Óbidos

The lovely white-washed town of Óbidos offers a mix of architectural styles. To see them, head to the vast defensive walls around the town for an overhead view. Then see the highlights with a tour: most itineraries cover the UNESCO-listed Batalha Monastery and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, two of Portugal’s most revered pilgrimage sites. If you’d like to learn more about Óbidos’ history and culture, opt for a private walking tour.

Many day trips from Lisbon stop at Óbidos as well as the nearby fishing village of Nazaré, which is renowned for its gigantic waves. Some also include the city of Alcobaça, where you can see several other historic landmarks.

• Óbidos offers a relaxed alternative to the bustle of Lisbon.

• The town has plenty of accommodation options, however advance booking is recommended during the peak summer season.

• Óbidos is full of cobbled streets and narrow alleys and is a difficult place for travelers using wheelchairs and strollers to get around.

Óbidos is an hour from Lisbon by car; to reach the city, head north on the A8. The town is a pedestrian-only zone, and there are parking lots outside the walls. You can also reach the town by train from Lisbon’s main Oriente station; the trip is relatively easy, but there are no direct routes.

During the months of July and August, Óbidos sees both soaring temperatures and an influx of tourists. Opt to visit in June or September, when the weather is more pleasant and European schools aren’t all on holiday.

After visiting Óbidos, head to the nearby Nazare. The town is most famous as a big-wave surf spot, but it is also a charming spot to see Portugal’s old fishing traditions, including fishmongers wearing bright skirts and wooden boats bobbing in the harbor. Take a funicular up to the Sitio district for panoramic views of the coast, then head Praia do Norte beach, where you can watch the record-breaking waves and feast on freshly-caught seafood.