Óbidos Chocolate Festival

A Sweet Reason to Leave the Golf Course

Summary

Each spring, the medieval town of Óbidos hosts one of Portugal’s most unusual events: the International Chocolate Festival. For golfers staying in the area, it’s an easy and different excursion – something you don’t find in many places, and a nice break from golf, beaches and restaurants.

What Is the Chocolate Festival?

The Óbidos International Chocolate Festival takes place inside the medieval walls of the town and usually runs for several weeks in early spring.

What began as a local initiative has grown into a national event, attracting chocolate makers, pastry chefs and artists from Portugal and abroad.

Each year has a theme, reflected in large chocolate sculptures and installations displayed throughout the town.

Despite its popularity, the festival still feels manageable. It is spread out across Óbidos and works well as a relaxed visit rather than a full-day event.

More Than Just Chocolate

While chocolate is the main attraction, the festival is not just about sweets.

You’ll find tastings, small workshops, cafés and pop-up stalls integrated into the town itself. Walking medieval streets while surrounded by chocolate sculptures is part of what makes the experience special.

Most visitors combine the festival with lunch, dinner or a walk through Óbidos, rather than treating it as a standalone attraction.

When Does It Take Place?

The festival is usually held in spring, and based on recent years it typically runs from late March to early April.

For 2026, the expected dates are: March 20 – April 5

Practical Tips – Óbidos Chocolate Festival

Entry ticket

The Chocolate Festival requires an entry ticket. The ticket gives access to the main festival area inside the town walls, including chocolate sculptures, exhibitions and themed installations.

Prices are typically around €8–€10 for adults, with reduced prices for children. Food, drinks and tastings inside the festival area are paid separately.

What the ticket includes

The ticket mainly covers access to:

• large chocolate sculptures and themed exhibitions

• installations made entirely from chocolate

• the central festival area inside Óbidos

Shops, cafés and restaurants outside the festival area remain open as usual.

Opening hours

The festival is usually open daily from around 11:00 until about 21:00.

How much time to plan

Most people spend 1–2 hours inside the festival area. It’s easy to combine with a meal or a short walk through town.

Crowds

Weekends are busier. Weekdays are generally calmer, especially earlier in the day.

An Easy Excursion

From the golf area around Óbidos, the festival is typically about 20 minutes by car. It works well as a short afternoon visit or as part of an evening in town.

If you’re planning a visit, it’s worth reading our guide to Óbidos as a destination as well, to make the most of your time there.

Why We Recommend It

At WestGolf Portugal, we like recommending experiences that add something unexpected to a golf stay.

The Chocolate Festival is not something you find in many places – and certainly not inside a medieval town so close to the golf courses. It’s local, different and easy to fit into your stay, even if chocolate is not your main interest.

Jorgen/Living on the West Coast of Portugal

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