to find as it was in the wrong location on Google Maps . Just check my photo with the front facade of the shop and look around on the street. You should then find it right away!

Location: Fábrica das Bombokas

6. Take a shot of the local Ginja de Óbidos!

One of the must-do things in Óbidos is to try local Ginja de Óbidos! Ginja or Ginjinha is a Portuguese liqueur made of sour cherries, sugar, and usually cinnamon. It is served in a small shot often with a berry at the bottom of it.

However, Ginja de Óbidos is special. Thanks to the special status of chocolate in Óbidos, in this town Ginja de Óbidos is served in a small chocolate cup, so you get a drink and an edible cup in one bite. it is a bomb of sweetness, bitterness, and sourness all together!

As you walk down the Rua Direita street you will notice many places selling this typical drink. Either on the street or inside the shops but you can get Ginja de Óbidos in numerous places here. It is a local specialty after all!

7. Try a typical Portuguese dish at Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau in Óbidos!

Another must-visit place in Óbidos is Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau where you can taste the typical Portuguese dish – Pastel de Bacalhau which translates from Portuguese as codfish pastries.

These pastries are typically made of such ingredients as potato puree, onion, parsley, and codfish. They are then mixed together in a ball with eggs and milk. Then the ball is deep-fried. I usually call them – Portuguese croquettes!

Honestly, I am not a big fan of fish dishes, however, it is definitely worth a try! This cute place in Óbidos specializes in making these croquettes so it is the perfect place to try one.

As you enter the place, first you have to pay for the amount of Pastel de Bacalhau you want (one costs 5 EUR), then you go to the chef and give him the ticket. He will then make you your order while you can see with your own eyes how he prepares everything.

This is the perfect place to go if you crave a quick snack. Plus you get to see how everything is made. I only tried Pastel de Bacalhau once in Portugal and it was right here in Óbidos!

Location: Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau

8. Take a photo with the Knight of Óbidos!

Another unusual thing to do in Óbidos on the famous Rua Direita street is taking a photo with the Knight of Óbidos! The legendary knight dressed head to toe in metal armor stands next to the beautiful 16th-century pillory of Óbidos!

The pillory was built in Manueline style and bears the coat of arms of King Manuel I of Portugal. If you are lucky, you will meet the Knight of Óbidos, but, if not, check out the next tourist attraction right behind the pillory – Igreja de Santa Maria church!

Location: Pelourinho de Óbidos

9. Pay a visit to Igreja de Santa Maria church!

Igreja de Santa Maria, in my opinion, is the most beautiful church in Óbidos! It boasts a beautiful Mannerist portal with columns and statues that invite any visitor to continue exploring inside. This is where the true beauty uncovers itself!

With walls covered with glazed blue-and-white tiles, decorated with painted wood, and stunning frescoes, it is one of the most beautiful places in Óbidos. Next to the gilded altar, there is a Renaissance tomb of the captain of Óbidos who served in the 16th century.

This church has seen many important events over the centuries. For example, in the 15th century, this church was the place where soon-to-be King D. Afonso V of Portugal got married to his wife Isabel when they were only ten and eight years old.

The church was renovated and rebuilt many times over the centuries. However, as we see it today, this building dates back to the 16th century when it was built by the initiative of Queen D. Leonor. If you can spare a minute, definitely take a look inside!

The Church of Saint Mary serves as the main church of Óbidos and sits in the middle of a big square – Praça de Santa Maria. It is the main square of the town and is usually full of life and festivities. It is a popular place for people to gather and enjoy conversations.

Location: Igreja de Santa Maria

10. Visit the former Óbidos prison at Arco da Cadeia!

While you are near the church, consider stepping a few meters behind it to find one of the most unique houses in Óbidos – Casa do Arco da Cadeia. This unusual building stands out as it is built as an arch stretching over a street.

Casa do Arco da Cadeia was built during the 14th-15th centuries and it once served as a Town Hall as well as Óbidos prison! Who would have thought!? You can see this house and its Gothic arch from the square next to Igreja de Santa Maria church!

Location: Arco da Cadeia

11. Relax at the scenic swing – Baloiço de Óbidos!

One of my favorite things to do in Óbidos was swinging in this scenic swing overlooking the whole town. Óbidos swing sits on a terraced platform right next to the defensive wall in the Northeast corner of Óbidos Old Town.

If you want a little moment of peace and quiet then definitely stop by this place. Óbidos swing is amongst the most scenic swings in Portugal with a beautiful view overlooking the whitewashed houses and terracotta rooftops of this magical town.

Location: Baloiço de Óbidos

12. Visit Livraria de São Tiago – a bookshop inside a church!

Another unusual building in Óbidos is Livraria de São Tiago. It is a unique bookstore that is built inside a church. From the outside, it looks like a proper church with a cross and a bell tower however the inside is turned into a store.

The church was actually built in the 12th century as the castle church. Unfortunately, it completely collapsed during the 1755 Lisbon earthquake and was rebuilt a couple of years later in the 18th century.

Today it doesn’t serve as a church anymore and there are no church-related activities happening inside it. It is completely rebuilt as a book store however there are still a couple of chapels and altars preserved inside.

This is definitely a unique place in Óbidos and is worth visiting especially because of its location – it sits right next to the entrance to the Castle of Óbidos. Don’t forget to check their working hours before you go!

This is also one of the best places to get some souvenirs from Óbidos, like a recipe book of Portuguese dishes (like pastel de nata). But if you understand Portuguese, you will definitely have more options. I did not see many English language books.

Location: Livraria de São Tiago

13. Admire Comur – the unique library of canned fish!

While you are in the area, you can pay a visit to another unique library! This time it is a librabry of typical Portuguese canned fish at Comur! Comur is actually a brand that is well known in Portugal for its beautiful shops and beautiful cans of different fish.

Canned fish are amongst the most popular souvenirs you can buy in Portugal so they have stores in basically every major city and town. However, each shop looks different and, in my opinion, they have outdone themselves in Óbidos!

As you enter the store, you are transported to a different age. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves filled with cans and books cover the walls in a Harry Potter book-worthy manner.

The ceiling is decorated with a large world map reflecting the world or how people thought it looked. Some of the cans bear Óbidos’ name with beautiful illustrations but others have years so you can buy a can with your birth year as a souvenir.

We didn’t buy any fish here, but we bought canned fish from Comur shop when we were visiting Lisbon. We got two cans of dorada fish and we ate it with pasta. Others simply put it on toast or a slice of whole wheat bread. We liked it!

Location: Comur – Óbidos

14. Check out Acueducto de Óbidos or Aqueduto de Usseira!

Located right in the middle of the main Óbidos parking lot is a massive 16th-century aqueduct. It was built by the order of Queen Catherine of Austria in order to supply the town’s fountains with water.

The Acueducto de Óbidos is 3 kilometers long and it connects the mountains of Usseira where the source of the water is to the town of Óbidos. If you arrive at Óbidos by car, this is the place where you will park so the aqueduct will be impossible to miss.

Location: Acueducto de Óbidos

15. Feed your taste buds in local restaurants and cafés!

Pastel de nata at nata lisboa in óbidos.

You can’t leave Óbidos without any food in your belly! In case you simply want a quick snack like a tasty pastel de nata with a cup of coffee or fresh orange juice, I recommend Nata Lisboa – they have the best pastel de nata in Óbidos!

Location: Nata Lisboa – Óbidos

Avocado Coffee & Healthy Food

We came to Óbidos in the morning so we were craving some breakfast. The best breakfast and brunch in Óbidos you can get at Avocado Coffee & Healthy Food. They offer yummy burgers, toasts, wraps, salad bowls, and all kinds of drinks! I recommend!

Location: Avocado Coffee & Healthy Food

In case you are craving some real food and want to sit down for a proper meal then here are some of the highest-rated restaurants in Óbidos:

• A Nova Casa de Ramiro (Portuguese restaurant)
• Ja!mon Ja!mon (tasty tapas to share)
• À JANELA (best pizza)
• REX Gastro Pub Garden (gastropub with international cuisine)
• Adega do Ramada (Portuguese restaurant)

16. Check out the Sanctuary of Senhor Jesus da Pedra!

Located on the outskirts of Óbidos Old Town is the Sanctuary of Senhor Jesus da Pedra – a beautiful church with a hexagonal floor plan. The construction of this church started in the first half of the 18th century.

Although the church is a couple of centuries old, it looks simple and modern but is still beautiful and special. It is a Baroque church with carvings, marble, images, paintings, and furniture.

There is a legend about the origin of the church. It says that after a long period of drought that damaged agriculture, a farmer heard something calling him in a pile of bushes.

It turned out to be a stone cross with an image of the crucified Christ on it. After the farmer praised God, it started to rain. This stone cross still to this day can be seen inside the church. If you have time, definitely stop by to check out this place!

Location: Sanctuary of Senhor Jesus da Pedra

17. Take a trip to the unique Berlengas archipelago!

One of the bucket list things to do in Portugal is to take a boat trip to the Berlengas Islands. It is a small archipelago just off the coast of Portugal near Peniche. Óbidos is only a 25-minute drive away from Peniche making it a perfect detour during your visit!

Berlengas Islands are known for crystal clear waters – people enjoy the beaches as well as cliff jumping here. The most famous tourist attraction on the Berlengas Islands is Fort of São João Baptista.

This fort is a military defensive structure. The octagon-shaped fort was built from the remains of an old monastery that was abandoned due to regular pirate attacks. It was constructed during the 17th century.

Today it is one of those hidden gems in Portugal that tell the tales of the past. You can explore the outside of the fort for free, or you can pay 1 EUR to explore it from the inside. I highly recommend taking a trip here!

How to get to the Berlengas Islands?

To get there, you need to buy a round-trip ticket to Berlengas online (this is the one we went with) for the exact time you wish to go. You will have about 3 hours to spend on the island before the ferry departs.

Before the trip, you have to register on berlengaspass.icnf.pt and obtain a Berlengas Pass by paying a tourist tax for visiting the archipelago. It costs 3 EUR per person, but you must do it before your trip. Nobody checked it for us tho, but they asked if we had done it.

On the day of your trip, you have to drive to the port of Peniche. They have a paid parking lot right next to the ferry that goes to the Berlengas Islands. You have to arrive about 30 minutes before departure.

Definitely bring some snacks, drinks, comfortable shoes, and sunscreen. There is little shade on the island. Some of the paths are not paved. The fort is located 1 kilometer from the port so it will be a bit of a hike with some vertical meters as well.

Location: Forte de São João Baptista

Happy exploring!

We visited Óbidos during our 3-month road trip around Portugal and I absolutely fell in love with this charming town. It is located just an hour North of Lisbon making it a great place to go to step back in time and enjoy the historic vibes of the Middle Ages.

I hope you enjoy your time in Óbidos and in Portugal as much as we did! And I hope you will get some travel inspiration from this blog post to make your trip to Óbidos even more exciting, memorable, and filled with lots of fun things!

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Marta is an economist turned full-time traveler. She comes from a small village in a small country (Latvia) with a big dream to see the big World and share it all with you!

On Explored by Marta, you will find travel guides and bucket lists made for active travelers who plan their own itineraries with a little bit of everything - must-see spots, hidden gems, cities, nature, fun adventures, and relaxation!

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Visit Obidos

Um artigo que vai guiar-te pela vila…

Visit Obidos: A medieval village

The Guide to Visit Obidos Village is here

Visit Obidos is a brief guide to guide you through the treasures of the picturesque village on the Silver Coast region, one of the ex-libris of Western Portugal.

The Obidos village is located to the north of Cabo Carvoeiro and half walls with the neighboring city of Caldas da Rainha .

With a long past and rich history , its scenic setting is one of its greatest brand images and gives it a very unique uniqueness, which would have been one of the reasons why, in the 21st century, Óbidos was considered one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal.

If you want to make the most of your time here, we advise you to plan the best way to visit Óbidos and discover the best that the village has to offer.

Visit Obidos Castle

Having as its ex-libris its majestic medieval castle, however, there are other elements of interest outside the wall that you should not miss when you visit Obidos making yourexperience even more unforgettable.

The castle was made by the Moors in the 19th century and was conquered by the first king of Portugal: D. Afonso Henriques in 1148.

Nowadays the castle is transformed into an inn with restaurant included.

As it is an inn, the interior of the castle is not visitable by tourists, only by guests.

The view from the top of the village is one of the best in Óbidos, so take the opportunity to take many photos.

It is exactly to elucidate you about what you can find and what you cannot miss, that we present you some suggestions so that you can decide what interests you most.

Where to start the visit

Starting inevitably from the interior of the Medieval Castle, we propose to divide the visit into three phases.

In this phased perspective, we start by proposing a visit to Religious Heritage, which, as the name implies, focuses on all the churches and chapels in the municipality of Óbidos… and there are “only” nine… all of them with singularities and particularities that will certainly surprise you by diversity, the importance of each one and the richness of its artistic treasures.

Another thematic program to visit Óbidos can be through Museums and Art Galleries, where you are presented the places in the village where art, in its most varied forms of expression can be enjoyed, highlighting for example that there are paintings by Josefa d'Óbidos to be enjoyed ...

The connection between Óbidos and art, which also has a strong and important contribution from major annual events, is so important and productive that in December 2015 UNESCO considered Óbidos as a creative city, as part of the Creative Cities Network program.

Last but not least, you always have the possibility to focus your visit to Óbidos in the Castle and its Walls, which discusses the history, particularities and curiosities associated with the Óbidos Castle, the great visiting card of the town and with which you will also end up framing the program of Religious Heritage and that of Museums and Art Galleries.

But there are also points of interest, not to be missed, outside the Castle.

If you go north, on the road that takes you from Óbidos to Caldas da Rainha , you will find two places that are both so important and so different, but both must be visited.

Visit Obidos Sanctuary and the history of the Roman Village

The first, and easiest to find, is the Senhor Jesus da Pedra Sanctuary, a majestic temple from the 18th century and whose visit is mandatory, having as its central elements its size and the fact that it has some windows ... inverted!

The second site is the archaeological site of the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Eburobrittium, an unequivocal proof of the presence of Roman civilization in the area centuries ago and an important testament to its legacy.

If you head south towards Peniche, you will necessarily pass under the old water aqueduct, which connected Óbidos to the town of Usseira, and which is a testament to the first water supply system in Óbidos together with the fountains that you will find it inside the wall.

The Aqueduct is really one of the hallmarks of Óbidos alongside the essential Castle.

After letting yourself be enchanted by all these pieces of history that helped to build what is today the village of Óbidos, you can and should change your course and proceed to the largest lagoon system in Portugal, the beautiful Lagoa de Óbidos, next to the beach from Foz do Arelho .

Josefa de Obidos

The painter "of dead nature" Josefa de Óbidos is one of the great icons of the village of Obidos, and of course, the target of a mandatory stop to visit her works. Start by making Rua Direita until the Municipal Museum of Obidos, where you can find one of her works, and then ahead of the Museum, is the Church of Santa Maria de Obidos, where you will be able to see more works by this famous painter.

Visit Obidos Lagoon

Upon arriving at the Obidos Lagoon you will come across several options, all different in their motivations, but all linked to leisure and spending quality time.

There are many trails along the banks of the lagoon that allow long walks where you can relax and see the flora and fauna of this system, as well as going up to one of the specific observation points that exist for bird watching such as Flamingos.

When you take a break you can take advantage of the spaces that exist to be able to have lunch or a picnic, one of these spaces is Covão dos Musaranhos , with its own equipment to cook whatever you feel like eating.

The Obidos Lagoon has more requirements that you will want to take advantage of and after the walks you can always feel like practicing any water sport such as kite surfing, windsurfing or Paddleboard and canoeing.

However, if you are looking for something calmer, you can always choose to practice golf on one of the many courses that exist around the village of Obidos!

Obidos Cultural Agenda

There is also the calendar of major events in Obidos, during which the town changes according to each event and during which you will certainly find different reasons and attractions in your adventure to visit the village.

One thing is for sure, you will not be told which options to choose for your visit to Óbidos, being sure that it is best to enjoy a little bit of everything for a more complete experience.

Another feature that you cannot miss is the famous and delicious Ginjinha de Óbidos , a liquor made of sour cherries so famous and so tasty that it is almost a sin not to taste it.

If you are greedy there is also the possibility to taste the cherry in a glass of chocolate, black or white.

Don't waste any more time, pack your bag, take your camera, put on something comfortable, grab your favorite company and come to Óbidos to visit this Wonder of Portugal.

If you still want an even more authentic and detailed experience, GoÓbidos has programs that may interest you, just give us a whistle and we will be here to welcome you and guide you through Obidos!

Visit Obidos with our Tours

Since 2013 working in the Silver Coast region, in particular in the village of Obidos, #GoÓbidos offers a set of Guided Tours that will take you to better know the corners of this picturesque village. Discover the main points to visit such as the Church of Santa Maria de Óbidos, Rua Direita or Livraria de Santiago in the heart of the Church of São Tiago.

But not only, take advantage of and get to know some of the paintings of the famous Josefa de Óbidos at the Museu do Munícipio or drink the best Ginjinha de Óbidos, the wonderful liquor made from Ginja (sour cherries).

#1 -  XPress Obidos Tour

Visit the village of Obidos with our local guide, and get to know the main spots such as the Church of Santa Maria, the Museum of the Municipality, the Church of São Tiago, the Biological Market, the Castle, and ends up drinking a ginjinha on Rua Direita, one of the best known streets in the whole Silver Coast region!

#2 - Conquest the Castle

Our local Tourist Guide will take you to know everything you need to know in Obidos, such as the Church of Santa Maria, the Municipal Museum, the Church of São Tiago, the Biological Market, the Castle, and at the end you will to give you to taste the best of local flavors such as Sour Cherry Liquor, Local wine, Bread, Chourizo, Cheese and traditional sweets from the village in an unforgettable "Picnic".

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21 best things to do in Obidos (Portugal)

Last updated on November 10, 2023 by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission ( more )

Discover the magnificent medieval village of Obidos in Portugal. A fantastic place to visit, where you can tour the fortifications for amazing views! Below is my guide to plan your visit with map, photos, tips and the best things to do in Obidos (walls, castle, liquor…).

Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Portugal:

My favorite platform to rent a car in Portugal: DiscoverCars

The unmissable boat tour: Benagil sea cave from Portimao

My favorite excursion from Lisbon: Sintra Pena Palace and Cabo da Roca

My favorite places to stay:

• Lisbon: see best rated hotels – e.g. Santiago de Alfama boutique hotel
• Porto: see best rated hotels – e.g. Descobertas Boutique Hotel
• Lagos: see best rated hotels – e.g. Uma Cas A Beira Sol

Why visit Obidos in Portugal? 

Is the village of obidos worth a visit.

Yes, Obidos is worth a visit. It is popular, one of the most charming villages to visit in Portugal , for good reasons. It offers:

• Fortification walls all around offering beautiful views of the village and the region,
• A maze of white houses with orange roofs,
• Good food and a historical vibe.

What is Obidos known for?

The main 3 reasons Obidos is a famous village are:

• The fortifications where you can walk and enjoy great views
• The liquor Ginja de Obidos, served in chocolate cups
• The festivals, especially the medieval fair

Video – Virtual tour

Let’s start with a short video showing what it is like to tour the village of Obidos Portugal:

This is one of the best places to visit in Portugal .

Many photos and details avec the planning tips.

Planning Tips and Map – Obidos, Portugal

Where is obidos in portugal map.

• North of Lisbon,
• Not far from the Atlantic coast of Portugal
• Lisbon to Obidos = 1h drive via the Motorway
• Coimbra to Obidos = 1h20 drive
• Porto to Obidos = 2h20 drive
• Below is a map to help you get oriented:

All my favorite locations are included (with GPS coordinates, map and tips) in my travel guide eBook that helps you easily plan your Portugal road trip :

Plan your dream trip in Portugal thanks to my guide

• 13 maps to easily plan your itinerary
• 120+ pre-selected locations
• GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
• Tips to make the most of your time
• 200+ original photos to help you choose

How to get to Obidos

Because it is close to Lisbon and very popular, there are many ways to visit Obidos

• By car – my favorite options to be able to visit at sunrise and sunset away from the crowds – access is very easy
• Lisbon to Obidos by bus – the Rapida Verde Bus (Express Green) takes over an hour from Campo Grande Station in Lisbon (managed by Rodo Tejo)
• By Day trips organized from Lisbon or Porto – if you want to just sit and relax and they are combined with other stops such as Fatima, Nazaré and the Monastery of Batalha – see options

Need to rent a car in Portugal ?

• Compare prices on my favorite platform:   Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
• Prefer a  compact car  for the narrow streets in villages
• Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind! 
• Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

See all my tips

Obidos Parking

• At the foot of the village, you can find several carparks with access to the entrance Porta da Vila.
• They are around the aqueduct. One is paved, the others are dirt/gravel carparks.
• Parts can be free when others require a small fee (donation towards the firefighters) – cash only
• Sorry, I forgot to take pictures
• Avoid entering the village with a car. The alleys are very narrow!

How much time to visit Obidos?

Half a day is the minimum to explore most of the village and get a feel for it. However, to discover all its hidden gems and walk the entire wall, I recommend an afternoon, a night there and then a morning. This way you can enjoy the stunning views at sunset and sunrise

Best time to visit Obidos?

 It is a very popular destination, probably the most visited fortified village in Portugal because of its proximity to Lisbon. Therefore, visit early or late to avoid the day trippers. Also consider the festivals. Obidos is famous for them. They mean a lot of fun but also a lot of people you have:

• The medieval fair that takes place for 2 weeks every July 
• The chocolate festival in Spring
• The opera festival
• The Christmas village 

Obidos opening hours

The gates to Obidos are never closed. You can enter any time. However, churches and the museum have varying opening hours. Normally, the museum opens every day, except Mondays, from 9:30am to 1pm and 2pm to 5:30pm.

• Price –  Access to the village is free
• Wear good shoes because the streets are paved and the walls are uneven
• There are plenty of cafés and restaurants within the fortifications and just outside

Obidos Hotels – Where to stay in Obidos?

Obidos is a touristic place, so you will find plenty of accommodations. You can stay inside or just outside the walls. There are many small guesthouses, which is great to have a chat with locals!

• Luxury and history – a fantastic option is of course to stay in the Obidos Castle Hotel i.e. Pousada Castelo de Obidos. Some rooms even include stone walls!!! See photos and availability
• Inside the walls – if you want to stay inside you should consider Casa de Travessa – Check photos and availability
• Family – It is a bit further away from Obidos (but not that far…), but you can fit many people in Valentine’s House which is decorated with a lot of taste. This is one of the best rated accommodations on Booking.com – See photos and availability
• Cheaper option – Hostel – For those on a budget the Hostel Argonauta has really good reviews and is really well located – See photos and availability
• Or check out the best rated accommodations in Obidos

Best things to do in Obidos & tourist map

Best things to do in obidos.

I will list all the places to notice as you explore the village further down, but if you are limited in time, my top 5 things to do are:

• Admire Porta da Vila, the gate and its tiles, typical of Portugal
• Climb on the fortification wall at the opposite end of the castle for the best views of the entire village 
• Walk main street
• Enter the castle grounds to admire the impressive fortress
• Enjoy sunrise from the fortifications

Obidos Tourist Map

Close to the main gate, you can find a map of Obidos Portugal (left is South and right is North). 1 is the main gate (Porta da Vila) and around 6 is the access to the Obidos Castle.

Walking on the wall is a lot of fun. However, it requires steep stairs and there is no protection in some places. Be cautious and pay full attention, especially with children.

Brief history of Obidos

Before I take you on a visit via my photos, here are few interesting facts about Obidos Portugal:

• It is thought that the name comes from the Latin word Oppidum that means fortified city
• Archeological surveys indicate settlements on that hill back to the Celt and the Romans
• In the 8th or 9th century, fortifications were established by  the Moors

#1 to 7 – Exploring the streets

#1 – admire the main entrance – porta da vila.

The main entrance is from the Town Gate built in 1380 – Porta da Vila. Obidos has been a national monument since 1951. However, 2 other doors allow access to the village on the same side.

As you enter, you discover the oratory or Our Lady of Piety which was created during the 17th century. It is a covered with beautiful tiles (Azulejo) from the 18th century.

#2 – Walking up Main Street – Rua Direita

From the gate you can climb to the fortifications right away. And I will show you that later. But first let’s discover the main street that leads you from the gate to the Obidos Castle.  The main street is the busiest. This is where you can find all the souvenir shops and opportunities to drink the specialty Ginjinha de Obidos (see later in the post).

#3 – Leave the beaten path to discover side streets

Don’t just stay on the main street, go explore and get lost! (Well, you can’t really get lost, there is a wall and it is not that big…). It is great to discover the side streets leaving from it. Many of them are colorful and decorated with flowers.

#4 – Notice the tiles and changes in colors

All the houses are white. However, many have lines of colors. Colors vary: blue, orange, grey, brown… Have fun collecting colors!

Plus, on many of them you can find beautiful tile decors. Make sure to pay attention to the details.

#5 – Find the other gates

Porta da Vila is the main entrance with a beautiful tile decor. However, there is another access point to the village you can discover as you explore: Porta do Vale also known as Senhora da Graça.

And there is another gate for which I don’t have the name.

#6 – Obidos Museum

The Museu Municipal de Obidos is a small one. It houses different exhibits:

• Sacred art (paintings and sculptures)
• French and English weapons from the Peninsula war
• Baroque pieces of furniture
• Pieces of architectural ruins from around the village

#7 – Arco de Cadeia

Behind the Municipal museum of Obidos, you can find a steep street with the 3/4 of an arch. You can walk under it.

#8 to 11 – Collecting the churches of Obidos

For such a small village, there is an impressive number of churches and chapels…

#8 – Santa Maria Church

On your way to the castle, along the main street, you will walk by Santa Maria Church, a white and brown building. It is on the main square of Obidos. This is where King Afonso V and Isabella of Coimbra were married in 1441 when they were just kids.

#9 – Santiago Church 

And at the end of the main street, just before the castle, is Santiago Church between the 2 fort towers. Once again, you can see the whitewashed building with lines of colors. For this one, the color is grey.

#10 – Misericordia Church

Next to it is also a small church. If open, have a look inside for the chapels with typical blue tiles.

#11 – Igreja de Sao Pedro

Igreja de Sao Pedro is striking with its contrast in colors. But I think it is best seen from the walls because of the beautiful top of the tower.

#12 – Capela de Sao Martinho

A hidden chapel in a primitive Gothic style. One of the oldest buildings in the village

I don’t drink coffee

But I also like other drinks and sweets! Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…

#13 – Admiring the Obidos Castle (Castelo do Obidos)

The main Obidos attraction, apart from walking on the walls (I will show you that soon), is the Obidos Castle a.k.a Castelo do Obidos in Portuguese. The best view is from the back. Go through the gate near the Santiago church and walk towards the North end of the hill.

Light would be better in the afternoon, with the sun rays hitting the façade, but it is still quite impressive. It is really massive with very few openings.

The entrance to the castle is actually on the city side of the wall. But the Castle cannot be visited because it is today a hotel: the Obidos Castle Hotel . 

#14 to 16 – Walking on the Obidos fortification walls 

And here is the highlight of any visit: walking on the fortified walls of Obidos.

#14 – Climb on the fortification wall to admire the village 

Several staircases allow you to climb up there. They have between 40 and 60 steps each. The steps are high and uneven, but it is worth the climb!

The staircase near the main gate is actually one of the hardest. If you follow the fortification at the bottom on your right after entering, you will find a straight staircase that is larger and has only 40 steps.

How long to tour the Obidos fortifications?

It is possible to tour the whole fortifications. It is a 1.5km walk (so 1 to 2 hours depending on how many pictures your take). Some sections are large and with a border, but others are narrower and with the big drop just next to you (be aware if you suffer from vertigo)

Here is the view right after the climb at the main gate.

#15 – Head to the west side for views of the surrounding countryside

From the west side, you have beautiful views of the area and agricultural fields.

The mix of stone wall and white houses is really stunning. Don’t you think?

#16 – Climb the Obidos Tower 

At the South end of the fortifications, you can continue climbing big steps to reach the top of the tower. It is quite impressive and definitively not for people with vertigo!!! From up there you can see the whole village of Obidos in its length.

#17 – Tasting the famous Ginja De Obidos (Ginjinha de Obidos)

Obidos is also famous for the quality of its cherry brandy liqueur: Ginjinha . You can pay for a shot just on the stalls outside. However, the classic way is to drink it in a chocolate cup. Drink and eat!

#18 to 22 – What to do near Obidos – Lagoon and more

You can also stay in Obidos to explore the region which has a lot to offer

#18 – Sanctuary Senhor Jesus da Prada

Outside the town wall is a large Baroque church, a sanctuary. Legend says that a long lost 15th-century cross was found during a drought and worshipping it brought the rain. Opening times vary. But you can always see it from the outside.

#19 – Obidos Lagoon

Obidos is not right by the sea, but it is not far. If you want a little of fresh air, you can head to the Obidos Lagoon for white sand and enjoyable waters.

#20 – Peniche

A beautiful peninsula. It is the access point to the Island or Berlengas and its fort Obidos to Peniche = 30min

#21 – Nazaré

Coastal town famous for its giant waves during certain times of the year Obidos to Nazaré = 35min

#22 – Batahla Monastery

One of the most impressive monastery in Portugal with its famous unfinished chapels. Learn more in my article Obidos to Nazaré = 45min

Want to see more of the best Portugal has to offer?

• 30 Most beautiful landscapes in Portugal – read article
• Best things to do in Portugal – read article
• The best beaches in Portugal  – read article
• The best villages in Portugal – read article
• Lisbon vs Porto – where to go? – read article
• Driving in Portugal – read article
• The best of the Algarve region – read article
• The highlights of Sintra and the Sintra-Cascais Nature park – read article

Planning a trip to Portugal?

Check out my travel guide to help you plan:

And keep track of your own trip!

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Reader Interactions

February 4, 2019 at 12:13 AM

Looks amazing! I definitely want to add this village & castle for a future trip to our list.

Par Claire Robinson Region Lovers SARL 76600 Le Havre FRANCE VAT FR21845103191

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Visit Obidos in Portugal

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A former colony of Portugal, Obidos is a village located on the Atlantic coast (also known as the Silver Coast) and founded by Celtic tribes. Thanks to King Enriques, Spanish domination was established forever in this village. The name of the town in Latin means “fortress”.

This city has absorbed all the best of a completely different culture. Obidos is a very bright and pleasant town, rich in flowers, fruit trees and quiet courtyards with cobbled streets and paths. It is an open-air museum that attracts tourists from all over the world.

Obidos has many attractions. Despite the fact that the population of the town is only two thousand and the town is quite small, it is rich in large cathedrals, castles, chapels and churches. Almost every year in the city it is customary to organize different types of festivals, knights’ competitions and theatrical performances.

As there are several confectionery factories in the city, the chocolate festival is held there every year. And it is not for nothing that Obidos was awarded the title of “Portuguese Chocolate Capital”.

Guided tour of Obidos in Portugal

There are two ways to visit Obidos, either for a day or to spend several days there and soak up the medieval and typically Portuguese atmosphere that reigns there.

The first is to book a guided tour of Obidos in small groups or privately through a company specializing in guided tours in Portugal . You can look for the one that suits you but if you wish to visit Obidos, I have made for you a selection of the best rated, most appreciated guided tours, which are given by an english speaking guide and which you can cancel up to 24 hours before the visit. So you can book in complete peace of mind, no bad surprises.

Hotels in Obidos

As you will see below, there is a lot to see and do to discover the town of Obidos but also the surroundings. So I would advise you to spend not just one day but maybe two to soak up the atmosphere, get to know the locals, taste the food and wine of the region. Be careful at certain times of the year, such as the medieval festival of Obidos, where there are many people: you will have to make your reservation in advance.

Find below a Booking map that will allow you to view all the hotels in Obidos and nearby where you can book and search for the one you like the most by entering your dates. There are not many hotels towards the centre but don’t hesitate to move away to discover the surrounding countryside full of charm for your stay.

What to see in Obidos

There are many things you will want to see if you go to visit the town of Obidos located north of Lisbon on the Silver Coast in Portugal. I’ve tried to present you here the ones that are most interesting for those who are going to visit Obidos with the places that are most frequented by travellers and tourists.

Rua Dyreita in Obidos

The rua Dyreita is the main street of Obidos. It starts from the train station and goes to Luis de Camoens Square. Walking along this street you will find many very tasty restaurants and you will be able to buy various decorative objects and souvenirs of your visit to Obidos. Many shops and restaurants are concentrated in this street. The church of Santa Maria is in the rua Dyreita, the town hall is nearby and small white houses are arranged along the street. One has the impression that the houses have remained intact since the Middle Ages.

Every year a fair is held in this street. Thanks to this, the town centre is transformed into a real medieval market: music and atmosphere are worked out to offer visitors a trip back in time. People dress in medieval costumes and you can enjoy a lot of entertainment: probably the best time to visit Obidos.

Obidos is also famous for its local wines. Every visitor is required to try the local wine and a Portuguese liqueur. You can find bottles of Obidos wine all over the street Rua Dyreta. The Portuguese liqueur is made from cherry berries and according to tradition you should drink it in small cups made of real chocolate!

Obidos Castle

It is impossible to visit the town without passing by the Obidos Castle. You can immerse yourself in its history and medieval atmosphere. This castle is very popular and appreciated by tourists from Europe and all over the world. The exterior of the castle is authentic and many nations have contributed to its construction, its architecture and the variety of landscapes have been formed as a result of invasions, battles and numerous restorations.

The castle itself was erected by the Visigoths who succeeded the Romans who erected markers considered sacred on the site of the fortress. After the Arabs took power, the Arabs walled the fortress and the exterior of the castle was adopted after the Arab Emirates entered the country. Every year, newlyweds come to Obidos Castle to spend the first days of their wedding. Obidos is also nicknamed the “city of marriage”.

Temple of Santa Maria in Obidos

The temple of Santa Maria in Obidos is the holy of holies of western Portugal, located in the square of Santa Maria. This historic church of the town was built in the sixteenth century. The entrance has Renaissance pillars, the ceiling contains astonishing frescoes and the church has 3 elongated rooms delimited by series of columns. In the sanctuary, it is possible to see many paintings made by hand. In Santa Maria there is the crypt of a Protestant priest “Juan de Noroni” and a remarkable activist in the 16th century, “Odidos”.

Gates of the fortress of Obidos

These luxurious and refined doors are located in the Obidos Wall. They are decorated with painted clay tiles. The doors themselves are full of charm and worth a visit. Behind these gates opens the medieval and historic town of Obidos.

Church of Misericordia in Obidos

The church misericordia a Obidos is located in the main street, the rua Dyreita. It was founded in 1498. Originally it was the sanctuary of the Holy Spirit and little by little the building was rebuilt. The church is built in an elaborate and lush architectural style, in the niche of the church is the image of the Virgin and Child.

The interior of the church of Misericordia d’Obidos is decorated with yellowish and bluish tiles, the ceilings are made of wood and decorated with the king’s crown and a beautiful painting. Inside the church is the crypt of Louise Guerra.

Santa Maria Square in Obidos

To get to this Santa Maria Square in Obidos, you can walk from the city gates along the main street, the Rua Dyreita. The square is not very big but charming and important for the town. The decoration of the square is a fountain that was installed in the 15th century. In the square you can protect yourself from the sun, relax in the shade and unwind with the sound of the fountain in the background. On the square there is also a museum where you can admire archaeological finds from the Middle Ages, art and various sculptures.

Señor da Pedra Sanctuary in Obidos

The sanctuary Señor da Pedra is located near the town of Obidos. In terms of architecture, it is one of the most beautiful sanctuaries of the Silver Coast. The construction is in the form of a geometric figure, a hexagon, in an elaborate and very beautiful architectural style. This structure is divided from the inside into three elongated rooms, which are delimited by a number of pillars. The roof of the pyramid-shaped sanctuary is green in colour.

Inside the temple to the east of the church is an image of the crucified Christ. The Señor da Pedra Sanctuary is a very important place in Obidos, visited by many travellers who come to visit the town and its surroundings.

Obidos Municipal Museum

The Obidos Municipal Museum is on a site where a prison and the town court used to be. It now houses the best local collection. This includes paintings, sculptures and various objects in the Baroque style. The collection of Napoleon’s weapons is of great interest to all visitors to Obidos. Canvases belonging to the local artist Josefe de Ayalla attract the attention of tourists as well. She is one of the few painters who have been allowed to paint Portuguese temples.

Chocolate Festival of Obidos

The chocolate festival in Obidos takes place between March and April. It is during this period that the glorious museum city turns into a large chocolate fair. The aromas of cocoa, chocolate and coffee float in the air. The chocolate festival is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, so don’t go during the week.

Every year more than 200,000 people attend the chocolate festival in Obidos. Not only chocolate, but also other original creations will be served in chocolate cups or chocolate and almond liqueurs.

For this chocolate festival in Obidos, a large number of pastries gather in the town to win the hearts of the gourmets. Shop windows are filled with chocolate sculptures of various sizes and shapes. Cakes, pastries, brioches, doughnuts and much more – you don’t have to try everything!

During the chocolate festival, various experts and masters in the field are on hand for competitions, an exhibition of chocolate sculptures, a fashion show in chocolate outfits, chocolate make-up, concerts and many other events.

In 2013, Willy Wonka built his own chocolate factory in Obidos, with the theme “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”. In 2014, the theme of the party was the Lisbon Zoo. In 2015, the theme was love and in 2017, there was no particular subject but more and more chocolate. You could even find a surprisingly alcoholic chocolate beer.

Obidos’ chocolate festival in video

Below is a video presentation of the International Chocolate Festival in Obidos which took place last year, in 2018:

For all those interested in the technique of chocolate making, there was a unique opportunity to attend a chocolate master class where professionals explained how to use and handle chocolate. You will most certainly also have the chance to involve your children in workshops on chocolate baking.

Chocolate Festival in Obidos: some more information

• During the days of the Obidos Chocolate Festival, the town is full of entertainment. The chocolate fashion show usually takes place on the last day of the festival and is free of charge.
• Don’t get in the queue at the main parking lot ticket office, you can buy a ticket at the ticket office before entering the festival or in the shops. Don’t hesitate to ask, prices are the same everywhere.
• Don’t like crowds? There is another way to get to Obidos Castle more quietly: avoid the main street and head for the secondary medieval streets, which are much less busy and just as charming.
• It is advisable to wear a hat or cap and sunscreen if you want to see the room where the chocolate sculptures are exhibited: the queue can be long and the Portuguese sun can be scorching.
• You will normally be able to find chocolate cheese, more precisely cheese with chocolate pieces. It sounds strange, but the combination of flavours will not leave you indifferent.
• If you cannot attend the chocolate fashion show on the last Saturday, all costumes will be displayed in a special tent before the end of the festival.

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Óbidos Portugal: Take a Tour of This Charming Medieval Village

You have probably heard a lot about many charming and picturesque villages in Portugal, Óbidos is one of the most alluring of them all.

Like many traditional Portuguese towns, Óbidos Portugal features narrow cobblestoned labyrinth streets, an emblematic castle and whitewashed traditional houses.

It is also a village totally encircled with town walls.

Read on to find out more about Óbidos and things to do and see in this medieval village close to Lisbon.

Óbidos, Portugal – a most enchanting medieval village

Óbidos is also very popular historically because the town was given as a gift to the Queen of Portugal.

Also, historical evidence suggests that the Romans were the earliest settlers in Óbidos until the Moors arrived sometime around the 8th century and occupied the area for a few centuries till it was taken from them (moors) when King Afonso Henriques of Portugal eventually defeated them in 1148.

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Where is Óbidos exactly?

Óbidos is situated in the Central region of Portugal and is only 80km (50 miles) from Lisbon.

How to get to Óbidos Portugal

Lisbon to óbidos by bus.

The trip from Lisbon to Óbidos takes one hour and a one-way ticket costs €7.95 which is purchased on board. The bus service (Rapida Verde) to Óbidos from Lisbon departs from Campo Grande bus station which can be reached easily via the yellow and green Metro lines. Please see the Rodoviária do Oeste bus schedule here .

This is the best means of public transportation to go to Óbidos with from Lisbon.

Lisbon to Óbidos by train

You can go by train to Óbidos, but I recommend going by other means of transportation because there is no direct service to Óbidos and the train station is quite far from the entrance of the town. If you, however, want to go by train, please see the Comboios de Portugal website for a train schedule.

Lisbon to Óbidos by car

Driving to Óbidos from Lisbon takes about an hour via the A8 Motorway. See here for directions . You should also know this route has tolls.

Porto to Óbidos by car

To go to Óbidos from Porto , you should take the A1 and A8 motorway. See here for driving directions . This drive takes about two hours and 30 minutes. Óbidos can also be easily visited if you are going by car to Nazaré , Peniche, Caldas da Rainha, Coimbra or Porto .

What to do and see in Óbidos, Portugal

There is plenty to see in Óbidos but here I’ve selected just a few highlights which I really enjoyed.

Castelo de Óbidos

Is it possible to visit a Portuguese town without seeing a castle? The answer is probably “No”.

So, when you visit Óbidos seeing the Castelo de Óbidos is a definite stop. It is a medieval castle that has existed since the 8th century when the Moors occupied Óbidos. However, it has since been converted to a ‘Pousada’ – a luxurious hotel, but you can still walk on the castle walls to get vantage views. You must be careful as there are no railings.

Walk through Rua Direita and the village streets

The main street in Óbidos is Rua Direita. It is filled with many traditional handicraft stalls and souvenir shops. Also walking through the village streets, you will see traditional Portuguese houses and generally enjoy a calm relaxing atmosphere.

Óbidos Aquaduct

Also known as Aqueduto de Usseira, the Óbidos Aquaduct is a water supply system that stretches over 6km with its origin from the village of Usseira. It was built at the request of Queen D. Catherine of Austria with its main purpose to supply water to Óbidos.

Kitesurfing in the Óbidos lagoon

The Óbidos lagoon ( Lagoa de Óbidos ) offers great kitesurfing conditions, especially during the summer. Check out Kite Control for more details.

It is also a good place to go for scenic walks along the shores and beaches in the area like Praia do Foz de Arelho . You can also engage in different water sport activities here.

Have some Ginja d’Óbidos

You should also try the famous liquor of Óbidos – Ginja d’Óbidos, as a trip to Óbidos without drinking this liqueur made from sour cherries is incomplete. You can have it in a glass or in a chocolate cup which can be eaten after taking the drink.

Join in the Festivals in Óbidos

Óbidos sure knows how to do festivals. There are three main festivals that happen in Óbidos.

Between April and May it hosts the International Chocolate Festival (website is in Portuguese) and in the summer between July and August, it hosts one of the biggest medieval fairs and markets ( Mercado Medieval de Óbidos (website is in Portuguese)) in the country.

They are both very interesting with many performances and historical recreations.

Then there is the Christmas festival (website is in Portuguese) usually between December and January.

Other activities you can enjoy doing in Óbidos Portugal are:

Óbidos has many outstanding courses one of which is West Cliffs Golf Course .

If you like golf, you might like:  Golf Courses in Portugal.

Peniche close to Óbidos is a go-to place for many surfers. Find out more about Peniche here .

Weather in Óbidos, Portugal

In Óbidos, the summer is usually warm and dry while the winters are cold, wet and windy. The general temperature annually is typically between 7°C (46°F) to 26°C (79°F).

The best time of year to visit Óbidos for outdoor activities is from mid-June to mid-September. You can also visit in May and Early October.

Here is the seven-days forecast for Óbidos:

Best Óbidos Restaurants

Some places you can try the regional dishes are;

Pousada do Castelo

The restaurant in the Castle of Óbidos offers excellent ambience and rich traditional cuisine. A definite place to eat in Óbidos.

Comendador Silva

Located in the Casa das Senhoras Rainhas hotel, Comendador Silva restaurant offers excellent Portuguese dishes as well as lovely desserts and a great wine selection.

Muralhas Restaurant and Pizzeria

Muralhas Restaurant and Pizzeria is another nice restaurant to have a meal in Óbidos. Although they do not offer many local Portuguese dishes, the delicacies they have are very tasty and well presented.

Tasca Torta

Tasca Torta is a cosy restaurant located in the heart of the town with lovely décor. It is a nice place to have a meal in Óbidos and they also have great local wine.

Poco dos Sabores

Poco dos Sabores is a traditional restaurant in a small village that offer delicious local dishes as well as a great selection of wines.

Where to stay in Óbidos, Portugal

There are a variety of accommodation options in Óbidos from boutique hotels to budget hotels.

If you would like to live in grandeur in a former castle you can stay in the Pousada Castelo de Óbidos. The average price per night is €262. To make a reservation, go to Booking.com here .

Some other options for accommodation in Óbidos are:

Hotel Louro

Located just 10 minutes away from the old town, Hotel Louro also has ample parking for those visiting with a car. The average price per night starts from €59. To book a room, click here .

Hotel Real d’ Óbidos

Hotel Real d’ Óbidos is a quaint hotel nicely situated right beside the walls of Óbidos close to the entrance of the town. They also have free parking. The average price per night starts from €79. For the best deals, go to Booking.com here .

Josefa D Óbidos Hotel

The Josefa D Óbidos Hotel is excellently located just right by the gate of the town. It’s an excellent base to explore the town from. The average price per night starts from €68. To book, click here.

The Literary Man Hotel

Close the entrance of the town, you will also find The Literary Man Hotel, a boutique hotel in a historical building filled with lots of books. A perfect hotel for book lovers. The average price per night starts from €83. To book with Booking.com, click here .

Is Óbidos worth visiting?

Óbidos is a great place to visit especially for those seeking a relaxing holiday, although, it has become more of a touristic town now.

It still, however, retains most of its authentic Portuguese feel and is worth visiting especially in the off-peak season (late May and early October) when the crowds are less. Óbidos also makes for an interesting day trip from Lisbon.

What about doing a guided tour around Óbidos?

If you would like to be part of an organised tour or a private tour you can check out this best-selling deal on Get Your Guide which includes a guided tour from Lisbon to Fátima, Nazaré, Óbidos and São Martinho do Porto all for only €60 per person. To book in advance, click here .

That’s it! A guide for you to explore the enchanting village of Óbidos, Portugal. A popular destination for locals and foreigners.

Did I miss anything out? Do you have any questions about Óbidos? Let us know in the comments below.

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Águeda Portugal: All About the Umbrella City

Castelo branco: central portugal at it's finest.

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A Visit To The Fairy-Tale Town Of Obidos, Portugal

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• Activities and Interests
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Some of our experiences in Obidos were sponsored by ARPT Centro de Portugal .

Note: The Travel Awaits team regularly updates content to provide the latest, and most accurate information to our readers. The updated content in this article may not reflect the views or opinions of the original author.

While larger cities in Portugal attract much of the attention, the romantic medieval town of Obidos in Central Portugal, just an hour’s drive from Lisbon , is well worth a visit.

The small town of Obidos was a gift from King Denis of Portugal to his queen on their wedding day in 1282; she had previously expressed her love for it. The cobbled streets, whitewashed homes with brightly painted trim, and dramatic medieval castle draw you into the magical setting of this ancient walled city.

Despite its diminutive size, Obidos has numerous distinctions, features, and attractions from city walls to the famous Ginjinha de Óbidos (a traditional Portuguese liqueur made from sour cherries, sugar, and alcohol with a rich flavor, often enjoyed as a digestif or aperitif) that make Obidos a wonderful place to spend time. Here are the best things to see and do on a visit to Obidos.

Sue Reddel and Diana Laskaris

Walk The Town’s Cobblestone Streets

There’s no better way to experience the fairy-tale character of Obidos than by strolling down the narrow cobblestone streets.

On the back streets, you’ll see traditional homes whitewashed to deflect the hot summer sun. Brightly colored flowers like bougainvillea and geraniums pepper doorways and window sills and contrast with the yellow or blue building trim, the colors of the royal coat of arms.

Stroll along Rua Diretta, the main street through town, to explore shops, restaurants, and more.

Admire Obidos Castle

A traditional stone-walled medieval castle on a hill, Obidos Castle has been around since the Moorish era. The castle as it exists today dates to King Denis’s rule and has been named one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal . In the 1950s, it was turned into an upscale hotel. The castle’s medieval structure is very well preserved. Visitors can walk along the stone walls and take in a view of the village as the royalty did long ago.

Enter through Porta da Vila

Porta da Vila is one of the most stunning places in Obidos and should be at the top of your bucket list. Porta da Vila is the double-arched main entrance to the old town, but it is also a tiny chapel. The structure itself is made from two low-rise gateways, and in between, there’s a small balcony, beautifully decorated with white and blue 18th-century azulejo tiles and a painted ceiling.

See Aqueduto de Obidos

The Aqueduct of Óbidos is an impressive engineering feat that stretches over 1.8 miles outside the town of Óbidos. The impressive aqueduct was used to transfer water from a nearby spring to the water fountains of Obidos and it dates from the 16th century. 

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Discover Why Obidos Is A UNESCO Creative City Of Literature

Obidos is a UNESCO Creative City of Literature, a rare honor acknowledging a city’s quantity, quality, and diversity of literary accomplishments and pursuits. Books are well integrated into every aspect of life in Obidos — libraries, museums, galleries, residences, public spaces, and markets.

Though Obidos has just over 3,000 residents, it has more than half a million books. It’s fun exploring all the unlikely places where books can be found. Livraria de Santiago is in an old church. Livraria da Adega is a wine cellar-turned-bookshop. Even the Obidos Post Office is lined with books for sale.

Every year, Obidos hosts FOLIO, an international literary festival that brings together readers, authors, artists, and musicians from around the world.

Visit The Municipal Museum Of Obidos

The Municipal Museum of Obidos houses interesting works of art from the 16th through 18th centuries by Mannerist artists like Diogo Teixeira and Belchior de Matos. There is also a collection of sacred art, including works by the Spanish Baroque painter Josefa de Obidos. The Peninsular War exhibit contains French and English weapons and architectural remnants from the excavated Roman city of Eurobrittium.

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Explore Saint Mary’s Church And Square

When King Afonso I Henriques recaptured Obidos from the Moors, he built a church on the main square. Saint Mary’s Church is the main church in Obidos. Though much of it has been destroyed over the years, the structure has been reconstructed, and the inside is covered with beautiful tiles.

Also spend time exploring the square, where a pillory was used to humiliate and punish criminals in the 15th century. It’s decorated with the image of a net in remembrance of the fishermen who recovered Queen Eleanor’s son after he died near the Tagus River.

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Enjoy A Festival

Obidos hosts a number of marvelous festivals and markets. Don’t forget to research what’s happening during your visit.

Medieval Market

Considering the medieval history of the walled city, Obidos is the perfect place for a medieval market and fair . This annual event runs from mid-July through the beginning of August. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the Middle Ages as you’re surrounded by colorful banners and flags, costumed fairgoers, wandering minstrels, jesters, dancers, and other entertainers. Many stalls offer food, handcrafted goods, clothing, accessories, period artwork, and novelties. Reenactments of a joust and a medieval feast are other highlights. Visitors are encouraged to dress in costume themselves to become part of the festivities.

Obidos International Chocolate Festival

For chocolate lovers, there’s no better event than the Obidos International Chocolate Festival each spring. Each year has a theme; previous themes have included the animal kingdom, music, love, and climate change. At the festival, people converge to taste, create, and view chocolate in all of its glory. Chocolate artists create sculptures, and visitors enjoy live entertainment, demonstrations, tastings, workshops, and displays. Chocolate vendors sell products of every sort. You’ll want to get your ticket early for this popular celebration.

Christmas Village

From late November until early January, you can visit the beautiful Christmas Village Festival in Obidos . The whole Medieval Market is decorated like Santa’s Workshop and you can ride an amazing Christmas Train or have a hot chocolate at the Ice Bar. Keep in mind that it can get a little crowded when the Christmas Village is on, especially at weekends, but even then it’s possible to find quiet cobbled backstreets if you can’t cope with the sea of people on Rua Direita.

Where To Eat

Like other towns and cities in Portugal , Obidos offers many wonderful local specialities to taste. If you pass something that looks good, try it! Here are a couple of other suggestions.

Restaurant At Pousada Castelo Obidos

The Obidos Lagoon is loaded with fresh seafood. Clams are a delicacy caught fresh daily by local fishermen. Give them a try at the restaurant at the Pousada Castelo Obidos . Prepared Bolhao Pato-style — in olive oil with lots of fresh garlic, white wine, fresh lemon, cilantro, salt, and pepper — the small clams are melt-in-your-mouth tender. Dining inside the historic Obidos Castle sets the stage for a most memorable meal.

Bar Ibn Errik Rex

When you’re exploring the main street, you’ll want to stop at a quirky tavern called Bar Ibn Errik Rex . Have a taste of ginja , a sweet specialty liqueur made with locally grown cherries. It’s served in a small glass or often in a tiny chocolate cup that you eat after enjoying your drink. Bar Ibn Errik Rex has only one food option on the menu — linguica sausage flame grilled on your table and served with cheese from the Azores and homemade bread. Together with the wacky decor, there’s plenty to enjoy here.

Capinha D’Obidos

Plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops in town sell ginja, chocolate, and small bites like cheeses, olives, and bread. Stop at any of them that appeal to you and nibble your way through Obidos.

For traditional baked treats from a family-owned bakery that’s been in business since the 1800s, visit Capinha d’Obidos .

Where To Shop

Most of the shopping in Obidos can be found on or around the main street. Take your pick of souvenir shops, art galleries, unique boutiques, and more. Some of the more interesting shops are the most unexpected.

Casa dos Azulejos sells beautiful handmade Portuguese tiles. Porta85 is a fun souvenir shop with a wide selection of unusual items, home decor, and local gifts. For a unique experience, stop by the Mercado Biologico de Obidos, which sells organic produce in a book-filled library of a store. There are also many ginja and cork shops where you can try and buy your favorites.

Where To Stay

Accommodation options in Obidos are varied. Here are a couple of our favorites.

The Literary Man

Befitting the literary love of this city, The Literary Man is a fantastic choice. The hotel boasts 40,000 books in its bookshop, library, and overall property. Many of the books are in English, so you can grab a comfy chair or sofa, relax in a quiet nook, and enjoy reading whatever you find interesting. There are also a couple of bars and a wonderful restaurant to go along with the lovely and spacious rooms. It’s easy to unwind in this environment that encourages you to truly enjoy being on vacation.

Pousada Castelo Obidos

The Pousada Castelo Obidos is a famous castle that has been converted into an upscale hotel. Listed as one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal, the Pousada is both impressive and romantic. There is a fabulous restaurant and a charming bar. You have your choice of a medieval stay in the castle itself or accommodations in the Casa do Castelo right beside the castle, which feels more like a village home.

Pro Tip: There are some of the thing I wished I have known, before going to Portugal , Obidos. Avoid the crush of summer tourists by visiting Obidos in the spring or fall. You can best appreciate how magical the village is when you have it to yourself. Spend at least one night and relish the medieval atmosphere, maze of cobblestone streets, delicious food, and — of course — many sips of ginja.

Is Obidos a Walled Town?

Yes, Obidos is one of Portugal’s most beautiful destinations and probably the best-preserved medieval walled town in Europe. The castle walls of this small town extend for a mile around the town’s perimeter.

Can You Walk Obidos Town Walls?

It is possible to take a walk along some parts of the town walls. The city walls are 20-30 feet off the ground with no safety railings, so do not go up if you are afraid of heights. From it, you can see the whole ancient fishing village within the wall and the Óbidos Castle.

What to Do in Obidos?

The various things to do in Óbidos itself include tasting the sour cherry brandy, the famous ginjinha de Obidos, and exploring the pretty cobbled streets. Igreja de Santa Maria, the Porta da Vila, traditional houses, and family-run restaurants are just some things to see in this ancient walled city.

What to See Near Obidos?

Attractions in the surrounding countryside outside the old town of Obidos include the gorgeous beaches at Obidos Lagoon, the pretty town of Caldas da Rainha, and the Buddha Eden Garden, the dinosaur park in Lourinhã.

Is Obidos Good for a Day Trip?

Taking only a couple of hours to explore, Obidos is perfect for a day trip. Being just over an hour away from Lisbon day trippers come to Obidos in numbers. There is a train station in Obidos, but it’s quicker and easier to take the bus or drive from Lisbon.

Diana Laskaris and Sue Reddel are the Co-Founders of Food Travelist . They travel the world and find the best food every destination has to offer. They've tried it all. From Michelin starred fine restaurants to tasty street food on a stick. They hope to bring the world just a bit closer together by sharing a meal and learning about different cultures and ourselves through food and drink. They are both Certified Culinary Travel Professionals and frequent authors of articles about food & travel.

7 Reasons You Should Visit Obidos, Portugal

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: February 14, 2024

Have you thought of visiting Portugal ? We share 7 reasons why you make Obidos, Portugal more than just a stopover or day trip. 

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In contrast to its size, Portugal packs a punch with innumerable sights to visit and places to experience.

From beach bumming in Algarve to adventuring in riverside Porto , travelers are spoiled for choices.

Obidos, a charming town reminiscent of yesteryear, often finds a place only as a quick stop-over for photographs.

We spent a few days winding down in this gem of a town, coming to the realization that Obidos deserves a few days of your time when in Portugal.

Only an hour away from Lisbon , Obidos can be experienced on a comfortable day trip.

The downside of this is that your experience will likely be tainted by a crowd of noisy day-trippers who come into the town around late morning and stay till about evening.

To experience more than just knocking off the ‘things to do in Obidos’, the magical silent nights, the lit-up lanes, the sounds of fado, and the calm sunrise make sue you stay in Obidos for at least a day or longer.

In this post, we give you  7 reasons to add Obidos as a full-blown destination to your itinerary .

Trust us, you won’t regret visiting this magical little town.

1. Soak-Up History In The Medieval Town

Obidos is as old as it gets. Believed to have existed even before the foundation of Portugal, Obidos has been able to maintain its old-town charm very well.

To get the most out of the old-town experience, read up on the fascinating history of the town to add meaning to the cobbled streets, architecture, and the significance of the village.

If you manage to reach the town before the day trips start, walking up and down the hill would be pure bliss.

Besides, one can walk on the fort walls and get a stunning bird’s eye view of the old town.

2. Experience the Literary Culture Of Portugal

If the smell of old books lifts up your senses, Obidos would be nothing less but a book-spa for you.

Old churches dating to a hundred years and rock-solid stone rooms are converted into bookshops in Obidos, accommodating a humungous collection of books of all kinds.

This is a good enough reason to spend days in the town reading through the stunning collection placed in the most exclusive setting.

Besides, you could live in a hotel made of books when in Obidos!

Look up the Literary Man Hotel that accommodates more than 50000 books, a stack at every corner you walk through.

3. Sip On Ginja Served In Chocolate Cups

The strong cherry-based liquor, Ginja, is available in most of Portugal, Obidos being a pioneer for the most premium version.

Served as an aperitif, Ginja in Obidos tastes richer and creamier than what you may find in other Portuguese cities.

At first sight, one finds the old lanes loaded with Ginja stalls making it appear a bit commercial and touristy.

It takes a few minutes to find the premium old-style stores to taste the best version of the drink.

Lately, serving Ginja in a dark-chocolate cup has become the ‘trend’ so you may find a lot of local stores doing that.

Honestly, the combination tastes pretty amazing so try a few before you go for a big bottle for the day.

4. Shop For Portuguese Souvenirs

Like any other popular tourist spot, Obidos has an array of souvenir stores across its length and breadth.

In the usual piles, you will often find stunning pieces of handicraft, magnets, bags, and antiques that aren’t manufactured to trap tourists.

They are absolute gems and many may have an old tale about them. I say bring a bag to fill up gifts for friends and family back home.

My favorite among the lot was shopping for old records of Portuguese Fado at an unnoticed music store.

Perhaps, you will find your favorite in there too.

5. Eat At a Family Run Portuguese Restaurant

With Azulejo tiles splattered along its walls, great selection of homemade wines, cooking mastered over generations, and noisy tables of locals enjoying languid lunches and suppers make Portuguese family-run restaurants a special affair.

In the square near Santuario do Senhor Jesus da Pedra, Vila Da Infanta is one such family-run affair.

The owner, an extremely friendly man, inherited the place from his father and spent years in the kitchen perfecting his dishes.

While it’s hard to beat their grilled bacalao or robalo, the meat dishes are no less either.

The desserts are on a first-come-first-serve basis, so dig in before its late because they’re as homely as they come.

6. Get A Taste Of Medieval Architecture

Obidos is an admirable relic of medieval era architecture, evident just from a quick glance at its castle walls.

But, beyond the main castle itself, there are architectural delights at every corner beginning with the entrance to old town.

The double arched entrance is peppered with tiles from the 18th century and decorated in intricate paintings.

There’s more ceramic tiles and painted barrels to admire at the Churches while the 16th-century aqueduct is another architectural marvel whose style is in stark contrast to the rest of the buildings.

Whichever building or street you walk into, be sure to look closely for each brick is a delight to look at.

7. Detox From The Digital World

With not more than a few thousand residents, barely any supermarkets, clubs, loud streets, or even the noise of usual traffic, the town is ideal to take a break from the hustle and bustle.

Surrounded by books, history, paintings, and slow life, Obidos makes a great spot for those looking at inspiration and serenity.

I would even go to the extent to suggest Obidos as a honeymoon spot for the creative souls.

What better way to pause or start a life together than being in an ancient town that is nothing but a wonder on Earth!

Obidos Key Facts

• Getting There: To get to Obidos, the quickest and ideal way is via bus from Lisbon . Buses operate from the Campo Grande bus station regularly and the journey takes just over an hour. There is no advance ticketing required for this, but it can be tricky to locate the bus as there were no signages as of 2018. When you reach the station area, get off and ask around (or look from the bus stop near the huge herd of pigeons!)
• Obidos was once a port town before tsunamis and earthquakes moved the coastline ten kilometers out. Hence, it is an apt base to explore the town of Peniche or to go on a sailing expedition to the Berlengas islands.
• There are a few hotels and hostels just outside the medieval town that costs a lesser leak to your pocket. If you are looking for a budget holiday, check those out instead of staying inside the town.
• Check out TripAdvisor for hotels in Obidos
• Check the Festival calendar for Obidos before you plan a trip. Literature Festivals, Fado Nights, and more are often organized in the old town.
• If you are coming only for a day trip, make sure to get here very early in the morning to get a glimpse of the town in silence.

Portugal stole our hearts away and gave us a hundred reasons to come back for a longer duration.

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Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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7 thoughts on “7 Reasons You Should Visit Obidos, Portugal”

Will definitely have a visit to this small town when we return to central Portugal. So looking forward to it! Thanks for sharing this!

Visiting OBIDOS means travelling back to medieval era, This magnificent town’s Architecture, Food Culture, Souvenir shops and more. Thanks for sharing your valuable post and insights.

A Beautiful Narration by Divya & Vikas.

I visited Portugal last year and I Had enjoyed a lot with my friends.

Portugal is a heavenly place to spend time with family & friends.

I had always interest in Portugal . Divya & Vikas thank you so much for your nice blog . I also want you to visit Bangladesh once. Bangladesh is a beautiful country and I wish you will enjoy

What a stunning destination it looks like to be. Loved it.

Loved your pictures. Your blog is wonderful. Thanks a lot to share a nice post!! It look wonderful place to visit there.

I was in this town during winter and it was so freaking windy! I loved the cute little streets and promised myself that I have to come back again, in a warmer season.

Things To Do in Obidos Portugal (Why A Day Trip Is Not Enough)

A Guide To Obidos Portugal (Why A Day Trip Is Not Enough)

The town of  Óbidos in Portugal is one of the most beautiful Medieval towns in Europe. A visit to Obidos feels like stepping back in time; you can easily imagine the Portuguese royal family strolling through the cobbled alleys of this charming town in Central Portugal. There are so many things to do in Obidos that visiting it on a day trip is simply not enough. Our Obidos guide has everything you need to know to plan your visit to Obidos, Portugal. From things to do and recommended attractions to day trips, restaurants, hotels, tips, and more.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a small commission if you purchase from them (no extra costs to you!). For details check our disclaimer .

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Where is obidos in portugal.

Obidos is located in Central Portugal, about 85 kilometers northwest of Lisbon . It is situated in the District of Leiria.

Reasons To Visit Obidos Portugal

We visited Obidos during our road trip from Lisbon to Porto , and we immediately fell in love with this adorable Portuguese town. We were glad we’d chosen to stay at Obidos instead of visiting it on a day trip from Lisbon. We spent one night in Obidos and wished we could spend at least one more night there. Here are some of the reasons you must visit this unique Medieval town:

• Obidos is a town fit for a queen! King Dinis presented Obidos as a wedding gift for his wife, Queen Isabel de Aragon Isabel, in the 13th century. Portugal’s royal families kept this tradition till the 19th century.
• Obidos is one of Europe’s most well-preserved medieval towns, a kind of an open-air museum town.
• Obidos is tiny but packed with attractions and unique things to see and do.
• Obidos is home to some of Portugal’s most instagrammable streets .
• There are many unique churches and stores in Obidos.
• Obidos is the perfect destination to stay for a few nights while exploring some of the charming Portuguese towns along the Atlantic Ocean.
• If you spend more than a few hours in Obidos, you’ll get a chance to interact with the local residents and discover a more traditional side of Portugal .

Obidos Portugal Travel Video

If you want to have a little taste of what Obidos and Central Portugal have to offer, check out our Portugal Road Trip Travel Video! We’d appreciate it if you could like it on YouTube 🙂 

Best Way to Visit Obidos

Obidos is located very close to Lisbon, so you can just rent a car or hop on a bus. We don’t recommend taking the train since the journey is much longer and less convenient.

You’ll get from Lisbon to Obidos in just over an hour via A8/A1 with a car . You can also take the express bus from Lisbon , departing from the Campo Grande terminal . The bus is operated by Rodoviária do Oeste company ( Verde Line ), and it takes about an hour to get to Obidos. Check out the Verde Line’s departures .

Obidos Travel Tip: Since currently there is no possibility to buy a ticket in advance, make sure to come early in the busy season of the summer months or during local holidays.  

Best Time To Visit Obidos

There is no bad season to visit Obidos, especially if you spend the night there. The problem with the summer months is that from about 10 am till the afternoon, the small town can be packed with day-trippers from Lisbon. It is one of the reasons we recommend spending at least one night in Obidos instead of visiting it on a day trip. During the Spring and Fall , the temperatures are pleasant, and fewer tourists roam the narrow streets of this small town. Check out the average temperatures and rainy days by month to help you plan your trip to Obidos, Portugal.

Top Things To Do In Obidos Portugal

Obidos is pretty tiny, but it is packed with attractions and things to do. Here are some of the top attractions in Obidos you must add to your itinerary:

Visit Óbidos Castle and Walk Along The Castle Walls

The town of Obidos is built within the walls of Castelo de Óbidos (one of Portugal’s Seven Wonders ) and it is undoubtedly part of its charm. The Moors were responsible for the fortification of this Medieval town, but the castle, walls, battlements, and towers were reconstructed with some additions by various Portuguese kings throughout the years. The castle served both as a military stronghold and a royal palace. Obidos suffered significant damages during the 1755 earthquake, and the current layout is the result of extensive restoration work. A few years ago, after major restoration work, Óbidos Castle was turned into a Pousada (a government-run luxury hotel), so you can even spend the night here or have dinner at the restaurant .

Obidos Medieval castle is quite impressive to look at, but the main highlight is the panoramic views from the top of the castle’s walls. The walls encircle the entire town (a route of about 1.5 km) and can reach a height of 13 meters at some points. Since Obidos is perched on a hill in the middle of fertile agricultural land and close to the Atlantic Coast, the views are absolutely spectacular, especially during sunset. However, be aware that the stairs leading to the walls have seen better days, and since the route along Obidos walls is narrow and worn out at times, and there are no railings, you should be extremely careful. Nevertheless, if you are fit and not afraid of heights, you must include a walk along Obidos walls in your itinerary. Once you are up there, you will be mesmerized by the beautiful surrounding area of Obidos, filled with agricultural crops, vineyards, windmills, and more magnificent sights. You will also be able to admire the beautiful houses and picturesque streets of Obidos from a higher vantage point.

Get Lost in the Cobbled Alleys of Obidos

One of the best things to do in Obidos is to explore the picturesque alleys of this charming town. Wandering around the cobbled alleys of this ancient walled city feels like stepping back in time. The whitewashed houses are decorated with strips of yellow and blue, potted plants, bougainvillea, and hand-painted tiles. There are so many beautiful spots off the main streets, so make sure to follow the tiny alleys and narrow staircases that will lead you up and down Obidos’ streets to some of the most beautiful spots in town.

Obidos Travel Tip:  If you’d like to take pictures without the crowd of day-trippers, make sure to take a stroll through Obidos streets in the early morning hours

Visit Obidos' Churches and Chapels

Obidos has many churches inside and outside of its walls. You must visit at least a couple of them during your visit to Obidos. Here are some of our favorite ones:

Porta da Vila

Porta da Vila is one of the most stunning places in Obidos and should be at the top of your Obidos bucket list. It is actually the main gateway to Obidos, but it is also a tiny chapel. The structure itself is made from two low-rise gateways, and in between, there’s a small balcony, beautifully decorated with white and blue azulejo tiles and a painted ceiling.

Igreja de Santa Maria

The Church of Saint Mary is Obidos’ main church. It is believed that there used to be a Visigoth temple and later a mosque on these grounds. However, during the 12th century, the structure was turned into a church. The current Renaissance-style architecture and embellishments date back to the 16th-17th century, when the building was restored following the 1535 earthquake.

Igreja de Santa Maria is located at Praça de Santa Maria, and opposite the church, you’ll find a traditional Portuguese pillory ( decorated stone column) and a water fountain. Inside the church, you’ll find lavishly decorated ceilings and walls, a beautifully painted altar, and the tomb of João de Noronha (a local nobleman) that is viewed as a  masterpiece from the Portuguese Renaissance era.  

Senhor Jesus da Pedra

The Santuário do Senhor Jesus da Pedra is located outside the city walls, about one kilometer north of Obidos. It was constructed in the 18th century as a memorial to King João V. The church’s most prominent feature is its hexagonal shape. It looks pretty impressive from the outside. Inside the church, there is a crucifix made of stone from the 2nd century!

Igreja de Sao Tiago / Livraria Santiago

This small church is located just near Obidos Castle, and it used to serve the Royal family. The church dates back to the 12th century; however, it was rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake. In recent years, Literary lovers and entrepreneurs from Lisbon turned it into a bookstore. Inside you’ll find a collection of books in multiple languages. This unique bookshop is just a small representative of the literary and arts movement in the village of Obidos.

Learn about the Unique Bookstores and Arts movement of Obidos

Obidos was named a Creative City of Literature and is part of UNESCO’s City of Literature program and Creative Cities Network , focusing on honoring creative cities around the world. The cultural association, Vila Literária de Óbidos , was established to focus on literature, art, photography, and design. Therefore, during your time in Obidos, you must visit some of the unique bookshops, art stores, and museums. Besides Livraria Santiago , which we’ve mentioned before, make sure to stop by Mercado Biologico de Óbidos . This one-of-a-kind shop operates as an organic market and a bookstore specializing in rare books on travel, gastronomy, and wines. There are many other literary-related places to visit in Obidos, including museums, galleries and more. If you are a book-lover, a great place to stay at Obidos is the Literary Man Hotel , which has an impressive collection of books.

Visit Óbidos Municipal Museum

The Museu Municipal de Óbidos is located near Igreja de Santa Maria on Rua Direita. Inside you’ll find a collection of art pieces, including the work of a local painter, Josefa de Óbidos , who was one of the most prolific Baroque artists in Portugal. In addition to the collection of artworks, the museum hosts a small exhibition of historical pieces such as Roman artifacts and weapons from the Napoleonic Wars. If you love museums, you might want to check out some of the other museums of Obidos .

Visit the Shops along Rua Direita

One of the top things to do in Obidos is to discover the special stores of this small town. Stroll along Rua Direita, where you’ll find an array of restaurants, bars, and unique shops. Buy some souvenirs, locally made arts and crafts, and regional food items. Don’t forget to try some of the regional pastries and local sweets at the local pastelarias and coffee shops. You will also find beautiful shops in the smaller alleys near the main street, so make sure to wander off Rua Direita. Two shops that are especially worth mentioning are Mercearia de Ideias and Olaria São Pedro , but there are many more charming shops in Obidos, and part of the fun is to discover them by yourself.

Obidos Travel Tip:  When you visit one of the local bakery shops, ask for pão-de-ló , a Portuguese sponge cake that is made only with three main ingredients (eggs, sugar, and flour) but comes in different variations. This addictive Portuguese cake has appeared numerous times in the paintings of Josefa d’Óbidos.

Try Obidos's Famous Ginja Liqueur

If you’re coming from Lisbon, chances are you’ve already tried this delicious Portuguese liqueur. However, Ginja or Ginjinha, is a specialty of Obidos should be on your daily list of things to do in Obidos. Scratch that, more like three times a day! Ginja is made from sour cherries (ginja berries), alcohol, sugar, and spices such as cinnamon and cloves. Obidos ginja is made from locally-grown cherries that have been marinated for a year! In Obidos, ginja is served in a tiny chocolate cup, the perfect companion to this delicious liqueur. Rua Direita is lined with cute Ginja bars, so make sure to stop at some of them!

Aqueduct of Obidos

Obidos Aqueduct or Aqueduto de Usseira was built during the 16th century and is located very close to Obidos. It was used to transfer water from a nearby spring to the water fountains of Obidos. It is located just across the town’s main gate near a big parking lot.

Obidos Festivals

The residents of Obidos know how to throw a good fair. There are numerous festivals and fairs in Obidos throughout the year. Here are some of the major ones:

Mercado Medieval (Óbidos Medieval Fair)

Obidos Medieval Market is the most famous festival of Obidos. It lasts for a couple of consecutive weekends, usually around   July . Visiting Obidos at this time feels like going back to the Middle Ages. The streets are decorated to fit the event, and so are the people. Many visitors and residents are dressed the part, and you might even see knights in chain mail. Men wear gowns or tunics made from sackcloth, and women wear floor-length dresses and skirts with flowers in their hair. The cobbled streets of Obidos are filled with stalls and piles of straws, theater and music performances, and even food stalls with Medieval-inspired fare. You must purchase a ticket to enter the event and the town.

Obidos Chocolate Festival

Festival do Chocolate Obidos takes place every Spring around April or May. During the festival, Obidos is filled with chocolate lovers from all over the world. The festival-goers can taste chocolate from different countries, take part in one of the many chocolate-related activities, enjoy cooking demonstrations by professional chefs or join the numerous workshops and contests around Obidos

FOLIO - International Literary Festival Of Óbidos

The first edition of the Óbidos International Literature Festival took place in 2015 when UNESCO classified the town as a Creative City of Literature. It has been gaining more fans over recent years. During the days of the festival, writers, artists, musicians, and book lovers meet up to exchange ideas and participate in a variety of literary and art-related activities.

Find out more about Obidos’s festivals and Christmas Market

Visit Obidos Lagoon & Nearby Beaches

One of Obidos’ best-kept secrets is the Obidos Lagoon . The lagoon stretches over approximately 6.9 square kilometers and reaches an average depth of 2 meters. The mix of fresh and salty water yields rich biodiversity of ecosystems and fauna, and it is also a heaven for bird lovers. You can spend a whole day here, hiking along the coast, trying some watersport activities, or just relaxing at the nearby beaches, Foz do Arelho and Bom Sucesso. Take a look at Obidos’ beaches on the map . 

Obidos Travel Tip: If you want to tour around the beautiful Obidos Lagoon with a bike, check out this cycling tour around the lagoon.

Day Trips from Obidos

If you choose to spend a few days in Obidos, here are some recommendations for day trips from Obidos you can take at a leisurely pace:

• Peniche – You can visit Peniche and Cabo Carvoeiro which are located just south of Obidos. This little fishing village has excellent viewpoints of the Silver Coast of Central Portugal as well as beautiful beaches. You can visit the small historic center and the port or check out the several stunning viewpoints along the cliff, including the famous Cabo Carvoeiro. To learn more about Peniche, check out our Central Portugal Itinerary . 

Distance from Obidos: 27 Km

• Berlengas Archipelago – This group of small islands is located close to the coast of Peniche and is on UNESCO’s Biosphere Reserve list . You can go beach hopping, hiking, birdwatching, diving, and more. If you want a guided tour with a visit to the caves and hiking the island with a guide, check out this Berlengas ISLAND TOUR . You can also enjoy snorkeling around the main island with this recommended SNORKELING TOUR . However, if you want to relax and take your time, just book your round-trip ticket on the ferry.
• Alcobaça Monastery – This stunning Medieval Monastery was built by the first Portuguese king, King Alfonso I. The complex features a church, various tombs of Kings and Queens, a cloister, a library, and more. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989. Check out the Alcobaça Monastery VIRTUAL TOUR to see how stunning it is!

Distance from Obidos:  41 km  |  Tickets € 6 |   Opening hours

Obidos Travel Tip: You must visit the Pastelaria Alcoa just opposite the monastery for some traditional Portuguese sweets! You will also find a branch in Lisbon at Garrett street no. 37.

• Batalha Monastery – This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Portugal’s most famous landmarks and is certainly worth a day trip from Obidos. The architecture is a mix of Gothic and Manueline as well as other influences, and it took over 100 years to (almost) complete its construction. Make sure to visit the Royal Cloister and the Unfinished Chapel. To learn more about Batalha Monastery, check out our Central Portugal Itinerary.

Distance: 60 kilometers (50 minutes via A8)  |  Tickets: Main building: free, other parts of the monastery: € 6  |  Opening hours

• Mira de Aire Caves – These 11-kilometers long caves were voted as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Portugal . If you love beautiful stalagmites and stalactites (some of which are about 150-million-year old), make sure to visit these beautiful caves.

Distance:  84 km   |   Tickets: € 7  |   opening hours

Obidos Day Tours

If, despite everything we’ve suggested, you’d rather take a day trip from Lisbon to Obidos, check out these recommended day trips:

Obidos Day Tour

With this highly-rated full-day tour from Lisbon, you’ll visit Fátima, Nazaré, and Óbidos. The tour is limited to 8 participants.

Interactive Tour

If you just want transportation to Obidos and have more time to explore Obidos by yourself, this is the tour for you! You can explore Obidos with this interactive guide on your mobile. 

Private Tour

On this 5-star private tour you’ll visit Fátima, Batalha, Alcobaça, Nazaré and Óbidos.

Where To Eat in Obidos - Restaurants & Coffee Shops

Looking for a place to eat in Obidos? Check out our foodie recommendations with our favorite coffee shops and restaurants in Obidos, Portugal:

• Avocado Coffee & Healthy Food – Avocado Coffee is an excellent place for breakfast or a light lunch located opposite Porta da Vila (outside Obidos walls). They serve (mostly) healthy food on a lovely quiet patio. They have a varied menu, from granola bowls and salads to toasts, veggie burgers, and chicken wraps. Check out the menu and prices of Avocado Café and its location on the map.
• Capinha d’Óbidos – This local bakery sits right on the main street, Rua Direita. It is well known for its baked goods and sandwiches, which are made from freshly baked bread. Check out Capinha d’Óbidos’ location on the map.
•   A Nova Casa de Ramiro – One of our favorite places for dinner in Obidos . They serve excellent food in a unique setting. The restaurant is located just outside the walls on R. Porta do Vale 12. Check out the location of A Nova Casa de Ramiro on the map .

Pontinha – Another excellent choice for dinner in Obidos , especially if you want to try a more modern take on traditional dishes. Pontinha’s small tasting menus of local seasonal products get rave reviews, and so does the atmosphere. Check out Pontinha’s location . 

Where To Stay in Obidos – Hotels, Apartments and Guesthouses

There are many guesthouses and apartments you can stay at during your visit to Obidos, but if you are looking for a hotel, there are only a couple of hotels in or next to Obidos. However, closer to Obidos Lagoon and in the adjacent area, there are larger hotels you can stay at. If you decide to stay in Obidos’ old town, we recommend choosing a place to stay that is close to one of the entrances of the ancient city but not inside the old city itself unless you don’t mind carrying your luggage through the cobbled streets. Here are some of the best places to stay in Obidos:

Obidos Apartments

Mood Lodging – Caldas & Ocean – This was our first choice, but eventually, we had to stay elsewhere due to last-minute schedule changes. This is a beautiful apartment with a modern design, located very close to Obidos Walls. It has private parking and a balcony with stunning views of the area. The owner will gladly help you with anything you need. Check out the prices and book your stay at Mood Lodging – Caldas & Ocean .

Retiro do Castelo – A beautiful apartment which is also great for families (up to 4 people) located within walking distance from the town’s walls. The apartment is well equipped and has a balcony with views of Obidos and the countryside. The owner will provide you with recommendations and tips, and there’s free parking as well. Check out the prices and book your stay at Retiro do Castelo.

Casa Mourisca – Albino d’Óbidos – This beautiful apartment is located inside the walls and has a unique design. Note that the bedrooms are on the upper floor while the bathrooms are on the first floor, and the stairs are pretty steep. Check out the prices at Casa Mourisca .

Obidos Guesthouses

Casa Picva – This lovely guesthouse is located ideally near the old town entrance and has private parking. We stayed here during our visit to Obidos and loved the personal treatment, perfect location, and the unique setting and furniture of the public spaces. The owner was really nice and gave us great tips about our Portugal road trip. The design of the rooms is more traditional, and there is a lovely garden with beautiful views of the surrounding area. Book your stay at Casa Picva.

Casa Do Relogio – Another recommended guesthouse that is situated just near Obidos Walls. The design is a mishmash of traditional and modern pieces, and the hostess is friendly. Book your stay at Casa Do Relogio.

Obidos Hotels

Pousada Castelo de Obidos – This government-run hotel is located inside Obidos Castle, so it is quite a unique experience to spend the night here. It is one of the pricier accommodations in Obidos but if you are looking for a unique experience, stay here during your Obidos visit. Check out prices and book your stay at Pousada Castelo de Obidos.

Obidos Aquae Ductus Suites – This modern hotel is located only a few minutes drive from the old town, just next to Obidos Aqueduct. It gets rave reviews for its cleanliness, and it is one of the best options if you’d rather stay at a hotel. Book your stay at Obidos Aquae Ductus Suites.

The Literary Man Obidos Hotel – If you love books, this is the place for you. The building used to be a convent but was totally renovated and the rooms have a modern design. As the name suggests, you will find many books covering the walls.  Book your stay at the Literary Man Obidos.

Check out all the accommodation options in Obidos Portugal

Why A Day Trip To Obidos Is not Enough

A day trip to Obidos is not enough because you won’t be able to experience everything Obidos has to offer, and more importantly, you won’t be able to experience the magical atmosphere of Obidos on a day trip from Lisbon.  Obidos’ beautiful, cobbled alleys can get quite crowded in the middle of the day thanks to the day-trippers from Lisbon but in the early morning and late afternoon, you’ll have these charming cobbled streets (almost) all to yourself. You’ll be able to soak in the unique atmosphere, chat with the local residents, climb Obidos Walls during the sunrise or sunset and just relax and have a taste of the more authentic side of Portugal. So, we suggest spending at least one night in Obidos

How Many Days in Obidos Do You Need?

We planned for a one-night stay in Obidos, and in retrospect, we should have stayed here for at least two nights or even longer. Obidos is genuinely charming, filled with many hidden gems and the nicest people. The surrounding area is filled with attractions and things to see and do. If you want to travel at a leisurely pace, we suggest spending at least 2-3 nights here and going on short and easy day trips to explore the nearby attractions. You’ll discover charming towns, magnificent historical monuments, natural treasures, and beautiful beaches. Obidos is also the perfect place to stop on your drive from Lisbon to Porto or vice versa, and even if all you have is one day to explore Obidos, you must stop here!

More Travel Tips For Your Portugal Itinerary

• Best Of Lisbon In Three Days
• Plan The Perfect Sintra Day Trip
• A Weekend In Porto, Portugal
• Portugal Foodie Guide
• Plan The Perfect Lisbon To Porto Road Trip
• Best Things To Do In Aveiro, Portugal

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Visiting the Medieval Village of Óbidos in Portugal

If you’re visiting Lisbon, Portugal, then there’s one place you absolutely cannot afford to miss out on exploring, the gorgeous medieval village of Óbidos.

This charming, centuries-old walled village, perched up top a hilltop, with its whitewashed houses and cobbled streets has an equally colourful and fascinating history. It rose to prominence when King Dinis of Portugal offered the town as a wedding gift to his wife Queen Isabel. Since then the town has experienced a boom and influx of riches thanks to this royal nod of approval.

Today, Óbidos is a popular spot for many visitors flocking to Portugal and is definitely one of my all-time favourite places to discover if you’re planning a trip to this incredible country!

Table of Contents

A guide to the village of Óbidos in Portugal

Where is óbidos & how to get there.

Thankfully, to travel from Lisbon to Óbidos is fairly hassle-free. At only an hour’s bus ride from Lisbon, it is a perfect day trip option for anyone visiting the city.

By far the easiest way is to travel by bus, on the Rápida Verde bus service, that offers frequent and daily departures to and from Óbidos.

The bus departs Lisbon from the Campo Grande metro & bus station and the journey takes only an hour at a cost of €7.95 one-way.

Note: Tickets can only be purchased on a one-way fare basis and you do so onboard directly with the bus driver.

Of course, if you do prefer to travel at your own pace and prefer not to rely on public transport, then travelling by car is the option for you. If travelling by car rental, you’ll be happy to know that there is ample parking available in the parking spot which is located very close to the main city gate.

Top Things to see & do in Óbidos

Even though Óbidos is quite a small town which can easily be explored in half a day, it still packs a mighty punch and there is certainly no shortage of things to see and do.

Walk along the city walls

Not for the faint-hearted or those afraid of heights, a walk along the city walls is one of the first things to do when you arrive. As you enter through the main city gate (which you can miss as it’s adorned with gorgeous traditional Portuguese tiles as you enter), you will immediately turn left and head up the steps to access the wall.

The views are truly spectacular. Not only will you get a view out over the town itself, but you’ll also get to enjoy gorgeous sweeping views out over the surrounding countryside too.

Explore the medieval village

Oozing charm and personality, I’ve loved every visit to Óbidos (and I’ve been about four times already!). The town itself is a pure delight to explore and is in a way an attraction all by itself.

As you enter the main city gates, you’ll walk straight into the main street leading through the entire village all the way to the Óbidos Castle located on the other end.

Lining the cobbled streets are numerous local souvenir and boutique shops as well as quaint restaurants and coffee shops too.

On a sunny day, you can also head to the Praça de Santa Maria (Santa Maria square) and grab a drink in the sun!

We love just wandering through the streets and alleyways, discovering unique surprises around every corner including some of the most charming traditional architecture.

Visit the churches of Óbidos

Óbidos is home to numerous churches and chapels, both big and small. Each unique different with beautiful interiors and traditional tile works decorating the walls.

Most prominent of these include the Santa Maria church, the Misericordia Church, Capela de São Martinho as well as the São Pedro Church.

These churches are all located within the city walls, meaning you can explore them all by foot and at your own leisure.

If you are visiting Óbidos by car, then don’t miss the stunning Santuário do Senhor Jesus da Pedra church, located outside the city walls (you will see this church when walking up top along the city walls).

Try out the Ginjinha de Óbidos

If I can recommend one traditional Portuguese drink you should try out when visiting Portugal, the Ginjinha de Óbidos would be it.

This popular and much-loved sour cherry liqueur is usually served as a shot in a small chocolate cup. You’ll encounter many vendors selling these for around a €1 when walking along the main street.

It’s definitely worth a try!

Visit the Livraria de Santiago, a church converted into a bookstore

Yet another interesting Óbidos attraction is the Livraria de Santiago, which is in fact, a church, the Church of São Tiago dating back to the 12 th century, that has been lovingly converted into a modern-day bookstore.

An emblematic monument in Óbidos and set right next to the Óbidos Castle entrance, the bookstore today hosts a range of different events, exhibitions and even film projects and is a key cultural site in the town.

Overnight in Óbidos Castle

Interestingly, Óbidos dates as far back as Moorish times (between the 8 th to 11 th centuries) and was later expanded by the first king of Portugal, King Afonso Henriques during the 12 th century.

During the 13 th century the present-day castle, a well-preserved medieval castle, was built by the then king, King Dinis. Sadly, parts of the fortress and several buildings were destroyed during the 1755 earthquake that struck Lisbon and its surrounds. But thankfully, large parts of the castle still remain.

Today though, you can actually overnight in the castle itself, which is considered one of the 7 wonders of Portugal, as parts of the building were renovated to form the 4-star Pousada Castelo Óbidos.

Events & Festivals in Óbidos

Óbidos is a great year-round destination, but there are particular times of the year that you may especially want to consider visiting this Portuguese gem.

This is because Óbidos plays host to a range of different festivals and events throughout the year.

These include amongst others:

–        Óbidos Chocolate Festival – hosted every spring, end-April to beginning May

–        Óbidos Easter Celebrations – take place annually over Easter

–        Óbidos Medieval Festival – usually from mid-July to beginning August

–        Óbidos Christmas Village – every year usually throughout December

Where to stay in Óbidos

Should you stay overnight? Well, you most certainly can and we’ve done it before. Even though you can easily explore most of the town in half a day, it is a lovely experience to overnight, which will also allow you to explore the surrounding areas including the nearby city of Caldas da Rainha.

When we stayed, we opted for a self-catering option and settled on the Lugares Com História, mainly because it had a pool too. But it was a wonderful choice of accommodation and perfect for us.

Alternatively, some of the top-rated accommodation options in Óbidos includes the 4-star Pousada Castelo de Óbidos, the 4-star Hotel Casa Das Senhoras Rainhas as well as the 4-star The Literary Man Óbidos Hotel too.

Insider Tip: Located just outside one of the city gates, very close to the Hotel Casa Das Senhoras Rainhas, you’ll stumble upon an excellent restaurant that’s worth trying out, Jamon Jamon, where we had the best meal in Óbidos!

You might also like: A 5-day Portugal Itinerary A 4 Day Lisbon Itinerary Best Day Trips from Lisbon A 2-day Porto Itinerary A One Day Porto Itinerary A Guide to Amarante, Portugal A Local’s Guide to Ericeira

Author Bio: Born and raised in South Africa, Marco Santos from Travel-Boo, together with his partner moved to sunny Lisbon over 2 years ago. With an absolute love for Europe, he is on a mission to rediscover his own Portuguese heritage along the way. Marco has set out to blog and share his passion for travelling through and exploring both Portugal, Spain and throughout Europe, through his blog Travel-Boo .  You can follow him on Facebook , Pinterest , and Twitter . 

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Could You Afford a Vacation Home in Portugal? Check Out the Prices in These 7 Cities

Posted: April 28, 2024 | Last updated: April 28, 2024

Portugal, a favorite destination for vacationers from all over the world, is home to white-sand beaches, historical landmarks and mouthwatering cuisine.

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It beckons travelers with the promise of exciting experiences and the easy, tranquil charm its citizens are known for. Portugal's diversity caters to every traveler's taste, from Lisbon's busy streets to Porto's quieter bucolic charm, the Algarve's serene beauty and the Azores' unspoiled landscape.

Whether you're getting acquainted with a  pastéis de nata at a local bakery, enjoying a Fado performance in a traditional local tavern or exploring the geological wonders of Benagil Cave, a trip to Portugal is a love affair waiting to happen.

Now, picture yourself owning a slice of Portuguese paradise to call your own -- a beautiful vacation home to retreat to, year after year. Investing in a Portuguese vacation property offers a personal haven in a country known worldwide for its hospitality and charm, and it can even be a smart financial move. 

Portugal's thriving real estate market, its enticing tax benefits and the potential for rental income may make the prospect of buying a vacation home here a financially sound decision. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about what it would take to buy your own Portuguese-paradise vacation property.

• Average home price: $1.04 million

Portugal's thrumming capital is a city with a unique blend of ancient allure and contemporary vitality.

It offers a lot for urban explorers to savor, whether it's a visit to the formidable Sao Jorge Castle that looms high above the city, a meandering stroll through the labyrinthine lanes of the ancient Alfama district or a rolling tour of Lisbon's scenic neighborhoods on the iconic Tram 28.

The city also serves as a bucket-list destination for culinary adventurers, with seaside dining offering fresh seafood and the irresistible  pasteis de nata , Portugal's beloved custard tarts. Lisbon's multifaceted charm presents an exciting urban experience that pairs well with the echoes of its storied past.

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The Algarve

• Average home price: $735,750

This southern region is renowned for its remarkable coastline, packed with golden beaches tucked between towering cliffs and mysterious hidden coves near the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

If you're into catching rays and listening to the surf on one of the Algarve's many beaches, getting a massage at one of the region's numerous resorts, playing a leisurely 18 holes at a local golf course or participating in adrenaline-inducing watersports, the Algarve has what you're after.

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• Average home price: $635,650

Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the banks of the Douro River, is another of Portugal's significant historical cities. Visitors can wander through the narrow streets of its vibrant Ribeira district, taking in the sights and stories of its historic center. Don't miss the chance to visit the city's iconic São Francisco Church, a gothic gem with a breathtaking Baroque interior.

After seeing the city on foot, consider spending a day on the water, where you can take advantage of one of the historic cruises offered to tourists. Quaint but well-maintained boats move slowly along the banks as the city drifts by, letting you experience the view from the slow-moving, deep-blue waters of the Douro River.

For those who drink, no visit to Porto would be complete without a trip to the cellars where world-renowned Port wine is aged to perfection.

• Average home price: $369,650

Braga, Portugal's third-largest city, offers an intriguing blend of past and present. It's an elegant, serene city that's often called the "Rome of Portugal" for the many Baroque churches scattered throughout its winding streets.

It's a walker's paradise, with many timeless narrow lanes that are off-limits to vehicles, leading to flourishing plazas and one grand church after another. Lively and picturesque religious festivals like Semana Santa (Holy Week) don't happen all year, but there are plenty of attractions for the less devout, including trendy cafes, upscale boutiques and restaurants serving world-class cuisine.

• Average home price: $799,360

Coimbra is an ancient university town with a long and complex history, architectural gems and an energetic student vibe. If culture is your thing, a visit to the iconic  Biblioteca Joanina at the University of Coimbra should be on your list of stops.

With a stately grandeur, whitewashed walls and a unique roofline featuring Baroque details, this library vividly portrays Coimbra's past while maintaining the enduring pursuit of knowledge. It's at once imposing, lively and vibrant, thanks to the many university students who study in the city.

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• Average home price: $405,390

Another of Portugal's charming UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Évora is another city with more than its share of historical significance.

A leisurely stroll through its delightfully narrow, maze-like cobblestone streets will show you a fascinating blend of Roman ruins, medieval churches and quintessential whitewashed houses. The Roman Temple is sure to evoke a sense of awe, while the eerie beauty of the Chapel of Bones offers a beautiful, if somewhat grim, reflection on the impermanence of life.

Make time to wander through the city's lovely and captivating squares, where life goes on against the backdrop of ancient history. 

• Average home price: $747,000

The name of this charming historic town comes from the Latin  oppidum , which literally means "walled city." With its medieval castle looming majestically over this quiet and almost overlooked treasure, Obidos is one of Europe's best medieval walled towns, and it's still home to about 2,000 permanent inhabitants.

Its labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets lined with traditional whitewashed houses is only about 50 miles north of Portugal's capital city, making it a popular day trip for tourists staying in Lisbon.

How Do You Say 'Welcome Home' in Portuguese?

If you're considering buying a vacation home in Europe, Portugal should be at the top of your list. It presents a diverse mix of destinations catering to broad interests and various budgets.

Whether you're into the bustling but relaxed vibes of its cities, enamored with the many stunning Atlantic beachfronts Portugal offers, intrigued by historic towns or in search of pristine natural beauty, there's a place in this beautiful country for you to fall in love with.

With a warm and welcoming culture, delectable cuisine, a sociable population and enticing tax benefits for international homebuyers, Portugal can serve as an unparalleled location for your European home away from home.  Bem-vindo a casa!

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