Discovering the Charm of Óbidos: The Story of a First Visit
- FREDERICO SILVA
- Jun 6
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 29
Shared by a guest of Villa’s Pomar do Moinho.
Just an hour from Lisbon, Óbidos is a medieval town that looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale. As I approached its ancient walls, I was immediately captivated—whitewashed houses lined with colorful bougainvillea, cobblestone alleys steeped in history, and an imposing castle crowning the red-clay roofs.
How to Get to Óbidos
Whether you are a resident of Portugal looking for a weekend getaway or a tourist landing in Lisbon, getting to Óbidos is easy:
From Lisbon Airport (Humberto Delgado):
After landing, you can rent a car and, in just over an hour on the A8 motorway, you'll be swapping the plane for a romantic setting. If you prefer public transport, there are Rede Expressos buses direct from the Campo Grande terminal to Óbidos — simple, comfortable and hassle-free.
From other regions of Portugal:
Óbidos is in the heart of the Silver Coast, which makes it perfect for getaways from Porto, Coimbra or even the Algarve. Whether by car or bus, it's a trip that's well worth it.
A Stroll Through History
As I entered through the Porta da Vila, with its beautiful tiles, I immediately felt enveloped by the spirit of the place. Rua Direita, the village’s main artery, is an invitation to stroll, with craft shops, cozy cafés and taverns serving the best the region has to offer.
And of course, there is no shortage of charming little shops — the kind that look like they came out of a treasure chest — where you can find unique souvenirs such as miniature castles, hand-painted ceramics, postcards with antique charm and even toy swords for the more adventurous. Perfect for taking a little piece of Óbidos with you.
Along the Castle Walls
Climbing the medieval walls was one of the highlights of the visit. The 1.5km route offers stunning views over the surrounding countryside and the village rooftops. I recommend comfortable shoes — the path is narrow and unprotected, but the view is worth every step.
A Town for Book Lovers
Óbidos is a UNESCO City of Literature, and you can see it on every corner. Bookshops in old churches, themed hotels filled with bookshelves, and cultural spaces that celebrate reading — a paradise for book lovers (or those who simply want a pretty photo for Instagram).
Local Flavors
The ginjinha in a chocolate cup? Yes, I tried it — and tried it again! The local cuisine is rich and comforting, with authentic flavors and local wines that pair perfectly with the medieval setting.
Where to Stay – Villa’s Pomar do Moinho
Now comes the bold part: if you come to Óbidos and don’t stay at Villa’s Pomar do Moinho… it’s like going to Rome and not seeing the Colosseum! This country retreat is just a few minutes from the historic center, surrounded by fruit trees, peaceful landscapes and that wonderful silence that only nature can provide.
It’s the kind of place where you can fall asleep in a hammock, listening to the birds, and wake up to the sun shining softly. Modern comfort, rustic charm and free parking? Yes, we do. Bonus: you can explore the castle during the day and admire the stars at night. Perfect..
Final Reflection
Óbidos isn’t just beautiful—it’s a place that stays in your heart. Between the history, the books, the souvenir shops, and the sweet taste of ginjinha, I left there feeling like I had discovered a secret chapter of Portugal that everyone should read.
Book your getaway at Villa's Pomar do Moinho — It's the kind of place where you can simply relax by the pool, with a glass of local wine in hand, while time slows down to the rhythm of nature… you're doing everything right.
Comments