Psstt… Let’s Travel around the world, a day at a time.
Fifth day. We continue our trip to the West of Portugal and stop at Caldas Da Rainha.
I cannot recommend Caldas da Rainha in Portugal highly enough. This picturesque town, nestled in the heart of the Silver Coast, offers the perfect blend of history, art, and natural beauty. Strolling through its charming streets, I was enchanted by the stunning azulejo tiles and exquisite ceramics, a testament to the town’s rich artistic heritage. The therapeutic thermal waters, for which Caldas da Rainha is named, provided a rejuvenating experience. I spent leisurely afternoons in the lush Parque D. Carlos I. This verdant oasis transported me back to the elegance of 19th-century Europe. And to top it all off, the delicious local cuisine, with its fresh seafood and mouthwatering pastries, made every meal a culinary adventure. Trust me, visiting Caldas da Rainha promises an unforgettable experience you won’t want to miss!
What to see in Caldas da Rainha
Caldas da Rainha, Portugal, is a delightful destination with numerous attractions. Here are some must-see sights:
Thermal Hospital (Hospital Termal Rainha D. Leonor)
This historical hospital, founded in the 15th century, showcases the city’s thermal heritage. Visitors can learn about the thermal waters’ therapeutic properties and the facility’s history.
Parque D. Carlos I
A beautiful park filled with ponds, statues, and vibrant flora. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy a leisurely stroll.
Museu da Cerâmica
This museum displays an impressive collection of ceramics, highlighting the town’s renowned pottery tradition. It is housed in a stunning 19th-century manor house.
Bordallo Pinheiro Factory
Visit the iconic factory where Rafael Bordallo Pinheiro’s famous ceramics are produced. You can also shop for unique souvenirs and artwork.
Praça da República and the surrounding streets
The town’s main square features beautiful buildings adorned with azulejo tiles. Wander through the streets and enjoy charming architecture, shops, and cafes.
José Malhoa Museum
Dedicated to the renowned Portuguese painter, this museum houses an extensive collection of his works and pieces by other notable artists.
Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Pópulo
This stunning church, built in the 16th century, is a prime example of Manueline architecture. Don’t miss the beautiful azulejos and intricate woodwork inside.
Fruit Market (Praça da Fruta)
A daily open-air market where you can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and other local produce. It’s a great way to experience local life and support the community.
Foz do Arelho Beach
Just a short drive from Caldas da Rainha, this beautiful beach offers a calm lagoon and the open Atlantic, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
These are just a few attractions that make Caldas da Rainha a worthwhile destination for any traveller.
Where to stay near Caldas da Rainha
Several accommodation options are near Caldas da Rainha, Portugal, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses and rentals. Here are some suggestions for different types of travellers:
Luxury
- SANA Silver Coast Hotel
A modern and stylish hotel in the heart of Caldas da Rainha offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a fitness centre.
This 4-star hotel is in the heart of Caldas da Rainha, offering modern and elegant rooms with all the necessary amenities. It features an on-site restaurant serving Portuguese and international cuisine, a bar, and a fitness centre. Its central location makes it ideal for exploring the city and nearby attractions.
Mid-range
- Hotel Cristal Caldas
A comfortable hotel situated near the city centre, with well-equipped rooms, a restaurant, and a bar.
A 3-star hotel near the city centre offers well-appointed rooms, a restaurant, and a bar. The hotel has a friendly atmosphere and is within walking distance of the main attractions in Caldas da Rainha, such as Parque D. Carlos I, the thermal hospital, and the fruit market.
- Hotel Dona Leonor
A charming hotel offering cozy rooms and a lovely garden, located close to the main attractions of Caldas da Rainha.
This 3-star hotel is close to the main attractions and offers cozy rooms with a warm and inviting ambience. In addition, the hotel features a lovely garden where guests can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The on-site restaurant serves traditional Portuguese cuisine, and there’s also a bar for guests to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Budget-friendly
- Residencial Dom Carlos
A budget-friendly guesthouse that provides clean and simple rooms, located near Parque D. Carlos I and other attractions.
- Caldas City Center Hostel
A hostel offering dormitory and private rooms, with a shared kitchen and lounge area, perfect for budget-conscious travellers and backpackers.
Vacation Rentals
Numerous vacation rentals, including apartments and villas, are available on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. These can be an excellent option for families or larger groups, as they often provide more space and amenities like a kitchen and laundry.
Rural Accommodations
For a more authentic and serene experience, consider staying at a “turismo rural” or “agriturismo” property, country homes or farmhouses converted into guest accommodations. These can be found in the surrounding countryside and usually provide a tranquil atmosphere and beautiful scenery.
No matter your budget or preferences, plenty of options are available near Caldas da Rainha to make your stay enjoyable and comfortable.
Where to Eat in Caldas da Rainha
Caldas da Rainha offers a variety of dining options, from traditional Portuguese fare to international cuisine. Here are some recommended places to eat in Caldas da Rainha:
Adega do Albertino
This popular restaurant serves traditional Portuguese cuisine, emphasising fresh seafood and regional dishes. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it a local favourite.
Restaurante O Canhão
A family-run establishment, O Canhão offers a warm ambience and delicious, authentic Portuguese cuisine. Their grilled meats, seafood dishes, and bacalhau (codfish) specialties are particularly noteworthy.
A Lareira
A traditional Portuguese restaurant with a rustic atmosphere, A Lareira is known for its delicious grilled meats, fish dishes, and generous portions. The friendly staff ensures a welcoming dining experience.
O Pires
This small, unpretentious restaurant offers a variety of tasty Portuguese dishes at reasonable prices. The menu includes grilled fish, seafood, and meat dishes and a selection of appetisers and desserts.
Sabores do Campo
This restaurant focuses on organic and locally sourced ingredients, offering a contemporary take on traditional Portuguese cuisine. The cozy setting and attentive service make it an excellent choice for a leisurely meal.
Olá Nepal
For those craving something different, Olá Nepal serves a range of flavorful Nepalese and Indian dishes. The menu includes various curries, tandoori specialties, and vegetarian options.
Pastelaria Machado
Visiting Caldas da Rainha isn’t complete without trying local pastries. Pastelaria Machado is a famous bakery and café offering a variety of delicious treats, such as the famous Cavacas das Caldas and Beijinhos das Caldas.
These are just a few dining options in Caldas da Rainha, providing a diverse range of delicious cuisine to suit every palate.
How to Get to Caldas da Rainha
Caldas da Rainha is easily accessible from various locations in Portugal. Here are some options for getting to Caldas da Rainha:
By car
Caldas da Rainha is located approximately 90 km (56 miles) north of Lisbon. If you’re driving from Lisbon, take the A8 highway, which connects Lisbon to Caldas da Rainha and other destinations along the Silver Coast. The journey takes around 1 hour, depending on traffic.
By bus
Regular bus services connect Lisbon to Caldas da Rainha, operated by Rede Expressos and Rodoviária do Oeste. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, and buses depart from Lisbon’s Sete Rios bus terminal or Campo Grande bus terminal. Tickets can be purchased online, at the bus station, or directly from the driver.
By train
Caldas da Rainha is connected to Lisbon and other cities in Portugal by train. The train journey from Lisbon takes around 2.5 hours, with departures from Lisbon’s Santa Apolónia or Oriente stations. Tickets can be purchased online, at the train station, or from ticket machines. Remember that you might need to change trains at Cacém or other stations.
From Porto
If you’re travelling from Porto, you can drive or take a combination of train and bus. The driving distance is approximately 240 km (149 miles), taking around 2.5 hours via the A1 and A8 highways. Alternatively, you can take a train from Porto to Coimbra or Lisbon and then transfer to a train or bus to Caldas da Rainha.
From Faro
Suppose you’re travelling from Algarve. In that case,, the most convenient option is to drive, which takes approximately 4 hours via the A2 and A8 highways. Alternatively, you can take a train or bus to Lisbon and then transfer to a train or bus to Caldas da Rainha.
Caldas da Rainha is well-connected to major cities in Portugal, making it a convenient destination for both domestic travellers national travellers.
Caldas da Rainha in 4k
FAQ
What is Caldas da Rainha known for?
Caldas da Rainha is known for its therapeutic thermal waters, beautiful parks, rich artistic heritage, and stunning ceramic works. It is also famous for its traditional pastries, such as Cavacas das Caldas and Beijinhos das Caldas.
When is the best time to visit Caldas da Rainha?
The best time to visit Caldas da Rainha is during the spring and summer months (April to September) when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the town can be enjoyed year-round, with its mild climate and various indoor attractions.
What are some popular day trips from Caldas da Rainha?
Popular day trips from Caldas da Rainha include visiting the beautiful beaches of Foz do Arelho and São Martinho do Porto, exploring the medieval town of Óbidos, and visiting the nearby monasteries of Alcobaça and Batalha, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Is Caldas da Rainha a good base for exploring Portugal’s Silver Coast?
Caldas da Rainha is an excellent base for exploring the Silver Coast. Its central location allows easy access to the region’s attractions, and the town offers a variety of accommodation and dining options to suit different budgets and preferences.
Do people in Caldas da Rainha speak English?
While Portuguese is the official language, many people in Caldas da Rainha, particularly those working in tourism-related businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and attractions, speak English. However, it’s always a good idea to learn a few basic Portuguese phrases to help with communication and show respect for the local culture.