Óbidos

The Basics

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.

Things to Know Before You Go

• 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.

How to Get There

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.

When to Get There

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.

Nazare

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.

Ways to explore

Explore Óbidos’ vast defensive walls and other historical highlights on a day trip from Lisbon; most itineraries cover the UNESCO–listed Batalha Monastery and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, one 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.

Other day trips from Lisbon combine Óbidos with the fishing village of Nazaré, which is renowned for its gigantic waves. Some also include the city of Alcobaça, where you can visit another UNESCO–listed monastery.

Accessibility

Cobbled streets, steep roads, and historic buildings mean that Óbidos can be challenging for wheelchair users.

Age limits

None, though young kids might not find the medieval attractions that interesting.

What to pack

There are plenty of hills in Óbidos, so bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated.

What to wear

Wear sturdy shoes for navigating the uneven pathways.

Not allowed

Cars inside the walled section of the city

Amenities

Hotels, restaurants, souvenir stands, ATMs, restrooms, visitor center

Address

Óbidos’ historic center is completely car-free, so you can wander the old streets without worrying about traffic. There are parking lots on the outskirts of the city.

Driving

From Lisbon, get on the E1/A1 or IC17/CRIL, heading toward A8/Norte/Leiria. Merge onto A8 North, where electronic tolls are in effect. Stay on the A8 passing by towns like Mafra and Bombarral. Take Exit 15 for Óbidos. At the roundabout, follow signs to Óbidos.

Public transportation

It actually takes less time to travel to Obidos by bus than by train. Take a 1-hour coach with Rodotejo from Campo Grande bus station.

Best times to visit

Óbidos attractions tend to open at 9:30am; try to arrive beforehand to explore crowd-free streets for an hour.

Best days to visit

Tuesday through Thursday are ideal, since travelers from elsewhere in Europe tend to flock here for a long weekend.

Best months to visit

This inland town doesn’t benefit from the same ocean breeze as Lisbon, so beat the heat in the spring or fall.

Special events

The Óbidos Literary Festival in late September or early October will appeal to book lovers.