I was looking at spending roughly 3 full days and either 3 or 4 nights in the west central region. I plan to do a daytrip to Alcobaca/Batalha/Nazare, one day relaxing (either Sao Martinho beach or spa activities in Caldas da Rainha), and probably a day in Obidos (may squeeze in whichever of Sao Martinho or Caldas wasn't done on the relax day). What would be the best home base (I won't have a car)? Is Obidos too small to spend that many nights (even though I won't be there during the day)? Just looking at pictures, it seems like it would be a lot more charming to spend the mornings and evenings in Obidos, and there appear to be plenty of hotel options. I would probably rather pick one location and stay with it to not have to keep packing and unpacking. Rick Steves seems to suggest basing in Nazare, but it seems like that would add transportation time to a lot of my sightseeing, and that there isn't much to see there beyond the beach....
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1826 posts
São Martinho is a lovely small town with a great, very calm beach. I used it as a base to visit all the places you mention. However, I had a car. Do your research well regarding public transport to these areas. There is a train in São Martinho but it’s a very small, infrequent one. And, I don’t know anything about the bus system. I would think your base might be dependent on the public transport options.
FYI - driving in that part of Portugal is very easy and might make it easier to get to the sites you want to see.
Óbidos would be my last choice as a base. And, I agree with your assessment of Nazaré.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thanks, that's a helpful opinion!
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
I stayed near Caldas da Rainha when I visited this area, which was a good base. I had a hire car. Obidos is worth a couple of hours, but I wouldn’t bother with Nazare if I went again.
Posted by
midwest- Michigan
489 posts
We stayed in Obidos for 2 nights and used it as a base. We had a car. And yes the morning and evenings are the best in Obidos (avoid from 9:30 to 17:00). We traveled to Batalha and the rest of the area you are considering. While we were in Batalha, we observed that this city would have been a good choice to hotel. You must see about the transportation available. We also loved Tomar (even in the pouring rain.)
Posted by
Florida
42 posts
We used Nazare as a home base, but we also had a car. Driving was easy if you stay on the main roads. We did day trips to Coimbra and Obidos. I don't recommend staying in Obidos as it's swamped with tourist in the daytime and getting to and from your hotel would be a challenge. There was plenty of parking outside the city walls. Our hotel, Hotel Magic, offered free parking in Nazare so it was easy to day trip and return spending evenings and eating great seafood in Nazare. Good luck!