Just an hour’s drive north of Lisbon, in central Portugal, is the charming, historic city of Obidos. Ancient fortifications surround the whitewashed traditional buildings, and the castle stands picturesquely on top of a hill, making Obidos look like a place from a fairy tale.
Obidos is a very popular destination for a day trip from Lisbon. Or if you’re traveling by car between Lisbon and Porto. During the summer months, the narrow streets can become extremely crowded with tourist groups. I was in Obidos in February – sunny, beautiful and very few tourists.
I advise you to read: 10 destinations for a day trip from Lisbon
Important tip: if you decide to visit this city on a day trip, it is advisable to arrive here as early in the morning as possible to enjoy this beautiful city before the hordes arrive.
Go to Obidos and make sure that is a really great place.
Here are 10 reasons why you should add Obidos to your Portugal itinerary.
1.Travel through time in Obidos
Obidos has managed to preserve its medieval charm and character, as well as its buildings and medieval fortress. The Porta da Vila Arch is the main entrance to the walled city of Obidos.
When you take your first steps through the Porta da Vila to the old town of Obidos, it’s as if you’re immediately transported to another era. This impressive gate is covered with beautiful blue azulejo tiles that date back to the 18th century. There is also a small Baroque chapel hidden inside the gate, whose origins can be traced back to the 13th century.
Wandering through the charming cobblestone alleys surrounded by ancient architecture, my thoughts fly back to the times when ancient events took place on these very streets for centuries.
2. Visit the Obidos Fortress
This beautifully preserved, impressive fortress has been officially listed as one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal. Located on top of a hill, it towers over the town below. This mysterious and beautiful castle has a rich history and remains a symbol of Portuguese pride to this day.
Its history goes back 700 years, when the Moors occupied the territory of Portugal and were the first to start building the castle that still stands here today. Over the centuries, the castle underwent many changes in its appearance when it became the property of the Portuguese kings after the Reconquista (the expulsion of the Moors from the Iberian Peninsula). In 1951, the final restoration of the castle was completed and it became open to the public.
For those who want a unique and unforgettable experience, the inside of the castle has now been transformed into a luxury accommodation. You can even spend the night here. The only way to see the castle’s interior decoration is to book a room. The castle grounds are open to the public free of charge, but you must be a hotel guest, to get into the castle.
3. Visit the Medieval Festival in Obidos
Every year in July and August, Obidos hosts an epic medieval festival, the Mercado Medieval de Obidos. This fair covers the entire square of the old town, near the castle and city walls. You will find stalls selling jewelry, ceramics, medieval costumes, new weapons, and many other exquisite handmade items.
To add to the medieval atmosphere, hundreds of actors roam the streets dressed in medieval costumes, playing the roles of jugglers, beggars, nobles, and more. In addition, sophisticated tourists and residents of Portugal also come to the festival wearing costumes and festive outfits.
This festival is sure to delight you with many exciting events such as jousting tournaments, dancers and musicians, and will transport you back in time.
Other festivals are also held here – I advise you to see which ones in a separate article:
Holidays and festivals in Portugal
4. Taste Portuguese food in a traditional restaurant
Obidos has many original small family restaurants and original bars serving traditional Portuguese dishes and homemade wines. This is a place where you can feel the true taste of Portugal. Walking down Rua Direita Street, it won’t take you long to come across a huge variety of dining options.
The number one restaurant in Obidos is Madok (according to TripAdvisor). Unlike many on this rating, it offers friendly service along with delicious food and wine. Be sure to try their Salmon with boiled potatoes – a traditional sea food in Portugal.
5. Admire the unique architecture
Don’t be afraid to get lost in the maze of winding, narrow alleys that stretch from Rua Direit. This is the best way to admire the beauty of traditional whitewashed buildings framed by blue and yellow colors and blooming bougainvilleas on the walls.
You are guaranteed to find less crowded places to take cool photos as you make your way through the quiet streets of Obidos, Portugal, and discover the most beautiful corners of the city.
6. Sit in a bar on the main square of Obidos
At some point, you will find yourself in the main square of Obidos, where you will see some fascinating historical sights.
The first thing that catches your eye is a large stone pillar located in the center of the square. Dating back to the 15th century, it was once used to punish and hang criminals. It’s hard to imagine that such horrific events once took place in such a beautiful square. Today, it is an ideal object for photographs.
Under the pillar is a 16th-century fountain that was once fed by water from the city’s aqueduct. Another attraction you can’t miss in the main square is the beautifulIgreja de Santa Maria, the main church of Obidos. This beautiful old church has quite a history of many different religions that have occupied this place over the centuries.
The origin of the Igreja de Santa Maria dates back to the Visigothic period. During Moorish rule, it was converted into a mosque. In the 15th century, by order of the queen, the church was reconstructed into the building we see today.
7. Try the cherry liqueur Ginjinha de Obidos
There is no better place to try Ginjinha (Ginja), a signature Portuguese cherry liqueur. This liqueur can also be found in Lisbon, but Obidos has a unique way of making it using cherries that grow in local orchards.
Visit one of the many bars on Rua Direita that sell Ginho in chocolate shots for €1.5 . You will find many shops in the city that sell this popular drink in beautiful bottles, which will make a great souvenir or gift. They even have small bottles of 100 ml if you don’t have luggage – you can take them as a gift even in your carry-on luggage.
8. Explore the city walls
A visit to Obidosz would not be complete without a walk around the ancient city walls. You will feel on top of the world while admiring the panoramic views of the village below and the surrounding countryside. The full circle is 1.5 km, but be careful as there is no fence (keep an eye on your children).
We also took a walk along the walls and at the end of it we saw an old mill on a hill. Therefore, after descending the wall and leaving the city through the main gate, we climbed that hill (it is to the right of the gate and opposite a large parking lot near it). A good place to see everything around you.
9. Relax on the nearby beach near Obidos
If you have extra time during your visit to Obidos, head to the Lagoa de Obidos (Obidos Lagoon), which is located on the coast about 15 km from the city. This is the perfect place to sunbathe on the beautiful white sandy coast if you don’t feel like traveling to Algarve.
Praia da Foz do Arelho is a popular destination for beachcombing, swimming in the ocean, and water sports such as windsurfing. There are many restaurants, cafes and shops nearby, making this the perfect place to spend the day.
The ocean is separated from the lagoon by a long sandy spit, where you can swim in the calm shallow waters of the lagoon and in the open ocean.
And further across the lagoon is the well-known town of Nazare, which stuns with its huge beaches and waves. I advise you to schedule it after Obidos.
More details: Nazare – the biggest waves and beaches in Portugal
10. Stay overnight in Obidos to experience its atmosphere
I advise you to set aside at least one night for this city and stay at the Obidusha Hotel (it will not cost you too much even during the festival). You can enjoy the medieval atmosphere of the city, attend parties and fire shows that take place during fairs or festivals.
Hotels I recommend in Obidos:
- Casa de S. Thiago de Obidos≫ – A very beautiful and cozy hotel with a stunning interior in the style of Obidos, located inside the fortress walls of the old city.
- Torre de Maneys≫ – If you want to stay in a real medieval tower, choose this accommodation. The interior is as stunning as you would expect from a tower in the middle of the city – it’s like a real castle, very cozy with all the amenities.
- Casa de S. Thiago do Castelo≫ – This old building, which is a private guesthouse, is also a visiting card of Obidos, which you will see in numerous photographs. Inside is a real museum, where you can also stay overnight. But it is very cozy and pleasant to spend one or two nights here. (he is the one in the photo above).
Getting to Obidush
Distance from Lisbon: 1 hour
Getting there: direct bus to the station
The cost of transportation: 8 euros.
We arrived in Obidos by in a rental car on our way from Lisbon to Porto.
I advise you to read it: Car route in Portugal – from Lisbon to Porto
Useful articles and links:
- 10 tips for those traveling to Portugal for the first time
- Top 20 places to see in Lisbon
- Life hacks for finding tourist accommodation in Lisbon
- Alentejo Coast – where to find the most beautiful wild beaches in Portugal
Find train tickets in Europe conveniently on Trainline
Travel Medical Insurance – online on the portal EKTA
Booking of hotels and apartments – Booking.com
