Castelo Óbidos Pousada

Located in one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal, this place became the first historical pousada to open (1951).

The pousada is situated within Óbidos castle, which dates back to the 8th century, when it was built by different Muslim peoples. In 1148, the castle was taken by King Afonso Henriques through the Porta da Traição (Traitors’ Gate) – nowadays a balcony next to the pousada’s offices – and retaken by King Sancho I in 1195. 

This brief history lesson would not be complete without knowing that the castle, like the village, was repeatedly given to queens as a gift, first to Dona Urraca, in 1210, and then as a wedding present from King Dinis to Dona Isabel, when it became part of the House of Queens.

The conversion work to create the pousada began in 1948, with structural work needed due to the 1755 earthquake. Today, the pousada has two centres. The more recent one since 2013, which has eight modern rooms in the wing next to reception, and the older one, which is based in the castle, with 11 rooms, which is more popular with guests. There’s often a waiting list for the Dom Dinis suite, which is housed in one of the keeps.

Here, guests can enjoy the experience of sleeping in a castle with stone walls and sparse windows, albeit with creature comforts. It’s worth noting that, due to the steep steps, access to this part may be difficult for some.

Inside the pousada, guests can enjoy exclusive access to a part of the wall overlooking the village, as well as climbing the Dom Fernando tower, which is a unique experience.

Offering both a view and a romantic atmosphere (you can even see the sea from one of the tables), the pousada restaurant is known for traditional regional dishes reinvented by chef Cláudia Santiago. Good examples are the cod à El-Rei Dom Dinis, served inside a tomato, and the chicken stewed in a púcara clay pot, a 1960s recipe from the town of Alcobaça. Regional desserts are also worth trying, such as the brisa do Lis (a dish that dates back to the 15th century), or the ice-cream made from ginjinha, a local drink made with sour cherries.

Despite the centuries of history and the stately, medieval decor, with a full suit of armour welcoming guests to the castle wing, the pousada retains its family atmosphere. There are staff that have been here for decades, some having taken over from their parents. One thing is true for everyone: they know the place like the back of their hand.