Medieval walls, colorful houses, charming cobbled streets, and ginja for days — you can expect all this goodness and then some waiting for you at Óbidos, Portugal!
Óbidos (pronounced OH-bee-dosh), is a charming small town nestled within medieval walls, offering visitors who take the time to visit a journey back in time!
Known for its enchanting charm, this hidden gem of a town boasts some of my all-time favorite things: cobblestone streets, vibrant blue and yellow houses adorned with bougainvillea, and a majestic castle that presides over the town.
During our visit to Portugal last March, we absolutely fell in love with the town of Obidos! Of the five towns we chose to visit on this trip, Óbidos was our #1 favorite with the also-charming town of Evora coming in close at second place.
Truly… Óbidos is such a magical place, especially in March when it isn’t too crowded with tourists!
If you can carve out time in your Portugal itinerary to visit Óbidos, you’ll get the chance to explore well-preserved historical sites, sip on Ginja to your heart’s content, and immerse yourself in a hard-to-come-by atmosphere that feels like a storybook come to life!
Óbidos is a treasure trove of culture, heritage, and romantic allure, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic taste of Portugal’s past. Here are some of the best things to do while you’re in Óbidos!
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Table of Contents
ÓBIDOS IN A NUTSHELL
Here’s a quick overview of all the useful info you need to plan an awesome trip!
- When To Go: Any time of the year is great, but I’d recommend trying to visit during one of the town’s big festivals. March for the Chocolate Festival, July for the Medieval Market, and December for the Christmas Village!
- Where To Stay: Pousada Castelo de Obidos ($$) – this is hands-down the most iconic place to stay in Óbidos!
- Nearest Airport: Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS)
- How to Get Around: While a car is recommended for exploring the surrounding areas, Óbidos itself is a small town that is easy to explore on foot alone. You can get to Óbidos with an organized tour, otherwise, we recommend using Rentalcars.com to find the best deal on rental cars.
- Must-Do’s: Walk along the ancient walls, taste the local Ginjinha, shop on Rua Direita, get lots in the quiet streets, and sample the local cuisine.
- Before You Go: Pack comfortable Europe-appropriate walking shoes with thick soles (hello, cobblestones) and a camera to capture the beautiful views. And book your hotels early if you plan on visiting during the high season!
- ‘Hello’ and ‘Thank You’ in Portuguese: Olá and Obrigado/a
- Currency: The Euro (EUR) – click for current conversion rates
Best Things To Do In Óbidos, Portugal
Explore the Castle
Begin your journey back to the medieval times with a stroll through Óbidos Castle, the town’s main attraction.
The castle has a rich history that dates back centuries. Perched atop a hill, the castle played a pivotal role in the region’s defense during the Middle Ages.
Originally built by the Moors in the 8th century, it later became a crucial part of Portugal’s defense system after it was recaptured by Christian forces in the 12th century. The castle’s strategic location, thick walls, and imposing towers served as a stronghold against invasions and played a crucial role in protecting the region.
The town of Óbidos, nestled within the castle walls, flourished as a medieval settlement. It became a place of commerce, culture, and artistry. Over the centuries, Óbidos was loved by Portuguese queens, and the town often served as a wedding gift to queens, earning it the nickname “Vila das Rainhas” or “Town of Queens.”
You’ll definitely see why as soon as you set foot in town! It’s got so much sleepy and romantic charm — I personally wanted my friends to leave me there so I could let my medieval dreams play out til old age!
Stop and marvel at the Porta da Vila
You’ll likely be entering Óbidos through the town gate where you’ll find a tiled arch that is home to Our Lady of Piety Oratory. This super unique display has been a national monument since 1910.
Decorated with azulejos dating back to 1740, the images on the tiles depict the Passion of the Christ. This magnificent balcony is easily one of the best things to see in Óbidos.
The town gate itself is a fine example of medieval architecture. It features a massive stone archway and two towers on either side. The towers are topped with conical roofs, which are typical of Portuguese architecture.
Don’t be surprised if you see a musician performing sultry tunes in there! It’s such a warm and welcoming experience.
Walk around the city’s walls
Óbidos is known for its intact city walls, which you can actually walk along for a unique perspective of the town’s architecture and landscape. It’s honestly so crazy that these walls are still standing today and in such great condition!
In fact, Óbidos’ historic city center is completely encircled by the castle and its walls, meaning you can walk the entire route from start to finish in just 0.9 miles (1.5 kilometers).
It truly feels like time has stood still and forgot to check up on Óbidos all these years. The views from the top of the city walls are such a breath of fresh air compared to what I typically see at home (skyscrapers, traffic congestion, billboards everywhere, etc.)
From the vantage point of the city walls, take a moment to soak in the panoramic vistas of the town’s charming architecture, winding streets, and the picturesque countryside beyond.
The walls themselves are so cool in themselves, with well-preserved battlements, towers, and gateways. You can get up close to these structures, inspect their construction, and appreciate the craftsmanship that went into building them centuries ago.
Óbidos’ city walls have witnessed centuries of history, and as you walk around them, don’t forget you are literally following in the footsteps of generations past!
I’ll warn you though, the initial walk up to the castle wall will take you a short spurt of energy but once you’re up there, enjoy the views of the rooftops and townscape! Also, note that there are no handrails or fences blocking you from falling off the edge, so just be careful and watch where you’re going!
There are several staircases around town where you can access the top of the walls to start or end your journey. They’re super easy to find, but if you need pointers, the set that most people climb is the one to your left as soon as you enter the historic center after passing Porta da Vila. Just look for the other people climbing the stairs!
Sample Ginja
If you’ve never had ginja before, now’s your chance to try it! And if you already know what ginja is and tastes like, now’s your chance to get your ginja fix!
Óbidos is famous for its Ginja liqueur, a cherry-infused spirit. Try it at one of the local bars or shops — they’re literally all over the place. Get it with a chocolate cup, it’s tastier that way!
Explore Rua Direita
The main street, Rua Direita, is where you’ll find most day-trippers and tourists hanging out. This street is lined with colorful houses, souvenir shops, bars, restaurants, and little cafes.
It’s also the perfect place for a leisurely stroll and some souvenir shopping! Here’s a quick list of what you can find on this shopping street:
- Cork Products: You’ll find an abundance of cork-related products in Óbidos. The region is one of the world’s primary producers of cork oak trees, making it a hub for cork production and craftsmanship!
- Ceramics: Óbidos boasts quite a selection of stores selling beautiful ceramics crafted by local artisans. You’ll find colorful azulejos (tiles), traditional cookware, and eye-catching decorative pieces that carry a touch of traditional Portuguese culture.
- Souvenirs: Among all the handicrafts, you’ll also be able to find unique souvenirs ranging from locally-made cork products to postcards to regional food items like olive oil, ginjinha (a traditional cherry liqueur that’s all the rage in Portugal), chocolate, and wine.
- Quirky Shops: Enjoy the cute little toy stores, wizard/fantasy shops, old book stores, etc.
Some of the establishments that I stumbled upon and made a note of were:
- Capinha d’Óbidos – They make traditional Portuguese buns here and it smelled SO good outside and inside the bakery! Definitely a great breakfast or afternoon snack option!
- Ginjinha da Porta 7 – The place to go if you want to buy ginja to bring home as souvenirs for friends/family.
- Livraria do Mercado – A very cute little bookstore with lots of secondhand and new books in different languages.
Get lost on random residential streets
If you happen to visit Óbidos on a day when the town is teeming with tourists, you can easily escape them by wandering up and down side streets.
Since the town is small enough, we walked aimlessly for about 15 minutes with no end destination in mind. The old architecture, colorful houses, and maze-like streets kept us plenty busy.
Remember though, you’re in a town where people actually live, so be respectful when you’re on quieter streets and don’t make too much noise! Just enjoy the natural sounds of people doing their day-to-day living while you’re exploring.
Visit the Igreja de Santa Maria
The Igreja de Santa Maria in Obidos, Portugal is definitely worth a quick stop in for its unique architecture and beautiful interior.
This charming church dates back to the 12th century and features intricate azulejos (ceramic tiles) and beautiful Gothic architecture.
One of the most notable features is the ornate Baroque altar, which is adorned with gold leaf and intricate carvings. The altar is dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption, the patron saint of Obidos.
You will also see beautiful paintings and tilework throughout the church. The walls are covered in blue and white azulejos, which are traditional Portuguese tiles that depict scenes from the Bible and the life of Christ.
Another highlight of the church is the beautiful stained glass windows, which let in a soft, colorful light that illuminates the interior.
Grab a drink at a local bar
Bar Ibn Errik Rex – Great cozy bar in the heart of Obidos known for yummy sausages, cheese, and drinks of course; the ginja is a must-try here. The owner and his family have been here for generations!
O Portão da Vila – They also have a lovely selection of beer and wine with outdoor seating as well as indoor seating. They’re known for good pizza!
Rex Bar – This is the spot to go if you’re craving a burger and a beer in town! Expect a great assortment of beers, plus live music from time to time.
Enjoy the local cuisine
When you’ve finally worked up an appetite, it’s time to savor Portuguese cuisine at the town’s many restaurants, offering dishes like bacalhau (salted codfish) and arroz de pato (duck rice).
Here are a few restaurants that I found in town that had really promising reviews:
Restaurante “O Conquistador” – For delicious and authentic homemade food, go here! The octopus rice stew and rabbit stew are both really popular.
Madok Restaurante Castelo de Óbidos – Traditional Portuguese food with low-key and easygoing vibes. If you’re a Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings fan, you’ll love the decor!
Ja!mon Ja!mon – This one’s a super highly-rated restaurant right outside the castle walls. They’re known for their Portuguese tapas, including bacalhau, shrimp, steak, and pork cheeks (I love Portuguese-style pork cheeks, they’re cooked to be the most tender things ever!)
Adega do Ramada – Tucked in a quiet street is this local spot serving up local faves like octopus and sardines. You’ll find a nice terrace outside for alfresco dining.
If you don’t like the options I listed here, you don’t have to just settle for these! There are a shocking number of good eateries in Óbidos, so do some research and bookmark the restaurant that piques your interest the most.
Attend a local festival
If you’re visiting in July, don’t miss the iconic Óbidos Medieval Market, when the town transforms into a medieval fair with jousting, costumed characters, street performances, food and drink stalls, and period music. The whole shebang of a medieval village.
If you’re planning a trip in March, try to visit while the Óbidos Chocolate Festival is happening! This event has been a staple in Óbidos and has been held annually since 2002. The Óbidos Chocolate Festival runs Friday to Sunday for three weekends in March.
Here are a few other popular festivals that take place throughout the year:
- Christmas Village: During the holiday season, Óbidos turns into a magical Christmas village, complete with a Christmas market, ice skating rink, and festive decorations.
- Opera Festival: This festival takes place in the summer and features performances by world-renowned opera singers in the beautiful setting of the Igreja de Sao Tiago.
- International Piano Festival: This festival takes place in August and features performances by some of the world’s best pianists.
- International Literary Festival (FOLIO): This festival takes place in October and celebrates literature and the arts. Visitors can attend book signings, literary discussions, and much more.
Note: If you plan to visit Óbidos during a festival, expect more crowds and higher accommodation prices if you’re staying overnight. Despite it being a more expensive time to visit, it’s going to be so much more memorable. I approve of the extra cost!
Soak in the views at the Miradouro
A miradouro is just another word for scenic viewpoint, so if you’re a sucker for sweet views, be sure to make a quick pitstop here. Come around sunset for really nice lighting!
Appreciate the architecture of the aqueduct
The aqueduct in Obidos is a stunning architectural feat that dates back to the 16th century. It was originally built to provide water from the nearby Usseira River to the town, and the fact that it’s still standing for us to enjoy today is a testament to the engineering skills of the time!
The aqueduct spans a length of over 1.8 miles (3 kilometers). It consists of a series of arches that stretch across the countryside, supported by massive pillars made of stone.
Today, the aqueduct is a popular tourist attraction and is considered one of the most impressive examples of engineering in Portugal. You can walk along the base of the aqueduct and marvel at its sheer size and beauty. It’s a great place to take photos and learn about the history of the town and the region!
👉 Pro Tip: If you choose Ja!mon Ja!mon as your restaurant of choice to enjoy a meal, you’ll get great views of the aqueduct from the outdoor seating area.
Take a guided walking tour of the city
There’s a lot to see and do in Óbidos, and if you’d rather have someone show you around, you’ll be happy to know that there are actually walking tours you can take while you’re in town!
This two-hour walking tour experience takes you through the medieval village, exploring all its nooks and crannies and learning about all its hidden secrets.
You’ll start at the main gate and explore the narrow streets, including the Moorish and Jewish neighborhoods with their white-painted houses. Along the way, you’ll taste the local Ginjinha and see the 5 original paintings of Josefa de Óbidos, a popular local artist.
The tour also includes visits to the Saint Mary Church, Sao Tiago Church, and the ancient (8th century) Moorish castle.
Take a side trip to Caldas Da Rainha
Caldas da Rainha is yet another charming town located just 15 minutes north of Obidos. It’s 100% worth visiting if you’ve got extra time to spare (especially if you’ve rented a car or are doing an overnight stay in Obidos).
You can get there via a 15-minute drive or a 7-minute train ride. Like I said, super convenient and super worth your time!
Here are some activities you can busy yourself with while in town:
- Visit the Thermal Hospital (Termas das Caldas da Rainha): Caldas da Rainha is known for its thermal waters, and the Thermal Hospital is a must-visit for wellness lovers! It’s a historic building that has been turned into a spa. Visitors can enjoy a range of treatments and therapies, including mud baths and massages.
- Visit the Praça da Fruta das Caldas da Rainha: This morning market has all kinds of fresh stuff like fruits and veggies, cheese, nuts, fresh flowers, ham, bread, and cakes for sale. It takes place daily!
- Explore the Parque Dom Carlos I: This beautiful park is located in the center of town and features a lake, gardens, and a museum. It’s a great place to relax, people-watch, and breathe in the fresh air.
- Visit the Bordallo Pinheiro Museum: This museum is dedicated to the work of Portuguese artist Rafael Bordallo Pinheiro, who is famous for his ceramic creations. Don’t miss his famous cabbage plates!
- Explore the historic center: Caldas da Rainha has a charming historic center with narrow streets, colorful buildings, and lots of traditional shops to peruse. It’s a great place to wander aimlessly and soak up the atmosphere. Stop by Mercearia Pena for nostalgic grocery shop vibes!
- Museu da Cerâmica: Interested in ceramics from around the world and all over Portugal? This is the museum for you!
- Shop at the Mercado de Santana: This Sunday-only market in the outskirts of town is a little off-the-beaten-path, but a great place to find fresh produce, local handicrafts, and souvenirs. It’s a bustling and colorful market featuring hundreds of booths selling anything and everything!
Relax at Lagoa de Óbidos
If you’ve got your own car, take a short drive to the Lagoa de Óbidos (Óbidos Lagoon) for a day of relaxation, swimming, or water sports like windsurfing and paddleboarding.
The lagoon has several beaches, including Praia do Bom Sucesso and Praia da Foz do Arelho. These beaches are great for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.
While you’re here, you can also get in some nature walks. The area around the lagoon is home to a variety of bird species and other wildlife, and there are several nature trails that offer great views of the lagoon and the surrounding landscape.
If you really want to take it slow, you can easily spend the night here. There are several hotels and accommodations in the area, including the five-star Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort.
Where To Stay In Óbidos, Portugal
Here are a few hotels that I think will give you the most unique overnight experiences:
Pousada Castelo de Obidos – A luxury hotel located inside the castle walls. It combines 14th-century medieval accommodation with modern facilities in the heart of the village of Óbidos.. and comes with an amazingly good free breakfast. This is hands-down one of the most memorable places to stay in Óbidos!
Hotel Real d Obidos – Set in a 14th-century house, this small hotel offers cute, historic-themed rooms and an outdoor swimming pool with some really cool views of Óbidos’ castle walls.
Casa Picva – This one’s not for everyone, but it is ideal for couples, artists, and people who love historical stays. The nostalgic details of the space make it such a charming accommodation.
Mood Lodging – Caldas & Ocean – This is an amazing aparthotel if you’re looking for a more modern accommodation option in Óbidos! You’ll get an entire apartment to yourself, so it’s great if you need more room.
Where Is Óbidos, Portugal? What Is It Known For?
Óbidos is a charming medieval town located in the west of Portugal, about an hour’s drive north of Lisbon. It’s a small town with a population of just over 3,000, but it’s packed with history, culture, and charm!
The town is situated on a hilltop, surrounded by medieval walls that date back to the 12th century.
The town has been inhabited since Roman times and has been ruled by various civilizations over the centuries. It was also an important trading post during the Age of Discovery, when Portugal was a major maritime power.
The town itself is a maze of narrow streets and alleys, lined with whitewashed houses adorned with colorful flowers. The centerpiece of the town is the beautiful castle, which dates back to the 12th century and is now a luxury hotel.
Today, Óbidos is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. It’s a great place to explore on foot, with plenty of sights, shops, and restaurants to discover! Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just want to soak up the atmosphere of a charming medieval town, Óbidos is definitely worth a visit.
How To Get To Óbidos From Lisbon
There are several ways to get to Óbidos from Lisbon, and the method you choose will really depend on how much time you have and what you plan to do while you’re there.
Here are your options:
By car
The easiest way to get to Óbidos from Lisbon is by car. The drive takes about an hour, and there are actually quite a few car rental companies in Lisbon that offer competitive rates.
Need a rental car for your trip? To find cheap rental cars, I recommend using Rentalcars.com. Their search tool is one of the best I’ve found!
The most direct route is to take the A8 motorway from Lisbon to Óbidos.
You shouldn’t be scared to drive in Portugal because they drive on the right side of the road, with the steering wheel on the left — similar to places like the USA/Canada.
The one thing that I do need to scare you on is wearing a seatbelt. The National Republican Guard (or GNR) prowls the roads and stops cars randomly. If you aren’t wearing a seatbelt, each and every one of you in the car breaking the law WILL get a ticket. This really happened to half of our tour group — literally everyone in the van (except for me and my group, phew) got written up!
Learn from my experience! While we personally did not rent a car for our trip to Óbidos, we did contemplate it big time! After our trip, I actually wish we had rented one instead of opting for a full-day tour with a tour operator. I had no idea I was going to fall in love with Óbidos so hard!
For my next visit, I’ve decided we are most definitely going to rent a car and stay at least two nights in town so we can explore other nearby cities too!
By train
There is a regular train service from Lisbon to Óbidos, operated by Comboios de Portugal. The journey takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes, and there are several trains per day. The train station in Óbidos is located about 1 mile (1.5 km) from the town center.
You’ll usually also find taxis available at the station ready to take you into town.
By bus
There are several bus companies that operate services from Lisbon to Óbidos, including Rede Expressos and Rodoviária do Oeste. The bus ride takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, and there are several buses that run this route per day.
The bus station in Óbidos is located about 0.6 miles (1 km) from the town center, so once you hop off the bus, you can take a quick stroll over to the historic town center.
Go with an organized tour
If you don’t want to be bothered with figuring out how to get there and which train/bus tickets to book, you should opt for an organized tour like we did!
There are quite a number of tours that take you to Óbidos from Lisbon. Many of these tours also include stops at other nearby towns and landmarks. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Óbidos, Fatima, Batalha and Nazaré – Visit the Catholic shrine of Fatima and the holy convent of Batalha on a full-day group tour from Lisbon. Relax in the delightful seaside resort of Nazaré and explore the medieval village of Obidos.
This is the tour we chose for our first visit to Óbidos. It was a great intro to the city, but after discovering all the little gems and local businesses that make up Óbidos, we honestly wished we had more time to explore JUST this town!
Looking back on it, I’d probably recommend a tour with fewer stops and more time at each stop. Do what you will with this info, but my favorite towns from this tour were Óbidos and Nazaré!
If you want to avoid a visit to Fatima (it’s a religious site, so it’s not going to appeal to everyone), this Óbidos and Nazaré Private Tour (from Lisbon) visits just the two places I liked most, and gives you your own professional guide.
There’s also this one — From Lisbon: Óbidos Experience — this DIY tour was designed especially for those seeking total autonomy while exploring Óbidos. You get Óbidos and Óbidos ONLY!
When Is The Best Time To Visit Óbidos, Portugal?
First off, let me start by saying that there really is no bad time to visit Óbidos and the rest of Portugal. Portugal doesn’t see crazy snow storms like the rest of Europe, things to it’s Mediterranean-like weather. Winters are totally doable in Portugal!
The best time to visit Óbidos depends on your travel goals and what you want to do while you’re there. Some things to consider:
Weather: The weather in Óbidos is generally mild and pleasant throughout the year, but the summer months (June to September) can be quite hot, with temperatures reaching up to 30°C (86°F). If you prefer cooler weather, the best time to visit is in the spring (March to May) or fall (October to November).
Festivals: Óbidos is known for its lively festivals and events, some of which you should really try to make! The most popular festivals include the Medieval Market Fair in July, the Chocolate Festival in March, and the Christmas Village in December.
Crowds: Óbidos is a popular tourist destination, and the crowds can be quite large during the peak summer months. If you prefer a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons (May to June or September to October), when the crowds are smaller.
Accommodation: The prices for accommodation in Óbidos can vary depending on the season. If you’re on a budget, opt for a visit in the low season (November to March), when prices are generally lower.
Taking ALL of that into consideration, here’s my take on the most notable times to visit:
- Visit in March for … Cooler weather, fewer crowds, cheaper prices, and the annual Chocolate Festival.
- Visit in July for … Summertime vibes, alfresco dining, late sunsets, and the epic Medieval Market Fair.
- Visit in December for … Cooler weather, fewer crowds, and the Christmas Village.
How To Get Around Óbidos, Portugal
Óbidos is a small town that is easy to explore on foot. For most people, your own two feet are enough to see most of the town!
If you did want to wander off to further places, you can take a taxi. Taxis are available in Óbidos, and they are a convenient way to get around the town and the surrounding area. Just be prepared to pay more compared to train/bus.
Is A Day Trip To Óbidos Enough?
I personally visited Óbidos as part of a Full-Day Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré, and Óbidos Tour from Lisbon. This meant that we technically really only had about 2 hours to explore this lovely little town. 2 hours was most definitely NOT enough.
“Luckily” for us, our tour guide’s van ended up breaking down and getting towed, which allowed us to explore Obidos for another 2ish hours while they worked on getting transportation for us sorted out. This additional time was such a blessing in disguise.
Because of how charming and cute Obidos is, I was completely enthralled and enchanted by the city! As you guys already know, I’m a huge sucker for all things medieval — which is why I was so in love with Obidos!
If you’re someone who really likes to take things slow in smaller, lesser-known towns, you’re probably going to need a lot more than 2 hours to explore Obidos.
There are two things I’d recommend:
- Rent a car and drive to Obidos yourself (so you can stay as long as you like)
- Opt for an overnight stay (so you can enjoy things like the sun setting over the city, dinner at a local restaurant, a quiet evening stroll with the city all to yourself, and breakfast in town)
Need a rental car for your trip? To find cheap rental cars, I recommend using Rentalcars.com. Their search tool is one of the best I’ve found!
Looking for more Portugal travel tips? Here are some more articles you may find interesting!
- 30 Lisbon Travel Tips To Make Your Trip So Much Better
- Where To Stay In Lisbon: 5 Best Areas To Choose From
- 50 Fun Things To Do In Lisbon, Portugal (Massive Guide To Lisbon!)
- 3 Days In Lisbon: A Detailed Itinerary For What To See, Do, and Eat
- 20 Best Things To Do In Evora, Portugal For An Unforgettable Trip
- 50 Brilliant Ways To Travel Europe On A Budget
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