Óbidos is an ideal day trip from Lisbon for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and step back in time. What’s so special about Óbidos? Just an hour’s drive north of Lisbon, this charming hilltop medieval town offers a picturesque setting enclosed by ancient fortified walls built in the 13th century. Though the walls were damaged in the 1755 earthquake, they were completely restored beginning in 1910.
We spent a week in Óbidos a few years ago, and paid a return visit to Óbidos as a day trip from Lisbon during our recent trip. You can easily see the highlights of Óbidos during a day trip, though an overnight stay allows you even more time to explore the surrounding area. Today we’re sharing a day trip itinerary that will let you both explore the medieval walled city and castle of Óbidos and enjoy time in nature at the lagoon. If you have more time, consider adding a day trip to neighboring Peniche.
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Why Visit Óbidos for a Day Trip?
Visitors can explore the well-preserved Óbidos Castle, stroll through narrow cobbled streets lined with colorful houses, walk the castle walls, and enjoy local Ginja served in edible chocolate cups. The town has unique bookshops and galleries to browse. In contrast to the busy walled city, the Óbidos Lagoon, provides opportunities for long bike rides, leisurely sails, or kayaking and paddle boarding in a tranquil setting.
Getting To Óbidos (from Lisbon)
Getting to Óbidos from Lisbon is convenient, making it an easy day trip for travelers whether traveling by car or public transport. A tour is also a great way to see all of the highlights and learn more about the history of Óbidos.
| By car | Just over a 1 hour drive, with easy parking near the Aqueduct as you enter town. |
| By bus | Averaging 10 Euros, the bus ride from Lisbon takes 70-80 minutes. |
| By train | Take the train to Caldas da Rainhas, transfer to a bus to Óbidos. This takes 2+ hours. |
Recommended Tours from Lisbon to Óbidos
Óbidos Day Trip Itinerary
Morning Adventure: Castle & Town Walls
Start your visit by entering the old town near Nossa Senhora de Piedade, the open air chapel. Dating back to the 16th century, you’ll find Nossa Senhora de Piedade on the right after passing through the 1st town gate.
Once you’ve passed through the chapel, take time to simply wander the streets, getting a feel for this historic town. The street are made of cobblestone, which can be slippery and uneven at times. Wearing sneakers or closed toed shoes with non-slip soles is recommended.
We chose to walk the town walls to get a different perspective as well. This provides you with stunning views of the surrounding countryside and coast, as well as of the town and castle.
While the wall is sufficiently wide to walk on in all places, there is a risk of falling. It also has steep stairs with no hand railing. Read the warning signs and decide if you want to do this at your own risk.
There is no cost to explore the Óbidos castle, unless you’re visiting during the annual Medieval Festival. The indoor areas of the hotel have been converted into a Pousada, so you can’t go inside unless you stay there. This is a great opportunity to stay in a castle in the walled village.
Morning Literary Escape
Post castle exploration, make your way to the unique Livraria de Santiago bookstore in the heart of the town. A chapel converted into a library, it’s a paradise for book lovers. It has an eclectic atmosphere, with books from floor to ceiling, provides the perfect backdrop for a peaceful reading break. On a hot day, this is also a great break from the heat.
Afternoon at the Lagoon
Take a break from old town to spend the afternoon out on the waters of Obidos Lagoon. We’ve enjoyed paddling from the Escola de Vela da Lagoa. They offer lessons and rentals for sailing, kayaking, and paddle boarding on the serene lagoon. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, the lagoon’s calm waters are ideal for a variety of water sports. The sailing school does offer a limited lunch menu, with burgers, a variety of salads, and omelets. While simple, we have enjoyed consistently good food and eating outdoors next to the lagoon.
If you’re not up for water spots, consider renting a bike or taking a bike your and exploring the trails around the lagoon. You can bike along the river from Obidos to the lagoon, or rent a bike at the lagoon.
Evening: Dinner and a Sunset along the Silver Coast
Head over to the Atlantic coast to end your day with dinner and a walk on the beach at sunset on the silver coast. Staying at the beach for the night is a great option to extend your stay, whether at the Marriott or at a private home rental.
Óbidos is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Portugal—perfect for a day trip or an overnight for history buffs, literary lovers, and adventure seekers alike. If you enjoyed exploring the walled cities and castles, consider a visit to Sintra.
If you have the time to spend the night, enjoy staying right in the castle in old town or just off the beach in Praia D’El Rey. Don’t miss adding a side trip to Peniche and to the Berlengas Islands.
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Where to Stay in Óbidos
| Pousada Castelo de Obidos | Guest house in Óbidos’ castle |
| Casa Senhoras Rainhas – Óbidos – by Unlock Hotels | Boutique hotel within the city walls |
| The Literary Man Obidos Hotel | Former convent within the city walls, with international books scattered throughout |
| Stunning 3-Bedroom Townhouse | Great choice for families or groups wanting to be near the beach. This T3 townhouse is 0.2 miles from the beach and close to the golf courses of Praia d’El Rey. |
| Villa Lantana | 3-bedroom golf and pool villa with easy access to the Óbidos Lagoon. |
| Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort | If you are looking for a golf resort directly on the beach, the Marriott is a great option. You can get easy transfers into the old town, but have the convenience of staying directly adjacent to stunning beaches. |
Travel Resources
We recommend booking through our preferred travel booking sites below.
| Air Travel | SkyScanner |
| Lodging | Booking.com, VRBO.com, Expedia.com, Hostelworld |
| Tours and Activities | Viator.com, GetYourGuide.com |
| Car rentals | Discovercars.com |
| Travel insurance | Squaremouth |
| Bike and scooter rentals | BikeBookings.com |
| Train tickets | Trainline, RailEurope |
| Bus tickets | Flixbus, Busbud |
[…] day trip to the charming walled city of Óbidos is a must when exploring Portugal in winter, especially to experience its famous Christmas market. […]
[…] Obidos Christmas village […]
We stayed nearby a long time ago, but the kids were little so we didn’t see everything properly 🙁 I guess it’s time to go again! It’s such a nice area!
We did this when the kids were younger too, and recently paid a return visit.
[…] and castle located just over 1 hour from Lisbon. Most visitors take a day trip from Lisbon to Óbidos to see the beautiful 13th-century walled city and head right back to Lisbon. However, most […]
Gorgeous pictures, will have to add Obidos onto my travel to do list!
I loved Obidos! We only spent an hour or so there but I’d love to go back and spend longer exploring. Thanks for the great guide!
Thanks, hope you’re able to find the time to explore more of the Óbidos area!
Lisbon has so many great places to explore on a day trip. I’ll have to return to visit that bookstore 😉 It looks so cozy!
The bookstore was one of the highlights for us this trip too.
I’ve never been to Portugal, but now I need to add it to my must-see locations.
[…] consider spending the night in Peniche, adding in a side to trip to either the Berlengas Islands or Óbidos, or […]
Obidos does sound like a great day trip to take! I’d love to do the hiking and cave tour as a break from the hustle of the city. Great post!
Thanks!
Que saudades! OMG, this post brings back fond memories of my Portuguese summer! I spent three full months the Land of Camoes, and I’ve always wanted to go back. But that was a long, long time ago. I’m going to check out more of your Portuguese travel guides!
Thanks, hope you can make a return visit!
Such a stunning location. I love being able to finish the day with a beach walk and amazing sunset. Looks beautiful
Being on the coast or beach for sunset is one of my favorite ways to end the day!
Places like this that offer a good variety of things to do are the best. Looks great and makes me want to go to Portugal even more!
Hope you have a chance to give Portugal a try, we keep returning to try our favorites and new spots.
What a great day trip, Obidos looks so interesting. I enjoy stepping back in time.
Stepping back in time is always a great change of pace.
Obidos looks like a great destination when visiting Lisbon, I’ve just returned from a trip there and had no idea about it. Thank you for sharing plenty of useful information for my future visit!
Thanks!
I have visited Obidos even twice. I love this place and recommend to include it in Portugal travel itinerary. Thanks for sharing useful tips and detailed itinerary.
Thank you!
I didn’t get here on my last trip to Lisbon but I would love to visit this castle and wander the cobblestoned streets.
It’s a very easy day trip from Lisbon, definitely recommend it!
Wow! I never heard of Obidos! Will have to add it to my Portugal itinerary when I visit again someday. 🙂
Hope you have a chance to get back and visit Óbidos.
This is such a cute town! I’ve only stopped there for a couple of hours, would love to go back and stay overnight.
The walled area is great, but leave some time for exploring the surrounding area too.
Obidos was one of my favorite stops in Portugal! I happened to be there during their medieval festival and it was so fun!
The medieval festival or the chocolate festival would be great times for a visit.
LOVELY. I’m sorry we missed this when we were in Lisbon. Next time we will make sure to get there. Great photos and suggestions.
Thanks. We spent a week on the coast in Óbidos a few years ago. We had a chance to revisit for the day recently, and it just reminded us how beautiful it it.
Such a fun adventure. You always seem to travel to cool places.
thanks!
Wow, Obidos seems like a great place to take a day trip! I had never heard of it before, but I will now consider it when planning my trip to Lisbon.
Hope you have a chance to visit!
This brings back so many great memories of my trip to Portugal. Obidos was my favorite city!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Obidos looks so charming. I didn’t make it there on my first trip to Portugal – you’ve convinced me to add it for my next visit!!! That bookstore 😍!
The bookstore is wonderful!
Beeeautiful! The views from Obidos castle are fabulous – Portuagal has such great castles like this! I also really like all your ideas – books, lagoon and a beautiful coastline make it sound like a perfect day trip. Especially when you add in some tasty Portuguese food!
It is a great combination, good way to balance the at times crowded town with some time at the beach or lagoon.
[…] For more ideas on itineraries for the Cascais area, check out our blog post here. If you enjoy visiting castles and old towns, combined with more tranquil outings in nature, consider a day trip to Óbidos. […]
[…] Sintra is a place where every path leads to a story, and every corner holds a new discovery. By stepping off the beaten path, you’ll find the true essence of Sintra – a magical, mysterious, and utterly enchanting town. If you enjoy visiting castles and old towns, combined with more tranquil outings in nature, consider a day trip to Óbidos. […]