Caldas da Rainha

In the west of Portugal, between the hills and the sea, Caldas da Rainha is a town of gardens, markets and old traditions. It grew around its thermal springs, and its ceramics, fruit markets and museums give it a character all of its own.

History and identity

The town was founded in the fifteenth century by Queen Leonor, who bathed in its waters and ordered the building of a thermal hospital — one of the oldest in the world still in operation. Around it grew a town known for its healing waters and, later, for its ceramics.

What to see and do

• The thermal hospital and the historic spa quarter.
• The museum of José Malhoa, with Portuguese painting.
• The daily market, one of the liveliest in the region.
• The ceramics workshops and the town’s gardens.

Gastronomy and traditions

Caldas da Rainha is famous for its ceramics — the witty, colourful figures created by Bordalo Pinheiro and still made in the town — and for its market, full of fruit, vegetables and flowers from the surrounding countryside.

Nearby

Ten Museu de José Malhoa is in the middle of the park, and the beaches of the west coast are a short drive away.

Visiting Caldas da Rainha

Caldas da Rainha is in the west of Portugal, about 90 kilometres north of Lisbon, reached by road. For the market, museums and local events, check the official website before your visit.

Visitor information: cm-caldas-rainha.pt.

Image credit: Caldas da Rainha, Portugal, by Alvesgaspar, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.