~ Óbidos

While picture perfect is often used to describe walled villages, very few live up their reputation. Óbidos is the exception. It is truly everything you want a walled city to be in a manageable, friendly, and culturally rich package. As the favored wedding gift for Portuguese Kings to their Queens, the layered history of the village of Óbidos is literally visible around every corner. Even before entering the walls you will see the castle holding court on the hill as you pass timeless vineyards and even one of the most intact aqueducts in all of Portugal. Any time you can fit this day trip into your holiday is the perfect time to visit. Day or night, early or late, rain or shine, this storied village does not disappoint. While it does get busy during peak season, it is worth a look and can easily be combined with a swim in the Óbidos Lagoon near Foz do Arelho during the warmer months.