Caldas da Rainha

Caldas da Rainha is located close to the West Coast of Portugal, more commonly known as The Silver Coast and is less than an hours drive from the capital city of Lisbon. The municipality of Caldas covers an area of 256 square kilometres and has a population of approximately 52,000 residents. More than half of these reside within the city itself.

The city dates back to the 15th century, when Queen Leonor ordered the establishment of a hospital and a church at the site of a therapeutic hot springs where she had taken a treatment and been cured. The Thermal Hospital is, in the world, the oldest purpose built institution, being home to over five centuries of history. Many people in the area simply refer to the city as Caldas which is easily translated to "Queen’s Spa.” or "Queen’s Baths.” Caldas da Rainha has an interesting history

The city of Caldas is approximately 10 km inland from the Atlantic Ocean. The city has 12 Civil Parishes and these are:

  1. A dos Francos
  2. Alvorninha
  3. Caldas da Rainha – incorporating Nossa Senhora do Populo, Coto and Sao Gregorio
  4. Caldas da Rainha – Santo Onofre and Serra do Bouro
  5. Carvalhal Benfeito
  6. Foz do Arelho
  7. Landal
  8. Nadadouro
  9. Salir de Matos
  10. Santa Catarina
  11. Tornada and Salir do Porto
  12. Vidais

Three of the parishes,
  • Foz do Arelho
  • Serra do Bouro
  • Salir do Porto
 
all lie on the Atlantic Ocean.

There are many cultural institutions throughout Caldas:

Museums covering a range of cultural interests including;
  • art
  • history
  • cycling
  • ceramics
  • museum

The CCC (Centro Cultural e de Congressos – Cultural and Conference Centre)

The CCC is a relatively recent addition and is the centre for may exhibitions throughout the year, concerts, exhibitions and conferences in addition to a wide range of performing arts.

Multi-sport municipal complex

Swimming baths

Public parks where many concerts are held throughout the year


There are higher education institutions and these include a school of ceramics, and a major arts and design school. The city of Caldas, in 2014 had the best public secondary school in Portugal.

As you look around the city, you will appreciate all that this beautiful city has to offer. There are stunning buildings and architecture that line the many pedestrianized city centre streets, often paved with the calcada stones that are prevalent throughout Portugal. Many of the buildings have been sympathetically restored and blend seamlessly with the texture of this city.

In the Centre of Caldas is a truly wonderful public park.park Part of this has been left fairly natural. It is a beautiful place to walk and wander along the tree lined paths, or sit on one of the many benches and take in the peace right in the middle of the city. Another area of the park has been treated to a little more landscaping and planting along with a pond that has been incorporated, where the children enjoy feeding the ducks and swans.

There are literally hundreds of cafes and restaurants to be enjoyed, many on pedestrianized streets, where you can wile away a relaxing hour of two sipping on a glass of wine and enjoying the colour and splendour of the City. There are restaurants to suit every taste, from the delicious Portuguese cuisine to Italian, Chinese, Indian and other areas. The most recent addition is a full vegetarian restaurant.

FACILITIES

  • Caldas da Rainha has all the facilities required for modern life.
  • Large hospital providing excellent and caring health carehospital
  • Doctors offices both private and municipal
  • A number of Dentists that provide excellent dental care
  • Daily fruit and vegetable market
  • Weekly general market where you will find almost anything
  • Monthly Antiques market held in the city centre park
  • A veritable plethora of coffee shops
  • Restaurants providing regional food and menus from around the world
  • Large modern, well stocked supermarkets, many now providing regional items from around the world.
 
The Vivaci Centre which is an indoor shopping mall features;

  • Household Appliances
  • clothes
  • shoes
  • florists
 
Every manner of shop can also be found in the city centre.

Health care is one of the main concerns of people relocating but most, when having to use the services comment on the exceptional care received.

There are several large international hotels in the area:

The popular Sana Hotel situated right in the city centre and attached to the Vivaci Centre which is an indoor shopping mall.

The International Hotel is located on the outskirts of the city and close to transportation links.

The Inatel which is located in the Parish of Foz do Arelho, only ten minutes away and overlooks the ocean.

A number of other smaller and often family run hotels.

The city has a busy railway station and bus station with transportation provided for travellers going both north and south across the country. There is an excellent bus service that takes you right into Lisbon Airport that is less than one hour away.

Caldas da Rainha is a busy and diverse city offering visitors the hustle and bustle of city life; the feeling of a large village whereobidos people are friendly and will happily chat to you about the city and the surroundings; and the peace and tranquillity of beautiful and relaxing parkland. And the added bonus is that less than 10 minutes away are the beautiful beaches of Foz do Arelho and the Obidos Lagoon and the stunning Medieval town of Obidos.

We look forward to your visit and if you are looking for property in Caldas da Rainha or a Silver Coast property you will find a wide selection here;