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Lagoon · Óbidos, Leiria
Lagoa de Óbidos
The largest coastal lagoon in Portugal, about 10 km from the village, connected to the sea at the Foz do Arelho. It has calm waters suitable for swimming, sailing sports and birdwatching.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Lagoa de Óbidos
The Lagoa de Óbidos stretches between the municipalities of Óbidos and Caldas da Rainha and is considered the largest coastal lagoon in Portugal. It connects to the Atlantic through a gap in the sand at the Foz do Arelho.
On the lagoon side, the water is calm and shallow, popular with families and practitioners of sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. On the sea side, the beach at Foz do Arelho has waves.
The shores have reedbeds and sandbanks, frequented by waterfowl, and small fishing communities that harvest clams (berbigões) and other shellfish.
Viewpoints along the road and on the slopes, such as the one at Nadadouro, show the whole lagoon with the sea in the background.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From one hour to half a day.
Best time
From June to September for swimming and sailing sports. Spring and autumn for walking and birdwatching. Late afternoon often provides beautiful light over the water.
How to get there
It is about 10 km from the village of Óbidos. The easiest access is by car or taxi, to the Foz do Arelho or Nadadouro.
Tip
At the Foz do Arelho, choose the lagoon side for children: the sea side has waves and currents.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Lagoa de Óbidos
Is the Lagoa de Óbidos good for swimming?
On the lagoon side, the water is calm and shallow. On the sea side, at the Foz do Arelho, there are waves.
What is the distance from the village to the lagoon?
About 10 km by car or taxi.
What to do at the lagoon?
Swimming, sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and birdwatching.