MyPortugalHoliday.com
The best independent guide to Central Portugal
MyPortugalHoliday.com
The best independent guide to Central Portugal
Óbidos is a charming medieval town known for its well-preserved castle walls and picturesque streets. While Óbidos is a popular day trip destination from Lisbon, the compact size of the town means that it can be fully explored in just a couple of hours of sightseeing. Fortunately, the surrounding region offers a variety of fascinating sights and attractions which could extend your visit.
This guide details the best sights of the Óbidos region, including historic landmarks, scenic nature spots, and lesser-known gems.
The sights listed here could also be useful if you are on holiday in the Óbidos or Caldas da Rainha region, providing ideas for places to visit. The only consideration is that to get to most of the Óbidos region, a car is needed, as there is very limited public transport.
Related articles: Obidos Introduction – Day trip to Obidos
The Óbidos region is rich in natural beauty, historical landmarks, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
The list below offers a brief overview of these attractions and their distances from Óbidos. Following this list, you'll find a map showing the exact locations of these sights. The final section of this guide provides in-depth descriptions of each attraction, with links to relevant websites:
• Lagoa de Óbidos (5km from Óbidos): A shallow coastal lagoon, popular for watersports and birdwatching, with several beaches along its shores.
• Praia fluvial dos Olhos de Água (55km from Óbidos). A river beach known for its clear spring waters and surrounding pine forests, offering a refreshing alternative to coastal beaches.
• Mira de Aire Cave (70km from Obidos) : Portugal's largest cave system featuring impressive stalactites and stalagmites, with guided tours available.
• Bacalhôa Buddha Eden (15km): A vast oriental garden housing hundreds of Buddha statues, contemporary sculptures, and pagodas spread across 35 hectares.
• Passadiços da Foz do Arelho (15 km): A scenic coastal boardwalk offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, suitable for walking or admiring the sunset.
• Salinas de Rio Maior (30 km): One of Portugal's oldest active salt pans, featuring traditional wooden structures and methods for extracting salt that date back to the 12th century.
• São Martinho do Porto (20 km): A charming seaside town with a sheltered bay shaped like a scallop shell, known for its calm waters and family-friendly beach.
• Foz do Arelho Beach (15 km): A long stretch of golden sand where the Óbidos Lagoon meets the Atlantic, popular for water sports and offering both calm lagoon waters and ocean waves.
• Peniche (30 km): A rugged fishing town and popular surfing destination, known for its historic fortress, bustling harbour, and access to the Berlengas Islands.
• Cape Carvoeiro and headland (35 km): A dramatic rocky promontory offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, featuring a lighthouse and unique rock formations.
• Caldas da Rainha (10 km): A spa town founded in the 15th century, known for its thermal springs, colourful ceramic traditions, and daily fruit and vegetable market.
• Alcobaça Monastery (40 km): A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Portugal's most important medieval monasteries, renowned for its Gothic architecture and royal tombs.
• Nazaré (40 km): A picturesque fishing village famous for its enormous waves, traditional culture, and funicular connecting the beach to the clifftop neighbourhood of Sítio.
• Ilha do Baleal (25 km): A small, rocky island connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus, offering beautiful beaches, surfing spots, and a quaint village atmosphere.
• Berlengas Islands: A small archipelago and nature reserve about 10 km off the coast of Peniche, featuring crystal-clear waters, a historic lighthouse, and diverse marine life.
• Queijaria Flor do Vale (20km): Traditional cheese maker where you can tour the farm, see cheese processing and taste delicious cheeses (tours need to be booked).
• Batalha Monastery (65 km): A masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline architecture, this UNESCO World Heritage site showcases intricate stonework and houses the tomb of Henry the Navigator.
• Praia do Salgado (45 km): A vast, unspoiled beach stretching for 12 km, known for its golden sands, powerful waves, and relative seclusion compared to more touristy beaches.
• Casa do Pão de Ló de Alfeizerão (22km) – Unassuming café an pastry shop selling the finest Pão de Ló cake, a worthy detour while driving along the A8.
• Grutas de Santo António (70 km): An impressive cave system with stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations, colourful lighting, and an underground lake, located near the larger Mira de Aire caves.
• Praia D'El Rey Golf Course (15 km): One of Portugal's top golf courses, this links-style 18-hole championship course offers challenging play with scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Berlengas Islands.
The following map shows the location of these points sights
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
The Lagoa de Óbidos is Portugal's largest coastal lagoon, stretching over 6 km² between Óbidos and the Atlantic Ocean. This shallow body of water offers calm conditions ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing. The lagoon is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 200 species frequenting the area.
You can explore the shoreline via hiking trails or relax on the sandy beaches at Foz do Arelho. Local restaurants serve fresh seafood caught in the lagoon, including clams and eels. lagoon's unique ecosystem is protected, making it an important site for both recreation and conservation.
The Praia fluvial dos Olhos de Água is a picturesque river beach.
This river beach is named "Eyes of Water" refering to the natural springs feeding the Alviela River. The cold, clear water comes directly from underground limestone, creating ideal conditions if you want a refreshing swim on a hot summer’s day.
This area holds historical significance as a former water source for Lisbon, being part of one of Portugal's largest freshwater reservoirs. The beach is surrounded by lush greenery, providing natural shade and scenic picnic spots.
Beyond the river beach there are walking paths lead to fascinating geological formations like the Sumidouro da Ribeira de Amiais and Janela Cársica. Nearby is the Centro de Ciência Viva do Alviela, where you can learn about the local bat colony.
The Mira de Aire Caves were only discovered in 1947 and are the largest in Portugal, extending over 11 kilometers underground. Visitors can explore 600 meters of illuminated passages, descending to a depth of 110 meters.
The caves feature stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and underground lakes. A guided tour takes about 45 minutes and includes an elevator ride back to the surface. The constant cave temperature of 17°C (63°F) provides a cool respite on hot days.
grutasmiradaire.com
The Bacalhôa Buddha Eden is Europe's largest Oriental garden. Created by José Berardo in 2001, it's a response to the Taliban's destruction of the Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan. The garden features hundreds of Buddha statues, terracotta soldiers, and contemporary sculptures set among lakes, pagodas, and carefully manicured landscapes. Notable attractions include a central staircase lined with 700-ton Buddha statues and a terracotta army with over 650 soldiers.
bacalhoa.pt
The Passadiços da Foz do Arelho is a scenic 800-meter wooden boardwalk that runs along the clifftops north of Foz do Arelho beach, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. This walkway provides safe access to previously inaccessible coastal areas while preserving the natural environment, perfect for watching spectacular sunsets or spotting the Berlengas Archipelago on clear days.
Along the route, you'll find several viewing platforms perfect for observing local wildlife, especially the diverse bird species that inhabit the coastline.
The Salinas de Rio Maior are unique inland salt pans that have been in operation since the 12th century. Unlike most salt production sites, these pans are fed by a natural underground salt water spring, not seawater. The site consists of over 470 small, rectangular tanks where salt crystalizes as the water evaporates.
Visitors can walk among the salt pans, observe the traditional salt harvesting methods, and visit the on-site museum to learn about the site's history and salt production process. The area also includes a small chapel and traditional wooden houses where salt workers once lived. A shop sells locally produced salt and related products.
The salt pans are particularly picturesque in late summer when salt production is at its peak. Entrance to the site is free, making it an interesting and budget-friendly attraction in the region.
São Martinho do Porto is a charming coastal town located about 20 km north of Óbidos. Its main attraction is a stunning shell-shaped bay, which forms a natural harbour and creates one of the safest beaches in Portugal. The calm, warm waters make it ideal for families and water sports enthusiasts.
The town's seafront promenade offers a variety of restaurants and cafes serving fresh seafood and local specialties. You can also explore the old town with its narrow streets and traditional Portuguese architecture.
For panoramic views of the bay, head to the Miradouro de São Martinho do Porto
Cape Carvoeiro is a rugged headland, near the fishing town of Peniche. This dramatic coastal point offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Berlengas Islands. The cape is home to the Cabo Carvoeiro Lighthouse, built in 1790 and still operational today.
The area features unique rock formations shaped by centuries of wind and waves, including the notable "Nau dos Corvos" (Crow's Ship) rock. A coastal path allows visitors to explore the clifftops and enjoy the scenic vistas. On clear days, you can spot the Berlengas archipelago, a nature reserve accessible by boat from Peniche.
The Nau dos Corvos rock formation being battered by fierce Atlantic Ocean waves
The Alcobaça Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of Portugal's most impressive medieval structures. Founded in 1153 by King Afonso Henriques, this Cistercian abbey shows Gothic architecture at its finest.
The church, with its soaring nave and austere design, is the largest in Portugal. Inside, you'll find the ornate tombs of King Pedro I and Inês de Castro, whose tragic love story is a cornerstone of Portuguese folklore.
The monastery's kitchen, with its massive chimney and water channel, is a wonder of medieval engineering. The cloisters, chapter house, and dormitory offer an insight into monastic life.
Related articles: Alcobaça Monastery
Ilha do Baleal is a small, picturesque island connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of sand, located just north of Peniche. This former whaling outpost now attracts surfers and beachgoers with its stunning coastline and consistent waves. The island features two main beaches: Praia do Baleal Norte and Praia do Baleal Sul, which offer different surfing conditions depending on wind direction and swell.
The island's compact village is characterized by narrow streets and whitewashed houses with terracotta roofs, giving it a quaint, traditional atmosphere. You'll find a few restaurants, cafes, and surf shops catering to visitors. The 17th-century Nossa Senhora dos Remédios Chapel sits at the highest point, offering panoramic views of the surrounding coastline. Baleal is ideal for both experienced surfers and beginners, with several surf schools operating in the area.
The Mosteiro da Batalha , a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline architecture. Built to commemorate Portugal's victory over Castile in the 1385 Battle of Aljubarrota, it took over a century to complete. The monastery's intricate stonework and soaring spires are awe-inspiring, with the ornate Manueline-style Royal Cloister being a highlight.
Inside, you'll find the Founder's Chapel, where King João I and his English wife Philippa of Lancaster are entombed. The Unfinished Chapels, with their open-air octagonal structure, offer a unique glimpse into 15th-century construction techniques. The Chapter House houses the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, with an eternal flame honouring Portugal's fallen.
Related articles: Guide to Batalha
The Grutas de Santo António, discovered in 1955 by workers chasing a bird, are a remarkable network of limestone caves formed over 150 million years ago. Located near Alvados, these caves occupy 6,000 square meters, with the largest chamber measuring 80m x 50m and reaching a height of 43 meters.
The caves are visited by guide tour which takes you through a 400-meter circuit, descending to a depth of 40 meters. Inside, you'll encounter stunning stalactites and stalagmites, including formations like the "Mammoth" and the "Mantle of the Virgin.
Highlights include the Room of the Bats, where you can observe these creatures in their natural habitat, and the Fátima Room, featuring a stalagmite resembling Our Lady of Fátima. Remarkably, dinosaur footprints are preserved within the cave system.sogrutas.com
Caldas da Rainha was founded in the 15th century by Queen Leonor and is known for its thermal springs and distinctive pottery. The town's central square, Praça da República, hosts a lively daily fruit and vegetable market. Art enthusiasts should visit the José Malhoa Museum, showcasing works by Portuguese naturalist painters.
The town is famous for its ceramics, particularly the provocative pieces by Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro. You can see his works at the Bordallo Pinheiro Museum or buy modern interpretations at the factory shop.
For a taste of local culture, stroll through the D. Carlos I Park or visit the thermal hospital, still in use today
Nazaré is a pretty fishing town that has gained worldwide fame for its extreme surfing conditions.
The town sits on a glorious sandy beach that is lined with traditional houses now filled with hotels, restaurants and beach shops. Taking the funicular to the Sítio headland offers panoramic views of the coastline and access to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré. From here, you can visit the São Miguel Arcanjo Fort, which houses a surf museum and provides a prime vantage point for watching surfers tackle massive waves.
At Praia do Norte, especially in winter, you can witness some of the world's largest surfable waves. These enormous swells are created by the Nazaré Canyon, a unique underwater geological formation.
Despite its newfound surf fame, Nazaré retains its traditional charm with colourful fishing boats and seafood restaurants lining the main beach. The town gets busy in summer with Portuguese and international tourists seeking a classic beach holiday experience.
Related articles: Guide to Nazaré
At Queijaria Flor do Vale, you can experience traditional cheesemaking firsthand. This family-run dairy farm offers guided tours that take you through the cow sheds and cheese factory, along with tasting their artisanal cheeses. It's an engaging activity for all ages, giving you insight into local food production. Tours and visits need to be pre-booked.
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Peniche is a rugged fishing town that is renowned for its world-class surfing beaches and rich maritime heritage. The town is dominated by its 16th-century fortress, which served as a political prison during the Salazar dictatorship and now houses a museum. The town's working harbour is a hub of activity, where you can watch fishermen unload their daily catch.
Peniche's main draw is its beaches, particularly Supertubos, famous for its powerful tubular waves and host to international surfing competitions.
Related articles: Guide to Peniche
The traditional fishing houses of Peniche perched high on the cliffs
The Pão de Ló de Alfeizerão is a regional delicacy – a sponge cake with a uniquely soft, creamy center. Local lore attributes its origins to the Monastery of Santa Maria de Coz, with the recipe be shared by nuns fleeing religious persecution in the early 19th century. For an authentic taste of this sweet treat, head to Casa do Pão de Ló de Alfeizerão, which is conveniently located near the A8 expressway.
Praia do Salgado is a vast, unspoiled beach stretching for about 8 kilometers between Nazaré and São Martinho do Porto. Known for its golden sands and powerful Atlantic waves, it's a popular spot for surfing and bodyboarding. The beach is less crowded than nearby Nazaré, offering a more secluded experience.
The beach is backed by dramatic cliffs, providing shelter from winds and a scenic backdrop. During low tide, you can explore small caves and rock formations. Praia do Salgado is ideal for long walks and enjoying the raw beauty of Portugal's Silver Coast.
Praia D'El Rey Golf Course, consistently ranked among Europe's top courses, offers a challenging and scenic golfing experience. Designed by Cabell B. Robinson, this 18-hole championship course stretches along the Atlantic coast.
The course features a mix of parkland and links-style holes, with stunning ocean views on several holes. It measures 6,405 meters from the back tees and plays to a par 73. The seaside holes are particularly notable, with the wind adding to the challenge.
Facilities include a driving range, putting green, and a clubhouse with a pro shop and restaurant. Golf clubs and buggies are available for rent.
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