We will be travelling from Sintra to Coimbra and one route goes through Obidos and one route goes through Tomar. Is there one that people would recommend over the other? We do not have time to do both. Thank you!
Posted by
WA USA
1070 posts
If you choose Obidos, you could decide to see one of the other monasteries on the way (Alcobaça or Batalha).
What time of the year are you traveling? The weather might be a determining factor. We had planned to go to Tomar this last summer, but it was too hot, so we stayed closer to the coast.
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1663 posts
I prefer Tomar, partly because of the hordes of people in Obidos. Tomar has the Convent of Christ above the town that is pretty spectacular. The city center is pretty small but there are some good restaurants.
Obidos is the more picturesque of the two, IMO. But the crowds come close to ruining it.
I agree with the recommendation of stopping at Alcobaca or Batalha. I prefer Alcobaca, personally.
Posted by
San Diego, California
31 posts
I have been to both and much prefer Tomar. See the Convento de Cristo, the aqueduct, the quirky matchbook museum. Stop at Castelo de Almourol.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15576 posts
If that's your only opportunity to see a hill town, I would say Obidos. It's touristy, yes, but it's a hill town. I loved the monasteries of Alcobaca and Batalha.