Vau
A land of fishermen and farmers between the woods and the Óbidos Lagoon, where kings and queens owned estates.
Photo: GoÓbidos
About Vau
Important visitors came to Vau, a parish of Óbidos, from the time of Queen Beatriz, wife of King Afonso III, who is said to have bought an estate with vineyards here. King Afonso IV also acquired land in the area.
The woods and the lagoon were vital to the crown, hence the strong presence of the nobility. The villages were home to fishermen and farmers. Vau became a parish in the 13th century and today has about 1,000 inhabitants.
What to see
Óbidos Lagoon
The largest coastal lagoon in Portugal, almost six kilometres long. A paradise for water sports, birdwatching, walks and picnics.
Bom Sucesso beach
On the southern shore of the lagoon, with a long stretch of sand and easy access.
Church of Our Lady of Piety
It began as a small chapel dedicated to Saint Anthony, when the parish was called São João de Mocharro. Damaged by the 1755 earthquake, it was rebuilt with help from the villagers and Prince Pedro.
Sítio da Cabana
An inscription here records that King João IV, “the Restorer”, dined in this hut on 14 September 1645. Kings João V (1714), José (1761), Queen Maria (1782) and King Pedro V (1860) also passed through.
Poças Route (PR5)
A 9 km circular trail of about 3h through the meadows, along the Real river and the Poça do Vau, considered one of the best places in Europe for birdwatching.
Useful information
Getting there
Óbidos is about 45 minutes from Lisbon on the A8 motorway. A car is the easiest way to explore the villages of the municipality.
Parking
Parking is usually easy in the villages. In Óbidos itself, use the car parks outside the walls and walk in.
Where to eat
There are traditional restaurants across the parishes and many more in the village of Óbidos, a few minutes away.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to see in Vau?
The Óbidos Lagoon, Bom Sucesso beach, the Church of Our Lady of Piety, the Sítio da Cabana and the Poças Route (PR5).
What is the Sítio da Cabana?
A spot with an inscription recalling King João IV’s dinner here on 14 September 1645. Other monarchs visited in the following centuries.
Where can I go birdwatching in Vau?
At the Poça do Vau and on the Óbidos Lagoon. The Poças Route (PR5) is one of the walking trails in Óbidos.
