There are so many wonderful places to visit in Portugal, and Obidos is one you should not miss. This beautiful village is filled with whitewashed buildings which are painted and covered with colorful bougainvillea. You’ll quickly fall in love as you slowly stroll around the narrow streets. We briefly stopped here overnight on our 10 day trip through Portugal. It’s an easy drive from Lisbon, and the perfect stop on a road trip. Read on to see why this place captivated our hearts and memories.
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In This Article
Brief Background of Obidos
How to Get to Obidos
When to Go to Obidos
Where to Stay in Obidos
What to Do in Obidos
The view of Obidos from the castle
Obidos is a unique place with a network of narrow cobblestone streets, town squares, homes and shops. It sits atop a hill with Obidos Castle as its focal point. King Afonso II presented it to his wife on her wedding day in the 1200s, which happens to be a Portuguese tradition. Because of this its been nicknamed “The Town of the Queens.”
The village is a perfect example of medieval architecture, with fortified castle walls surrounding it and entry through various gates. Because it’s close to the Atlantic, it used to thrive as a trading port. The 1755 earthquake caused damage to the town, but since then it has been restored.
You can get to Obidos by bus or train from Lisbon, however the best way is to rent a car and drive there. It’s about an hour drive via the A8 expressway and very easy to get to. You will have to park outside the walls once you arrive.
Driving also allows you to stay overnight and have it all to yourself after all the tours leave. Since it’s popular as a day trip, it can get quite crowded during the day. But once they leave the streets become much more quiet and empty.
To get there by bus you’ll take the Rápida Verde from Campo Grande station in Lisbon. We do not recommend going by train since the journey takes much longer and also is not as close to the village.
Read more about our Portugal Road Trip
The homes were covered with flowers and beautifully painted
The best time to visit Portugal overall is usually in spring or fall. We went during summer and stayed in the northern part, since the Algarve was most touristy during this time. If you’re into festivals you might want to plan your trip around those. In the end, it really comes down to personal preference of when to go.
The gorgeous view from the terrace and yard at Casa Picva
There are many wonderful places to stay in Obidos depending on what your style is. You can either stay inside or outside the walls. With a car, it’s much more convenient to stay somewhere outside the walls since you can park nearby. You cannot park on the inside since there’s no access.
We ended up choosing Casa Picva, perfectly located right outside the walls near one of the gates. The owner João was very welcoming and hospitable for our entire stay. The room was very spacious and comfortable and we even got an extra bed for our daughter. There is a cozy yard with seating, a koi pond, and fruit trees with gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape. Breakfast was served communal style and everything was fresh and homemade. He offered great advice on what to see and do, as well as a helpful map. The house itself contained a lot of history and a wonderful collection of art. It was a perfect, relaxing stay and we would not hesitate to return again.
If you’re interested in staying within the walls the Torre de Maneys gets great reviews and is loved by many. It’s quite a unique place that makes you feel like you’re staying in a medieval castle. The interiors look stunning with beautiful views, and a delicious breakfast is included.
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Although Obidos is a rather small village, there are still many things to do. Below I’ve outlined some of the highlights on what to do while here, whether it’s a day trip or staying overnight.
One of the best parts of being in a gorgeous village like this, is just letting yourself wander. There are many hidden discoveries to be found walking around. Pay attention to the details around you, there is so much charm here. We had such a wonderful time relaxing and checking out all beauty around us. Since we live such a fast and busy life in a big city, it feels great to just slow down. Some of our favorite parts of a place are away from the main streets. You definitely won’t get tired of it!
A Medieval Tour
Are you a history lover like us? Get a proper intro to this village with this tour. You’ll visit a few secret spots including the castle, and finish off with a Ginjinha liqueur tasting.
Next up is the Rua Direita, a main street which runs through the center of the village. There are several local artisan shops, souvenir shops, restaurants and art galleries, and a great place to try some ginja. Although it can get rather busy, this street is bursting with delight. Make sure to stop by Capinha d’Óbidos for a sweet. It’s a family run bakery since the 1800’s with traditional recipes and such a wonderful atmosphere.
Drinking ginja is another popular thing to do in Obidos. It’s a sour cherry liqueur that’s usually served in a chocolate cup. It’s very easy to find here along the Rue Direita and usually around 1 euro per cup. Many of the shops here also sell bottles of it so you can bring plenty home with you!
Obidos Castle is one of the first things you see as you come upon the village. Dating all the way back to the 8th century, this beautiful medieval castle is a symbol of national pride. But since it was transformed into a luxury hotel (pousada), you can’t take a tour inside. The castle walls surround the entire village, and we highly recommend taking a walk around them. Or if you’re brave, along the top. It’s much more quiet around these parts and there are beautiful views to see. If you’re staying the night, wake up early and watch the sunrise here.
Another great thing to see while traveling are the festivals. There are a few popular ones in Obidos. The Medieval Market usually takes place in mid-July through August. There are people dressed in costume with plenty of artisans selling handicrafts, food, and entertainment to enjoy. The International Chocolate festival takes place in the spring (April-May) featuring many chocolatiers from around the world.
Tiny violinist in the beautiful streets of Obidos
If you’re looking for a brief escape, Obidos is the perfect place to be. You can easily add it on to your Lisbon itinerary, or part of a larger road trip. With its quaint cobblestone streets, brightly painted cottages, and local vibes, you’ll come here never wanting to leave. It was the perfect start to our road trip through Portugal. And although it may be small, Obidos is bursting with history and character.
Have you been to Obidos? If so, we’d love to hear more!
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Woow..Beautiful Portugal...Thanks for Sharing
Thanks for stopping by! It's such a gorgeous country right?
What a beautiful part of Portugal. I'd love to visit there and wander through those streets. May even try the ginja.
Yeah it truly is a gorgeous little village. The ginja was good, definitely worth a try! A little on the sweet side though haha