Plan a trip to Obidos

Since the 13th century, when King Dinis presented the town as a wedding gift to his bride, Queen Isabel de Aragon Isabel, it has been associated with Portugal’s royalty. It is a charming town, characterized by picturesque alleys, white houses decorated in blue and yellow, staircases decorated with bougainvillea and painted tiles, and historical sites.

Obidos is built between the walls of a castle, the Castelo de Óbidos, which dates back to the Moors in the 8th century. The Moors also laid the foundations for the approximately 1 mile long city wall which was destroyed centuries later in the 1755 earthquake and then restored. The castle was converted from a military structure to a residential structure in the 13th century and is now a government –run luxury hotel, the Pousada Castelo do Obidos. One of the castle’s main highlights is the panoramic view from the top of its walls. The views of the surrounding areas are magnificent – don’t miss sunset!

Obidos is also known for its churches and chapels, both inside and outside the walls. Porta da Villa, located on the main entrance to the town, is stunning, as is Igreja de Santa Maria, the city’s main church.

Obidos is part of UNESCO’s City of Literature program and Creative Cities Network. Visit the town’s unique art galleries, bookshops, and museums. The Municipal Museum of Obidos houses a collection of historical artifacts, archeological finds, and art, including the works of Josefa de Obidos, a local Baroque artist.

The charming main street of Óbidos, Rua Direita, is lined with shops selling art, traditional handicrafts, and local delicacies and small boutiques with a large selection of leather, cork, lace, and ceramic products. The cafes along the street offer delicious pastries and the famous local liqueur, Ginjinha or Ginja, which is made from locally grown cherries that are marinated for a full year and mixed with alcohol, sugar, and spices. It is served in a tiny chocolate cup - a great accent for the outstanding liqueur!

Santa Maria Square, located in front of the Santa Maria Church, is one of the most important historical sites in Óbidos and has become one of the prominent symbols of the city. Its architecture and period features decorate the square, and there are also impressive buildings and works in the square, including the magnificent 16th century fountain and the Telhiro, the building that housed the city’s covered market. The beautiful 8th century Santa Maria Church was built as a mosque and later became a monastery. In the 13th century, the bell tower was added, and it began to function as a church.  

The 16th century Obidos aqueduct, Aqueduto de Usseira, carried water from a spring to the fountains in Obidos, and its remains can be seen at the entrance to the city.

The Queen's Hot Springs, known for their medicinal properties, are located in Caldas Da Rainha, a tiny town attached to Óbidos which was built around the hot springs. There is a beautiful park adjacent to the spa.

Also located in close proximity to Obidos is the Laguna de Obidos, a beautiful lagoon surrounded by pine forests which opens to the sea and offers a wide variety of activities - sailing, windsurfing, kiting, kayaking, surfing alongside walking paths, and bike riding around the lagoon.

Obidos is home to many festivals, as well. The medieval festival in July is the most famous and will make you feel as if you’re living in the Middle Ages! The spring International Chocolate Festival draws chocolate- lovers from around the world to taste chocolates, participate in cooking demonstrations, and enjoy one of the many chocolate-related activities. The famous Folio International Literature Festival is another Obidos highlight.

For good reason, Obidos has become one of the most sought after places to visit in Portugal.