Óbidos in central Portugal may not be on the radar for many Brits, but it’s a hidden gem that boasts stunning landscapes, historic sights, cheap beer and delicious food.
There’s a breathtaking hidden treasure nestled in central Portugal that blends scenic beauty with a genuine, relaxed vibe that’s increasingly rare in major tourist destinations during peak season.
This charming pocket of the country captivates visitors with its winding cobblestone lanes, lime-washed homes adorned with blue and yellow accents, and cascading bougainvillaea tumbling from terraces. Whilst these characteristics are common across southern Europe, they typically come accompanied by summer hordes and sky-high prices.
The beauty lies in how it retains its original character whilst offering a serene alternative to Portugal’s busier metropolises such as Lisbon or Coimbra, reports the Express.
TikTok creator Mari Andreu has likened Óbidos’ splendour to that of Santorini in Greece, positioning it as a more tranquil escape compared to the neighbouring party hub of Mykonos with its beach clubs and buzzing nightlife.
Óbidos boasts a magnificent setting dominated by an impeccably preserved medieval castle, now transformed into a pousada, or heritage hotel, offering sweeping views that are “postcard-perfect,” according to Dimitris Floros, CCO at Welcome Pickups.
Dimitris highlighted the allure of this delightful town as a stopover spot, explaining: “While compact, [the town] is packed with character, making it ideal for a half-day stop or overnight stay.”
For budget-conscious travellers, it’s probably a delightful discovery that a pint of beer costs just £2 here, particularly when compared to Lisbon’s £3 average.
Yet there’s far more to this town than simply delicious cuisine and affordable pints. It boasts an extensive heritage stretching back to the pre-Roman era, when Celtic settlers established themselves before it became a Roman outpost. The Moors later fortified it during the 8th century.
The Moors were driven out of Óbidos in 1148 by Portugal’s first monarch, Afonso I, and the town served a crucial defensive function for the newly established Portuguese realm.
In 1210, King Afonso II presented Óbidos to his spouse, Queen Urraca. This custom of bestowing the town upon Portugal’s queens persisted for generations, leading to its moniker “Town of the Queens.”
The settlement prospered under King Manuel I’s rule during the 16th century, evident in its magnificent architectural legacy, featuring Manueline doorways and the remarkable aqueduct constructed to provide the town with water.