Parks and the outdoors in Caldas da Rainha

17 parks, gardens, beaches and walks in and around Caldas da Rainha.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

SeePublic art
Jardim da Água
Water Garden
A whimsical "garden" with water features, accented with ceramics, tiles, and towering sculptures. It was designed by master ceramicist Luis Ferreira da Silva (1928-2016) and built in the 1990s. This installation is one of the country's largest urban ceramic works. It honors two of the city's iconic symbols: water and ceramics.
24 hours dailyFree
See
Parque Dom Carlos I
Parque D. Carlos I, King Charles I Park
This delightful park serves as the main green space in Caldas da Rainha. The paths through the flowerbeds and trees make for a pleasant walk. Visitors can rent a rowboat to circumnavigate the small lake around a little island. The boathouse is now used for art exhibitions, as is the Céu de Vidro ("glass sky"), a skylight-covered pathway between two old buildings that connects the park to the thermal hospital. The Museu José Malhoa sits in the middle of the park. The park contains numerous statues and sculptures, some of historical figures, others more whimsical and fun. The Pavilhões do Parque ("park pavilions") are several interconnected buildings, originally intended as a spa resort for the thermal hospital. They served various purposes in the past. These lovely buildings, which serve as a sort of emblem of the park, have unfortunately been allowed to decay and are on the verge of ruin. Their beauty is still evident, however, and their reflection on the lake makes for a popular photo opportunity. Word is the buildings will be revived as a hotel. The park's amenities include a playground, picnic area, tennis courts, and restrooms. The park is named for King Carlos I (Charles) who reigned from 1889 until his assassination in 1908 at the age of 44. In January 2021, Evasões magazine called the park, "One of the most beautiful parks in the country (perhaps the entire world)".
Open now · closes 10 pm
Drink
Gelataria Puzzle
This ice cream shop/café/snack bar sits across from the park. They have some outside seating, along with indoor seating.
Daily 14:00–19:00
SeeHistoric site
Queen Leonor Statue
Estátua de Rainha Dona Leonor
The Queen stands regally in a roundabout, facing the park and welcoming visitors to the city centre. The statue was created by sculptor Francisco Franco (no, not the Spanish dictator) and was inaugurated 15 September 1935.
24 hours dailyFree
Drink
Cais do Parque
A café, bar, and restaurant in Parque D. Carlos I, occupying a venerable space that housed prior eateries. During pleasant weather, nothing beats sitting outdoors and watching people enjoy the park. The menu offers wines, spirits, and light meals.
Tue–Sat 10:00–22:30, Sun 10:00–16:00, closed MonMid-range
Buy
Feira de Velharias
Flea Market
This monthly flea market in the park offers a great variety of goods for sale, from dishes to records and towels to clothing to home décor.
2nd Sun of each month 09:00–17:00Free entry
See Not mapped
Mata Dona Leonor
Queen Leonor Woods
If the park is too urban for your taste, visit the adjoining Mata Dona Leonor. Tree-lined trails make for quiet, pleasant walks. You can also find picnic facilities. Planted during Queen Leonor's era, the forest was meant to protect the source of the hospital's hot springs. Trees include pine, oak, sycamore, and acacia.
24 hours dailyFree
See
Largo Rainha Dona Leonor & Largo Dom Manuel I
These two adjacent squares lie in the heart of Caldas' Historic Zone. Largo Rainha D. Leonor—also known as Largo da Copa—houses both buildings of the thermal hospital and provides access to the park. Largo D. Manuel I has the Chafariz da Rua Nova water fountain as well as a more modern fountain. Both plazas are picturesque and offer excellent viewpoints for photos. You can find a few cafés and restaurants on or just off the squares.
24 hours dailyFree
Do
Praia de Salir do Porto
Salir do Porto Beach
The calm waters of this riverside beach near an enclosed bay make Salir do Porto a popular beach destination for families with young children.
Free
See Not mapped
Art Nouveau Architecture
Arquitetura Arte Nova
Caldas da Rainha is home to many fine examples of Art Nouveau buildings. This style was popular worldwide between 1890 and 1910, but it flourished in Portugal from 1905 to 1920. You can identify Art Nouveau by its beautiful tile façades, ornate wrought iron embellishments, and decorative stonework. Walk around the city centre to find many more gems.
24 hours dailyFree
Do Not mapped
Frutos, Feira Nacional de Hortofruticultura
National Fruit and Horticulture Fair
Caldas celebrates fruits in the park. Food and drink abound. Musical entertainment nightly at 22:00. There will be 200 exhibitors and over a dozen restaurants, bars, wineries, traditional Portuguese smoked meats and charcuterie. There will also be entertainment throughout the city during this event.
Late Aug. Mon–Thu 17:00–24:00, Fri 17:00–01:00, Sat 15:00–01:00, Sun 15:00–24:00Concerts EUR 3-5; 10-day tickets EUR 15; children under 12 free
DoHot springs
Termas das Caldas da Rainha
Largo Rainha Dona Leonor
DoPark
Parqueatelier Cerâmica E Artes
Rua General Queirós 47
SeeGarden
Jardim de Suculentas
Free entry
DoMarina
Cais de Embarque
SeeGarden
Flor Caldas
Rua dos Casais de Baixo
DoPark
Quinta da Boneca

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Caldas da Rainha (CC BY-SA 4.0). Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Place data from Overture Maps.