From a secondary European summer season vacation spot, overshadowed by a a lot bigger Spain, to a year-round tourism hotspot cherished by Americans, Portugal has by no means been trendier than it’s in the intervening time.
The westernmost nation in mainland Europe now attracts in tens of millions of tourists with the promise of wine breaks in picturesque patios, lengthy walks serenaded by fado singers, gorgeous architectural landmarks, and a phenomenal shoreline dotted with unruffled sandy beaches.
Beautiful as Portugal could also be, it was sure to fulfill the identical tragic destiny as its European counterparts: costs are rising uncontrolled, and crowding in main cities, significantly Lisbon and Porto, the place the usually pleasant Portuguese have began to develop just a little weary of tourists.
Luckily, there’s all the time that one unspoiled city that’s yet to be ravaged by mass tourism, and the place you may nonetheless get some bang in your buck. In Portugal’s case, that is the unheard-of Óbidos:
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Portugal Without The Crowds
An enthralling small city within the historic province of Estremadura, an missed a part of Portugal identified for its centuries-old settlements and historic heritage, Óbidos is nothing in need of a postcard city for Medieval Europe:
It has one of many best-preserved townscapes on the continent, with aged-stone, whitewashed homes overlooking cobble-paved alleyways, Baroque church towers rising above red-tiled roofs, and imposing fortifications guarding the doorway to this compact maze.
With a inhabitants of solely 11,617 and a much more laid-back environment, it exists in a special microcosm altogether than that of a now overly-commercialized Lisbon.
We’re speaking no tasteless, rubber-like pastéis de nata that price $3.50 and above, and no getting ran into by selfie-obsessed Chinese tour teams whilst you’re merely making an attempt to admire the fantastic thing about a grand European plaza.
Is Óbidos The Prettiest Small Town In Portugal?
Óbidos is in truth a Latinized identify derived from the far older Eburobricio, and as custom holds it, it was initially a Celtic settlement earlier than being engulfed by the Roman Empire.
The Romans developed a thriving neighborhood close to the foothills of an advantageous escarpment, and over the centuries that adopted, as empires rose into prominence, and fell into oblivion, Óbidos would proceed a fortified citadel of key significance to rulers of the time.
The should-see attraction right here is the fort and partitions of Óbidos, which stand amongst Portugal’s most spectacular. Built by the Moors, invaders from North Africa, it was strengthened in limestone and marble by the Christians within the late Middle Ages.
They added limestone and marble buildings, together with a now-iconic hold, commissioned within the 14th century underneath King Ferdinand I.
Today, you may stroll alongside components of the wall that offer stunning views of the city on one facet, and of the plush countryside exterior the fortifications, and the fort itself even homes a Portuguese guesthouse, or pousada.
Overnight charges on the Pousada Castelo de Óbidos begin from about $112 for two adults.
Is Óbidos Affordable?
Speaking of costs, the city is extremely budget-friendly nonetheless for a rustic that is present process gentrification at such an unparalleled charge.
In locations like Lisbon and the Algarve, digital nomads and expats are accountable for rising living costs, however within the staunch Portuguese enclave of Óbidos, native costs proceed to replicate the modest wages of the populace.
A low cost, informal restaurant meal will set you again round €13 (US$15), and there are many cheap eateries to select from.
One of our favorites, Tasca10 serves Portuguese petiscos (their model of tapas), like chouriço assado (grilled sausages), and pica-pau de vazia (beef strips with pickles and bread).
For a extra fulfilling meal, we might suggest you take a look at the mid-range Alcaide, fashionable for its grilled octopus—you are by no means too removed from the Atlantic Ocean in Portugal, in any case—and regional desserts.
In the subject of dessert, let’s simply say you have not actually been to Óbidos till you have downed their ginja, a sour-cherry liqueur served in an edible chocolate cup. Some eating places might need them, however your finest guess at discovering these can be on the well-reputed Bar Ibn Errik Rex.
How Much Do Hotels Cost In Óbidos?
Óbidos isn’t someplace you need to simply ‘tick off’ of your Portugal itinerary. It’s meant to be savored slowly, with timeless streets and ornate church buildings that demand lingering appears of admiration, not fast glances and haste.
The excellent news is, it will not harm your pockets to remain right here for an evening or two:
An evening at Casa do Relogio, a guesthouse within the coronary heart of city, will run you up solely $89 (as 2 adults), or roughly $44.50 every.
Even extra economical, the similarly-rated Casa de S. Thiago de Obidos, near the practice station, will set you again by $67-a-night as a few vacationers ($33.50 every).
Even attending to Óbidos is affordable and comparatively hassle-free: there are 3 direct trains departing from Lisbon, with one-way tickets costing roughly $11.53.
So subsequent time you are in Europe, and when you’re fortunate sufficient to be in sun-soaked Portugal, you haven’t any excuse however to carve out just a little time for Óbidos.
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