Obidos

The walled city of Obidos is located in the larger parish of Santa Maria, Sao Pedro and Sobral da Lagoa. The population of this parish is 3,800, with an additional 8,000 living in Obidos Municipality (in areas such as Amoreira and Lagoa de Obidos).

Obidos is well-known for its literary tradition, which took root when the city government promoted writing and bookselling, to the degree that they allowed one of its signature historic buildings, the Igreja de Sao Tiago, to be converted into a bookshop by the Ler Devagar bookstore chain. There are also bookshops in converted wine cellars and a primary school, among other locations. As a result, Obidos has been named an Edinburgh City of Literature and a UNESCO Creative City.

The main road in Obidos is the Rua Direita, running for a half-mile from Obidos Castle to the north to the Porta da Vila to the south. At its widest point, the walled city is about 1,000 feet wide. Sights such as the Santuario Senhor Jesus da Pedra and the Obidos Aqueduct are located outside the walls, but are about a half-mile away, making it very easy to fit them in to your itinerary.

Lagoa de Obidos and Praia D`El Rey

The Lagoa de Obidos, northwest of Obidos City, is 2.5 square miles in area and is adjacent to beach resorts such as Foz do Arelho, Bom Successo, and Praia D`El Rey. Two of the most noteworthy resorts in the Obidos area are located in the Lagoa de Obidos area: the Royal Obidos Spa and Golf Resort, located near the Lagoa; and the Praia D`El Rey Marriott Golf and Beach Resort, further down the coastline from the Lagoa in Praia D`El Rey. The Praia D`El Rey area is more secluded, yet still geared toward tourists, while the Lagoa is busier.