Discover Obidos

Visit Obidos Village

Table of Contents

The village of Obidos in Portugal attracts thousands of tourists all year round with its unique authentic charm and traditional architecture. In this small town you can get the atmosphere of old Portugal, enjoy the tranquility and beauty of its narrow streets and cozy squares. Obidos is also known for its historical monuments and castles, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region. In this article you will learn the history, interesting facts and secrets of this small village in Portugal, you will definitely find something new for yourself.

Tourist information

Obidos village, situated in the outskirts of Lisbon, exemplifies a medieval Portuguese fortress town with a deep historical legacy and distinctive ambiance. Established in the 13th century, it maintains its ancient allure through meticulously preserved historic structures and fortified city walls.

Historical sights to visit:

  1. Castelo de Obidos (Obidos Castle). This impressive castle sits on a high rocky cliff, representing an important defensive site and a symbol of the city. The castle offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and the Atlantic Ocean.
  2. Igreja de Santa Maria (Church of St. Mary). This historic church was built on the site of an ancient Moorish mosque and has become an important cultural and religious center of the region. Inside the church you can see valuable art objects and statues.
  3. Muralhas da Cidade (City Walls). The ancient city walls surround the historic center of Obidos, giving visitors a unique opportunity to walk along them and enjoy panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area.
  4. Porta da Vila (City Gate). This gate, decorated with azulejo and decorative elements, is the symbol of the entrance to the ancient town and represents a significant historical architectural landmark.
  5. Besides the historical sites, Obidos is famous for its atmosphere and unique flavor. Narrow cobbled streets, traditional houses with beautiful architecture and local restaurants where you can taste local specialties and wine make walking around the city an unforgettable experience.

The region around Obidos is also rich in various attractions. It is also worth visiting traditional restaurants and cafes for fresh seafood in the best places in Portugal, such as Restaurante O Melro, Ja!mon Ja!mon, A Nova Casa de Ramiro, where the average person per person will go from €15 and up to €25. In addition, there are beaches of Lagoa de Obidos with their unique nature and opportunities for relaxation and outdoor activities.

Obidos is an ideal base for exploring this fascinating region of Central Portugal, attracting both history and architecture lovers and those looking for a peaceful and cozy vacation surrounded by nature and the beautiful scenery of the Atlantic coast. This place is worth visiting in any season, however during the winter Obidos Christmas village becomes a magical place attracting tourists from all over the world with its decorated streets, Christmas fairs and traditional handicrafts.

Interesting facts

  1. Atmosphere Obidos medieval village. A unique place for the Portuguese experience, offering a calm and relaxed atmosphere, especially after the departure of the day tourists.
  2. Attractions of the region. Includes the surfing beaches of Baleal, Batalha Monastery, Nazare Resort and the Berlenga Islands, making Obidos an ideal base from which to explore the diversity of Central Portugal.
  3. Limited number of hotels. During the peak tourist season, the availability of accommodation is severely reduced, so booking in advance is recommended.
  4. Ginjinha de Obidos. A popular cherry liqueur to try at one of the local bars, it is often served in a chocolate cup, adding a unique flavor experience.
  5. Buddha Eden. Europe’s largest collection of Buddha statues, located in the picturesque surroundings of Obidos, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a world of art and spirituality.
  6. Golf. The Obidos region is known for its top-class golf courses such as West Cliffs Golf and Bom Sucesso, offering excellent golfing conditions and magnificent coastal views.
  7. Former Obidos Harbor. Of historical interest is the former harbor, traces of which can be seen on the city walls overlooking the beautiful lagoon village Obidos.

Open hours

You can walk around the city at any time, but if you are interested in some sights and establishments, you should check their working hours. 

Tickets

To see the attractions in Obidos Village, you need to look at the cost of admission as the cost varies from place to place. 

Address

Address: Obidos Village.

How to get to Obidos Village

To get to the village of Obidos from Lisbon, the best way is to take the express bus. Buses depart from the Campo Grande bus station in Lisbon, which is conveniently located on the green and yellow metro lines. The trip to Obidos takes approximately 1 hour and a one-way ticket costs €8.00. It is important to note that there are no return tickets, so you will need to purchase two separate tickets for the return trip.

The express bus to Obidos is operated by the Rodotejo bus company on the “Rapida Verde” route, which links Lisbon with the town of Caldas da Rainha. There are many trips on this route on weekdays, but the number of trips may be limited on weekends. It is advisable to check the timetable and purchase tickets in advance, especially during periods of high demand.