A couple of weeks ago myself and my family went to Portugal for the very first time. Verdict = Amazing. Can I just say that this Country far exceeded my expectations!! You guys have to go!
Today´s post is about one of the villages we visited there called OBIDOS. On a hilltop on the west coast of Portugal lies this quaint little village enclosed by a wall. Obidos is pretty historical and is very rich in culture because of all the influences of the Romans, the Moors, and the Arabs.
This village is known to the locals as Vila das Rainhas, or the Town of the Queens. Its history of being gifted and passed down from royalty to royalty is very fitting because the townsfolk say that the land’s beauty is only deserving of queens.
Seeing the simple life in Obidos was very refreshing, and the scenery was definitely something worth remembering. Another thing I will never forget is our walk on the fortress walls. A tad scary. Too bad I couldn’t go far because of my fear of heights, but what a perspective!
We experienced first-hand how it must have felt like to live way back in time during the Medieval ages. Obidos has very well preserved and stunning medieval architecture that is very rare and beautiful! Walking along the cobbled streets where queens probably walked before us was enchanting to say the least, especially for my teenaged daughter. She absolutely loved it!
We had so much fun sightseeing and visiting all the unique small shops in the village. We even came across this wonderful little bakery that turned out to be one of the highlights of our visit. As soon as we walked in, the whiff of Portuguese pastries just completely took over our senses, and we just had to have some! You guys know me by now 😉
We enjoyed warm coffee, while watching with mouths wide open, as two ladies were making typical Portuguese pastries right in front of us! If you were to go to Portugal for anything, you´ve got to try their pastries! Their baked custard tartlets are so so good!!
It was such a unique experience that could’ve only been topped off by the horse carriage ride we took around town. The perfect way to get around Obidos and see more. Hearing the horses’ hooves as they gently tapped on the cobblestones was very relaxing, it added to the nostalgia we felt…
I now know why people love this village so much. It’ll make you feel like you are in a different time in history altogether…
In my next travel post I´ll be sharing of some other places we visited whilst on holiday in Portugal because there is simply too much to share in only one post.
Hope you guys have an awesome week!!
Johlene
xoxo
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Sara Syrett says
Looks lovely! Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday!
Johlene Orton says
Thanks Sara 🙂
Kia / KTS says
I’m so in love. I mean wow. I never thought I wanted to visit Portugal until today. I think you’ve successfully changed up my bucket list for the better. The colors, the beauty, everything about it has made me fall in love through these photos. Thanks for posting these Johlene.
Johlene Orton says
Me too Kia, before going I really didn´t know what to expect but seriously Portugal is a must to visit and I´ll definitely be going back there!
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says
This is now on my bucket list! It looks amazing there!
Johlene Orton says
I hope you and hubby get to go!! 🙂 Xo
Dulce Santos says
Hello! I’ m portuguese and I’ m very happy with your comments about my country. Tourists always visit the main cities. But believe me. There are so many little villages in Portugal like Obidos.
You must come again and visit places like Alentejo and the north of the country. You must go to the coast too. There are magnificent beaches where you can be alone with the sun and the sea.
And the food … Oh my God! Have you tried seafood? I hope so. And the fish … People use to say we have the best fish in the world!
Once again, thank you for your comments and sorry for my english.
Johlene Orton says
Firstly your English is perfectly fine! Thanks for your comment 🙂
We visited many villages in the north and also traveled between Oporto and Lisbon. We really liked Braga, Sintra, Cascais, etc
We did try the seafood and really liked it (however I am used to good seafood coming from South Africa and living in Cape Town for 11 years..)
Portugal was truly an amazing experience for us and we can´t wait to go back!!!
the cape on the corner says
it looks lovely! we haven’t been to portugal but it-and the algarves!-are on my list. did you go there?
b
Johlene Orton says
Nope we didn´t go there because we were in the north and centre. We will definitely be going back there because we loved it 🙂
Rachel @the dessert chronicles says
This trip looks so amazing! Your photos are just stunning. Thanks for sharing!
Johlene Orton says
Thanks for the lovely compliment Rachel!! Xo
Coralia says
Me encante este post, Johlene.
Me alegra que les gustara este pueblo que es mi preferido de todos los que he podido visitar.
Johlene Orton says
Gracias! Sí Humberto me dijo que es tu preferido pueblo que has visitado 🙂 A mi me gusta mucho también!! Xo
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
You always take the best trips, Johlene!! Thank you so much for sharing them with us! I don’t get to travel nearly as often as I wish I could and so I love that I can live vicariously through you, dear! Obidos looks so quiant, charming and rustic! Definitely a place with A LOT of character and history!! The view from your walk on the fortress walls looks amazing! And who doesn’t love a horse and carriage ride?! SO fun!!! Thanks again for sharing your trip, dear! Can’t wait to see where you guys go next! Cheers, dear friend! xo
Johlene Orton says
Thanks Cheyanne! I wish I could take you on a trip with me we would have so much fun!! 🙂 🙂
David @ Spiced says
What an awesome town, Johlene! I’ve never been to Portugal, but it looks like you guys had a blast. I love history…particularly Roman and medieval times. So I’m thinking this town would be right up my alley! Laura and I just started talking about possibly doing an international trip this year. But that would involve leaving the baby with grandma…so not sure we are ready for that one yet! We’ll see… Thanks for the chance to escape to Portugal for a minute or two here! 🙂
Johlene Orton says
You´re welcome David!! Trust me, I wish I was back there! We had such a good time.. Portugal was much better than we thought it would be!
ps. I hope you and Laura get to go on a trip sometime soon.. when you guys are ready to say goodbye for little Robbie for a little while 😉
Amanda says
Wow! What a fun trip! It looks so beautiful there, and the architecture is amazing.
Johlene Orton says
It really is beautiful Amanda!! Portugal really surprised me (in a good way).. 🙂