Car rental in Óbidos

The fascinating town Obidos that in Portugal is one of the most picturesque and interesting towns in Western Europe in general and in Portugal in particular. Obidos, which is about 90 kilometers north to Lisbon, is located on a hill, when the whole is surrounded by an ancient wall, a reminder of the past. It is declared a "National Site" of Portugal and in 2015 it was declared by UNESCO as a "City of Literature" in light of its special story. In the 12th century, the town became the home of Queen Uraca, the wife of Alfonso II, who gave her the castle as a gift Many of the buildings and monuments in the city were erected by order of the queen, and it also includes a narrow and spectacular ridge, picturesque and pleasant streets to walk around, and of course - a medieval wall, which sets the tone for the entire area.

When you arrive in Óbidos, you can walk around the same alleys, visit the museums and churches founded by Queen Uraca, and shop in the shops and markets on the picturesque promenades. However, along with the pleasure and fun in the pleasant atmosphere, don't forget to get to the famous walls, which stand above the valley and the vines, which have stood there for so many years. To get to Óbidos and make the most of it, you will need to rent a car, and try to maximize your trip with proper planning.

How much does it cost us?

The price range for renting a car in Óbidos is quite large, starting from about 10 euros per day for a private car for two people with two suitcases, up to about 50 euros for a large station wagon, not including fuel. Not all car rental companies work in Óbidos, so most people rent the cars upon their landing in Lisbon, and enjoy many more options. In Lisbon, you can also rent luxury cars and SUVs, which can help you if you want to go to the outskirts and move around the areas around Óbidos. This pleasure will cost you a little more, when larger vehicles, with more elements and extras and interior space, can also reach 80 euros per day.

When to order?

As befits picturesque towns, the hottest time in Óbidos is of course summer. People like to come to these mountainous areas in the warmer months, and even hike the vines and ridges. Therefore, if you want to come to the town in May, June or July, you must book the vehicle about a month or even two months in advance. The priority is to even order the vehicle upon landing in Lisbon, and arrive in Óbidos in a short drive of about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on the traffic. If you want to order the car from Óbidos itself, it is better to make the order in advance, with the hotel and flight reservation, since the stock of vehicles in Óbidos is very limited, certainly in the hot seasons, and if you need a special, large or luxurious car, you will have to reserve it.

Portugal is a very religious country, and many of the festivals that take place in Óbidos are related to Catholic holidays, such as the feast of the Virgin Mary in January, and the celebrations of Santa Cruz in May and Santa Iria in October. However, the traffic jams in Óbidos are almost non-existent, unless it is an area that is closed for the festival. You will not encounter special traffic congestion or parking problems in the town, although it is important to drive carefully on the mountain roads and not to block traffic lanes in a way that is not considered at all. 

Which car do you choose?

Car rental in Óbidos usually ends with vehicles that are larger, which are suitable for leaving the city, on the highway and on the way to other cities in the region. Most of the time, people pass through Óbidos, and at most, spend one night there, so the need for a spacious and comfortable vehicle, with plenty of space for luggage, is great. The goal is, in fact, to create comfort for trips that are relatively long, in the Lisbon periphery and less for the shorter and less significant trips within the town itself.

International driving license

The car companies that work in Óbidos and Lisbon require an international driver's license to provide their vehicles to drivers.

Driving and navigating the city

Óbidos is a picturesque town surrounded by a mountainous area, and therefore, you won't find traffic jams or unusual transportation challenges when traveling in the area. In Óbidos you will encounter a mountainous and forested terrain route, and you will have to demonstrate off-road driving skills. Off-road driving is very different from driving in the city, and when driving on dirt roads and roads of a forest nature, you have to be careful and respect the environment. In Óbidos there are no traffic jams, crowding or many vehicles, but you will find bicycles, and individual and small vehicles. Obidos has a high ridge and narrow roads, so it is important to drive slowly and carefully. The town is full of narrow alleys, so it is better to park the car in a place that is not far from the center, and just walk around the town and in the various attractions which she offers. Most of the time, you can cover a fairly large area in one day, without a car, but to get to the main places, for sure if you arrived outside the city, you will need a suitable car.

Parking in Obidos

Parking in Óbidos is not a problem for tourists or residents of the town. Around all the central areas of Óbidos you will find free parking, without looking too hard and without parking lots with high costs. The problem arises when there is a major event in the town, such as a festival, concert or fair, and then you will be required to park a little further, but it is not something drastic. However, even if you park far away, it is not about unbearable walking distances, and the nature of the walk, among all the greenery the town has to offer, is very pleasant and even recommended.