Óbidos & the Big Waves

Cherry liqueur in Óbidos, the tombs of Pedro and Inês, and the biggest waves in the world.

A day of love stories and the sea: it begins with a cherry liqueur in Óbidos, moves on to the tombs of Pedro and Inês at Alcobaça monastery and ends at the Nazaré lighthouse, looking out at the biggest waves in the world, which come mainly between October and March. For couples and photographers.

The day, stop by stop

1. 

   1

   Óbidos

   Óbidos is a medieval town enclosed by its walls, with white houses trimmed in blue and yellow, flowers at the windows and the castle at the top. You can walk along the top of the walls, which have no handrail, and step into the Livraria de Santiago, a bookshop set in a former church. Since 2015 it has been a UNESCO Creative City of Literature. Try ginjinha, a cherry liqueur served in a chocolate cup, paid separately. Arrive early, before the groups, and explore the side lanes.

2. 

   2

   Mosteiro de Alcobaça

   Alcobaça monastery was the great house of the Cistercian monks in Portugal and is a World Heritage Site. The tall, bare church holds the tombs of King Pedro and Inês de Castro, one on each side of the transept, carved in rare detail. The cloister, the refectory and the kitchen, with its enormous chimney, are also worth seeing. Entry is paid separately. On the way out, try the convent sweets at the pastry shops on the square, and wear comfortable shoes for the stone floors.

3. 

   3

   Farol da Nazaré

   The Nazaré lighthouse stands inside the Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo, on a headland between the town and Praia do Norte, where some of the biggest waves in the world build in winter, driven by the Nazaré underwater canyon. Inside there is an exhibition on big-wave surfing and on the canyon itself. Entry to the fort is paid separately. The giant waves come mainly between October and March, with a strong swell, so it is worth checking the forecast first. Bring a jacket and sturdy shoes.

The essentials

Duration

7 h · Full day (big waves October to March)

Pick-up

At your hotel. The final price depends on where you are staying; we confirm it when you tell us.

Included

The car and the driver, only for your group, tolls and water.

Not included

Entrance tickets and meals.

Who it is for

Couples; photographers.

The route