Portugal in One Day: Óbidos

Just one hour from Lisbon lies a destination that feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Welcome to Óbidos — a walled medieval village where every cobblestone, whitewashed house and blooming bougainvillea tells a story. This one-day escape offers a glimpse into Portugal’s rich history, culture, and small-town charm — all without venturing too far from the capital.

Why Visit Óbidos?

Perched on a hilltop and wrapped in ancient stone walls, Óbidos is one of Portugal’s best-preserved medieval towns. Its narrow, winding streets are pedestrian-only, perfect for a relaxed wander through picturesque alleys filled with handicraft shops, cafés and hidden corners waiting to be photographed.

Whether it’s your first time in Portugal or your fifth, Óbidos offers something different from the urban buzz of Lisbon or the grandeur of Sintra. It’s a slower pace, an authentic immersion in the country’s past.

What to See & Do in Óbidos (In One Day)

• Walk the City Walls: Begin with a walk along the old stone walls that surround the village — the views over the terracotta rooftops and lush countryside are worth the climb.

• Explore the Historic Centre: The heart of Óbidos is its main street, Rua Direita. It’s lined with charming shops selling handmade ceramics, Ginja liqueur in chocolate cups, and traditional pastries.

• Visit the Castle: The castle of Óbidos, now a pousada (historic hotel), stands as a majestic backdrop to the town. You can’t visit inside unless you're staying, but the exterior and the square around it are beautiful.

• Try Ginjinha de Óbidos: This cherry liqueur, served in an edible chocolate cup, is a must-try local specialty — and a sweet souvenir.

• Step Into Literary Portugal: Óbidos is a UNESCO City of Literature. Don’t miss Livraria de Santiago, a bookstore inside a former church.

Add-On Options for the Day

If time allows, combine your visit with nearby gems such as:

• Bacalhôa Buddha Eden – an open-air sculpture park near Bombarral.

• Foz do Arelho – a coastal village with beautiful lagoon beaches.

• Peniche – known for its fort and dramatic cliffs.

Best Time to Visit

Spring and early summer are ideal. In May and June, Óbidos is lush and colorful, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds than the high season. And if you're lucky, you might catch one of the village’s festivals — like the Medieval Market or the Chocolate Festival.

Why Choose a Private Tour?

Trying to do all of this with trains and buses? Possible — but stressful. With a private tour, everything flows:

✔ Door-to-door service

✔ Custom stops at your pace

✔ Local insights and hidden spots

✔ No waiting, no rush, just your day your way

Sunny Travels offers fully personalised day trips from Lisbon to Sintra and Cascais. We take care of the details — you enjoy the journey.

👉 Book your Óbidos tour now at www.sunny-travels.com