MyPortugalHoliday.com
The best independent guide to Central Portugal
MyPortugalHoliday.com
The best independent guide to Central Portugal
Óbidos is a delightful medieval town boasting ancient walls whitewashed houses and rich history. To help you make the most of your visit to this enchanting destination, we've compiled four essential maps covering Óbidos' main sights, accommodation options, day trips and a suggested walking tour.
Whether you're planning a day trip or a longer holiday exploring the Central Portugal region, these maps will serve as an invaluable aid in organising your trip to Óbidos.
The interactive map below shows the location of the main sights of Óbidos (Note: zoom in or out to see all of the points)
Legend: 1) Porta da Vila 2) Town Walls 3) Castelo de Óbidos 4) Rua Direita 5) Igreja de Santa Maria 6) Pelourinho de Óbidos 7) Aqueduto de Óbidos 8) Santuário do Senhor Jesus da Pedra 9) Museu Municipal de Óbidos 10) Igreja São Pedro 11) Capela de São Martinho
Recommended places to eat: 12) Ja!mon Ja!mon 13) Nova Casa de Ramiro 14) Tasca Torta 15) Alcaide 16) Pontinha 17) O Melro
Óbidos is a charming town that deserves more than a rushed visit. While many tourists follow the main road (Rua Direita) from the gateway to the castle, the true appeal of Óbidos lies in its narrow cobbled streets away from the crowds. To help you fully appreciate the town's beauty, we've created a suggested walking tour as shown in the map below.
Our route begins at the main car park, which is also next to the bus stop for services from Lisbon. This 2.1km walk takes approximately two hours to complete, allowing ample time to soak in the atmosphere and admire the sights. The town walls, marked by a yellow line on the map, can be accessed at points 1 or 3 and offer a unique perspective of the town. The green shaded section marks the popular tourist areas which will be very busy in the summer.
Legend: 1) Porta da Vila Gateway 2) Rua Direita 3) Town walls 4) Trilho do Castelo (castle trail) 5) Igreja de São Tiago 6) Castelo de Óbidos 7) Estrada da Cerca Gateway 8) Igreja de Santa Maria 9) Igreja de São Pedro 10) Capela de São Martinho 11) Aqueduto de Óbidos (aqueduct)
The medieval charm of Óbidos makes it a wonderful base for exploring the surrounding region. Its central location puts you just a short drive from stunning beaches, historic sites like Alcobaça Monastery, and natural wonders such as the Berlengas Islands.
Within its ancient walls, you'll find charming boutique hotels and guesthouses that blend historic charm with modern comforts. Óbidos offers a delightful selection of restaurants and bars, catering to its popularity among visitors.
For those seeking a wider range of accommodations, consider nearby Caldas da Rainha, only 15 minutes away. Whether you prefer a cozy room in a centuries-old building or a modern apartment, Óbidos and its surroundings cater to various tastes and budgets.
We've partnered with Booking.com to provide an up-to-date list of hotels and other accommodation options in Óbidos. You can adjust the dates to see current prices and availability for your specific travel period.
Óbidos is only a small town and can be fully seen within two hours of sightseeing. For those looking to make the most of their day trip, Óbidos is often paired with other nearby attractions, including:
• Nazaré - famous for its giant waves and surfing culture
• Peniche - a traditional fishing town known for its magnificent beaches and fortress
• Bacalhôa Buddha Eden - Europe's largest oriental garden and vast collection of Buddha statues
To help you plan your visit, we've created a map highlighting the best sights and activities in the Óbidos region. This map could also be useful if you are on holiday in Óbidos or Caldas da Rainha and are wanting ideas of places to visit. The full guide with details of all these sights can be found here: Beyond Óbidos - sights of the region.
Legend: 1) Lagoa de Óbidos 2) Praia fluvial dos Olhos de Água 3) Mira de Aire Cave 4) Bacalhôa Buddha Eden 5) Passadiços da Foz do Arelho 6) Salinas de Rio Maior 7) São Martinho do Porto 8) Foz do Arelho Beach 9) Peniche 10) Cape Carvoeiro 11) Caldas da Rainha 12) Alcobaça Monastery 13) Nazaré 14) Ilha do Baleal 15) Batalha Monastery 16) Praia do Salgado 17) Grutas de Santo António 18) Praia D'El Rey Golf Course 19) Casa do Pão de Ló de Alfeizerão 20) Queijaria Flor do Vale
Nazaré
A picturesque fishing village famous for its enormous waves and world-class surfing. Nazaré is known for its stunning beach, colorful fishing boats, and the record-breaking giant waves at Praia do Norte, which attract surfers and spectators from around the globe.
Peniche
A charming coastal town with a rich maritime heritage, surrounded by beautiful beaches. Peniche is renowned for its excellent surfing conditions, fresh seafood, and the impressive 16th-century fortress that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.
Bacalhôa Buddha Eden
Europe's largest oriental garden, spanning 35 hectares and featuring an impressive collection of Buddha statues, pagodas, and terracotta warriors. This peaceful retreat also includes contemporary sculptures, making it a unique blend of Eastern and Western art.
Lagoa de Óbidos
A stunning coastal lagoon known for its calm waters and diverse ecosystem. It's popular for water sports, birdwatching, and scenic walks along its shores.
Mira de Aire Cave
One of Portugal's Seven Natural Wonders, this extensive cave system features impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and underground lakes. Guided tours take visitors through beautifully lit chambers, showcasing millions of years of geological history.
Ilha do Baleal
A small, scenic peninsula connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus, offering stunning views and great beaches. Baleal is popular among surfers for its consistent waves and is known for its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful sunsets.
Praia fluvial dos Olhos de Água
A charming river beach with crystal-clear waters, surrounded by lush greenery. It's a refreshing spot for swimming and picnicking, offering a peaceful alternative to ocean beaches.
Discover more of central Portugal with our guides
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