Few places capture the magic of medieval Portugal quite like Óbidos. A formidable wall encloses a perfectly preserved town of stunning beauty, making it as an unmissable destination for any visitor to the Lisbon region.

The town's fairy-tale appearance is no accident. For over 600 years, Óbidos was the traditional wedding gift presented to the queens of Portugal, a custom that began in 1214 when King Afonso II gave the town to his wife, Queen Urraca. This long history of royal patronage ensured its preservation, earning it the fond nickname "Vila das Rainhas", the Town of the Queens.

During your visit, you will discover delightful cobbled streets, traditional houses, and artisan shops, all watched over by a formidable medieval castle. While Óbidos is compact and can be fully explored in just three hours, its unique character and charming atmosphere tempt visitors to stay longer. This makes Óbidos the ideal base for discovering the wider Silver Coast region, with its wild surfing beaches, historic towns, and stunning coastlines.

This guide provides everything you need for a perfect visit, offering practical travel information, walking routes, and insider tips to help you make the most of your time in Óbidos and the wider region.

 

 

The Muralhas da cidade - Óbidos boasts some of the most complete medieval walls in Portugal. These impressive fortifications, with foundations dating back to the Moorish era, form a continuous 1.5km loop around the historic centre. Walk the battlements for spectacular panoramic views over the surrounding countryside and the town’s sea of terracotta rooftops.

Óbidos Castle (Castelo de Óbidos) - Dominating the town from its highest point is the formidable Castelo de Óbidos. This classic medieval fortress is central to the town's story, having been the traditional wedding gift to the queens of Portugal for centuries. Today, it operates as one of the country's most luxurious historic hotels.

Ginjinha d’Obidos - No trip to Óbidos is complete without tasting the local speciality, Ginjinha. This delicious, sweet liqueur is made by infusing sour cherries in aguardente (a potent Portuguese spirit). It is famously served in a small, edible chocolate cup, providing the perfect energy boost during a day of sightseeing.

The Rua Direita - The delightful Rua Direita has been the main artery of Óbidos since the 14th century, connecting the town gate to the castle. This beautifully preserved cobbled street is a delight to explore, lined with traditional whitewashed houses, colourful artisan shops, and inviting family-run restaurants.

Related articles: Lisbon day trips - Lagoa de Obidos – Peniche guide

Óbidos is the quintessential day trip from Lisbon, a perfectly preserved medieval town that exudes Portuguese charm. Its appeal comes from its storybook charm; a maze of cobbled streets, traditional whitewashed houses, and a formidable castle, all enclosed within ancient walls. While other popular tourist destinations may have a longer list of monuments, the true allure of Óbidos is its perfectly preserved medieval atmosphere.

 

 

The town itself is compact and all of its sights can be fully explored in just two to three hours of sightseeing. This makes it an ideal half-day excursion or allows for a combined trip with other fascinating destinations in the region, such as the fishing town of Peniche, the beaches of Foz do Arelho, the surf hub of Nazaré, or the unique Bacalhôa Buddha Eden.

Travel from Lisbon to Óbidos is straightforward. The Rápida Verde express bus provides a regular service from Lisbon's Campo Grande station, with a journey time of one hour. For drivers, the route is fast along the A8 expressway and parking is simple with two large car parks situated to the southeast of the town.

Insight: Óbidos makes for an ideal stop when travelling between Lisbon and Porto (or Coimbra), as it is conveniently located just 1km from the A8 expressway.

The interactive map below displays a suggested tour of Óbidos. The tour route is marked in green, the town walls are highlighted by the yellow line, and the main tourist area along the Rua Direita is shaded. (Note: zoom in or out to see all of the points).

Sights of the tour 1) Porta da Vila Gateway 2) Rua Direita 3) Muralhas da cidade (town walls) 4) Trilho do Castelo (castle trail) 5) Igreja de São Tiago 6) Castelo de Óbidos 7) Estrada da Cerca Gateway 8) Igreja de Santa María 9) Igreja de São Pedro 10) Capela de São Martinho 11) Aqueduto de Óbidos (aqueduct)

Warning: It is possible to walk the perimeter of Óbidos along the top of the town walls, but you must exercise caution. The path is uneven with many trip hazards, and there are no handrails along the narrow sections. The walls are not suitable for children.
Related articles: Sights and tourist attractions of Obidos

While Óbidos is a fantastic day-trip destination, its immense popularity means it can get very crowded. During the peak summer months, the main street, Rua Direita, is often thronged with coach tours and day-trippers, all making their way towards the castle.

To best appreciate the town's unique atmosphere, it is highly recommended to plan your visit to avoid the busiest hours between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Arriving early in the day allows you to explore before the main rush of coach tours and when the sun is less intense. By late afternoon, most tour groups have departed, leaving the town wonderfully peaceful and quiet.

Insight: Coach tours from Lisbon often make Óbidos their first stop, as it is the nearest major attraction in the popular Alcobaça, Batalha, and Nazaré tourist region.

If you find the Rua Direita is too busy, escape the crowds by heading to the western side of Óbidos. The streets here are much more peaceful, and you’ll discover a less-used stairway to access the town walls. Another quiet area worth exploring is to the southeast of the castle.

The quiet side streets of Obidos free from any tourists

During the peak season, securing a table for lunch in the historic centre can be challenging. To avoid the midday rush, plan for either an early or a late lunch.

Be aware that multi-destination tours that include Óbidos often schedule only a very brief stop here (typically 40-60 minutes) before rushing on to Fátima, Batalha, or Nazaré. This is usually just enough time for a quick walk up the main street, a photo of the castle, and a taste of Ginjinha. The main advantage of visiting independently is the freedom to set your own pace, avoid the crowds, and truly immerse yourself in the town’s medieval charm

For travellers short on time or those who prefer to avoid the complexities of public transport, an organised tour is an efficient way to see Óbidos. These tours handle all the logistics and include knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides, making for a hassle-free experience.

We have worked with GetYourGuide.com over the last six years, and some of their best tours that include Obidos are:

Choosing Óbidos for an extended stay offers a uniquely authentic Portuguese experience, far removed from the hectic energy of the larger beach resorts. While the town is a bustling tourist destination during the day, its true character emerges in the evening. Once the day-trippers depart, Óbidos transforms into a tranquil and magical town. The peaceful atmosphere is perfect for wandering the cobbled streets and enjoying a meal at one of the many family-run restaurants serving traditional, home-cooked food.

The main advantage of an extended stay is using the charming town as a base to explore the rich diversity of the surrounding Silver Coast. To make the most of the region, a car is essential, as many key sights have limited public transport.

The region offers a remarkable variety of attractions. Just a short drive away is the Lagoa de Óbidos, a stunning coastal lagoon perfect for birdwatching and watersports. The coastline boasts everything from the dramatic cliffs of Cape Carvoeiro and the world-class surfing beaches of Peniche to the giant waves of Nazaré. For a unique day out, you can discover Europe's largest oriental garden at the Bacalhôa Buddha Eden, visit the ancient inland salt pans at Salinas de Rio Maior, or explore Portugal's magnificent UNESCO World Heritage sites at the Alcobaça and Batalha monasteries.
Related articles: Nazaré Guide - Batalha Guide

The pretty beach of Foz do Arelho overlooking the Lagoa de Obidos

Obidos has a very limited number of hotels, meaning accommodation is always in high demand. This is especially true during the peak season when the town and surrounding region will be fully sold out. Our advice is to book accommodation as early as possible, while the best locations are still available.
Insight: Foz do Arelho is a delightful beach town only 7km from Obidos.

The map below shows the location of hotels and rental rooms in Obidos. By altering the date to your holiday, the map will display the current prices (Note: Zoom in or out to see more options)

Booking.com

For a town of its size, Óbidos boasts an impressive culinary scene; however prices reflect its popularity as a top tourist destination.

Ja!mon Ja!mon
Dine beneath the stone arches of the town's 16th-century aqueduct for a truly memorable meal. This unique restaurant excels at tapas-style dining, specialising in high-quality Iberian hams, regional cheeses, and generous portions of slow-cooked specialities.

A Nova Casa de Ramiro
With its distinct, cave-like interior and elegant decor, A Nova Casa de Ramiro offers the ideal atmosphere for an intimate or romantic meal. The menu is a celebration of classic Portuguese cuisine, complemented by a carefully selected wine list.

Petrarum Domus
Step into a bygone era at Petrarum Domus, located within the town walls. Its beautiful stone arches and historic ambiance perfectly match the medieval setting. The kitchen focuses on classic Portuguese dishes executed to a high standard.

Restaurante Vila Infanta
To eat where the locals do, head just outside the main walls to Restaurante Vila Infanta. This spot offers a welcome respite from the tourist crowds and is the top choice for authentic, well-priced Portuguese food served in a relaxed environment.

Alcaide
The main draw of this restaurant is its fantastic terrace, which provides wonderful views over the surrounding hills. It is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal on a sunny day, with a menu focused on local specialities and fresh ingredients.

The best way to travel to Obidos from Lisbon is by the express bus. The bus service departs from Campo Grande bus station in Lisbon, which is located on the green and yellow metro line. The journey takes 1 hour, and a single ticket costs €8.00 (there are no return tickets, so two single tickets must be purchased).

The express bus to Obidos is operated by the Rodojejo bus company, and the route (which is called the ‘Rapida Verde’) connects Lisbon to the city of Caldas da Rainha. There are many departures Monday to Friday, with fewer services at the weekend.
Rodojejo website - www.rodotejo.pt
Rapida Verde timetable - www.rodotejo.pt/wp-content/uploads/rapida_linha_verde.pdf
Obidos does have a train station, however the train from Lisbon is a slow, regional service. The train from Lisbon to Obidos takes over hours, so the bus is a more sensible option.
Related articles: Lisbon to Obidos

The Rodotejo bus to Obidos waiting at the Campo Grande bus station, which is next to Estádio José Alvalade (Sporting Lisbon’s stadium)

The Porta da Vila is the main gateway into Obidos. It is comparatively small in size, as the gateway was designed to prevent a cavalry attack. The door on the right enters the chapel dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Piedade, the patron saint of Obidos.

The Rua da Talhada follows the western wall and is the prettiest section of Obidos

The Castelo de Óbidos is a delightful medieval castle perched upon a rocky outcrop at the highest point of Obidos. The castle has a close connection to the Portuguese Royal Family, as it was historically the dowry gift to the Queen - a tradition that began with Queen Santa Isabel in 1282.
Today the castle is an atmospheric hotel - www.pousadas.pt/pt/hotel/pousada-obidos

The Igreja de Santa María is the main church of Obidos and was originally constructed on the site of a Moorish mosque. It was here that child King Afonso V married his cousin Isabel in 1444. Most of the medieval church was destroyed by an earthquake in 1535, with the present building dating from the late 16th century.

The Obidos region is famed for its cherry liqueur called Ginjinha d’Obidos, and no trip to Obidos is complete without savouring this sweet tasting drink in one of the town’s small bars.
Ginja is produced by infusing Morello cherries in Aguardiente (hence the strength of the drink!) and is served with a cherry in the glass. A modern twist is to serve the drink in a chocolate cup.

Hidden within the rolling farmland and vineyards of the Obidos countryside is Europe’s largest collection of Buddhas. This unique collection includes sculptures, terracotta statues and pagodas and is set amidst the grounds of a traditional Portuguese farm.
The Buddha Eden is 10km south of Obidos, and the entrance fee is €5. bacalhoa.pt/enoturismo/bacalhoa-buddha-eden

Within the Obidos region are a number of world-class golf courses.
West Cliffs Golf was named the World’s Best New Golf Course in 2017, while the Bom Sucesso course is part of the exclusive European Tour Properties network.
• West Cliffs Golf - westcliffs.com/pt/campo-de-golfe-west-cliffs/
• Bom Sucesso - www.bomsucesso.net/pt/golfe/

Historically, a harbour was situated at the base of the hill on the western side of Obidos. However, this coastline was dramatically altered in the 15th century due to a tsunami following an earthquake.

The tsunami created a sandbar at Foz do Arelho (10km to the west of Obidos), restricting the flow of water and forming the Lagoa de Obidos. This pretty lagoon can be seen from the town walls of Obidos.

Obidos can be easily seen within a couple of hours, so a trip here could be combined with visits to Caldas da Rainha, Peniche, Nazare or the Buddha Eden.
For a day trip which takes in multiple towns, a car is recommended. However, there is a regular bus service between Obidos and Peniche (25km, 40 min €2.75 fare, see http://rodoviariadooeste.pt/), or express bus to Caldas da Rainha (10km 15min). Another option if you have a car is to visit Mafra Palace on the way back to Lisbon.

Discover more of Óbidos and central Portugal with our guides