Óbidos in Two Hours: A Medieval Fairytale Walk with Cherry Liqueur Cheers
Óbidos was a quick but unforgettable stop on our journey north to Porto, nestled perfectly between Lisbon and the coast. This medieval gem, with its whitewashed walls and charming cobbled streets, feels like stepping straight into a fairytale. It's also where ginjinha - Portugal's famous cherry liqueur - was born. After wandering Óbidos and sipping the original cherry liqueur, we were headed next to Nazaré before reaching Porto. But in that short time, Óbidos gave us more than we expected.
🚪 Porta da Vila (00:00–00:10)
We started our walk at Porta da Vila, the main gateway into the old town. Built in the 18th century, this gate is famous for its Baroque balcony decorated with beautiful azulejos (blue-and-white tiles) that depict the Passion of Christ. It was more than just an entrance – it symbolised both the town’s religious roots and its strategic importance. Back in the day, this was also where announcements were made and travellers were welcomed… or turned away.
The moment we walked under those tiles, I felt like I was stepping into another time.
🛍 Rua Direita (00:10–00:30)
From Porta da Vila, we wandered down Rua Direita, the heart of Óbidos since medieval times. This was the town’s main commercial street and has remained more or less the same layout since the 13th century. Nobles, merchants, and pilgrims all passed through here on their way to the castle or church.
It’s lined with whitewashed houses trimmed in yellow and blue, flowering window boxes, and tiny shops selling everything from cork handbags to cherry liqueur. Honestly, you could walk it in five minutes… or spend half an hour stopping at every doorway.
⛪ Igreja de Santa Maria (00:30–00:50)
Next up was Igreja de Santa Maria, Óbidos’ main church, sitting quietly in the main square. But don’t let the calm fool you — this place has seen some stuff.
Originally a Visigothic temple, then a mosque during the Moorish period, it became a Christian church after the 12th-century reconquest. Most of what you see today is Renaissance, rebuilt after a major earthquake in 1535. The interior is lined with blue-and-white azulejos and has a beautiful painted wooden ceiling.
Fun fact? It was here, in 1441, that the future King Afonso V married his cousin Isabel when they were just 9 and 10 years old. Yep — royal kid wedding. Medieval Portugal didn’t mess around.
🏰 Castelo de Óbidos (00:50–01:10)
Next up was Castelo de Óbidos. It was built in the 12th century after the Christian reconquest and later became a royal palace. You can’t really go inside unless you’re staying at the pousada (yes, you can sleep in the castle!), but the real experience is walking the outer walls.
🌄 Muralhas do Castelo & Miradouro (01:10–01:50)
We took our time along the castle walls, soaking up the views from the miradouro. From up there, you get sweeping scenes of the red rooftops, the town’s winding streets, and—if the weather’s good—the ocean in the distance. The walls can be narrow in parts with no railing, so if heights make you nervous, maybe just snap a selfie and head back down. But honestly, the view was worth every cautious step.
🔄 Return to Porta da Vila (01:50–02:00)
On our way back to Porta da Vila, we followed a different little street that curved past rows of whitewashed houses. Most of these homes are centuries old, passed down through generations — some with family crests above the doorways, others with flower pots and hand-painted tiles telling quieter stories.
Óbidos was once surrounded entirely by nobility, clergy, and skilled tradespeople. The closer to the castle you lived, the higher your social standing — so walking past these homes felt like brushing up against living history.
Despite the town's popularity, that part of the walk was strangely peaceful. No shops, no crowds — just shutters creaking in the breeze, cats napping on windowsills, and that warm late-afternoon light bouncing off the cobbles. It felt like Óbidos was slowly exhaling as we made our way back to where we started.
📸 Best Selfie Spots in Óbidos
Porta da Vila: With the iconic blue tiles behind you, it’s the perfect opening shot.
Rua Direita: Great for action shots—snapping a photo while sipping ginjinha or browsing shops.
Igreja de Santa Maria Square: Quiet and charming, especially with the church façade as your backdrop.
Castle Walls (Miradouro): Probably the best view in town. Come for the selfie, stay for the panorama.
Hidden Alleyways: Look out for doors framed by flowers and vines—Óbidos hides beauty in the smallest corners.
💡 Pro Tips
Wear comfy shoes. The cobbles are no joke.
Go early or late. Óbidos gets packed with day-trippers from Lisbon or Porto.
Don’t skip the ginjinha. Especially in a chocolate cup—it’s a sweet kick you won’t regret.
Use the town walls strategically. They loop around the town, so you can use them to orient yourself.
🕰 More to See If You Have a Full Day
If you’re lucky enough to stay longer:
Libraria de Santiago: A gorgeous bookstore inside a former church.
Aqueduto de Óbidos: A 16th-century aqueduct built by Queen Catherine.
Municipal Museum: For a dose of local art and artifacts.
• Try a local pastry. Ask a bakery for the town's own twist on pastéis or almond cakes.
💭 Final Thoughts
Óbidos may have just been a quick stop on our way to Nazaré and Porto, but it completely charmed me. For such a small town, it packs a punch — medieval walls, cobbled lanes lined with flowers, Ginja served in chocolate cups, and postcard-worthy views from the castle walls.
That said, be warned — it’s always busy. Even during our short visit, it was packed with tour groups and day-trippers. But honestly? It didn’t take away from the magic. Just go with the flow, keep your camera ready, and give yourself time to wander (and sip).
If you’re passing through central Portugal, definitely make the stop. A couple of hours is all you need to fall for this place.
