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Óbidos was actually an important port at one time, but the river silted up in the 16th century. Due to its ties to the royal family, however, it continued to prosper. The fact that it’s only about 80km north from the capital also helped, and today it's a popular day trip from Lisbon.
Located in the main square, this Renaissance church (where 10-year-old King Afonso V married his 8-year-old bride Isabel in 1444) is lined with 17th-century tile panels and paintings by the great local artist Josefa D’Óbidos. See the Igreja de Santa Maria Guide. 3. Igreja-Livraria de Santiago.
Óbidos has one of Portugal’s greatest medieval castles. Obidos' castle dates back to Portugal’s Roman occupation, but its current layout is Moorish and the result of restorations and reconstructions from different Portuguese kings, starting in 1148.
Óbidos is one of Europe's best-preserved medieval towns. Obidos is a gorgeous maze of narrow cobbled streets, and going through it is the town’s real main attraction. At each step on your stroll, you come across charming details, such as gothic, renaissance and baroque details, hidden corners, and perfectly-framed views.
How to go to Óbidos from Lisbon, Portugal, by car or public transportation (bus from Campo Grande terminal or train), including bus stop locations and ticket prices.
The best way to end your trip to Óbidos is with a shot of “ginja de Óbidos,” or “ginjinha”. This cherry liqueur is a famous local drink, and is often served in a chocolate cup. It originated with 17th-century monks from the region, who combined Morello cherries and brandy, and drank it as an aperitif or after dinner.
You don’t really need a map when you’re in Óbidos. Not only does it only have one real street (Rua Direita, which crosses it from one end to the other, linking the town gate to the castle), part of the experience is wandering around the maze of streets and ending up back where you started.
Tourist Guide. The gateway to the interior of the walled town of Óbidos. Porta da Vila is Óbidos’ main town gate. It’s made up of two low-rise staggered gateways to prevent a direct cavalry charge, as was common in gothic Portuguese castles.
Óbidos "dressed up" for Christmas. In 2023, the festival took place from November 30th to December 31st; 2024 dates to be announced. obidosvilanatal.pt. Tourist guide to the Christmas Village festival (Óbidos Vila Natal) in Óbidos, Portugal.
Tourist Guide. The bus from Lisbon stops right outside the town's walls. While Sintra and Cascais are the most popular day trips from Lisbon, Óbidos is another major destination that those on an extended holiday in the Portuguese capital should consider.
