This beautiful and cheap city in Portugal is one of Europe’s best hidden gems for 2026
David Brown ; 2025-12-10 05:21:46
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ContentsPortugal without the crowdsIs Óbidos the most beautiful town in Portugal?Is Óbidos affordable?How much do hotels cost in Obidos?From a secondary European summer destination, overshadowed by a much larger Spain, to a tourist hotspot loved by Americans all year round.Portugal has never been so trendythan it is at the moment.
The westernmost country in mainland Europe now attracts millions of visitors with the promise of wine breaks on picturesque patios, long walks accompanied by fado singers, stunning architectural monuments and a beautiful coastline dotted with pristine sandy beaches.
As beautiful as Portugal may be, the country would suffer the same tragic fate as its European counterparts: prices soar out of control and it becomes crowded in the big cities, especially Lisbon and Porto, where the typically friendly Portuguese are starting to get a little tired of the visitors.
Fortunately, that is always thereAnan unspoilt town that has not yet been ravaged by mass tourism, and where you can still get value for money. In the case of Portugal this is theunheard of Óbidos:
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Portugal without the crowds
A charming town in the historic province of Estremadura, an overlooked part of Portugal known for its centuries-old settlements and ancient heritage, Óbidos is nothing short of a postcard town for medieval Europe:
It hasone of the best preserved cityscapeson the continent, with old stone, whitewashed houses overlooking cobbled alleys, baroque church towers rising above red-tiled roofs, and imposing fortifications guarding the entrance to this compact maze.
With only 11,617 inhabitants and a much more relaxed atmosphere, it is in a completely different microcosm than that of the now overly commercialized Lisbon.
We’re not talking about tasteless, rubberypastéis de natathat costs $3.50 and up, and you won’t be bumped into by selfie-obsessed Chinese tour groups while you’re just trying to admire the beauty of a grand European square.
Is Óbidos the most beautiful town in Portugal?
Óbidos is in fact a Latinized name derived from the much older nameEburobricioand according to tradition it was originally a Celtic settlement before being overrun by the Roman Empire.
The Romans developed a thriving community at the foot of an advantageous escarpment, and over the centuries that followed, as empires rose to prominence and faded into obscurity, Óbidos would become afortified citadelof crucial importance to the rulers of the time.
Themust-See attraction here is the castle and walls of Óbidos, which are among the most impressive in Portugal. Built by the Moors, invaders from North Africa, it was fortified by the Christians in the late Middle Ages with limestone and marble.
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They added limestone and marble structures, including a now iconic keep, built in the 14th century under King Ferdinand I.
Today you can walk along parts of the wall that offer itr beautiful view over the cityon the one hand, and of the lush countryside outside the fortifications, and the castle itself even houses a Portuguese guesthouse, orpousada.
Overnight rates at the Pousada Castelo de Óbidos Start from around $112 for 2 adults.
Is Óbidos affordable?
Speaking of prices, the city isincredibly budget-friendlystill for a country undergoing gentrification at such an unprecedented rate.
In places like Lisbon and the Algarve, digital nomads and expats are to blame rising costs of livingBut in the staunch Portuguese enclave of Óbidos, local prices continue to reflect the modest wages of the population.
Acheap, casual restaurant mealcosts around €13 (US$15), and there are plenty of cheap eateries to choose from.
One of our favorites, Tasca10 serves Portuguesepetiscos(their version of tapas), likechouriço assado(grilled sausages), andpica-pau de vazia(beef strips with pickles and bread).
For a more satisfying meal, we recommend checking out the mid-range Alcaidepopular for its grilled octopus (after all, you’re never far from the Atlantic Ocean in Portugal) and regional desserts.
As for dessert, let’s just say you haven’t really been to Óbidos until you try theirginjaa sour cherry liqueur served in an edible chocolate cup. Some restaurants may have them, but the best way to find them is at the well-known restaurants Bar Ibn Errik Rex.
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Óbidos is not a place you want to just tick off your Portugal itinerary. It’s meant to be enjoyed slowly, with timeless streets and graceful churches requiring lingering looks of admiration, not quick glances and haste.
The good news is that it won’t hurt your wallet to stay here for a night or two:
One night Casa do Relogioa guesthouse in the heart of the city, will cost you just $89 (if 2 adults), orabout $44.50 each.
The comparable models are even more economical Casa de S. Thiago de Obidosclose to the train station, will cost you $67 per night as a couple of travelers ($33.50 each).
Even getting to Óbidos is cheap and relatively hassle-free: there are three direct trains from Lisbon, with one-way tickets costing around $11.53.
So next time you’re in Europe, and if you’re lucky enough to be in sun-drenched Portugal, you have no excuse but to make some time for Óbidos.
Vinicius Costa
Vini, our senior head writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60 countries to his name (and is currently weaving stories from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.
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