Obidos is probably the most renowned town along the Silver Coast as it is steeped in history. Property in the town is hard to come by and rarely comes onto the market. However, for those seeking property in this area there are plenty of new developments planned or underway which are within a few minutes of the town including: Bom Sucesso, Praia d’el Rey and Royal Obidos.
The town is car-free and not especially suited for the disabled or pushchairs as the narrow cobbled streets climb less than gently up the hillside towards the castle, recently voted one of Portugal’s 7 wonders. In past centuries Obidos belonged to the queens of Portugal and there are plenty of references around the town to the “Rainhas”.
Tourists flock to Obidos and it is well worth a visit – walk around the town’s walls, visit the castle (there is even a small hotel within the castle if you like) and don’t forget to pick up a bottle of the local Ginjinha (a cherry brandy). Most months of the year Obidos hosts some or other event or festival to celebrate the history of the town or the local specialities produced there. In February, for example, the town is crammed with visitors to the chocolate festival which starts, rather unsurprisingly, on February 14th!
The town square, in front of the church of St Mary, frequently stages shows and you can see the balcony where the Queens would have sat to watch such spectacles in the past.
If you fancy spending a few days in the town – a romantic setting for sure – there are plenty of guest houses to accommodate you including the one in the castle itself. However, especially recommended is the Casa das Senhoras Rainhas, a quaint family hotel where each of the rooms is named after one of the queens of Portugal. It is small, only 10 rooms, and friendly with one of the best restaurants in the town.
