Where is Obidos?
Obidos is a walled city on the Silver Coast of Portugal.
Located approx. 1 hour from Lisbon, it makes for a perfect day trip from the city.
Many guides recommend spending a couple of hours in Obidos, but really a couple of hours will not do this city justice. You could easily loose yourself for a couple of days. (But if your limit is only a couple of hours then enjoy!)
Obidos is recognised as one of the prettiest cities in Portugal. The castle is visible from the main road as you approach Caldas da Rainha and the Silver Coast driving from Lisbon.
Why visit Obidos
There are many reasons to visit Obidos and so much to see and do there.
Once inside the city walls you will find a myriad of cobbled streets each one as pretty as the next lined with shops, cafes and restaurants.
The white washed houses are often covered in bright flowers throughout the spring and summer, and the vivid blue and yellow paint liven the streets even more.
Shops and cafes lead to the imposing Obidos castle, which once guarded the region. And a walk along the ramparts is part of the attraction with far reaching views over the region.
Throughout the year there are a selection of festivals from the main Obidos medieval festival to the ever popular Obidos chocolate festival.
A must do in Obidos is to try the Ginja de Óbidos. It is a natural handmade sour cherry liqueur that is served in small chocolate cups (you have a choice of white or dark chocolate) can you think of anything better, than a traditional drink, where the cup is made of chocolate? and maybe this is at least one reason why it may be good to stay the night.
As you enter the city you will pass through the main gate, Porta da Vila, this entrance often has musicians playing where you can listen and admire the amazing tiled entrance.
Where to eat in Obidos
Though not the biggest city in Portugal (the actual area inside the castle walls is more village size), Obidos has no shortage of places to eat that will suit every pocket and and taste.
From family run restaurants with a traditional menu to pizzeria’s. Our favourite on a sunny day is just as you enter the city; a small passage takes you to a garden with an eclectic mix of furniture but with delicious food. Try a Chouriço Pão (fresh baked bread with chorizo and cheese cooked inside) or the dish of the day.
The interior of the restaurant is tiny and seats very few people, which makes it one of the most intimate restaurants we have visited.
Whichever eatery you choose; you are unlikely to be disappointed.
Where to park in Obidos
There are options for parking, from outside the main castle gate (which you will pay for) or just across the road from the main entrance, where there is a large car park that is free outside of the main tourist times.
Where to stay in Obidos
There are a selection of B&B’s and holiday properties in the city, but you will not be able to park nearby.
If you are using Obidos as a base for your holiday, our recommendation would be to book a villa, B&B or apartment nearby so that you can also take advantage of the many other beautiful towns, attractions and coastline in the area.
If you are a couple looking for true romance, The Mediterranean, also known as the honey moon suite at Quinta do Bom Vento is perfect, set in it's own 4 acre valley, you are close enough to enjoy Obidos but also the privacy you may be looking for.
The Mediterranean click here for more details
For more choice of commission free holiday accommodation click on portugalholidays4u to see a great selection.
Other places to visit near to Obidos
Obidos area makes a great base for a holiday to the Silver Coast of Portugal.
Other areas of interest that are easily accessible from Obidos are:
The Silver Coast where you will find a selection of fantastic beaches, from the family friendly Sao Martinho do Porto through to the famous surfing resorts of Nazaré and Peniche.
If you are looking for more amazing architecture close by you will find the UNESCO world heritage site of Alcobaça.
Caldas das Rainha where you can find some amazing examples of the famous Azulejos and shopping to suit all tastes
A visit to the Quinta dos Loridos, where the impressive Bacalhôa Buddha Eden - the largest oriental garden in Europe, can be found.
If you enjoyed this article, these may also be of interest to you
The top 10 reasons to visit the Silver Coast of Portugal
Top 10 reasons to visit Central Portugal
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