City: Central Portugal
Top Things to do in Central Portugal
Top Hotels in Central Portugal
Things to do in Central Portugal, Portugal: The Best Gardens
1. Jardim do Sr.Prior
2. Quinta da Regaleira
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13,313 reviews
Classified as World Heritage by UNESCO and built at the turn of the 20th century, this romantic architectural complex is comprised of a Palace, a Chapel, and gardens with grottos.
Reviewed By richardb552016 - London, United Kingdom
This palace is a must for anyone visiting Lisbon. Within easy reach by train and bus, the gardens are a delight with many follies, chapels, delightful views and what is called an Initiation Well which is an absolute must including stepping stones and looking through a waterfall amongst other attractions. The cafe affords a lovely outdoor seating area with views of the palace and gardens. The architecture of all of the buildings are magical in appearance. Allow at least 2 hours. The walk to the top of the garden area is fairly steep but worthwhile. Then it is all downhill from there!
3. Estufa Fria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 558 reviews
Reviewed By alysonBromsgrove
It is a very reasonable entrance fee. The three greenhouses are very well set out. When we visited it was very quiet and at some points we seemed to have the place to ourselves. I collect cacti so found the one devoted to cacti and succulents amazing. Everything was well labelled. The whole place is beautiful and well worth a visit if you love plants.
4. Miradouro Sao Pedro de Alcantara
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,523 reviews
Reviewed By eddg2019
This viewpoint offers wonderful panoramic views over the city in the direction of Castelo de São Jorge. This open area has benches and a cafe at one end. Nearby is the Elevador da Glória, which connects the São Pedro de Alcântara scenic overlook to Restauradores Square via Calçada da Glória, a street, which is decorated with colorful street art.
5. Bacalhoa Buddha Eden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,726 reviews
This tour takes you to the heart of Obidos region and with a history linked to wine and sparkling wine production dating back to the XV Century, the Quinta dos Loridos estate is a unique place, where tranquillity and nature play a special role. It is from these vineyards that the grapes are picked for the production of top quality sparkling wines - those of the Loridos brand . Produced in the age old winery, a rod-press dating from the XVII Century can still be found here. The Classic Method ("Methode Champenoise") is used to produce the wine, the whole process of which is conducted manually. This is followed by a period of ageing in the cellar. The surroundings of the cellar perfectly complement its purpose: terraced gardens, a lake, a forest, vineyards, and the largest oriental gardens in Europe, the impressive Buddha Eden. Buddha Eden Garden: With circa 35 hectares, the garden was created and devised by the Comendador Jose Berardo, in response to the destruction of the Buddhas of Banyan, in which one of the greatest acts of cultural barbarity took place, erasing masterpieces of late-period Gandhara art. From Buddhas , pagodas, terracotta statues and the various carefully-placed sculptures which can be found among the gardens, it is estimated that some six thousand tons of marble and granite were used to create this monumental work of art. There are seven hundred hand-painted terracotta soldiers, each of them unique, copies of those which were buried, some of them 2,200 years ago. At the central lake, KOI (Japanese carp) fish can be seen, and sculpted dragons rise out of the water. The central staircase is the focal point of the garden, where the golden Buddhas offer you a calm welcome. This is the Quinta dos Loridos estate, a place which awakens the senses...
Reviewed By JohnBishop3 - Auckland Central, New Zealand
Definitely a must see, we had a wonderful time wandering around looking at all the Buddha’s, Art Instillations and African Statues. One of our favorite places.
6. Penedo da Saudade
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 213 reviews
Reviewed By joaob205
Hard to translate it's name, you will find yourself involved in huge roots and tablets written by old students of the city,shwing their love for her and the will to one day return
7. Jardim da Praca do Imperio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 342 reviews
Reviewed By permia
Just opposite the exquisite Monastery this lovely relaxing green space was created for the 1940 Portuguese World Exposition. It is highly ornate with fine sculptures, including a number of sea horses with tails of water creatures. The centrepiece is the grand impressive fountain. Multiple coats of arms crafted from the flora are to be seen. They represent the former Empire territories.
8. Jardim do Paco Episcopal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 336 reviews
Reviewed By annakJ9247VJ - Alvaiade, Portugal
A superb place n the center of the city. Tranquil, filled with the air of history and its epoch, it is a perfect spot to come and visit. You can just sit and meditate there, or explore the symbolism of the sculptures around the garden.
9. Mata Nacional dos Sete Montes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 97 reviews
Reviewed By jerb2014 - Bristol, United States
This park, one of many beautiful green spaces in the city of Tomar, is exquisite. You can, if you wish, walk all the way up to the Convent on various pathways. If you do go to the park, you walk beneath old and pine trees and are surrounded by terraces, flowers galore, hedges, fountains and urns. A very beautiful and peaceful spot to sit a reflect for minutes, or hours, before setting out to sightsee again. It is certainly one of the most beautiful parks we visited on our trip. There is no admission charge as it is open to the public without charge.
10. Jardim do Cerco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
It is the Baroque garden par excellence and a must stop for anyone visiting Mafra. Jardim do Cerco is an illuminated work, maintained in detail and detail for the population and visitors. Water mirrors, wide paths, leafy trees and a century-old daughter-in-law still in operation are some of the attractions of this garden inspired by Versailles. This place is the perfect transition between the walled vastness of Tapada Real and the monumentality of the National Palace of Mafra, which stands on one of its flanks. The forest and gardens extend over eight hectares, with offers of nooks, shadows, waterfalls or even a peculiar garden: Horta dos Frades, where the plants used in medicinal products (pharmacy) are in sight when they were built. , ordered by D. João V. In Jardim do Cerco there is a space called Horto das Aromáticas , which features around 39 species of plants used for medicinal and seasoning purposes. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2019
Reviewed By eddg2019
When you are done touring the vast National Palace of Mafra, this garden offers a lovely, quiet oasis in which to contemplate all that you have just seen. As you exit the palace, turn right and go around the side of the building where you will see the charming Jardim do Cerco (Garden of the Siege). It is a perfect place to spend some time in nature before going back to Lisbon. There is an aviary, containing a variety of birds, a fountain, an herb garden, and a children’s playground.
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