Lisbon, Óbidos, and Nazaré Day Trip Review: Is it worth it?

Considering a day trip from Lisbon that packs in several destinations? You might be eyeing that “Lisbon, Óbidos, and Nazaré Day Trip with Ginjinha” tour. Is it any good, very? We went on that excursion and, basically, are going to share our experience, just so you can determine if it matches your travel dreams, too.

What to Anticipate From the Trip

First up, it’s almost a full day affair. The trip typically kicks off in the morning, and you won’t return until late afternoon, maybe early evening. Therefore, you’ll want to prepare for a good amount of travel time, is that fair? The destinations include Óbidos, Nazaré, and sometimes other little interesting spots along the route, rather. Usually, there’s a bit of a sweet cherry liquor tasting – called Ginjinha – involved, seemingly. The tour companies often provide transportation in a comfortable van or bus, maybe with a guide who offers insights about Portugal’s past and culture, very.

First Stop: The Charming Medieval Town of Óbidos

Óbidos is like stepping back in time. This teeny-tiny, very walled village is filled with medieval architecture, you know? Expect narrow cobblestone streets lined with flower-adorned houses and that picturesque castle looming above it all, actually. It feels almost as if you’ve walked onto a movie set, clearly. One thing you might appreciate? That famed Ginjinha is often served in chocolate cups, which, actually, adds a sweet twist to the experience, maybe.

That castle itself has a long and impressive history. Over time it went from Roman fort to Moorish stronghold to, you know, eventually becoming Portuguese. It’s seen centuries pass and played roles in conflicts and celebrations, definitely. While you are checking out Óbidos, try, if you can, just walking around the city walls for the views, clearly. Though the climb may be slightly tricky, as a matter of fact the effort is worth it because it offers a different perspective on that village and that encompassing landscape, you see?

Now, one of that things about Óbidos is, in a way, the fact that it can be quite crowded, especially during that peak tourist season. But if you slip away from that main street and then get lost in the side alleys, seemingly, you will discover that the hidden plazas and quiet corners possess their own appeal, seemingly. Also, Óbidos has a collection of bookshops that add to its charm. One interesting fact; Óbidos once was a wedding gift from a king to his queen, apparently. So in other words, romance is baked right into its stones.

Next Up: Nazaré, Home of Gigantic Waves

Nazaré provides a contrast to the small quaintness of Óbidos, is that right? This is a seaside town known, very, for its big waves – seriously big. World-renowned surfers travel here for a shot at riding those waves that get ridiculously big, often exceeding 80 feet in that winter. Even if you aren’t a surfer, witnessing that force of nature from that shore is spectacular, right?

That Praia do Norte area of Nazaré is especially popular because of those wave swells, almost. If the trip takes you up to that promontory called Sítio, definitely don’t miss it, certainly. From up there, like, you get sweeping views of that coastline and the opportunity to understand that scale of that ocean, naturally. Legend goes that a knight was saved from plunging over those cliffs because of divine intervention in Sítio, interestingly. You may want to find out more if this topic really tickles your fancy.

Apart from its surf scene, Nazaré actually retains a very traditional Portuguese feel. Look for that women wearing seven skirts, actually. This clothing practice comes from when those wives were waiting on that beach for their fishermen husbands to return; those layered skirts supposedly kept those wives warm, still. Fresh seafood is definitely something you must experience, seriously. Grilled fish and seafood rice dishes are pretty great, seriously.

That Ginjinha Experience: More Than Just a Drink

That tasting of Ginjinha liqueur, almost always part of this day trip, seemingly offers more than just a drink, you see? This cherry liqueur is a Portuguese thing, certainly. You sip it from a chocolate cup which is quite cool, naturally. The sweetness of the chocolate balances with that strong kick of that Ginjinha, really making for a satisfying flavor duo, too. In other words, don’t just take the drink; savor that experience and enjoy that flavors, too.

Ginjinha originated, basically, in Lisbon’s monasteries. The monks would mix alcohol with ginja cherries (sweet cherry variation) and spices, actually. Over time it spread to become a treasured beverage enjoyed by locals and, frankly, tourists alike, really. Ginjinha symbolizes that essence of Portuguese tradition and hospitality; that sweetness of it reflects the country’s welcoming spirit, usually.

Pros and Cons of the Lisbon, Óbidos, and Nazaré Day Trip

There are good sides and also limitations when booking this adventure, still. If you enjoy a mix of history, culture, and scenery, usually, then this tour probably fits well, arguably. Getting someone else to manage that driving plus logistics makes that experience more chill and relaxing, almost. However, if you want detailed tours or have quite a slow pace style of exploring, you will discover the scheduled format limiting, rather.

That advantages of booking a guided day trip include: the advantage of comfort, where, you can sit back and not stress when you’re travelling. You can take full advantage of local know-how provided from the local guides. Basically you could possibly view many sites and famous landmarks, typically on a short timescale. Nevertheless, there are disadvantages of tours: timing restraints, less freedom, plus possibly lacking of customized itinerary for ones own tastes. As a matter of fact, ask how much opportunity you get, since every visit is so quick, actually.

Making the Most of Your Day Trip

Assuming you plan on doing that particular tour, there’s a handful of ideas so you can get every drop out from the experience. Don comfy shoes that way you will be well prepared when navigating medieval cobblestones, and wear garments layered that is suitable for changing temperature during each and every time of the day. It is an actual must when bringing one’s camera; all places has awesome scenarios for some great photographic work to capture those wonderful times during travelling. As you travel each site, simply take that extra time soaking into regional history. Doing any small level of studies before hand enhances your engagement around where people journey as they travel each attraction!

Worth every cent

As it happens, this certain day trip could possibly make an efficient approach towards feeling some highlights from Portugal inside of limited durations of traveling timelines. Basically, the interesting medieval atmosphere located within Óbidos linked using striking beaches seen on Nazaré does offer varied experiences for travellers. Be aware in case group traveling fits better, plus make sure setting suitable needs related levels of expedition depth vs relaxed sight seeing opportunities.