Caldas da Rainha: Portugal’s Spa Town of Art and Tradition

Caldas da Rainha, just an hour north of Lisbon and twenty minutes from the Óbidos Lagoon, is a city built around water, creativity, and healing. Its name — “Baths of the Queen” — goes back to the 15th century when Queen Leonor, suffering from a mysterious illness, discovered the sulfur-rich hot springs here. After her recovery, she ordered the construction of a hospital and public baths, making Caldas one of Europe’s first health resorts.

Today, Caldas da Rainha blends that history with a vibrant modern life. The thermal hospital still stands (now mostly a historic site), and the city has evolved into a center for arts, crafts, and culture.

Key Points of Interest:

• Praça da Fruta (Fruit Square):
  The heart of the city beats at this daily open-air market, one of the oldest in Portugal still running every day. Stalls overflow with colorful produce, fresh flowers, local cheeses, bread, and handmade crafts.
• Parque Dom Carlos I:
  A beautiful park that once served the thermal hospital patients. It’s a perfect spot for a walk among lakes, sculptures, and manicured gardens. The park also houses art galleries like the José Malhoa Museum, dedicated to Portuguese naturalist painting.
• Ceramics:
  Caldas da Rainha is famous for its unique ceramics — some traditional, some humorously risqué. The legacy of Bordallo Pinheiro, a 19th-century artist and ceramicist, lives on in designs like cabbage-shaped plates and sardine-themed pottery. The Bordallo Pinheiro Factory and shop are must-visits for anyone interested in Portuguese arts.
• Thermal Hospital and Spa:
  The historic Thermal Hospital (Hospital Termal Rainha D. Leonor) is a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture. Although it no longer functions fully as a spa, parts are open for visits, and the surrounding buildings reflect the city's old health-focused identity.
• Cultural Life:
  Modern Caldas is lively, thanks to its university and strong creative community. You'll find contemporary art galleries, music festivals, and a growing food scene that pairs traditional Portuguese flavors with a modern twist.

Proximity Perks:
Caldas is perfectly placed for day trips. You’re close to the beaches of Foz do Arelho, the medieval town of Óbidos, the surf towns of Peniche and Nazaré, and even the UNESCO-listed Monastery of Alcobaça.