Portugal is a treasure trove of small, picturesque medieval towns, yet Obidos stands out in the crowd. Its medieval fairytale-like old walled city and old castle attract tourists, us included.
Portions of the town’s history even read like something out of a child’s fantasy book. After all, the charming town was a wedding gift from King Dinis of Portugal to his new Queen in the late 1200s.
At only an hour’s drive from the capital, it is ideal for a day trip from Lisbon. After all, it only takes a few hours to discover the highlights of this enchanting town.
Some of these include the cobblestone streets, terracotta roofs on top of whitewashed buildings, friendly locals, souvenir shops, and churches, all encased in a seemingly happy atmosphere.
Less prepared than we normally are when we arrive somewhere new, we had a rough start to our mini-adventure, but it all turned out great. Just one missed fact followed by an incorrect turn, and we found ourselves on the wrong side of a padlocked gate. (see below if you want the details)
Things to do in Obidos Portugal
- Spend the majority of your time in the walled Medieval city
- Admire the artwork at the main gate
- Stroll along the cobblestone streets
- Walk the city wall perimeter
- Sample Ginja in a chocolate cup
- Check out the medieval churches
- Stay at the Obidos Castle
- Join the fun at a festival
- Stand in awe under the ancient aqueduct
Admire the artwork at the main gate
As you pass through the main (south) gate into the old city of Obidos, be sure to look up. Here you will find Porta da Vila, a small, intricate 18th-century Baroque tiled chapel depicting the passion of Christ.
The classic blue-on-white tin-glazed ceramic tiles, called azulejo, are commonly seen in Portugal as well as in former Spanish and Portuguese colonies. While predominantly decorative, some say they aid in interior temperature control.
In addition to admiring the Porta da Vila from the ground, you can also look down on it if you walk the wall perimeter, as seen in the second image.
Stroll along the cobblestone streets
Once inside the old city, we were enchanted by the cobblestone roads lined with whitewashed homes. Fragrant, colourful flowers enhance the mesmerizing atmosphere. They climb the walls or fill planters on decks and balconies.
Rua Direita is the main street in the old town, and the atmosphere here is friendly and welcoming.
Walk the city wall perimeter
There are multiple sets of steps that lead from the ground level to the intact wall. From the rim, we got a better feel for the layout of the old city, including the sea of terracotta tiled roofs, the castle, and several churches.
Looking the other way, we also got endless views of the more spread out areas outside of the old city. The lush green gentle hills seem to define many of the regions of Portugal that we visited. From the top, we could see the imposing Santuário do Senhor Jesus da Pedra (see below for a description) outside the wall.
Some sections of the rim are a bit unnerving. The perimeter often changed as we walked, with some areas feeling very narrow, while others were missing safety rails. As a result, we slowed in areas, and it took us about an hour to walk the perimeter.
We also climbed additional steps inside one of the towers along the wall. Our efforts were instantly rewarded with fantastic and far-off views.
Sample Ginja in a chocolate cup
Ginja is a local specialty sour cherry liqueur that Benedictine monks initially made. For hundreds of years, the recipe remained secret until the 20th century. Ginja (officially ‘Ginjinha’) is made only in the Obidos region.
Ginja is even better when served in chocolate cups. Not only does it bring out and sweeten the flavour of the Ginja, but after drinking the cherry liqueur, we ate our cups.
Check out one of the medieval churches
There are several medieval churches in the old city. Highlights:
- St Mary’s church (Igreja de Santa Maria)
Erected in 1148, it is in the main square of Obidos (Praça de Santa Maria). The church is best known for a wedding in 1441 between 10-year-old King Afonso V to his 9-year-old cousin, Princess Isabella of Coimbra. - Church of Saint Peter (Igreja de São Pedro)
Originally built in the late 13th century, it was rebuilt in 1755 after being destroyed by an earthquake. - Igreja de São Tiago
Once a medieval church here in Obidos, is now an interesting bookstore.
Stay at the Obidos Castle
Originally built by the Moors in the 700s, the castle was redesigned in the late 1200s by King Dinis. It has virtually looked the same since then and is listed as one of the seven wonders of Portugal.
Portions of the interior have been modernized as it now serves as one of the pousadas (heritage hotels). Staying here is the only way to get inside and requires planning well in advance. Plus, it would be pretty cool. Book your stay at the Obidos Castle here.
Even if you can’t get in, you won’t miss it from town. The fairytale exterior is alluring in its own right.
Join the fun at a festival
While there are plenty of weekend festivals that take place all year long, there are two festivals in this town worth mentioning, as they draw large crowds and require a bit of planning.
- Mercado Medieval de Óbidos
The Medieval Market and Festival takes place at the castle for three weeks each July. We didn’t plan well, arriving just before the festival. You will want to plan ahead for this event. Get the medieval festival details here. - The International Chocolate Festival
This delicious event takes place in March or April each year. Check the chocolate festival website for details, and arrive hungry!
Stand in awe of the aqueduct
On the outskirts of the city is a 16th-century, fully intact aqueduct, the Aqueduto of Óbidos, built under the order of Catherine of Austria.
Walk alongside it for a while, although it originally extended about six kilometres. Imagine the work that went into building it so long ago and take a few snapshots. While not nearly as dramatic as the Segovia aqueduct that we saw in Spain, it is still quite impressive.
More things to do in Obidos
- Visit the Obidos Museum
Museu Municipal de Óbidos is a local art and municipal museum featuring works from the 16th to 18th centuries. - Check out the old Pillory
Located in Praça de Santa Maria, the main square in old Obidos, the pillory is a reminder of public punishments in days past. Today it stands as a monument to the town’s autonomy. - Santuário do Senhor Jesus da Pedra
Outside the old city, you can see Santuário do Senhor Jesus da Pedra prominently in our photo from the rim of the city wall. This imposing hexagonal Baroque church was constructed around 1750. Although its history is much longer, as legend tells us, it was built to honour an old stone crucifix placed here in the 2nd century. - Golf
Play golf at one of the two nearby courses - The Beach
Relax at one of the nearby beaches - Day trips
Visit some of the other nearby amazing towns like Fatima to see its famous sanctuary, Alcobaca to visit the Monastery, or Sintra to explore the colourful Pina Palace.
Our amusing adventure getting to Obidos
While often a day tour from Lisbon, Obidos is only about an hour north of the capital city and only 2 hours from our previous night’s stay in Evora. It’s an easy drive as long as you know in advance that the old city is pedestrian only. How we missed that key fact is beyond me.
Here’s our story: The sun was nearing the horizon as we drove up the narrow, windy, cliff-edge dirt road that leads to the walled city of Obidos. The road was a bit nerve-racking, but when we reached the top, the real problem was staring us in the face.
The closed Obidos city gates had a padlock and chain holding them tight. The sign plastered across the former entrance informed us of an upcoming Medieval Fair that starts in four days but gave us no indication of how to get into the city.
Our pre-paid apartment was inside those gates, as was just about everything we came to see.
Turning around on this narrow dirt road was challenging, even for Jeff. And the descending darkness only added to the difficulty of navigating away from the cliff edge.
Of course, we did make our way back down, parked the car outside a pedestrian gate, and found our apartment. We shared a laugh with the proprietor, and he shared a Ginja with us. So, all in all, a win as we walked away with both Ginja and a good story.
Note: There is only one car park for the old city, and it sits outside of the main gate to the south.
Where to stay in Obidos Portugal:
If you choose to spend the night, there are plenty of options. If you are planning on attending either of the major festivals, be sure to book early, as Obidos’ accommodations fill up. Here are our recommended places to stay in Obidos:
- Casal Da Eira Branca – this is where we stayed and where we recommend. There are hotel rooms as well as apartments, all rustic, decorated with local wood, natural stones and tiles: modern amenities and a shared kitchen for those who want to use it. We stayed in a huge two-bedroom apartment with our own kitchen. Reserve your stay at Casal Da Eira Branca here.
- Pousada Castelo de Obidos – this is the castle, and it generally requires booking well in advance. With modern facilities, castle room features, and breakfast included, it is your chance to stay in one of the seven wonders of Portugal. Note that accommodations in the days during the medieval festival will book well in advance. Reserve your stay at the Obidos Castle here.
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Have you been to Obidos?
Photo Credits:
All photos on this page are either shot by our team and watermarked as such or stock images from Depositphotos.
Sandy N Vyjay
Obidos looks like a charming Portuguese town that makes for an enjoyable day trip from Lisbon. Definitely, think I’ll visit Obidos when I head down that way now. The gorgeous historic center and its labyrinth of cobblestoned streets and flower-bedecked, whitewashed houses livened up with dashes of vivid yellow and blue paint, call out for an enchanting stroll.
Rhonda Albom
I think you will love Obidos, especially with your choice of flowery words to describe the photos.
Reshma
Thanks for bringing in another place close to the capital of Lisbon. I loved the charm of Obidos, which are reflected in your beautiful pictures. The city looks like a perfect place for a lazy vacation. Ginji looks too tempting!
Rhonda Albom
Ginja is fantastic. I wish I brought some home with me.
Charles McCool
The parking situation sounds challenging but oh what a beautiful place. Looks like somewhere to spend a week or more. Love Portugal!
Rhonda Albom
Truth be told, there is a huge parking lot outside the walled city. We just didn’t read enough before we arrived, as we were so taken in by Sintra. Plus we arrived much later than we had thought, again due to Sintra.
Gokul Raj
Looks like a quiet place for to stay. I would probably get lost trying to explore the architecture of the place. Also looks like and offbeat destination,
Rhonda Albom
It’s not that big, you would find your way again.
Roma Small
So is it a car-free city? Sounds like an interesting place, walled medieval cities are certainly charming, those cobblestones though, oh ouch you need good shoes
Rhonda Albom
If I remember correctly, cars were not driven in the old town.
Kristin Aquariann
Pretty place! I love how the flowers frame so many of the photos.
Rhonda Albom
I loved how the flowers framed so many of the walls.
Trekking with Becky
I LOVE city walls! I can’t get enough of them. 😀 It’s great to know that they don’t take ages to trek.
Rhonda Albom
This one is a bit scary in spots, but walkable.
kelleyn rothaermel
Such lovely architechture!
Andrea
Thank you so much for the tour, i had fun and been informed. I smiled at eating the cups after drinking the content. Of course the photos are always awesome. I would like to share this in my FB wall for my friend who missed Portugal.
Rhonda Albom
Of we ate the cups, they are chocolate. What else would we do with them? And, yes, please share this anywhere you would like.
Anna Vasquez
Such a lovely town! The traditional houses and buildings are always fascinating. It tells us history as well as its beauty. Everything seems magical and comes from a different time! Looks like you and your family had a great time exploring the town! If you do love a traditional place you guys definitely should come and visit Bali. The traditional life is still thick! You’d love it here, so come and please do check our website out, thank you.
Rhonda Albom
I had my first exposure to Indonesia a few months ago with only one day in Bali. And you are correct, I loved it. We spent most of our time in Ubud and I cannot wait to go back.
Julie Kemp Pick
Lovely photos as always! So glad you decided to repost your trip to Portugal! It really
makes me smile after looking out at our dreary rainy weather. You and your family really have a lifetime
of magnificent memories from your travels.
Rhonda Albom
We have been having some pretty dreadful weather too. Nothing like a tropical storm to keep you indoors for a while.
Birgitta
Interesting photos!
Bill
Superb place to visit. I love old city walls to walk around, few left on the UK. That certainly looks like a date on the door lintel
Rhonda Albom
This wall doesn’t feel as safe as some of the others we have walked around, but it was equally as exciting. I love the old cities.
Handmade Jewelry Haven
Your beautiful photos transport us to magical places…as always.
Thank you for sharing.
– Lisa
Rhonda Albom
Wonderful compliment Lisa.
Ruth
You keep surprising me with your beautiful pictures of Portugal. This town is another one for the list. I enjoy small but picturesque places like this.
Rhonda Albom
Yes, and Portugal kept surprising us.
Colleen@looseleafnotes
Majestic! Well seen and well taken.
Patrick Weseman
What a beautiful and wonderous place to travel. Very nice pics, thanks for sharing.
Carol
Lovely – you go to the most wonderful places!
Rhonda Albom
We try 🙂
ladyfi
I was in Obidos two years ago – it’s lovely! I love the ginja in chocolate cups… Gorgeous shots.
Rhonda Albom
The ginja in chocolate was wonderful.
David @Travelsewhere
Like the update Rhonda. Definitely think I’ll visit Obidos when I head down that way now. Glad to have your blogs on this region to help with my planning 🙂
Rhonda Albom
It’s a bit farther off the beaten track, depending on where you are headed, but worth a visit. We were heading back to Spain to the North, so it was on our way.
Barbara
That sour cherry liquoir sounds amazing! it makes me want to visit Obidos tomorrow!
Rhonda Albom
I wish I had bought more, that’s for sure.
Photo(Geo)grapher
What a beautiful and peaceful city. These streets are just lovely … I would love to see this place on my own eyes
Rhonda Albom
Completely encased by a wall, the city streets have almost no auto traffic, making them even easier to walk.
Teresa Kindred
I love that blue and white tile! So pretty!
Rhonda Albom
Imagine if we had done it correctly, that would have been our first view of the town (rather than the locked gates).
indah nuria Savitri
It is beautiful indeed! I love looking at all those pretty details in this beautiful town. That tiled chapel is pretty!
Rhonda Albom
I like the details too.
carol mckenna
Gorgeous place with lovely building, balcony and chocolate cups for special drink ~ glad you are enjoying it and bet the teen(s) are too ~ What an opportunity for them ~ thanks,
Wishing you delightful days in your week ~ ^_^
Rhonda Albom
Yes, my girls enjoyed it all, although they didn’t get to try the Ginja. Too bad, it was delicious.
Gemma Wiseman
So many intriguing buildings here in Portugal. Love the art of stonework. And the gorgeous sunlight highlights the beauty of all those flowers.
Rhonda Albom
I was pretty impressed with Obidos as well.
Amy Franks
oh a medieval fair, how exciting!
Rhonda Albom
Too bad we missed it.
stevebethere
What a beautiful place your photos always look crystal clear 🙂
Have a tanfastical week Rhonda 🙂
Tanja (the Red phone box travels)
such a pretty town! I need to explore more of Portugal:)
Rhonda Albom
Me too. We only touched on the country.
Sandee
What a lovely place to visit. I will never go there, but you already know that. Some are meant to travel and I’m not one of them.
Have a fabulous day. ☺
Rhonda Albom
That’s okay, I am happy to take you with me in photos. I was just glad you travelled to meet us in San Francisco.
Cheryl
Hi Rhonda,
This looked like an amazing trip! The liquor filled chocolate cups really caught my attention. I love your photos too. Hopefully someday we will make it to Europe. Thanks for sharing your journey with us.
Safe Travels,
Cheryl
Rhonda Albom
LOL – that liquor filled chocolate cup photo is well cropped. It is possibly the worst photo I have of hubby and I when we are trying to look good for the camera. I am glad it works in its tiny format.
napoleon Pilarta
beautiful place.. you may find Gandalf posing at the entrance, at times 🙂
Rhonda Albom
LOL – I am sure my girls looked 🙂
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Hi Rhonda – amazing place – and how lovely you were able to stay there … wonderful photos – and another place I’ve added to my list should I get to the south of Portugal… fantastic to see – and I’ll have some of the Ginji … cheers and thank you – Hilary
Rhonda Albom
I could use a bottle of the Ginja right now 🙂
Lexa Cain
Too bad you missed the Medieval Fair. I bet it would be awesome in such a scenic place. At least you made it inside despite padlocked gate and enjoyed lots of lovely sights!
Rhonda Albom
I know, and it was the same evening that we visited Sintra, a town that was having a medieval fair that we didn’t stop at as there wasn’t time to do it all. I was not popular with one of my girls on that day. Of course, we would have had to plan for Obidos overnight during the fair well in advance, something we are not too good at doing.
Laura Roberts
Lovely photos! Thank you for sharing them. 🙂
Tony Payne
Looks wonderful. I think the more you travel, especially in fascinating places like this, the harder it will be to stay put in somewhere like Auckland. Well at least it will make you want to spend several months of the year travelling.
Janis
Beautiful town. Love the wall.