Have you noticed how most souvenirs these days feel… off?
Mass-produced plastic trinkets, often made far from the place they’re meant to represent, seem to dominate every destination.
Well – we once visited a town that felt refreshingly different:
Welcome to Óbidos, Portugal.
Where Is Óbidos?
Nestled in Portugal’s Estremadura region, just north of Lisbon, Óbidos is a picture-perfect medieval town. It’s close to dramatic ocean sites like the Peniche cape and the legendary surf town Nazaré – both worth visiting if you crave cliffs, waves, and wide Atlantic skies.
Why Óbidos Is Special
Óbidos is entirely enclosed by a massive medieval wall – and unlike most towns with preserved fortifications, here you can climb up and walk the entire ring around the town! That’s a rare and thrilling experience.
If you’re traveling with kids (especially those who love knights, castles, and medieval stories), this place will hit the mark.
A Better Kind of Souvenir
After walking the wall – or even just half of it – head into the town itself.
Almost every building along the cobbled main street hosts a:
- Souvenir shop
- Artisan boutique
- Local café or tavern
And yes – you should absolutely try ginja, the town’s signature sour cherry liqueur, traditionally served in edible chocolate cups.
What stood out the most?
The souvenirs felt real. Handmade. Artistic. Tied to place and tradition.
Not the usual plastic you’ll find in tourist traps. Whether it was pink-glasses optimism or just the town’s genuine charm, we were deeply impressed.
So if you’re tired of throwaway souvenirs and ready to fall in love with a town that values its heritage – Óbidos might just win your heart.
Make your unforgettable Portugal – or any other meaningful journey – with the help of Meet The Road.
