8 Best Sights in Óbidos, Estremadura and the Ribatejo

The outer walls of the fine medieval castle enclose the entire town, and it's great fun to walk their circumference, viewing the town and countryside from above—but take great care as there is no inner wall or railing for the most part. Extensively restored after suffering severe damage in the 1755 earthquake, the multitower complex has both Arabic and Manueline elements. Most of the keep is now a pousada.

Just about the last thing you'd expect to find in rural Estremadura—about 10 minutes south of Óbidos—this landscaped "Garden of Peace" was inspired by the destruction in 2001 by the Afghanistan Taliban of the giant Buddhas of Bamiyan—one of which is reproduced here. Buddhas of various shapes and sizes dot the lawns and surrounding forest, as well as carved gates, dragons, and hundreds of figures from China's ancient Terracotta Army. There are also sculptures by leading contemporary artists. It all makes for a lovely place to stroll (you can also opt for the hop-on, hop-off miniature train, for an extra €5). There's an eatery serving decent Portuguese food and a shop selling wines from the adjoining Quinta dos Loridos estate; two wines are always available for a free tasting.

Like a real-life Willy Wonka chocolate factory but even bigger, the outdoor feast that is the annual Festival de Chocolate attracts more than 200,000 people to Óbidos in March and April. There are tons of things to do and see, like an annual chocolate sculpture contest done by locally renowned chefs. Along with the many stands selling all kinds of delicious chocolate goodies, many local restaurants offer chocolate-theme menus.

The 17th-century artist Josefa de Óbidos came to the town as a small child and lived here until her death in 1684. You can see some of her work in the azulejo-lined Church of Saint Mary, which was a Visigoth temple in the 8th century. The church is in a square off Rua Direita. Next door is a small, charming museum dedicated to the work of local artist and theater designer Abílio de Mattos e Silva.

Every late July and/or early August, the Mercado Medieval enlivens the town over two long weekends. There's a parade of people in medieval costumes each day around the city walls. To buy some of the typical products of the region—ceramics, cheeses, hams, and flowers—exchange your euros for replica torreões (the first coins struck in Portugal). Battles and court scenes are dramatized daily, and music animates the market until midnight. As for a meal, consider a hunk of the wild boar roasted on a spit.

All through December, the Óbidos Christmas Village is the perfect miniature winter wonderland for children. There's usually ice-skating, an ice slide, a carousel, puppet shows, and, of course, Santa Claus. There are also several shows, organized games for all ages, and a market selling handicrafts and traditional sweets, as well as plenty of other food and drink.

This family-owned winemaker, founded in the late 19th century, is one of the companies best prepared to receive visitors, with regular tours throughout the week to the main estate near Bombarral, south of Óbidos. You'll take in not only the wine presses and cellars but a magnificent antique distillery where aguardentes are still made. The tasting features seven wines, and you may also combine it with lunch. There are also shorter tours to the equally charming Quinta das Cerejeiras, on the edge of Bombarral, which also has a wine store. In all cases, book in advance via  [email protected].

This long-running festival offers two weeks in late July to mid-August of top-quality piano music. Most concerts in Óbidos (there are a few in Caldas da Rainha) are staged in the compact Casa da Música near the main gate, and given the town's small size you may well end up rubbing shoulders with a star performer—or even Portugal's president, the event's patron—during your stay.