Map of Óbidos, Portugal
Walk the walls of Portugal's most charming medieval town, with its hilltop castle, flower-lined lanes and chocolate cups of ginjinha.
About Óbidos
Óbidos is a tiny hilltop town enclosed by medieval walls, about an hour north of Lisbon on the Silver Coast. Its whitewashed houses, bougainvillea and cobbled lanes made it a traditional wedding gift from Portuguese kings to their queens. Today it is also a UNESCO City of Literature, with bookshops in unexpected places.
Things to Do in Óbidos
Walk the Walls
Circle the town along the top of the medieval walls. There are no railings in places, so take care.
Óbidos Castle
The castle at the north end of town is now a pousada hotel. You can see its towers from the walls.
Ginjinha in a Chocolate Cup
Try the local sour-cherry liqueur served in an edible chocolate cup along Rua Direita.
Livraria de Santiago
A bookshop set inside a deconsecrated Gothic church.
Santa Maria Church
Decorated with azulejos and paintings by Josefa de Óbidos.
Óbidos Lagoon
Head to Foz do Arelho for lagoon and ocean beaches about 15 minutes away.
Getting to Óbidos
- By bus - express buses from Lisbon's Campo Grande take about an hour
- By car - about an hour from Lisbon via the A8; park outside the walls
- Combine with - Nazaré, Peniche and Alcobaça on a Silver Coast road trip
Festivals
Óbidos hosts the International Chocolate Festival in spring, the Medieval Market in July and Óbidos Vila Natal at Christmas. Dates change every year, so check before you travel.
Plan your trip to Óbidos
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you walk on the walls of Óbidos?
Yes. The walls are free to walk and form a loop of about 1.5 km around the town. There are no railings in many places, so take care.
How do I get from Lisbon to Óbidos?
Express buses from Lisbon's Campo Grande take about 1 hour, and the drive on the A8 also takes about an hour.
What is ginjinha de Óbidos?
Ginjinha is a sour-cherry liqueur. In Óbidos it is traditionally served in a small edible chocolate cup.
When are the Óbidos festivals?
The International Chocolate Festival is held in spring, the Medieval Market in July and Óbidos Vila Natal at Christmas. Check exact dates before you go.