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Giant Buddhas on a wine estate, the walled town and Bordallo's ceramics.
A day of surprises north of Lisbon: giant Buddhas among the vines at Buddha Eden, the walls and cherry liqueur of Óbidos and, to finish, Bordallo Pinheiro pottery in Caldas da Rainha. Distances are short, entry fees are paid separately and there is always something for younger travellers. For families and art lovers.
The day, stop by stop
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Buddha Eden
Buddha Eden is an oriental garden at Quinta dos Loridos, in Bombarral, created by José Berardo in response to the destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan in 2001. Among lakes and vineyards stand giant Buddhas, pagodas, stairways, rows of terracotta soldiers and modern sculptures. Entry is paid separately, and a small tourist train runs for those who would rather not walk far. Allow an hour or two and wear comfortable shoes. The estate's wines can be tasted on the way out, also paid separately.
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Óbidos
Óbidos is a medieval town enclosed by its walls, with white houses trimmed in blue and yellow, flowers at the windows and the castle at the top. You can walk along the top of the walls, which have no handrail, and step into the Livraria de Santiago, a bookshop set in a former church. Since 2015 it has been a UNESCO Creative City of Literature. Try ginjinha, a cherry liqueur served in a chocolate cup, paid separately. Arrive early, before the groups, and explore the side lanes.
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Caldas da Rainha
Caldas da Rainha grew up around the thermal hospital founded by Queen Leonor and is now a lively town with no tourist pretensions. In the morning, Praça da Fruta fills with stalls of fruit, vegetables and flowers from local growers. The town is also home to Bordallo Pinheiro pottery, with its cabbage-leaf plates, swallows and ceramic animals, sold at the factory shop. Shopping is paid separately. Come in the morning to catch the market, and try the cavacas, the local glazed biscuits.
The essentials
- Duration
- 6 h · Day
- Pick-up
- At your hotel. The final price depends on where you are staying; we confirm it when you tell us.
- Included
- The car and the driver, only for your group, tolls and water.
- Not included
- Entrance tickets and meals.
- Who it is for
- Families; art lovers.