Explore Caldas da Rainha with

When to Visit

The climate in Caldas da Rainha is mostly mild, without radical temperature drops and downs. The whole region is characterized by dry summers and rainy winters with rare minus temperatures. In the coldest months, the temperature does not drop below -6ºС, and in summer its maximum reached temperature is +30ºС. The city is a great idea for a one-day trip at any time of the year as there is no risk of freezing in winter and getting burned in the bright sun in summer. As for those who want to combine visiting Caldas da Rainha with the nearby beaches, it should be remembered that despite the mild Portuguese climate, the Atlantic Ocean remains cool. In summer the water temperature is 18-21 degrees, and in winter no more than 15.

Getting Around

Caldas da Rainha has a well-developed public transport system with 3 routes served. The local carrier serves blue minivans to get around the city and nearby areas. But the best idea to see the city is to simply walk around. The most interesting places are located

within a 10-15 minute walk from each other. One more great idea is to rent a bike. As throughout the rest of Portugal there is also an option to get a taxi. The price for a short ride around the city will be 5-7 euros. In case of longer trips to the nearby attractions, the price is discussed individually. The specific features of Caldas, which should be remembered by those who come by their car, are extremely narrow streets. From Lisbon, it's possible to get here by bus or by train for 2-3 hours and 8-10 euros.

Travel Information

You can get an unforgettable experience while traveling in Caldas da Rainha if you consider a few simple Caldas da Rainha travel tips:

1. How do you make the first trip to Caldas da Rainha unforgettable?

Caldas da Rainha is not a popular spot and overcrowded tourist destination. It's more a place for calm rest and a favorite spot of locals. And this is its advantage, as the city is perfect for a deep dive into the real culture of the country. This place is a city of art, and its artistic treasures can be seen not only in museums. The visitors should find time to simply walk along the streets, full of sculptures, and try local cuisine in small cozy restaurants, enjoying the slow motion of life. Even though most people come here to relax in a spa center, the city deserves attention and here can be made a simple but interesting route for a day, or even for a few days' stay.

2. What is a list of Caldas da Rainha hidden gems?

The city is rather small, so it's very easy to see all its significant places in a few hours. As for the places that the guests of the city mostly skip because they prefer to spend time on wellness, there are a few of them. First, Caldas da Rainha is famous for its excellent clay for pottery. The factory, which still produces recognizable ceramic items, was founded here by Bordalo. All the dishes and ceramic tiles are carried out in a bright, original style. 

In your free time, it's recommended to go to Praça da Fruta, an authentic daily fruit and vegetable market. Local farmers have sold their products here every day around the week since the 15th century. And of course, Praça da República, the central square of the city with its lively atmosphere against the backdrop of colorful houses with azulejos is a must-visit place.

3. What dishes are the must-try in Caldas da Rainha? 

The region has its unique cuisine, and one of the dishes for a new culinary experience is “Kavakash dash Kaldash”. These cookies are sugar syrup-coated and then sold in all the shops around the city. One more traditional dish is a sweet omelet, and egg cake shaped like a lamprey fish. 

As for the main dishes to try in the city's restaurants, among them should be mentioned the eel stew, and an unusual local variation of cod, cooked in olive oil. This way of cooking is a significant feature of the local cuisine, so all seafood lovers can enjoy octopus in olive oil.

For a snack, it's recommended to try a seafood sandwich with a soft drink, which will cost a maximum of 10 euros per person.