This bustling, vibrant market little town in the Leiria District is becoming more and more popular among tourists and is slowly becoming the ideal place to own a holiday home. Also known for its thermal spas, Caldas is a region with sulphur rich waters famous for treating skin and bone ailments, the ceramics arts – which is seen in its beautiful street signs – and includes a shopping mall, and local markets for fresh fruits and vegetables in Praça da República (Republic Square) – which is known as Praça da Fruta, or Fruit Square – with more household goods on offer nearby during the Monday market.
On a short history note, Caldas founded at the end of the 15th Century by Queen Leonor, consort to King João II. Its location only 4.9 miles (8 kilometers) from some of the region’s finest beaches, lagoons and its central position only an hour’s drive north of Lisbon make it the ideal place to be based in order to set out and explore some of the charming local medieval towns and fishing villages. So, it’s a natural destination for rural tourism and water sports.
But it’s not only for its market that Praça da República is known for, as it hosts several cafes here where you can relax and take in the scene while the family does the food shopping. Also, the Parque Dom Carlos I (Dom Carlos I Park) is a lovely green space just off Rua de Camões with a lake with boats, tennis courts.
Caldas is also one of the cities that most invests in culture, though the Museu de José Malhoa (Jose Malhoa Museum), one of the town's nine museums of note, which exhibits the paintings of locally-born José Malhoa (1855-1933) famous for his scenes of country life, and contemporary artists of the so-called Grupo do Leão, the Pinheiro siblings, António da Silva Porto, Henrique Pinto and João Rodrigues Vieira. In the basement is an exhibition of ceramics by Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro.
As aforementioned, the city lives and breathes culture. Close to the Rafael Bordalo ceramic factory, is the Museu de Cerâmica (Ceramics Museum) a lovely historic house which displays the legendary artist’s craftsmen. Other more minor museums in town are the Museu do Ciclismo (Cycling Museum), the Museu Barata Feyo (Barata Feyo Museum) which displays the works from the sculptor Barata Feyo (1899-1990) and the Centro de Artes (Arts Center), which includes the Atelier-Museu João Fragoso with works by the minimalist sculptor João Fragoso (1913-2000) and the Espaço Concas with paintings by Maria da Conceição Nunes (1946-1991).
Public healthcare is also highlighted, not only for its quality but – you guessed it – a museum within the Hospital Termal Rainha D. Leonor, which consists in a small facility dedicated to the history of the spa. There are – you guessed it again – ceramics, clothing, paintings, and medical instruments used over time.
Churches in town include the beautiful Nossa Senhora do Pópulo near the spa, which is classified as a National Monument. Built in the 15th century it was the chapel of the Hospital Termal Rainha D. Leonor and has elements of Manueline architecture. The single nave church has a vaulted ceiling and azulejos tiling. Other places of worship include the Ermida de São Sebastião and the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição.
Culture aside, we’re going to give you our best selection when it comes to an amazing gastronomic experience. There are fine choices of places to eat in Caldas da Rainha. Established eateries that have been around for some time include Marta's Place, Solar Dos Amigos, and Sabores D'Italia at Praça 5 de Outubro (5th October Square).
Our other recommendations include:
After such tasty meals, you’ll also find that Caldas is known for its desserts, with places in Cavacas das Caldas a must try local.
Come, visit us, discover and this treasure city!
Mon. to Fri. 09:00 - 18:00
Sat. 10am to 6pm * Summer
