From Nazare: Road by the Coast to Obidos

Traveling from Nazaré, the journey to Óbidos unfolds along a stunning coastal road. Breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and dramatic cliffs set the tone for this scenic drive. Along the way, visitors can explore charming towns like São Martinho do Porto and Foz do Arelho before arriving at the historic medieval town of Óbidos. What awaits in this picturesque destination?

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Key Points

The scenic coastal drive from Nazaré showcases the region’s dramatic cliffs and powerful waves along the rugged shoreline.
Visitors make a 25-minute sightseeing stop in the charming seaside town of São Martinho do Porto to explore the crescent-shaped bay.
A brief 15-minute stop at Foz do Arelho offers a glimpse of the serene Óbidos Lagoon before continuing to the medieval walled town.
The guided walking tour in Óbidos highlights the town’s rich history, including the medieval walls, castle, and whitewashed houses.
The full-day excursion from Nazaré to Óbidos, covering the scenic coastal route, takes approximately 4.5 hours.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Nazare: The Starting Point

The tour begins in Nazaré, a charming coastal town known for its dramatic cliffs and powerful waves.

Nazaré, a charming coastal town known for its dramatic cliffs and powerful waves, serves as the perfect starting point for this adventure.

It’s the perfect starting point for this adventure along the scenic Portuguese coast. Visitors will be picked up right in Nazaré, ready to embark on a journey that showcases the region’s natural beauty and historic charm.

From here, the group will travel by road, hugging the coastline and making several stops before reaching the medieval town of Óbidos, the main destination of the day.

With a maximum of 4 participants, this small-group experience promises an intimate and memorable exploration of this stunning part of Portugal.

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The Scenic Route to São Martinho Do Porto

As the group departs Nazaré, they’ll embark on a scenic coastal drive that hugs the rugged shoreline.

The winding road offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the craggy cliffs that line the coast. Along the way, they’ll stop at São Martinho do Porto, a charming seaside town known for its crescent-shaped bay.

After 25 minutes of sightseeing, they’ll continue their journey, taking in the picturesque landscapes and stopping briefly at Foz do Arelho before reaching their main destination, the historic town of Óbidos.

Exploring the Coastal Town of São Martinho Do Porto

After a scenic drive along the rugged coastline, the group arrives in the charming seaside town of São Martinho do Porto.

The guides provide a brief 25-minute sightseeing stop, allowing travelers to admire the crescent-shaped bay and picturesque harbor. Participants have time to stroll along the promenade, take in the maritime atmosphere, and perhaps grab a quick snack or beverage.

The town’s quaint architecture and relaxed ambiance offer a pleasant respite before continuing the journey to the historic walled town of Obidos, the main destination for the day.

Foz Do Arelho: a Glimpse of the Lagoon

Continuing along the coastal road, the group soon arrives at the picturesque town of Foz do Arelho.

This charming spot offers a glimpse of the Obidos Lagoon, a stunning natural wonder. Visitors spend 15 minutes exploring the area, taking in the serene views of the lagoon’s calm waters and the surrounding countryside.

A serene glimpse of the Obidos Lagoon, a stunning natural wonder, as visitors explore the tranquil waters and surrounding countryside.

The group then moves on, eager to reach the main destination of Obidos, a medieval town known for its well-preserved historical center.

With the breathtaking coastal scenery and the upcoming guided tour, the journey promises to be both visually captivating and culturally enriching.

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Arrival in Obidos: The Medieval Walled Town

Soon, the group arrives at the medieval town of Obidos, famous for its remarkably well-preserved historical center.

The guide leads them on a 30-minute walking tour, sharing insights into the town’s rich history and architectural marvels. Visitors admire the medieval walls, castle, and whitewashed houses that line the narrow, winding streets.

After the guided tour, they’ve an hour of free time to explore the charming town at their own pace, browse local shops, and sample traditional Portuguese delicacies.

Leaving Obidos, the group returns to Nazare, having experienced the captivating blend of history and coastal beauty.

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The Guided Tour of Obidos

The guided walking tour of Obidos begins as the group enters the historic town center through the imposing Porta da Vila, the main gate in the medieval walls.

The tour guide shares fascinating insights about this remarkably preserved 12th-century village:

Explore the charming narrow streets lined with colorful houses, flower-filled balconies, and local handicraft shops.
Visit the iconic Igreja de Santa Maria, a Romanesque church with a Gothic portal.
Climb the ramparts for panoramic views over the town and surrounding countryside.
Discover the Gothic-style Pousada de Obidos, a former castle converted into a luxury hotel.

The tour culminates with free time for visitors to wander and soak up the enchanting atmosphere.

Free Time to Wander the Charming Streets

After the guided tour, visitors are free to wander the charming streets of Obidos at their own pace.

The medieval town’s cobblestone lanes are lined with whitewashed houses, boutiques, and cafes. Visitors can explore the town’s medieval walls, browse local handicrafts, and sample regional cuisine.

With an hour of free time, there’s plenty to discover in this picturesque Portuguese town. Whether strolling through the town center or stopping for a pastry, travelers can enjoy the town’s timeless atmosphere.

The free time allows for a relaxed exploration of Obidos’ charms.

Returning to Nazare

With their free time in Obidos now over, the group prepares to head back to Nazare.

The journey includes:

Departing Obidos and returning to the coach.
Scenic drive along the coast, taking in the sights.
Arrival back in Nazare, approximately 4.5 hours after the initial pickup.
Drop-off at the original pickup location, concluding the day’s activities.

The return trip offers another chance to appreciate the beautiful landscapes of the region.

Soon, the group will be back in Nazare, their coastal adventure coming to an end.

Since You Asked

Do We Have the Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

No, the tour duration is fixed at 4.5 hours. The details provided don’t mention any option to extend the duration. The tour has a set itinerary and schedule that cannot be modified.

Is There a Family Discount Available for This Activity?

Unfortunately, there’s no family discount mentioned for this activity. The standard pricing is €85 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. You can’t extend the tour duration either.

Can We Customize the Itinerary Based on Our Preferences?

The activity does not offer customizable itineraries. However, guests can adjust the time spent at each stop based on their preferences during the tour. Any changes to the main stops would need to be arranged separately with the tour provider.

Are There Any Special Requirements for the Small Group Tour?

The small group tour doesn’t have any special requirements, but participants must be able to walk and navigate easily. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users. Customers can check availability for preferred starting times.

What Are the COVID-19 Safety Measures Implemented During the Tour?

The tour follows COVID-19 safety protocols, including limited group sizes, mandatory face masks, and sanitization of vehicles and surfaces. Customers’ health and safety are prioritized throughout the experience.

The Sum Up

The journey from Nazaré to Óbidos is a scenic coastal drive filled with stunning natural beauty and historic charms. Travelers can explore the crescent-shaped bay of São Martinho do Porto, the serene lagoon of Foz do Arelho, and finally, the medieval walled town of Óbidos, with its guided tour and ample time to wander the charming streets before returning to Nazaré.

You can check availability for your dates here: