Óbidos is a town and a municipality in the Oeste region, historical province of Estremadura and the Leiria district. The town proper has approximately 3,100 inhabitants. The municipality population in 2011 was 11,772 covering an area of 141.55 square kilometres.
🌸 Spring (March – May) – Best for Pleasant Weather & Flowers
✅ Mild temperatures (15–25°C / 59–77°F) 🌿
✅ Blooming flowers make the town even more picturesque 🌸
☀️ Summer (June – August) – Best for Festivals
✅ Medieval Fair (July–August) – Live jousting & medieval market ⚔️
❌ Can be crowded, especially in July & August
🍂 Fall (September – November) – Best for Wine & Fewer Crowds
✅ Warm but not too hot (15–25°C / 59–77°F) 🍁
✅ Perfect time to taste local wines & Ginjinha 🍷
❄️ Winter (December – February) – Best for Christmas Market
✅ Óbidos Christmas Village (December) – A magical holiday market 🎄
✅ Fewer tourists, cozy atmosphere
🌟 Best Overall Months: April, May, September, October – Great weather & fewer crowds!
🚗 By Car (Best Option!) – ~1 hour via A8 highway. Easy drive with parking outside the town walls.
🚌 By Bus – Rede Expressos or Rodotejo buses (~1h15min). The bus stop is just outside the main town gate.
🚆 By Train (Not Recommended) – Slow & inconvenient (~2.5 hours).
🚗 By Car – ~2.5 to 3 hours.
🚆 By Train + Bus – Take a train to Caldas da Rainha, then a bus (~4 hours total).
🚶 Getting Around?
Óbidos is pedestrian-only, so walk & explore its medieval streets!
Bring comfortable shoes – streets are steep & cobbled.
Óbidos Castle (Castelo de Óbidos) 🏰 – A fairytale medieval castle with panoramic views.
Walk Along the Castle Walls 🌆 – Incredible views over the town & countryside!
Rua Direita 🛍️ – Main street lined with shops, cafes & bookstores.
Porta da Vila 🎭 – Ornate blue-tiled (azulejo) town gate.
Igreja de Santa Maria ⛪ – Beautiful church where Portugal’s King Afonso V married at age 10!
Livraria Santiago 📚 – A historic church turned into a bookstore!
Sanctuary of Senhor Jesus da Pedra ⛪ – Unique hexagonal church outside the walls.
Óbidos Aqueduct 🌊 – 16th-century aqueduct still standing.
Municipal Museum of Óbidos 🖼️ – Small but filled with local history & artwork.
Book Village (Vila Literária) 📚 – Óbidos is a UNESCO City of Literature with charming bookstores everywhere!
✔ Try Ginjinha d’Óbidos (Cherry Liqueur in a Chocolate Cup! 🍒🍫)
✔ Walk the Entire Castle Wall for Stunning Views 🌅
✔ Visit During the Medieval Festival & Dress Like a Knight or Queen! ⚔️👑
✔ Explore the Town’s Tiny, Hidden Bookstores 📚
✔ Taste Local Pastries Like Pão de Ló & Pastel de Nata 🥐
✔ Visit at Christmas for a Magical Winter Wonderland 🎄
✔ Watch a Sunset from the Castle Walls 🌇
✔ Shop for Local Ceramics & Handmade Crafts 🏺
✔ Attend the International Chocolate Festival (March-April) 🍫
✔ Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Town 🎈
Pousada Castelo de Óbidos – Stay in a real castle! 🏰✨
Casa das Senhoras Rainhas – Charming boutique hotel in the historic center.
The Literary Man Hotel 📚 – A unique book-themed hotel!
Hotel Vila d’Óbidos – Comfortable stay with a pool.
Casa do Relógio – A traditional guesthouse inside the walls.
Casa de S. Thiago do Castelo – Affordable & great location.
Óbidos Hostel – Budget-friendly stay with medieval charm.
🍖 Caldeirada de Peixe – Traditional fish stew.
🍷 Bacalhau com Natas – Creamy codfish dish.
🥘 Arroz de Marisco – Seafood rice, a Portuguese favorite.
🍩 Pão de Ló de Óbidos – A soft sponge cake.
🍒 Ginjinha d’Óbidos – Cherry liqueur (drink it in a chocolate cup!).
A Nova Casa de Ramiro – Best for grilled meats & seafood. 🍖
Jamón Jamón – Cozy spot for tapas & Portuguese wines. 🍷
Tasca Torta – Traditional dishes in a charming setting. 🥘
Petrarum Domus – Rustic medieval-themed restaurant. ⚔️
Bar Ibn Errik Rex – Best place for a Ginjinha tasting! 🍒
Óbidos was a wedding gift! 👑 In 1282, King Dinis gave the town to Queen Isabel.
It’s a "Literary Village" 📚 – Many bookstores in old churches & markets.
The medieval fair is a must-see! 🎭 People dress up as knights & nobles!
Shops close early (~6-7 PM), so plan dinner accordingly.
Weekdays are quieter – Best time to explore without crowds.
✔ Castle Wall Walk – Free, but be careful (no railings!).
✔ Óbidos Medieval Fair (July-August) – Buy tickets online (~€7-€12).
✔ International Chocolate Festival (March-April) – Entry ~€6.
✔ Ginjinha Tastings – €1-€3 for a chocolate cup shot.
✔ Óbidos Christmas Village (December) – A magical experience!
🚀 Want a guided tour?
Lisbon to Óbidos Day Trip (with Wine Tasting!) 🍷
Óbidos + Nazaré + Batalha Monastery Tour 🚗