Nestled in western Portugal, Óbidos is a charming little town known for its medieval magic. Imagine cobbled streets lined with colorful houses, all wrapped within a well-preserved castle wall. With a population of around 3,100, it's a quaint place to wander and soak up the history.
The town's main attraction is its remarkably complete medieval walls, stretching for about a mile. Inside these walls, you'll find a maze of charming streets, a traditional castle (now a fancy hotel!), and the beautiful Church of Santa Maria. Óbidos even has a claim to fame as a "literary town," with bookshops and events celebrating the written word.
Though small, Óbidos packs a punch. Beyond the town itself, the area is known for the Óbidos Lagoon, a great spot for nature lovers. If you're a golfer, you're in luck too, with several world-class courses nearby. Óbidos is a perfect little escape for a romantic getaway or a peaceful weekend trip.
Exploring Óbidos is a breeze! The town itself is best explored on foot. Its narrow, winding streets are a joy to wander, and since the town is quite small - under 1,000 feet wide at its most expansive point - you can easily reach most places within a half-mile walk. The furthest sight mentioned, the Santuario Senhor Jesus da Pedra, is still just a comfortable half-mile stroll from the town center.
Since Óbidos is a pedestrian-friendly town within its historic walls, you won't be able to park your car right next to your destination. The best option is the large parking lot you'll find just south of the main entrance, Porta da Vila. This is the biggest lot and most likely to have space. If your hotel is located closer to the north end of the town, like the castle itself, there's a smaller parking area just outside the walls that you can try, but keep in mind it might be full.
The good news is that entry into Óbidos Castle itself is free! The passage mentions the castle is open all the time and there's no fee to visit. However, since the castle is now a hotel, any access beyond the public areas might be restricted to guests.
Óbidos can be explored in a day trip if you're short on time. However, it's better spending at least one night to fully soak in its charm, historical sights, and delicious food scene. This allows you to explore beyond the main attractions and experience the town's atmosphere at a slower pace.
Lisbon offers three ways to get to Óbidos: bus, train, and car. The fastest and cheapest option is by express bus, taking just one hour from Lisbon's Campo Grande terminal. This terminal is easily accessible by metro (green or yellow line) - just follow signs for "Alameda das Linhas de Torres" upon exiting the station. Look for the Rodoviária do Oeste bus departing from platform 30 or 31 heading towards Caldas da Rainha, with a stop in Óbidos. Tickets are purchased directly from the driver and cost around €8.
While there is a train option departing from Santa Apolónia Station, it's a slow regional service with limited schedules (only three trains a day) and a long journey time (over 2 hours). Taxis are also available, but expect a fixed fare of around €127 for a 4-seater car.
If you're driving, take the A8 highway towards Óbidos. The town is easy to spot with its walled structure. There's a toll on the highway, so have some change ready. Keep in mind that cars aren't allowed within the historic center, but there's a convenient car park just outside the town walls.
Expect to pay around €127 for a taxi ride from Lisbon to Óbidos. This fixed price includes everything - tolls, taxes, luggage, and any other fees. It's important to note that this is the base fare for a standard 4-seater taxi. If you're traveling with a larger group, you can book an 8-seater taxi, but the fare jumps to €193. So, the final cost can vary depending on the size of your taxi.
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