The Princess Bride Travel Guide: Central and Northern Portugal
Reel Places Series
Welcome to “Reel Places“, my blog post series where I create an aesthetic travel guide that makes you feel like you’ve been dropped into your favorite film. In this guide, I will delve into the fairytale classic, The Princess Bride via Central and Northern Portugal.
Despite the movie being filmed elsewhere, Portugal’s medieval castles, fairytale abodes and charming eateries make it idyllic for a Westley and Buttercup-style trip. So as you wish, I’m sharing all of Central and Northern Portugal’s most inconceivable stays, sights and eats below:
What To See
Central Portugal
Starting in Central Portugal, the first stop on your Princess Bride-aesthetic trip must be Óbidos. Here you’ll enjoy fairytale-like charm through cobblestone streets, brightly colored buildings, and of course, historic castle walls. From there, travel north to the islet of Almourol, where you’ll encounter a medieval castle in the middle of the Tagus River.
Next up, Tomar, the former seat of the Knights Templar and a place where you can delve into themes of chivalry and knighthood. Finally, visit Coimbra, the medieval university city with grand cathedral that will inspire you to say, “Mawage is wot bwings us togeder today”.
The Grounds of Castelo de Óbidos
The 12th century Castelo de Óbidos sits deep inside the Old Town of Óbidos. While Castle’s interior is now a hotel with guest-only access, you can still storm the grounds and battlements like Inigo Montoya, Fessick and Westley, just beware of any run-ins with Count Rugen.
Location: Óbidos
Cost: Free*
Porta da Vila
The entrance to Óbidos, Porta da Vila, is not just a well-preserved town gate from the 18th century Pombaline Portugal, it’s also a wonderfully aesthetic spot for fans of The Princess Bride.
I found the vibrant blue motifs surrounding the Christian oratory here quite reminiscent of the blue stained glass windows and altar setup from Buttercup’s wedding scene to Prince Humperdinck.
Location: Óbidos
Cost: Free*
Castelo de Almourol
Almourol Castle stands tall on a small island in the middle of Portugal’s Tagus River just outside of Tomar. Embrace The Princess Bride-style adventure by journeying to the medieval castle a la the Dread Pirate Roberts. After all, the only way in or out of the Castle is by small boat!
Location: Almourol
Cost: 4 Euro*
Castelo de Tomar + Convento de Cristo
Next up, visit the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site, Castelo de Tomar which houses the Convento de Cristo. As the former seat of the Grand Master of the Knights Templar, there’s plenty here to make your wildest Princess Bride inspired fantasies come true.
Location: Tomar
Cost: 6 Euro*
Sé Velha – Coimbra, Portugal
Before moving on to Northern Portugal, don’t forget to visit Sé Velha, a grand 12th century Romanesque cathedral that will leaving you reciting, “Mawage is wot bwings us togeder today”.
Location: Coimbra
Cost: 2.50 Euro*
Jardins da Quinta das Lágrimas
Moving on to Coimbra, enjoy the Jardins da Quinta das Lágrimas, a tucked away garden with romantic outdoor medieval ruins. The garden is an important place to a real-life romantic tale that’s quite similar to that of Westley and Buttercup, but unfortunately without a happy ending.
According to legend, Dona Inês de Castro, Portugal’s “Juliet”, met here with the Infante Pedro‘s “Romeo”. It was also here that it’s said she was assassinated by Pedro’s father, King Afonso IV. Today, a beautiful fountain with a depiction of two lovers marks the site.
Location: Coimbra
Cost: 2.50 Euro*
Northern Portugal
The final stop to living happily ever after on your Princess Bride-inspired Portugal trip? Northern Portugal. Base yourself around Porto and roam the countryside like Westley and Buttercup with day trips to Braga, Guimarães and São Lourenço.
Guimarães Castle
Like the Princess Bride storybook in the film, this 10th castle is a thrilling blend of poetry, myth and valor. In fact, it is popularly believed to be the very birthplace of Portugal itself!
Visiting here, I know I felt every bit like Buttercup escaping Prince Humperdinck‘s castle in search of her Farm Boy, if that had happened in the story, that is!
Location: Guimarães
Cost: 2 Euro*
Bom Jesus do Monte
Slightly less challenging to climb but no less beautiful than the Cliffs of Insanity is the Stairway of the Five Senses at Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga. The impressive zig-zag staircase is an important Christian pilgrimage site with a jewel at the top: a beautiful Baroque church surrounded by lush forests and a picturesque park.
Location: Braga
Cost: Free*
Parque Nacional Peneda-Gerês
Just northeast of Bom Jesus Do Monte, escape to Parque Nacional Peneda-Gerês. You won’t find flame spurts, lightning sand or rodents of unusual size here, but you will experience Portugal’s vast and rugged landscapes.
Location: Northeast of Braga
Cost: 6 Euro*
Castro de São Lourenço
Fancy a visit to Miracle Max? West of Braga is Castro de São Lourenço, a Portuguese archaeological gem resembling Max’s hovel in the forest. Its real life history, however, is as an ancient Roman settlement with foundations dating as far back as the Iron Age.
Location: São Lourenço
Cost: Free*
Where To Stay
Base your enchanting getaway in an inconceivably historic hotel that would have been fit for the King, the Queen and, of course, Prince Humperdinck:
Hotels
Central Portugal
Pousada Castelo Óbidos – $$$$ in Óbidos
Torre De Maneys – $$ in Óbidos (My Pick!)
Palace Hotel Bussaco – $$$$ near Coimbra
Northern Portugal
Torel Palace – $$$ in Porto
Porto River Aparthotel – $$$ in Porto
Pousada Mosteiro Amares – $$$ near Braga
Pousada Mosteiro Guimarães – $$ in Guimarães
Where To Eat
Visit these medieval or otherwise aesthetic restaurants reminiscent of The Princess Bride:
Central Portugal
Restaurante da Pousada do Castelo de Óbidos – Regional Portuguese Cuisine in Óbidos
XII Apóstolos – Italian in Óbidos
Mesa Real – Food near Coimbra
Taverna Antiqua – Medieval-Themed Restaurant in Tomar
- My favorite spot on the list! Visiting feels akin to lunching with Inigo Montoya and Fezzik.
Northern Portugal
Taberna Folias de Baco – Tapas + Wine in Porto
Don Mafalda Restaurant – Regional Portuguese Cuisine in Guimarães
*All entry costs shown above are correct for one adult at time of writing and may be subject to change. They do not include any additional tour operator costs or tips. Make sure to plan ahead!
