The garden emerged as a protest against the destruction of the Giant Bamiyan Buddhas of Afghanistan in 2001. Currently, it is one of the most beautiful gardens that we can find in Portugal. Bacalhôa Buddha Eden is a must-visit place for any Portuguese and tourist. In this article you will know everything you need, from price to the best tips on gastronomy.
How to get there?
Bacalhôa Buddha Eden is located in the parish of Carvalhal, in the municipality of Bombarral, in the district of Leiria. To get to the garden, you must take exit 12 of the A8 (Carvalhal/Delgada), turn left at the exit (those coming from north or south) and, finally, take the second exit of the roundabout. From this location you only need to follow the signs indicating the directions to the Buddha Eden.
Schedule
The garden is open from 09:00 to 18:00, but at 17:30 the entrance gate and restaurant close.
Map of the garden
What are the prices?
For children up to 12 years, the entrance is free. For adults the ticket price to visit the garden is 5 euros. If you want to visit by train you will have to pay an additional 4 euros.
What to see?
This garden has about 40 hectares, so count on a minimum of two hours for the visit. So that you don't feel lost, we leave you a list of ten attractions that you can't miss.
- Lake of the Palm Trees
- Garden of Modern Art
- African Sculpture Garden
- Bamboo Labyrinth
- Staircase of the Golden Buddhas and the Giant Buddha
- Pagoda Towers
- Pagoda Lake
- Fire Viewpoint
- Terracotta Army
- Buddhas with swastikas
It is true, you will find swastikas in what is called the Garden of Peace. Although we associate this symbol with Nazism and fascism, the truth is that the swastika is, in its genesis, a symbol of peace and harmony, used by various deities. Here, the symbol is presented in the opposite direction to the symbol used by the Nazis, thus representing balance, expansion and evolution.
Where to eat?
Restaurante Buddha Eden
Within the garden itself there is a modest restaurant, in which you can find various menus. If you are looking for a lunch spot in the middle of the garden tour this is the ideal place.
Mãe d'Água
The Mãe d'Água restaurant is located in Sobral, in a restored 19th-century building transformed into a restaurant. The menu comes from family recipes and the space is very welcoming. This is an excellent option to relish in international food with a touch of innovation.
Dom José
The Dom José restaurant has been recently renovated and is a very modern and comfortable place where you can enjoy a beautiful meal at Bombarral. The food is traditional Portuguese cuisine, and specialties include squid Peniche, sautéed with olive oil and garlic, and cuttlefish bean stew with shrimp. Regarding meats, the biggest temptation that the house offers is even the black pork feijoada. In this restaurant, you will also have at your disposal an excellent wine cellar.
Alma Grão Restaurant
The specialities of this Bombarral restaurant always include different daily dishes, pizzas, bitoques and alheiras.
Em Banho Maria Restaurant
Traditional Portuguese food is served in this pleasant restaurant, making it an excellent option if you are visiting Bombarral, more specifically the Buddha Eden garden. The restaurant is closed only on Monday and Sunday.
Where to sleep?
The garden Bacalhôa Buddha Eden is located in Bombarral, just 32 kilometres from Peniche and 13 kilometres from Óbidos. Given its location, it is natural to consider staying for a few days and visiting other places of interest. We've put together a list of great accommodations you can stay in.
Country Villa
Offering magnificent mountain views, Country Villa is just 1.2 kilometres from Buddha Eden Garden. This is an accommodation with some extra facilities, such as the whirlpool, car rental and the possibility of fishing.
If you are looking for an option with excellent location, this is ideal, since you will be only ten minutes from the castle of Óbidos, 15 minutes from the beaches of Peniche/Baleal, 40 minutes from Lisbon and 30 minutes from Nazaré. The space has a capacity for five people.
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Vale do Grou Natura
The Vale do Grou Natura hotel has a rustic and well-kept ambience. You have a garden and shared kitchen and an amazing bedroom with wooden ceiling — all of this only seven kilometres from the Christmas Village of Óbidos.
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Flat 23
Flat 23 has two bedrooms, bathroom, equipped kitchen and garden with barbecue. In front of the apartment, you have an extensive garden with a children's playground and fitness area.
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Pé no Campo Suites and Villa
Pé no Campo Suites and Villa is a rustic-style gated community with simple décor. The accommodation features a garden, swimming pool and seating area. If you like to enjoy the sunrise and sunset, you can also do it in the huge courtyard of Pé no Campo.
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Alojamento Charme
Alojamento Charme is a cozy option and close to everything. The house has a shared swimming pool, fully equipped kitchen and living room. If you are a golf lover, you can enjoy and visit Praia D'El Rey Golf Club, just 17.8 kilometres away.
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