Óbidos Chocolate Festival
Where to stay in Peniche, just 25 minutes away
From March 6 to 22, 2026, Óbidos hosts the International Chocolate Festival, one of the most significant gastronomic events in Portugal’s West region.
Over three consecutive weekends, from Friday to Sunday, between 10:00 AM and 9:00 PM, the historic town center becomes a space dedicated to creativity, technique and artistic expression through chocolate.
Whether you are an unapologetic chocolate lover or a true connoisseur who prefers to savor slowly, the Óbidos International Chocolate Festival is reason enough for a March escape.
Chocolate as artistic expression
Within the medieval walls, chocolate becomes more than an ingredient. It turns into an artistic medium. Large-scale sculptures, themed installations, interactive workshops, performances and sensory experiences come together in a program that blends gastronomy and culture.
Chefs, master chocolatiers, specialized brands and dedicated producers take part in an event that highlights technical excellence and innovation. The contrast between the village’s architectural heritage and contemporary chocolate creations creates a distinctive atmosphere where tradition and modernity coexist.
Three Weekends, one concentrated experience
The festival takes place exclusively on the following dates:
March 6-8
March 13-15
March 20-22
This limited schedule makes each weekend particularly sought after. March marks the beginning of spring in the region, offering an ideal setting for a short escape that combines heritage, gastronomy and discovery.
Staying in Peniche: proximity with a different pace
Óbidos is located approximately 25 minutes by car from Peniche.
For visitors who wish to enjoy the festival and return to a quieter setting at the end of the day, staying in Peniche offers both convenience and a distinct coastal atmosphere.
At RIDE Surf Resort & Spa, the stay may include access to the spa, heated swimming pool, jacuzzi, ice bath and sauna. The resort also features a restaurant, rooftop bar, game room, skatepark, trampoline, climbing boulder and charging stations for electric vehicles.
The experience naturally balances itself: the energy and creativity of the festival during the day, followed by a calmer rhythm by the ocean in the late afternoon.
Plan ahead
As the festival takes place over just three weekends, accommodation demand in the region tends to increase during these dates.
If you are planning to visit the Óbidos International Chocolate Festival 2026, check availability and organize your stay in Peniche in advance to ensure greater flexibility in room selection and travel dates.
March can be the ideal moment to experience Óbidos through flavor and relax by the ocean.
