Óbidos   From the Caracara Holiday Accommodation you can be in Óbidos in just under an hour  Known as the Wedding Present town, picture postcard perfect Óbidos is Portugal's best preserved  medieval town. Perched on the top of a hill it commands striking views over the surrounding countryside. The town itself is enclosed within battlements that you can walk around. Here you get the chance to view the local countryside from a great perspective. Stop in one of the quaint arts and crafts shops before imbibing a glass of the local liqueur Ginjina, a smooth Cherry Brandy produced using local fruit. Walk the bougainvillea dressed cobble stoned streets, get your camera out and live the moment.     A Potted History   Until the 15th century Óbidos stood on the edge of the sea whilst the town of Peniche was actually an island.   From 1282 onwards the town became the traditional wedding gift of the Kings of Portugal to their wives.    The church of Santa Maria, located close to one of the town squares, is where the 10 year old Alfonso V married his 8 year old bride (and cousin) Isobel in 1444.   The 17th century blue tiles in the church are worth spending a few moments contemplating.       Annual Events   Every year the town, churches and castle  lend themselves to a number of National and International events including:     The International Chocolate Festival   Here up to 200,000 people attend a two week long extravaganza of everything to do with chocolate. As well as trying out the many varieties you can sign up for a cooking course and watch as internationally acclaimed chefs compete to win various prizes.     Medieval Fair   For two weeks the town recreates the customs and feelings of living in medievel times with various entertainment activities performed throughout the day and night. You will see jugglers , court jesters and wandering minstrels mingling with the crowds whilst artisans demonstrate old skills. There is plenty of old style "hearty" food available and each afternoon concludes with a jousting tournament.     Opera Festivals   Using the castle as a backdrop is the three week long Operatic Festival. It is unique in Portugal and started around 5 years ago. Many people attend what is fast becoming a major event in the country's cultural calendar .     Contemporary Art Month   Utilising not only the obvious conventional sites that the town has to offer this exhibition attempts to promote all that is different about current art movements nationally and internationally         Buddha Eden    Just a 15 minute drive from the town of Óbidos are the beautiful gardens of Buddha Eden , built to honour the giant Banyan Buddhas that were destroyed by the Taliban in Afghanistan.   Located in 35 hectares of rolling hill and constructed around a lake this is truly one of the most unusual sites you will see in Portugal.