Obidos- an old city that blends history with current life. Explore inside, outside, and on the walls of this perfectly preserved attraction.
What is Obidos?
Obidos is an unbelievably well-preserved fortress located in the Estremadura providence in central-western Portugal. The walled city has influence from the Celts, Romans, and Moors to name a few. In the 700s the Moors fortified the city with walls that still stand today. The walls are almost untouched by age. The city is a perfect view of the past while living in the present. This is the perfect place to have an action-packed day of exploring, eating, and learning about this tiny town in the Portuguese hills.
Background of our Trip
I went with my family on a day trip to this mystical mini-castle town. It is a unique experience because I felt like I was in a movie. We saw the castle on a hill right off the highway… it got us excited. This is a perfect location for a day trip if you are staying in Lisbon or the surrounding area.
Obidos also has a notable number of places to stay for the night for those who want to take their time exploring inside the walls. We visited over Christmas time, so the town was decorated with lights. It also featured an ice-skating rink and a Christmas village. If you want a cute and quaint village for Christmas, I recommend keeping Obidos at the top of your list. This article will explain how we spent our day in Obidos, plus more for those who want to spend more time here!
Recommended things to do
Hike the Obidos walls
I am starting this list off with the most memorable part. These walls make the town what it is today. You can (almost) walk the entire length of the town. For those who are afraid of heights, I do not recommend this activity. The walls are high and if you are not careful, you will fall. For the best views, walk to the far south wall where you can climb the fortress. This is where the best picture spot is!
Cruise the Rua da Direita
Rua da Direita is the main street in Obidos. It is packed with all the traditional shops and restaurants. The cool thing about this street is that it is the only packed street in the town! You can completely avoid crowds if you do not walk down this street. However, to get a nice feel of the town this activity is a must.
Drink Ginjinha shots
Ginjinha is a cherry chocolate liqueur. They are often served with a cinnamon stick or an infused cherry. Many vendors along the Rua da Direita serve this tasty treat. In fact, it will be the first thing you will see when going through the main entrance of the city. Therefore, I recommend walking a bit before purchasing this treat because you can save up to 1 EUR per shot!
Visit the Municipal Museums of Obidos
We, unfortunately, did not have time to visit the museum, but I highly recommend it! This city is rich in culture and history. The best thing you can do is read about it through an exhibit. Learn more about the Obidos Museums!
Eat at JamonJamon Tapas
This is a beautiful, tiny restaurant that sits right outside the walls of the town. The menu mixes traditional Portuguese food with a Spanish tapa twist. We ate here for a late lunch and could not have been happier. It was the best meal we had in all of Portugal. We recommend ordering the pork cheeks, Peihihos da Horta, and shrimps “A Guilho.” Make sure to have a reservation, as this seems to be a popular destination. Call +351964789306 to make a reservation!
Check out the Porta da Vila
This is one of the brilliantly tiled prayer corners. If you see this during Christmas time, there is usually an artist playing an instrument. This is the first thing you will see when you enter through the main entrance from the parking lot.
Walk under the Aqueduto de Usseira
This aqueduct stretches far from the town. You will not miss it as it is situated right along the parking lot.
Swing on the Baloico Obidos
This swing sits on top of a hill in the northeastern corner of the town. You will see it if you are walking up the stairs of the town walls. It is a cute, picturesque spot to take a break from all the hills and stairs.
How to get to Obidos
Drive to Obidos
As it is with the rest of the country, traveling by car is the most efficient means of transportation. There is a large (free) parking lot right outside of the walls that rarely fill. Just follow the signs when you exit off the highway.
Take the train to Obidos
If you are staying in Lisbon, taking the train is a stress-free way of getting to Obidos. It will take you about 2.5 hours and only 8 EUR for a one-way journey.
Traveling to Obidos on a Budget
Obidos is not an expensive destination. If you want to spend the night here, you can find a hostel for as cheap as 28 EUR per night. Getting to the town is also almost free. The one thing I would omit from this list if you were budget traveling is lunch at JamonJamon. It is not overpriced but is still not the cheapest option. The best things to do in Obidos are to stroll through town and walk along the walls. These are both free activities. It is very possible to visit this destination on a tight budget.
Conclusion
Obidos is as entertaining as it is old. If you are looking for an authentic Portuguese experience mixed with a rich history lesson, visit Obidos. If you follow all the recommendations listed above, then you are about to have an amazing experience.
