Caldas da Rainha
Caldas da Rainha
Blending tradition with a vibrant, modern feel, Caldas da Rainha is a fabulous place to own property. With charming villages and beautiful beaches nearby, it’s the perfect place to embrace the Portuguese lifestyle...
Its history dates back to 1484, when Portuguese queen D. Leonor came in contact with the town's thermal springs and later built Europe's first thermal hospital. The town of Caldas da Rainha (which in Portuguese means "waters of the queen") grew around the hospital, with Queen D. Leonor still very much present in various aspects of the town's history and culture.
During the 19th century, Caldas da Rainha experienced its greatest splendour, with the popularity of its thermal treatments highly sought-after by the upper classes. At the same time, the abundance of clay in the region encouraged several ceramics factories, which transformed the town into one of the main ceramic production centres in Portugal, particularly with the creations of the ceramic artist Rafael Bordallo Pinheiro.
In recent years, "louça das Caldas" (Caldas pottery) has become increasingly popular, and you can find Bordallo's signature swallows and cabbage-inspired kitchenware all around town!
Today, Caldas da Rainha thrives on this mix of much-loved traditions from the past and vibrant energy that pulses through various aspects of the city's everyday life.
Discover Caldas da Rainha
39.4072,-9.1347
What's nearby?
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Popular landmarks- Mosteiro de Alcobaça
- Óbidos Castle
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Golf Courses- Praia D'El Rey
- Guardian Bom Sucesso Golf
- Royal Obidos
- West Cliffs
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Beaches- São Martinho do Porto
- Nazaré
- Foz do Arelho
- Paredes da Vitória
- Salgado
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Services-
International Schools: Escola International de Torres Vedras NHR - Non Habitual Resident Regime
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Hospitals: Centro Hospitalar do Oeste, E.P.E. - Unidade de Caldas da Rainha
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Highway: A8 motorway
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Closest airport-
Lisbon - Humberto Delgado Airport
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Popular Tourist Spots
- Park D. Carlos I
- José Malhoa Museum
- Wooden walkways of Foz do Arelho
- Obidos Lagoon
- Obidos Castle
Beaches
- Foz do Arelho
- Rei Cortiço
- São Martinho do Porto
- Salir do Porto
- Nazaré
Services
- Rua das Montras (main shopping street)
- Câmara Municipal Caldas da Rainha
- Public Hospital - Centro Hospitalar do Oeste
- Private Hospital - Montepio
- A8 Motorway
Praça da Fruta - Portugal's most famous outdoor farmers' market
One of the favourite things for Caldas da Rainha residents to do is to go to the "Praça da Fruta"! This farmers' market is located in the centre of the town and is filled with several outdoor stalls offering everything from fruit, vegetables, cheese, bread, dried fruits, amongst other local products.
Walking around the stalls and choosing high-quality fresh ingredients is an opportunity to experience the genuine Portuguese lifestyle, as well as a healthy and affordable way of stocking your pantry and table with the freshest produce available!
In the "praça" there is also a coffee kiosk where you can enjoy a "café" and maybe have a "pastel de nata" at the end of your shopping.
This farmers market is one of the best known in Portugal and the only open-air farmer's market that is open every day of the week!
