Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Caldas da Rainha, Portugal

Situated just off the coast, Caldas da Rainha is a spa town established by a queen. In the 15th century, Eleanor of Viseu found locals bathing in the distinctive-smelling springs, marking the inception of Europe’s first hydrotherapy resort since Roman epochs. The town attracted visitors from all over during the 1800s, when it was enhanced with a graceful park and spa complex, which is now a museum.

As a gathering place for nobility and the bourgeoisie, Caldas da Rainha boasts an array of distinguished architecture ranging from Baroque to Art Nouveau. Visitors will find ample activities, including the medieval village of Óbidos nearby and some of Portugal’s finest beaches just moments away.

Let us explore the most notable attractions in Caldas da Rainha:

1. Parque Dom Carlos I

This elegant park, named after King Carlos I who ruled Portugal at the turn of the century, offers a glimpse of Belle Époque spa life.

Originally established in the late 1700s, the area where vineyards and olive groves once flourished was transformed to create a space for patients at the thermal hospital to walk.

The park has since evolved into a Romantic garden featuring statues, a boating lake, beautiful lawns, a charming bandstand, a picnic area, a bar with a terrace, and winding paths through woodlands.

Old hospital pavilions complement the picturesque scenery, which is reflected in the tranquil lake.

2. Museu José Malhoa

José Malhoa was an accomplished Naturalist painter, born in Caldas da Rainha, and active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

He gained recognition for his folk scenes and his expert manipulation of light.

This museum, named in his honor, is located in the boathouse within Parque Dom Carlos I and features a statue of the painter in front, along with several of his works on display.

Additionally, the museum houses sketches, sculptures, and medallions from the 19th and 20th centuries, along with exquisite traditional pottery.

3. Museu de Cerâmica

In a town renowned for its ceramics, this museum is an essential visit.

The setting is picturesque, located on a Romantic 19th-century estate, once occupied by the 2nd Viscount of Sacavém, an avid collector, creator, and patron of ceramics.

He commenced his own workshop on the estate in the 1890s.

The museum now serves as an extraordinary summary of the town’s ceramic heritage, showcasing examples dating back to the 1600s, alongside pieces from prominent factories across Portugal and abroad.

Do not miss the anthropomorphic vessels crafted by Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, which have become iconic in Portuguese culture.

4. Museu do Ciclismo

Located in a stunning Art Nouveau townhouse facing Parque Dom Carlos I, this complimentary museum chronicles the history of cycling in Portugal.

It is jointly operated by the municipality and various national cycling associations.

Cycling enthusiasts will be captivated by exhibits highlighting the Porto to Lisbon race of 1911 and the inaugural five editions of the Volta a Portugal starting in 1927. This includes jerseys, posters, and numerous vintage bicycles, among them several models from the famed Spanish Zeus company.

5. Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Pópulo

This church, a national monument of Portugal, began construction at the end of the 1400s under the guidance of Mateus Fernandes, a master of the Manueline style who spent over 25 years working on the World Heritage Batalha Monastery.

The surviving ornamentation from this period is visible in the vault, which incorporates elaborate ribbonwork and keystones adorned with floral motifs and a central coat of arms.

This is positioned above an exquisite altarpiece carved from marble during the late Renaissance.

The church underwent significant transformations over the years, particularly in the 1600s when the nave walls were embellished with azulejos featuring atapete (carpet-patterned) designs.

6. Museu do Hospital e das Caldas

Housed within the grand setting of the former thermal hospital, this museum explores the history of Caldas da Rainha and the hot springs that attracted visitors to the town.

It is situated on the site of the Caza Real, where Eleanor of Viseu, the queen consort, would stay during her visits in the 15th century.

This museum features galleries dedicated to her time in Caldas da Rainha, in addition to displays related to the reign of John V, who developed the spring complex in the 18th century.

Healthcare professionals or those interested in medical history will appreciate the collection of historical medical instruments and vintage photographs of the medical wards.

7. Fabrica de Faianças Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro

For enthusiasts of Caldas da Rainha’s unique faience, a visit to this workshop, established by Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro in 1884, is a must. This brand has been producing functional and decorative ceramics for over 130 years.

Many of the designs created here have become part of Portugal’s cultural fabric, whether it be the iconic tiles adorned with vine leaves and corn or the figure of Zé Povinho, a representation of the Portuguese working class.

The factory shop offers both contemporary and traditional designs, using 19th-century molds that maintain a balance between functionality and elegance.

8. Praia da Foz do Arelho

This remarkable beach is situated where the Óbidos Lagoon meets the Atlantic Ocean. It features a sandbank that separates the two bodies of water.

On one side, you have the crashing waves of the Atlantic, while a short walk leads you to the calm beach of the lagoon, with its warm and clear waters.

As long as you are mindful of the changing tides, children can safely swim and play here, a rarity along the Atlantic coast.

Alongside the beach, there is an esplanade lined with ice cream stands and restaurants, offering picturesque views of the lagoon and distant cliffs.

9. Praça da República

This expansive rectangular plaza serves as the town’s central hub, featuring numerous postcard-worthy vistas.

Encircled by charming townhouses painted in a variety of colors or enlivened with geometric tiles, the square’s standout feature is the Baroque-style city hall, built in the 1700s.

The cobblestone pavement itself is also visually appealing, with its calçada portuguesa arranged in a checkered pattern established in 1883. Locally known as Praça da Fruta, the square hosts daily market stalls selling fruits, vegetables, and various regional products.

This market is considered the largest open-air farmers market in Portugal.

10. Ermida de São Sebastião

While in the Praça da República, take a moment to discover this charming chapel, which has occupied one of the side streets since the 1500s.

The architecture reflects Mannerist and Baroque styles; while the exterior appears rather unassuming, the interior decoration has earned a designation as a “Property of Public Interest.”

Inside, the walls are adorned with tile panels installed in the 1600s, which narrate the life of Saint Sebastian, the chapel’s patron saint.

11. Óbidos Village

One of the advantages of staying in Caldas da Rainha is the proximity to Óbidos, one of Portugal’s most picturesque villages.

Óbidos is also among the country’s most popular day-trip locations, allowing you to enjoy an early start.

The village, enclosed by its old walls, presents a delightful maze of cobblestone streets flanked by whitewashed homes featuring artisan shops that offer souvenirs.

The Porta da Senhora da Graça serves as the main entrance to the walled town, embellished with beautiful 18th-century azulejo panels.

12. Castle of Óbidos

This castle, which looms over the village of Óbidos, was recognized as one of Portugal’s seven wonders in 2007. The village is surrounded by its defensive walls, while the keep, positioned higher on the slope, has been converted into a pousada (heritage hotel). Although interior access is restricted, visitors can walk along the battlements, which transport them back to medieval times.

The breathtaking views from both sides encompass the terracotta roofs of the village, the lagoon, mountains, and a patchwork of farmland with clustered white villages visible from this elevated vantage point.

13. São Martinho do Porto

Sun worshippers are fortunate in Caldas da Rainha, as another of the nation’s premier beaches is just a short 15-minute drive away.

São Martinho do Porto features a symmetrical bay, shielded by cliffs that nearly converge at the entrance.

This creates a scallop-shaped stretch of tranquil water, safeguarded from the strong ocean currents.

The beach boasts fine pale sand, ideal for relaxing during the summer months.

Winter offers a different charm, and visitors can trek from the beach along a scenic trail leading to the ruins of a chapel perched on the southern cliff.

14. Watersports

While it may seem exaggerated, it is difficult to find a superior location for water-based activities in Europe.

The consistent winds blowing in from the Atlantic provide optimal conditions for windsurfers and kite-surfers.

In conjunction with the clear waters of the Óbidos lagoon or the sheltered bay at São Martinho, it creates an extraordinary environment.

For beginners, numerous companies offer lessons to help you get started.

Additionally, nearby Peniche, located just 25 minutes down the coast, is celebrated as the “Capital of the Wave,” acknowledged as one of the premier surf locations in Europe.

15. Food and Drink

Among the souvenirs available in Óbidos is ginjinha, a luscious infusion made from dark ginja berries (sour cherries).

In Óbidos, it is served in a chocolate cup, which you can consume after finishing the drink.

The area’s temperate maritime climate is conducive to wine production, and the Encosta da Quinta winery invites visitors to explore its facilities and taste a selection of light rosés, reds, and whites.

As for local cuisine, each Portuguese town boasts its unique cod preparations, and Caldas da Rainha is no exception; here, the specialty is baked cod served with potatoes crushed in olive oil and garlic.