Last Updated on April 22, 2024 by Soumya
I was sold when I saw the first few pictures of Obidos.
Narrow cobbled streets flanked by pretty white houses trimmed blue and yellow, an abundance of colorful geraniums and bougainvilleas, and medieval city walls complete with a medieval castle—Obidos in Portugal seemed like the prettiest town to add to our culture-rich Portugal itinerary.
Obidos is beautiful – straight out of a postcard.
Words alone could never do justice to the beauty of this beautiful Central Portugal town. So, here are 30 stunning pictures from Obidos (peppered with my ramblings, of course) that, I promise, will give you serious wanderlust.
Also Read:
- How to plan the best Lisbon to Obidos day trip?
- 17 Beautiful Cities in Portugal that you need to visit
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There are many amazing things to do in Obidos. You can walk down the main street, Rua Direita, sample delicious Portuguese desserts, and visit adorable Portuguese souvenir stores.
Explore many beautiful churches with tiled and frescoed walls. Climb the wall ramparts and witness stunning vistas of the city and landscape below.
30 Stunning Pictures of Obidos Portugal
Obidos, one of Europe’s prettiest medieval towns, is extremely photogenic.
Every street and corner inside the walled town can serve as an Instagram backdrop.
No doubt, Obidos attracts a lot of tourists, so it might be difficult to get the place to yourself if you are looking for solo captures.
The good news is that a lot of the tourists are usually day-trippers from Lisbon. They start pouring in between 10 – 11 am.
If you can make it to Obidos before that, you can take some really amazing pictures of yourself against those pretty white walls!
Staying within the medieval walls of picturesque Obidos is a good idea.
It might be a good idea to stay within the walled city if you are looking for pristine photographs so that you are up and about before anyone else is.
Staying at Pousada Castelo de Obidos, a castle converted into a hotel, is a great option if you want to feel like a royal for a day.
You get to stay inside the 14th-century castle, which has been refurbished to accommodate modern comforts but still retains much of its medieval charm.
Who would not want to wake up to medieval architecture, gardens from the past, and a collection of medieval paintings?
- If you are looking for something cheaper, try Casa Picva, a charming guesthouse with a pretty garden. Located near the old city walls, Casa Picva has the cleanest rooms and friendliest hosts in the world.
Step into hidden but beautiful Obidos alleys for the best pictures.
Venture into the narrow alleys and cobbled back streets that lead away from Rua Direita.
You will be surprised to see how empty the side streets are even though Rua Direita may be packed.
Check out my Obidos pictures to see what I mean, even though the time was around 2:00 p.m., and Rua Direita was teeming with tourists.
Don’t expect dull pictures in Obidos, Portugal.
When in Obidos, I recommend that you look at both sides of the streets that you are walking on.
Each house and building is beautiful and equally photogenic.
There is an abundance of framed windows, doors overrun by creepers, cute souvenir stalls, and attractive shops stocked with adorable wares.
Each and every home and store in Obidos is a piece of art.
The churches are charming despite their plain facades.
Obidos has many churches. Some of the more notable ones are the Santa Maria Main Church, the Misericórdia Church, and the Church of São Pedro.
Peep into one of these seemingly plain churches and find attractive walls covered with azulejos (the famous Portuguese Blue Tile) and ceilings adorned with frescoes.
Climb up the fort walls for some gorgeous views.
Whether you are traveling in Portugal with kids or solo, it is always fun to climb up old fort walls and scale ancient castles.
Even if it is just for the views! I highly recommend climbing up the fort walls in Obidos and looking down at the city on one side and green sprawling fields on the other. Could not decide which view was better!
✦ Pro Tip: The climb is not advisable for people with a fear of heights. The rampart walkway is narrow and can make you dizzy.
Some more pictures of Obidos Portugal to fuel your wanderlust.
You can visit the Obidos City Museum, located within the walled city.
It has a decent collection of sacred art (both paintings and sculptures) and also houses the works of Josefa de Óbidos, a famous Baroque painter from the 17th century.
Obidos is also home to the famous ‘Ginjinha de Obidos’, a sour cherry liqueur served in a small chocolate cup. You can eat the cup later!
✦ Pro Tip: Excited to visit Obidos? Check out our Obidos trip planning guide.
Obidos is a town of festivals.
Many festivals are held in Obidos throughout the year, giving the city a lively atmosphere.
Some of the most popular ones are the Obidos Medieval Market, the International Chocolate Fair, the International Literary Festival, and Christmas.
During the Medieval Market, you can actually travel back in time to medieval Europe. You can see noblemen, beggars, minstrels, and medieval dancers roaming the streets.
You can dress up too, experience a medieval joust, and indulge in a medieval supper!
Wrapping up this Obidos photo guide.
Obidos is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Portugal. And an absolute must-have in your Portugal itinerary.
The best time to visit Obidos is from May to October when the temperature is warm, and there is no precipitation. However, afternoons can get really hot during summer. Shoulder months are ideal.
That brings me to the end of this photoblog.
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