Odivelas Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, food and drink scene, local culture, and transportation options in Odivelas, Portugal.


Introduction to Odivelas

Odivelas is a city located in the Greater Lisbon area of Portugal. This small town may not be as popular as other tourist destinations in Portugal, but it is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Odivelas has a rich cultural and historical heritage, and it is renowned for its beautiful countryside landscapes. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive tour of Odivelas, including the best places to visit, hiking and biking routes, must-try dishes, where to stay, and how to get around.

List of Places to Visit in Odivelas

Exploring the cultural and natural attractions of Odivelas is a must for every traveler. Here is a list of must-visit places.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Convento de Sāo Dinis e Sāo Bernardo: A medieval convent built in the 13th century, the Convento de Sāo Dinis e Sāo Bernardo was once a home for the military orders of Sao Dinis and Sao Bernardo. It contains beautiful Gothic architecture and stunning macabre paintings that tell the life of St. Bernard of Clairvaux.
  • Pavilhāo de Exposiçōes do Palácio dos Aciprestes: A palace built-in 1693, Palácio dos Aciprestes is a stunning example of Portuguese Baroque architecture. The pavilion contains a permanent exhibition of contemporary art.

Natural Attractions of Odivelas: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Parque Urbano de Santa Iria de Azoia: A beautiful park located in Santa Iria de Azoia, Parque Urbano de Santa Iria de Azoia is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Odivelas. The park features a lake, hiking trails, and picnic areas.
  • Serra da Luz: A mountain range located near Odivelas, Serra da Luz is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It features hiking trails and scenic views of the surrounding countryside.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Odivelas

Odivelas is a great destination for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Here are some of the best routes in the area:

  • Trilho do Aqueduto das Águas Livres: A 7 km hiking trail that follows the Lisbon Aqueduct. It is a beautiful route that offers stunning views of the city.
  • Caminho da Fé: A 5 km hiking trail that follows the route taken by pilgrims to the nearby Fatima Shrine. It is a well-marked route that offers scenic views of the area.

Best Things to Do in Odivelas: Activities and Tours

Apart from exploring the cultural and natural attractions, there are plenty of other activities and tours to enjoy in Odivelas. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • Gonçalo Velho Cabral Vineyard Tour: A wine tasting tour where you can discover the local wine culture of Odivelas.
  • São Vicente Caves Tour: A guided tour that will take you through the São Vicente Caves, an underground complex of limestone caves that are over 400,000 years old.

Week-Long Itinerary for Odivelas

If you have a week to spend in Odivelas, then this itinerary is perfect for you:

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore the Convento de Sāo Dinis e Sāo Bernardo and have a picnic at Parque Urbano de Santa Iria de Azoia
Day 2 Take a wine tasting tour at Gonçalo Velho Cabral Vineyard
Day 3 Visit the Pavilhāo de Exposiçōes do Palácio dos Aciprestes and hike the Trilho do Aqueduto das Águas Livres
Day 4 Go on a São Vicente Caves guided tour and hike the Caminho da Fé
Day 5 Visit the nearby coastal village of Ericeira and relax on the beach
Day 6 Explore the Serra da Luz mountain range
Day 7 Discover the local food and drink scene of Odivelas and buy souvenirs to take home

Food and Drink Scene of Odivelas

Sampling the delicious local cuisine of Odivelas is a must-do for every traveler. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bacalhau à Brás: A popular Portuguese fish dish made with salt cod, potatoes, and eggs.
  • Frango na Pucara: A traditional Portuguese chicken dish cooked in a clay pot.

Local Beverages

  • Vinho Verde: A light and refreshing Portuguese wine, perfect for hot summer days.
  • Ginginha: A traditional Portuguese cherry liquor, best enjoyed as a digestif.

Where to Stay in Odivelas: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Odivelas has plenty of accommodation options to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Here are some of the best places to stay in Odivelas:

  • Hotel Almirante: A 3-star hotel located near the center of Odivelas. It features comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and a restaurant serving delicious local cuisine.
  • Paço do Bispo Boutique House: A charming guesthouse located in a restored 18th-century building. It features spacious rooms, a garden, and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of Odivelas.

What to Buy in Odivelas: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Bringing home souvenirs and local products is an excellent way to remember your trip to Odivelas. Here are some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring home:

  • Pottery and Ceramics: The Pottery and Ceramics of Odivelas are famous for their intricate designs and vibrant colors.
  • Licores: Licores are traditional Portuguese liqueurs made from fruits and herbs. A bottle of Ginja or Amarguinha is a great gift for friends or family.

Local Culture and Customs of Odivelas

Odivelas has a rich cultural heritage, and it is home to various festivals and customs. One of the most significant festivals is the Festas de Nossa Senhora da Luz, which takes place in September. Locals dress up in colorful costumes and dance to live music.

Best Time to Visit Odivelas

The best time to visit Odivelas is during the summer (June-August) when the weather is warm and sunny. However, it can be crowded during this time of the year. Alternatively, visiting in the spring (April-May) or fall (September-November) can be a great option as the crowds are fewer, and the weather is pleasant.

Do’s and Don’ts of Odivelas

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Odivelas:

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and wine.
  • Take care of the natural environment and leave no litter.
  • Respect the local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothing when visiting churches or other religious sites.
  • Be loud and disruptive in public places.
  • Disrespect the local people or their property.

Safety and Health

Safety in Odivelas

Odivelas is generally a safe destination for travelers. However, it is always advisable to take precautions to ensure your safety, such as avoiding dark and secluded areas at night and not leaving your belongings unattended in public places.

Health in Odivelas

Portugal has a good healthcare system, and medical treatment is readily available. However, it is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses before traveling to Odivelas.

Getting to Odivelas: Transportation Options and Logistics

Odivelas is easily accessible by various modes of transportation. Here are some of the options:

Airports Near Odivelas

  • Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) – Located approximately 9.6 km east of Odivelas.

Bus Stations Near Odivelas

  • Odivelas Bus Station – Located in the center of the city.

Other Options

  • Train – The nearest train station is in Lisbon and is easily accessible from Odivelas.
  • Car – Odivelas is easily accessible by car, and there are several car rental companies in the city.

How to Get Around in Odivelas

Getting around Odivelas is relatively easy, as there are various modes of transportation available. Here are some of the options:

  • Bus – The city has an extensive bus network that connects different parts of the city.
  • Taxi – Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked through an app.
  • Car – Renting a car is also an option, and there are several car rental companies in the city.

Where to Go Next from Odivelas: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Odivelas is located near several other exciting destinations and excursions. Here are some of the best places to visit:

  • Lisbon: Portugal’s capital city is located just a short distance from Odivelas and is easily accessible by car or public transportation.
  • Sintra: A picturesque town located near Odivelas, Sintra is famous for its stunning castles and palaces.

Conclusion

Odivelas is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. With its rich cultural and historical heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and delicious local cuisine, it is the perfect destination for travelers looking for a unique and authentic experience. We hope that this comprehensive guide has provided you with valuable insights into exploring the best of Odivelas.

Modern church architecture in Ramada, Odivelas. Modern church architecture in Ramada, Odivelas.