By the GoÓbidos Team●20 October 2026
What to Do in Óbidos: Castle, Ginjinha, Bookshops and the Lagoon
From the castle and walls to ginjinha, bookshops and the lagoon: a guide to everything there is to see and do in the medieval village of Óbidos.
In this article
Tours in Óbidos Castle and walls Bookshops Ginjinha Churches Óbidos Lagoon Walks Discover the West Frequently asked questions
Everyone knows the medieval village of Óbidos was voted one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. But what is there to do in Óbidos?
Tours in Óbidos
Although it is a small village, Óbidos has a lot to offer: monuments, bookshops, ginjinha and sweets. Its history goes back before Christ, to the Celts, then the Romans and the barbarian invaders, and ends with the Moorish presence from the 8th to the 12th century.
After the reconquest, Óbidos became Portuguese in 1148, a year after the conquest of Lisbon. For a different experience of the village, book one of our tours in Óbidos, such as Óbidos: Medieval Tales & Secret Spots.
If you would rather explore on your own, make the most of your time with the tips below.
Castle and walls
The origins of the castle are said to go back to the Moors. After 1148 the village grew century after century, and the outer walls were restored in the 20th century.
After the restoration, the castle palace became a “pousada”, with rooms and a restaurant: the first of its kind in Portugal, now run by the Pestana group. Read more in Óbidos Castle.
The walls around the village are almost circular and great for a walk, but take care: the path is narrow and the drop is high. You can climb up in several places, such as the steps right by the Porta da Vila.
Bookshops
Óbidos was named a UNESCO City of Literature in 2015, and its network of bookshops keeps growing. The best known are the bookshop in the organic market on Rua Direita (read more) and the Santiago Bookshop, inside the Church of São Tiago at the top of Rua Direita.
There are others, such as Artes e Letras at Espaço Ó, on Rua da Porta da Vila, and Casa José Saramago, which serves as the municipal library.
Ginjinha
Ginjinha, the famous sour-cherry liqueur, is said to have been made by monks centuries ago, from a fruit the Romans brought from what is now Turkey and Greece.
No visit is complete without tasting it. Several brands are on sale in the village, many produced in the municipality. Since the Chocolate Festival, ginjinha is often served in a small cup of dark or white chocolate: the sweet-toothed can choose.
Churches
There are many churches to visit; these four stand out for the treasures inside. For more, see Óbidos Religious Heritage.
Church of Santa Maria
The main church of the village has three tile patterns: blue and white, the most traditional; yellow and blue with floral motifs of Hispano-Moorish influence; and geometric tiles on the side altars. Admire the paintings by Josefa de Óbidos of the Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine (17th century) and a Pietà attributed to the French sculptor Nicolau Chanterene.
Church of the Misericórdia
Founded by Queen Leonor, the church has 17th and 18th-century tiles of Hispano-Moorish influence that are worth the visit.
Church of São Pedro
The famous painter Josefa de Óbidos is buried in this church, although the exact location of her grave is unknown.
Church of São Tiago
No longer a church but a bookshop. The project was born with the Literary Village and is one of the most striking places to visit, with free entry.
Óbidos Lagoon
The Óbidos Lagoon is the largest lagoon system on the Portuguese coast, almost six kilometres long. It is perfect for leisure, alone or with company: walking, cycling, birdwatching or water sports.
There are well-marked trails and companies that rent equipment for paddleboarding, canoeing and more.
Walks
Óbidos is a farming municipality, famous for Rocha pears and western apples. Beyond the walls, castle and lagoon, you will find a different, more local community than the one in travel magazines.
In Usseira, Olho Marinho and other parishes, fresh air is king, and several marked trails can be walked safely. See our guide to walking trails in Óbidos.
Discover the West
The West region is still a great destination because tourism here does not feel as heavy as in Lisbon, Porto or the Algarve. Staying in Óbidos gives you a more local, immersive experience, often at better prices, and a base for day trips:
Guided tour
Óbidos: Medieval Tales & Secret Spots
A local guide tells the stories of the queens, kings and legends of Óbidos, inside the walls.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I need to visit Óbidos?
Half a day is enough to walk the walls and the historic centre. A full day lets you also visit the museums and churches.
What is ginjinha?
A sour-cherry liqueur, the traditional drink of Óbidos. It is often served in a small chocolate cup.
Can I see Óbidos with a guide?
Yes. On the Óbidos: Medieval Tales & Secret Spots tour, a local guide tells the stories of the queens, kings and legends of the village.
More about Óbidos
- Itineraries in Óbidos
- Óbidos Castle
- Óbidos Religious Heritage
- Walking trails in Óbidos
- Guided tours in Óbidos
- Explore Óbidos
This article was prepared by the GoÓbidos team, the local tourist guide to Óbidos. Please check dates, opening hours and prices with the organisers before your visit.