Close to Óbidos is this spectacular Buddha Garden: wonder amongst giant original Buddha statues, the famous terracotta warriors of Xian (the ancient Chines emperor’s army), pagoda towers, art installations and lakes with colorful Koi fish!

The 35 hectare big garden was created in an act of peaceful protest against the destruction of the world famous Buddhas of Bamiyan (or Bamyan), in central Afghanistan, in 2001. The owner of winery Bacalhôa Vinhos de Portugal (to find just next to the park’s entrance) imported many original pieces from Asia and created this garden of peace and tranquility.

☝🏽Our favorite time to visit is just before sunset, so this could be a nice stop on your way back from Óbidos.

Skip visiting the center of the industrial fishing town, but definitely drive around it and find spectacular look outs over the cliffs before heading over to Lagide, on the northern end.

Park the car in Lagide for 15mins, walk the loop passing by pretty fisherman’s quarters and get a glimpse of what the Nature Reserve of the Island of Berlengas looks like: About 2000 years ago the isles split off the mainland just here and are now to be found an approx. 1 hour boat ride away.

☝🏽If you wish to visit the islands we definitely recommend making it a day trip! The translucent waters and the flora and fauna of the natural reserve invite to snorkel and relax on the pristine beaches. The boat to take you there only goes out in summer and starts from the port in Peniche.

🏄🏽‍♀️For all those interested in wave riding: Supertubos is famous for surfers and bodyboarders worldwide and it’s the setting of the World Surfing League’s championship stop in Portugal which takes place every year in the beginning of October: worth seeing!