Bewitching Óbidos

We visited the charming town of Óbidos at the start of the Christmas season and instantly fell in love with it. Walking into this historic village felt like entering a storybook. The town itself is surrounded by stone walls and no cars are allowed through the gate (except for deliveries of both supplies and people to their lodging). The narrow cobblestone streets are lined with delightful shops, cafes, and homes.

We stayed just out of the city walls in an adorable townhouse that was absolutely perfect for our three-night visit. It was cozy yet spacious enough for the two of us, a few minute walk from the inner part of the town, and very comfortable. The host was beyond accommodating, provided lots of recommendations, and even some delicious, locally-made treats for us to sample. His hospitality set the lodging experience apart from most other similar ones we’ve had. The inclusion of artisanal goodies was very smart. Additionally, he also provided the option to purchase full-sized versions of these items which allowed us to easily support local producers and buy gifts that we knew were delicious and of high quality. As I look back on the variety of hospitality experiences I’ve had, this one will remain with me and it has set the bar for future stays.

A wonderful way of seeing both the town from a different perspective and the areas surrounding Óbidos is to walk the walls. Unlike in Croatia’s Dubrovnik, there is no fee for this activity. There are also very few railings or safety measures put in place so I’d recommend partaking in this activity on a dry day and with walking shoes on.

The views from atop the walls are quite amazing and contrast pretty starkly with the narrow ancient streets on the other side of the walls.

As mentioned, we visited Óbidos during the holiday season and I’d highly recommend doing the same. The town is ideal for this time of year given its charm and warmth. To top it off, the decorations are enchanting and range from a tree made of lights to beautiful displays in shop windows.

While the food ranged from decent to good, the standout were the sweets which included baked good, chocolates, and liquors. This area of Portugal is known for Ginja, a cherry liquor that is often served in an edible chocolate shot glass. Ginja was sold and sampled pretty much everywhere in Óbidos. The bakery that we are still thinking about is Capinha D’Obidos and is a must visit!

By the end of our few days in Óbidos it felt like we saw everything we wanted to and had gotten the full experience. It was definitely one of the more magical places we visited and am so glad we made the time to experience it.

Tips for Visiting Óbidos:

• Most restaurants are closed on Sundays so be prepared for that or plan your trip accordingly.
• Don’t miss the chocolate variety of Ginja.
• If you only have time for one activity, walk the walls!
• Pairing a visit to Óbidos with Sintra works nicely as Sintra has SO much to see and Óbidos is a much slower and relaxed pace.