Óbidos & Nazaré Tour from Lisbon: My Personal Review

Looking to skip out of Lisbon for a day and experience some legit Portuguese charm? A private tour to Óbidos and Nazaré might be just the ticket. I went on one myself not that long ago, and let me tell you, it was quite the change of scenery! This review is really all about sharing my take on the whole shebang – from the super cute streets of Óbidos to the wild, ocean vibes of Nazaré. I’ll spill the tea on the tour specifics, some neat things I saw, and you know, maybe even help you figure out if it’s a good fit for your own Portugal plans.

Why I Chose a Private Tour, actually

So, you might be wondering why I even went with a private tour in the first place. Well, it’s like this: I like exploring at my own speed. Tour buses, while being OK, often rush you around, and there’s little time to, like, truly soak things in. I felt the freedom that comes with a private tour, yet it was quite appealing, mostly because I got to customize my day a bit. I felt it was the way to go in order to experience both Óbidos and Nazaré to the fullest – you know, without that whole being-herded-like-cattle vibe.

Another pretty cool thing about going private is that you can totally pick your guide’s brain! My guide knew so much about Portugal’s story and some interesting details that made all the sights really come alive. It really makes it better than just, you know, wandering around with a guidebook.

First Stop: Fairytale Óbidos, alright?

Óbidos, like, whoa! It’s literally like stepping into a storybook! This small fortified town, very close to Lisbon, is just oozing with medieval charm. We’re talking cobblestone streets, seriously old castle walls, and homes covered in bougainvillea flowers; pretty great, really. It totally feels like something out of a movie. You might find yourself thinking, as I did, that you’re in some kind of historical movie set.

Walking around Óbidos felt somewhat like wandering through a maze in a very fun way. Every corner I turned seemed to present something new and interesting to see. I am referring to artisan shops that displayed handmade goods to cute cafes just begging you to take a break. A must-try is the local cherry liquor, Ginjinha, served in a chocolate cup – it’s a bit touristy, yet surprisingly tasty!

I actually spent a fair amount of my time just strolling the castle walls and admiring the amazing countryside. It’s quite the picture-perfect spot, especially for snapping some shots.

Next Up: Nazaré and its Giant Waves, actually

After Óbidos, we took off for Nazaré, which is completely different. We swapped small-town charm for big-time ocean views. Nazaré is known, like, worldwide for its gigantic waves, especially during the colder months. When I visited, it wasn’t the wave season, yet you could still tell the ocean had quite the personality.

The town itself is very traditional. I spent a little time watching the local fishermen and their families going about their day, something I enjoyed a lot. The beach is really beautiful and pretty wide. Many people were just chilling out or enjoying seafood at the restaurants that line the shore.

One of the high points was definitely taking the funicular up to Sítio, which is very high above the town. The views from up there are some of the most amazing, providing a crazy-good perspective of the whole coastline. It’s the spot where many brave surfers ride those world-famous massive waves. If you’re into, you know, some killer viewpoints, this is something you might like!

What Was Included, basically?

So, here is something about the specifics of my tour. My package, quite standard, you see, included pickup and drop-off at my Lisbon hotel, transportation in a comfy vehicle (very essential for a day trip), and a personal guide. Entrance fees to places or even food were not included, which is totally OK, but, you know, keep that in mind for budgeting.

Many tours provide similar options; make certain to check the details when you are in the process of booking. Sometimes you might find packages that include lunch or added attractions.

Pros and Cons from my view

To give you the full picture, here’s a, like, quick rundown of the pros and cons I found:

• Pros:
• Personalized Experience: The freedom to do your thing is very great.
• Knowledgeable Guide: Really upped the learning factor.
• Convenience: Door-to-door service is such a time-saver, I found.
• Cons:
• Price: Private tours tend to be pricier than, let’s say, group tours.
• Flexibility Consideration: Sometimes too much choice can be hard, particularly if you aren’t sure what to see.

Would I Do It Again, frankly?

OK, would I recommend this tour? Well, I would say absolutely, particularly if you value comfort, flexibility, and a personal experience. Yes, it’s more of an investment, yet for me, the benefits completely outweighed the cost. Getting to experience Óbidos and Nazaré this way, was pretty awesome and I definitely took back some awesome memories. If I ever am near Lisbon again, it would be on my to do list for friends and family to see, also.

Tips to Consider

• Wear comfy shoes: You’ll be walking on a good many cobblestones.
• Bring some cash: While many places take cards, smaller shops and some cafés might prefer cash payments.
• Check the weather: Nazaré can be pretty windy, really.
• Book ahead: Getting a guide that you may like and other specifics is something you should arrange, as I did, to accommodate and match schedules.

My overall trip was nothing short of enjoyable! I can fully and whole heartedly suggest a Lisbon to Obidos and Nazare private tour.

#Obidos #Nazare #Lisbon #Portugal #TravelReview #DayTrip