Caldas da Rainha has been a popular travel destination for tourist from all over the world for a long time. Just 50 miles north of Portugal’s capital Lisbon, the small town with just 29,000 citizens is particularly charming. Caldas da Rainha is just a few miles from the Atlantic coast, and a rental car will put you within easy reach of the beach and romantic lagoons.
Though a small town, Caldas da Rainha has a vivid history. Queen Eleonore of Portugal founded the settlement, because she trusted in the healing powers of the near-by thermal springs. Hence the name: Caldas da Rainha literally means the Queen’s Thermal Spring.
With time the place developed into a sanatorium as well as an important trade town. Today it is charmingly authentic with a limited number of visitors stopping by.
Those who do will discover a number of historic and cultural sites. The Praça da República hosts a fabulous farmer’s market every morning, and between fruits, vegetables, and flowers it will be easy to spend a few Euros.
For a taste of history go to the Hospital Termal. It was founded in 1485, though the chapel Igreja da Nossa Senhora do Pópulo, famous for its Manueline architecture, is the only remaining original part of the complex.
Every town should have a quiet spot, somewhere you can relax. In Caldas da Rainha that is the Parque Dom Carlos I. where you can paddle across a small lake or simply seek some shade under the trees. Once you’ve fuelled up on energy, check the Muesu José Malhoa, one of the town’s main attractions, located in the park. It houses an excellent exhibition of naturalistic art.
Speaking of art: Caldas da Rainha is famous for its intricate pottery. Considerable artists like Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro or Mamuel Mafra are just among the few displayed at the Musue da Cerâmica that is generously housed in the Palace of Visconde de Sacavém, an art collector. The town especially celebrates the art form in July and October in the National Ceramics Exhibition.
Once you have sufficiently explored the town, rent a car and get out into the countryside. In just a few minutes you can be in Óbidos, a tiny village with an extra portion of charm and flowers in the windows. Here, everyone will be able to point you in the direction of Portugal’s most beautiful lagoon, just 6 miles from Óbidos. There’s a hiking trail in case you wish to leave the car in the village. Conditions for surfing, diving, and other water sports are simply ideal.
