Our June 2018 Portuguese road trip saw us leave the Douro Valley and cut down towards the centre of Portugal. We stopped in the city Coimbra for lunch, a “ big screen”, view of World Cup Soccer and to visit the University, before moving on to our next stop, the medieval walled town of Obidos.
Coimbra
From our earlier research on Portugal, we had determined to stay in and explore Obidos, which with time limitations meant that we had to drive from the Douro Valley to Obidos in one day. But we had already seen pictures of Coimbra and had agonised if we should stay there too. In the end, we just had a few hours there and the University seemed the place to check out, and what a gem!!
The site of the current University had originally been a Royal Palace but in the 16th century it was converted into the University. Our short time to visit was well worth it and included us being very professionally approached by three law students requesting a contribution towards their studies in exchange for some postcards. And we obliged, learning a little bit along the way about life as a student in Portugal.
Obidos
For so many reasons, Obidos was an amazing find. In fact it was through Booking.com that we found our hotel, the Literary Man, and only on arrival did we really appreciate the medieval quality that is Obidos. So first our hotel, The Literary Man, and it’s not all about the books!! :-
Obidos is a walled medieval town. It’s been used as a movie set and is clearly a “ tourist magnet”, as we found out on Sunday when the coaches arrived. But in spite of that and because of our amazing quirky hotel, we just loved Obidos.
Obidos – Church of Santa Maria
Inside Obidos is a lovely leafy square, open air restaurant and the Church of Santa Maria. The exterior of the Church is quite plain, but that belies the interior which is beautiful.
We had a wonderful stay in Obidos, certainly the Literary Man Hotel was a fantastic bonus, but the walled town is very special , we will certainly return.
Travels with My Wife 