Óbidos is a medieval walled town in the center of Portugal, located in the district of Leiria, it offers visitors a unique combination of attractions, from its historical monuments and vibrant culture to its stunning natural landscapes.
The town has been declared a National Monument since 1910 and is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its narrow cobbled streets, picturesque plazas, and iconic whitewashed houses topped with terracotta-tiled roofs, Óbidos is a charming place to explore. Whether you’re looking for adventure or a peaceful escape visitors will find plenty to do and see in Óbidos.
When visiting Obidos, visitors can expect to be enchanted by its medieval character and charm. The ancient walls are still intact, which serves as a reminder of the town’s past history.
The main square features some impressive buildings that have been preserved for centuries, such as the Church of Saint John. You will also find colorful streets lined with traditional Portuguese shops and restaurants that serve up some delicious local delicacies.
Obidos is an ideal destination for a day trip. Whether you’re looking to explore the sights, browse the shops and markets, or indulge in some of the local cuisines, there is something here for everyone.
Language Portuguese
The currency Euro €
Where to stay in Óbidos
There is no shortage of accommodation in Óbidos, ranging from cozy hostels and guesthouses to luxurious five-star hotels, as well as some incredible boutique hotels located within the medieval walls of Óbidos itself.
If you want to stay within the walls of the castle, you will find hotels like the Casa de S. Thiago de Óbidos, the Pousada Castelo de Obidos, and the Hotel-Pousada Óbidos Vila Natal, and more. These hotels offer a more traditional experience with their old-world charm and rustic decor.
For budget travelers, you can find a variety of hostels throughout Óbidos. Such as Hostel Argonauta, which is located only 200m from the Óbidos castle. This hostel offers both double rooms and dorms with shared bathrooms, as well as a cozy common area and kitchen facilities.
I highly recommend using Booking.com for your hotel reservations, they have an extensive range of options to suit all budgets and I love their cancellation policy.
If you like staying in Hostels, you can book your hostel with Hostel Worldwide. This will save you money to use on more exciting things.
Getting to Óbidos
Getting to Óbidos is easy and convenient. The town is located approx 85 kilometers north of Lisbon, just off the A8 motorway. Visitors can also take a bus from Lisbon’s city center, which will take approximately an hour and a half to reach.
You can also take a train, but it will take longer. If you are traveling from Porto, it will take about two and a half hours, approx 240km.
***This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through clicking the link, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.***
The best time to visit Óbidos, Portugal
The best time to visit Óbidos is during the spring and autumn months, from March to May and September to October. During these periods, visitors can enjoy the vibrant blooms of spring, as well as mild temperatures and fewer crowds. The summer months can be hot and dry, while November through February can be cold, wet, and windy.
Keep in mind June through August is considered peak season, which can make it more crowded and more expensive, I would recommend booking accommodation in advance if you are considering staying in Óbidos.
We visited Óbidos in the first week of July, and we found it to be quite pleasant, although you want to get there in the morning to avoid the crowds and the day getting hot, especially walking along the castle walls, be sure to have a hat, there is no shade along the walls.
Is Óbidos expensive to visit
Óbidos is generally quite affordable, to explore Castelo de Óbidos entry is free, with meals, drinks, and accommodation all being reasonably priced, again depending on the month you are visiting, Summer seems to be more expensive.
Eating out can be inexpensive compared to other European cities, especially if you stick to traditional Portuguese cuisine. For example, dishes such as salt cod casserole (bacalhau com natas) or a delicious grilled sardine sandwich (sardinha assada na brasa) can be found for as little as €5.
This guide will give you an overview of all the best things to do in Obidos during your day trip or overnight stay!
Explore Castelo de Óbidos
Castelo de Óbidos is a 12th-century castle and fortress located in the historic town of Óbidos, Portugal. The castle is situated on a rocky hilltop and surrounded by an impressive wall that has withstood the test of time and wars for centuries.
This beautiful castle offers visitors an unforgettable experience, with its many impressive architectural details, such as the cobbled streets, winding staircases, and hidden archways. The castle is full of history and culture – from ancient Roman beginnings to Moorish influences in the 13th century. Visitors can explore the old walls and towers, visit museums that showcase artifacts from different eras in Óbidos’ history, and even take a ride in one of the old horse-drawn carriages.
Visiting Castelo de Óbidos is an absolute must when visiting Óbidos. It provides a unique insight into Portugal’s rich past, as well as offers stunning views across the town and countryside below. Admire the beautiful whitewashed houses and the cobbled streets, take in the stunning architecture, and enjoy the incredible views of Óbidos Castle.
You will want to set aside a couple of hours for your visit as there is plenty to explore, such as the castle walls and towers, numerous churches, courtyards, and gardens.
Tip: Make sure you wear comfortable shoes and bring water with you as it can get quite hot walking along the castle walls during the day.
Walk the town walls of Castelo de Óbidos
The town walls of Castelo de Óbidos are an impressive sight and a must-do for any visitors to the charming medieval town. The length of the wall is about 1.5km, and it encircles the entire perimeter of the castle. Walking along these ancient walls will give you a unique perspective of the town and its stunning countryside surroundings.As you walk, keep an eye out for the many turrets and towers that are dotted around the walls – they offer great viewpoints over Óbidos.
The walls date back to the 12th century and have been renovated several times over the centuries, with towers added in later periods.
For an even more extraordinary experience, visitors can take a guided night tour of the walls with an experienced guide. Here, you can learn about the mythology and legends associated with Óbidos Castle, as well as its long history and strategic importance in defending Portugal from invaders. A nighttime walk along the walls is sure to be a highlight of your visit to Óbidos.
Marvel at the Porta da Vila
The Porta da Vila (or “Town Gate”) is the main entrance to Óbidos castle and is one of the most impressive sights in the entire town. This imposing gateway was built as part of the plan to fortify the castle against possible attack.
The Porta da Vila is now a major tourist attraction in Óbidos, and it’s easy to see why. Its dramatic archway is decorated with beautiful azulejo tiles. Visitors can marvel at the magnificent architecture.
Stroll along Rua Direita
One of the most charming spots in Óbidos is Rua Direita, a cobblestone street lined with traditional whitewashed houses and colorful azulejo tiles. This pedestrian-friendly lane makes for a pleasant stroll at any time of day.
Visitors can admire the picturesque architecture and take in a unique atmosphere. Along the way, you can browse the many stores, galleries, and cafés that line the street. The shops offer everything from handmade pottery and local souvenirs to traditional food items, stop in one of many cafes and bars.
We stopped at a chocolate shop called “Doces Sabores” that also served sangria, it was so good and on a summer day, was the refreshment we needed.
Rua Direita is a great spot to explore during your visit to Óbidos. Take your time and savor the unique atmosphere – it’s a great way to get a true feel for this charming medieval town.
Try the famous Ginja Liqueur
Ginja liqueur is a popular local specialty of Óbidos, Portugal. It is made from ginjinha, a small red sour cherry native to the region. The cherries are soaked in alcohol and sweetened with sugar to make this delicious fortified wine liqueur. Ginja can be enjoyed neat or mixed into cocktails and other drinks.
Visitors to Óbidos should be sure to sample a glass of this local liqueur – it’s one of the best things about visiting the area! Ginja has a sweet but slightly tart taste, with notes of cherries and spice.
It is often served in a small shot glass or in chocolate cups. Ginja Liqueur is incredibly popular in Óbidos, and it’s easy to find in many stores along Rua Direita and only costs about 1 euro for a shot. During our visit, we tried the traditional Ginja Liqueur and also a chocolate-flavored ginja liqueur, so yummy and we got to keep the shot glass as a souvenir.
Aqueduto de Óbidos
The Aqueduto da Água de Prata is a remarkable 16th-century aqueduct, which runs along the western edge of Óbidos. The Aqueduto de Óbidos was built around 1570 by Queen Catherine of Austria, wife of King John III, and is approx 3km long. Although it was designed as a water supply system for the city, today it also serves as an attraction in its own right thanks to its stunning architecture and unique design.
It is possible to explore the aqueduct on foot, either by taking a guided tour or simply strolling along its length. You can find the Aquaduto as you exit out of the Porta da Vila (Town gate) to your left, walk down and you will also find some public restrooms. The Aquaduto is opposite the toilet block.
Museu Municipal de Óbidos
Museu Municipal de Óbidos is a great place to learn about the town’s history and culture. This museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts, including pottery, paintings, and sculptures from different eras. It also contains documents, photographs, and other items related to the town’s past. There is even a traditional kitchen with period furniture and utensils. The museum offers guided tours as well as audio-visual presentations about the local area. It is open all year round and admission is free of charge.
Admire the Igreja de Santa Maria (Church of Santa Maria)
Igreja de Santa Maria is the town’s main church and one of its most prominent landmarks. Built-in the 12th century, this Gothic-style building has a stunning façade with intricate details and delicate sculptures. Inside, visitors can admire the beautiful stained glass windows that adorn the walls and ceilings. There is also an impressive golden altarpiece depicting scenes from the life of Jesus Christ. Igreja de Santa Maria is open to visitors every day, and admission is free.
Visit the Igreja da Misericordia (Church of Mercy)
At the end of Rua Direita lies an old church, Igreja da Misericordia (Church of Mercy), which dates back to the 16th century. This beautiful building is adorned with an intricately carved stone façade and has two very tall towers. Inside, visitors can admire the stunning Baroque artwork and architecture. Igreja da Misericordia is open to visitors every day, and admission is free.
There are many more churches within the walls such as Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Piedade, Igreja de são Pedro, and Igreja de São Joao Baptista, that are all worth visiting. There are plenty of other historic monuments and attractions to explore in Óbidos.
Refresh at Praia de Foz do Arelho/ Óbidos lagoon
The Óbidos Lagoon is another place to visit if you want a change of scenery. Along its banks are a range of activities to keep visitors entertained, including cycling and sailing. This lagoon is also home to many different species of birds and wildlife. Where the lagoons meet the Atlantic ocean you will find Praia de Foz do Arelho (beach) which is a short drive from Óbidos.
Events in Óbidos
Depending on the time of year you are visiting Óbidos, Óbidos holds many events such as the ChocoFesta, Vila Natal, Carnival of Óbidos and the ‘Medieval market’, and many more festivals throughout the year.
Medieval market
The Medieval Market in Óbidos is held annually during the summer months, usually from mid-July to early August, during this time, the city center is transformed into a replica of medieval times and filled with merchants selling traditional goods and food.
Visitors can wander down cobblestone streets and explore historic monuments while sampling local cuisine and listening to live music. This is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and culture of Óbidos.
The Medieval market does charge an admission fee which is around €10 for adults, and €5 for kids 4-11 years, but it is worth it to experience the unique atmosphere and vibrant culture of this wonderful town.
ChocoFesta (Chocolate festival)
The Chocofesta is another annual event that takes place in Óbidos generally during the month of April-May. This two-week festival celebrates the town’s rich chocolate heritage and is a great way to experience local culture and hospitality. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, such as chocolate tasting, workshops about traditional recipes and techniques, music performances, dancing, and traditional costumes.
There are also stalls selling handmade chocolate products such as truffles, pralines, and other treats. The Chocofesta is a great way to experience the unique culture of Óbidos and sample some of its delicious local produce. Admission is around €10 for adults and €8 for kids, these prices can change.
Vila Natal de Óbidos
The Vila Natal de Óbidos is held every winter in the historic town of Óbidos. This festive event takes place in the month of December, dates can vary so be sure to check out the schedule in advance.
This unique event brings together all of the traditional festive decorations and nativity scenes that make Christmas so special. Visit Santa Claus’ house, ride a reindeer sleigh, and enjoy the Christmas spirit.
There is also a traditional Christmas market where visitors can purchase unique gifts and souvenirs. The Vila Natal de Óbidos offers a wonderful winter experience with plenty of festive cheer. There is an admission fee that starts around €10 for adults and €8 for kids, keep in mind these prices can change at any time.
In addition to exploring the sights, there are plenty of activities to do during your trip to Obidos. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the town and take in the stunning views from the top of its ancient walls. You can also sample some of the local delicacies at one of the many restaurants or browse through some of the shops and markets for souvenirs.
There are also plenty of wineries in the area that offer tours, tastings, and even cooking classes. If you’re looking for a little more adventure, there are some great hiking trails near town that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
We spent 3 months in Portugal as we have an apartment in North Portugal. We started in North Portugal and spent 3 weeks traveling to South Portugal and back up North through the middle, If you are continuing your travels down South of Portugal, a very short distance from Óbidos you will find Peniche which is approx 28km (less than a 30-minute drive).
If you are heading to Óbidos from the North such as Nazaré, it is around 36km (less than 40 minutes) away, and in less than an hour you can see 2 more incredible places in Portugal.
Is Óbidos worth visiting?
Absolutely! Óbidos is one of the most charming towns in Portugal, with its beautiful cobbled streets, historic monuments, and colorful markets. Visitors can experience traditional culture, take part in unique festivals such as ChocoFesta and Vila Natal de Óbidos, and sample the delicious local cuisine. With its stunning natural beauty, fascinating history, and vibrant culture, Óbidos is well worth visiting.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an exciting adventure, Óbidos has something to offer everyone. So don’t miss out on the chance to explore this beautiful town!
Have a great time in Óbidos Portugal! Happy exploring!
