Self-Guided Walking Tour of Óbidos, Portugal (2025)
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Obidos stands out as the ultimate representation of a fortified town in Portugal and remains one of the most coveted tourist hotspots in the Lisbon area.
Historically, Obidos was under the ownership of the Queen of Portugal, a tradition that dates back to 1282 when Queen Isabel was given the town on her wedding day. This royal legacy has left a remarkable mark on Obidos, making it the most captivating and alluring town in central Portugal.
While exploring Obidos, visitors will be immersed in the beauty of traditional houses, charming cobblestone streets, and an impressive medieval castle. Although the town itself is small and can be fully explored in a few hours, it promises to be a delightful experience.
The surrounding region of Obidos is equally enchanting, with attractions like the fishing town of Peniche, the unspoiled beaches of Lagoa de Obidos, and Europe's largest collection of Buddha statues at Buddha Eden. Obidos provides an excellent base from which to discover this captivating region, and it has become a highly sought-after vacation destination.
How to Get to Óbidos
By Plane: The nearest airport to Óbidos is Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport, approximately 85 km (about an hour's drive) away. From the airport, you can reach Óbidos by rental car, taxi, or shuttle service. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Óbidos on Booking.com.
By Train: Óbidos is accessible by train from Lisbon, with services running regularly. The journey takes approximately 2 hours, and the train station is a short walk from the town centre. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.
By Car: Driving from Lisbon to Óbidos takes about an hour via the A8 motorway. Parking is available near the town's entrance. There are a couple of free car parks to the south of the old town. If you are looking to rent a car in Portugal I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.
Where to Stay in Óbidos
To make the most of visiting Óbidos and this walking tour, then you should consider staying overnight at the centre. The historic centre is compact and charming, making it ideal for exploring on foot. Here, you can stay in traditional pousadas and boutique hotels that allow you to experience the medieval atmosphere of the town. Pousada Castelo de Óbidos offers a luxurious stay within the castle walls, while Hotel Real d'Óbidos provides modern comforts with easy access to local shops and restaurants. Albergaria do Calvario is a charming option with traditional décor, perfect for immersing yourself in the historic surroundings.
For those preferring boutique accommodations, Casa das Senhoras Rainhas combines historic architecture with contemporary style, offering a peaceful retreat after a day of walking. Hotel Louro provides cosy rooms just steps from the town's main squares, making it easy to return to your base between sightseeing stops. For families or groups, Vila d'Óbidos offers spacious apartments with self-catering facilities while remaining within walking distance of the castle and town walls.
A Brief History of Óbidos
Óbidos is a picturesque medieval town in Portugal, renowned for its well-preserved architecture and historical charm. The town's origins date back to pre-Roman times, but much of what you see today was shaped during the medieval period. Óbidos Castle, a dominant fortress overlooking the town, was constructed in the 12th century following the Christian reconquest, and it was later expanded and fortified over subsequent centuries. The castle not only served as a defensive stronghold but also became a royal residence, with Portuguese queens traditionally receiving Óbidos as a wedding gift.
The town's historic centre is enclosed within its ancient walls and punctuated by notable landmarks such as Porta da Vila, the main gateway into Óbidos. Adorned with traditional Portuguese azulejos, this gate has long welcomed visitors entering the town. Nearby, Praça de Santa Maria serves as the heart of the old town, surrounded by charming houses, cafés, and churches, where locals and visitors alike gather. The Municipal Museum of Óbidos, housed in a former convent, offers insight into the town's rich cultural and religious history, with collections spanning from medieval art to contemporary exhibits.
Another impressive feat of engineering is the Aqueduto de Óbidos, built in the 16th century to supply water to the town and castle. Its arched structure is visible from various vantage points and reflects the importance of sustainable infrastructure in maintaining the town's medieval way of life. Together, these sites and the narrow, cobbled streets of Óbidos offer a vivid glimpse into a town that has retained its historical integrity while welcoming modern visitors.
Guided or Self-Guided Tour of Óbidos?
While wandering Óbidos's narrow lanes is a pleasure on its own, a guided tour adds layers of narrative to each stone and street. The Óbidos Medieval Town Half-Day Private Tour from Lisbon offers personalised insight into Óbidos's layered past. This private experience includes visits to the castle, churches, and panoramic viewpoints, and is ideal for travellers coming from Lisbon who want an in-depth experience without the hassle of planning.
Your Walking Tour of Óbidos
This guide covers the highlights of Óbidos, but be sure to take your time and explore. Walk the full length of the castle walls for sweeping views, browse artisan boutiques for hand-painted ceramics, and don't miss a taste of the town's famous cherry liqueur. Whether visiting for a few hours or staying overnight, Óbidos offers a timeless glimpse into Portugal's medieval soul.
1. Aqueduto de Óbidos
The first site crosses directly behind the carpark.
The Aqueduto de Óbidos, also known as the Aqueduct of Santa Maria, was built in the 16th century to supply water to the town and its castle. The aqueduct is an impressive feat of engineering, with a length of over three kilometers and a height of up to 30 meters in some places. It was built using a combination of stone and brick, and features 34 arches that span across the valley below.
Today, the Aqueduto de Óbidos is a popular tourist attraction and an important landmark of the town. Visitors can walk along the top of the aqueduct and enjoy views of the surrounding countryside, or explore the historic town of Óbidos and its many other attractions.
Location: Aqueduto de Óbidos, N114, Óbidos, Portugal
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2. Porta da Vila
Leave the car park and walk along the R. da Porta da Vila with the white wall on your left. Pass the Óbidos Parish Art Museum and you will come to the Porta da Vila (Óbidos)
The primary gateway to the village of Óbidos is known as Porta da Vila. This double gate boasts an interior adorned with 18th-century tiles and leads visitors directly to Rua Direita, the village’s main street. Above the entrance, you’ll find an inscription that reads “The Virgin Our Lady was conceived without original sin.”
King D. João IV ordered the construction of this gate as a gesture of gratitude for patronal protection during the restoration of independence in 1640. The gate’s interior houses the chapel-sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Piedade, the village’s patron saint. The baroque veranda and blue and white tiles within the chapel date back to the mid-1740s and 1750s and feature an allegorical representation of the passion of Christ.
Location: Porta da Vila, Rua Josefa de Óbidos, Óbidos, Portugal | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free
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3. Obidos castle
As you pass through the arch bear left and you can walk up the steps to walk along the walls (Muralha de Óbidos). Walk anticlockwise around them. Half way up you will pass over the Porta do Vale ou Senhora da Graça, the second largest gate, it has an image of Nª Senhora da Graça, adorned with sacred art around it.
Obidos castle has a long history, with construction dating back to the mid 1st century during the Roman era. However, it was only completed during the occupation by the Moors. In 1148, the fortress was conquered by the first king of Portugal, Dom Afonso Henriques, who also took control of the village. Later in 1210, the town of Obidos was gifted to Queen Urraca by King Afonso II, and from then on, it became a favored location of the Queens of Portugal. As a result, Obidos earned the nickname “Vila das Rainhas” (town of the Queens).
Location: Castelo de Óbidos, Rua Josefa de Óbidos, Óbidos, Portugal
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4. Praça de Santa Maria
Leave the walls at the castle and head along R. Direita and you will soon arrive at Praça de Santa Maria.
Praça de Santa Maria is the main square of the town. It is a picturesque and charming square with a central fountain and surrounded by colourful houses and cafes. The square is often bustling with activity and is a popular spot for tourists to relax and take in the sights and sounds of the town.
In the centre of the square is a statue of King D. Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, who conquered the town from the Moors in the 12th century. The statue is a popular spot for taking photos.
The church facing the square is the Igreja de Santa Maria, a small church largely rebuilt in the 1600s, with a painted wooden ceiling & a notable carved tomb.
Location: Praça de Santa Maria, Óbidos, Portugal
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5. Municipal Museum of Óbidos
The large building to the south of the square is the Municipal Museum of Óbidos.
The Municipal Museum of Óbidos is housed in a former 16th-century mansion. The museum aims to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of Óbidos and the surrounding region.
The museum has a collection of archaeological artefacts, including Roman and medieval ceramics, as well as historical documents and works of art. Among the highlights of the museum’s collection are the 17th-century paintings of Josefa de Óbidos, one of the most important Baroque artists in Portugal, who was born in the town.
The museum is divided into several thematic areas, including the history of Óbidos, the role of the town in the Portuguese Restoration War, and the traditions and customs of the region. There are also temporary exhibitions that focus on various aspects of local culture, such as traditional handicrafts and folk art.
Visitors to the museum can also explore the building itself, which has been restored to its former glory, with its ornate ceilings and decorative tiles. There is also a garden with a small pond and a well, which provides a peaceful oasis in the heart of the town.
Carry on heading south along the R. Direita until you reach the Porta da Vila again.
Location: Museu Municipal de Óbidos, Rua Direita, Óbidos, Portugal | Hours: 10am-1pm & 2-6pm Tue-Sun
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