When the Moore/Aldrich family landed in Portugal for the first time, most people would have taken it easy after a long flight. Not this bunch. On a foggy Tuesday morning, fresh off the plane from Nyack, NY, Kami, Tomara, and Spencer laced up their hiking boots and decided to hit the trails the very same day.
These three aren’t new to adventure, they’ve hiked all over the world, from the mountains of New Zealand to hidden trails back home. So when they started planning their Portugal trip, Tomara dove straight into researching the best hiking trails in Portugal. Her top pick? Óbidos, a storybook medieval village surroundded by rolling hills, orchards, and winding footpaths.
They chose Trail 6, a route known for sweeping views and a mix of history and nature. Because of the summer heat, they started in the late afternoon, but not before taking a quick stroll through the heart of Óbidos. With cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and bursts of colorful flowers, it was the perfect pre-hike detour.
Leaving the village, the trail wound past orchards bursting with apples, pears, and figs. The higher they climbed, the better the view became. At one lookout, Kami said, “This has to be the best perspective of the village.” But the scenery kept topping itself until they reached the spot locals call the best view of Óbidos, a panorama that truly takes your breath away.
The path then led them past the quiet ruins of a 15th-century chapel, once part of a local quinta. By late afternoon, hunger kicked in, so they aimed for a nearby restaurant… only to find it closed (a reminder that some places in Portugal take Tuesdays off). Luckily, the trail had its own snacks, ripe plums growing along the way.
As the sun dipped lower, they descended toward the Óbidos Lagoon, its waters glinting in the light. Soon, the arches of the 16th-century aqueduct came into view, an incredible feat of engineering still standing strong. Following it back toward the village, they enjoyed the quiet beauty of the countryside.
Back in Óbidos, they wrapped up the day at Janela, sharing pizzas and swapping favorite moments from their hike.
Their first day in Portugal? Unforgettable. And they’re already planning another walk with the Óbidos Adventures team before heading back to Nyack.
If you’re looking for the best trails in Portugal, come explore Óbidos with us, you’ll find stunning views, fascinating history, and a taste of authentic Portugal that you’ll remember long after your hike.
