Best natural spaces in Caldas da Rainha

Itineraries | Nature

1. Natural Beauty of Caldas da Rainha 

Located in Portugal’s Oeste Region and covering more than 255 km², the municipality of Caldas da Rainha offers a rich and diverse network of natural spaces. From urban parks and historical woodlands to biodiversity reserves, coastal areas, and walking and cycling trails, the region blends cultural heritage with preserved ecosystems—creating a unique environment for sustainable tourism, outdoor recreation, and nature appreciation.

2. Parque D. Carlos I & Mata Rainha D. Leonor

Parque D. Carlos I

At the heart of the city, this romantic park, adjacent to the historic Queen Leonor Thermal Hospital, was designed in 1889 by Rodrigo Berquó. It features a lake with rowboats, a bandstand, scenic walkways, pavilions, and a charming café terrace. Swans and ducks inhabit the lake, offering a serene urban retreat. The park also includes sculptures by renowned artists and is home to the José Malhoa Museum, creating a perfect blend of culture and nature.

Mata Rainha Dona Leonor

Next to the park lies this 17-hectare woodland, planted in the 15th century to protect the thermal springs. It includes plane trees, stone pines, oaks, and acacias, making it ideal for walks, picnics, and environmental education. Together, the park and forest create a green core within the city, accessible to residents and tourists alike.

3. “Caminhos da Rainha” – Walking and Cycling Routes

The municipality boasts about 80 km of marked pedestrian and cycling paths, grouped under “Caminhos da Rainha” (“Queen’s Trails”), connecting emblematic sites like the Óbidos Lagoon, Paul de Tornada, Alvorninha dam, Serra do Bouro, and coastal cliffs.

Highlights include:

. PR7 – Óbidos Lagoon Route: starting in Nadadouro, offering scenic lagoon views.

. PR2 – Paul de Tornada Route: leading into the local nature reserve for birdwatching.

. Trails also cover the dam area and coastal panoramas.

These routes promote eco-tourism, outdoor sports, and a deeper connection between urban and rural landscapes.

4. Paul de Tornada – Local Nature Reserve

This 53-hectare wetland in Tornada has been classified as a Ramsar site since 2001 and a Local Nature Reserve since 2009. Formerly used for rice farming in the 20th century, it now houses an environmental interpretation center (opened in 2000) and is home to herons, ducks, otters, terrapins, and eels.

Managed by the municipality in partnership with NGOs and the ICNF (Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests), the area supports education, conservation, and eco-tourism. Walkways and platforms allow close observation of local flora and fauna.

5. Óbidos Lagoon and Foz do Arelho Beach

Óbidos Lagoon

This coastal lagoon (6.9 km²) borders the municipalities of Caldas da Rainha and Óbidos. Its outlet to the Atlantic is manually managed, and the ecosystem shelters a variety of aquatic species and migratory birds. It’s ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, birdwatching, and leisurely walks on its boardwalks.

Foz do Arelho Walkways

Perched on the Atlantic cliffs, these scenic wooden walkways feature seven panoramic viewpoints offering stunning vistas over the ocean and Berlengas Islands. They are a prime example of landscape integration and accessibility, linking beaches, dunes, and coastal trails.

6. Salir do Porto Dune and Jurassic Fossils of Serra do Bouro

At the western edge of the municipality lies Portugal’s tallest sand dune, the Dune of Salir do Porto, reaching about 50 meters in height. A wooden staircase leads to the top, offering breathtaking views of the São Martinho do Porto Bay and Atlantic Ocean.

Nearby, the Serra do Bouro is a coastal plateau where Jurassic fossils, including dinosaur footprints, have been discovered. This makes it a key destination for scientific tourism. Part of the broader Western Geopark, this region connects geology, paleontology, and natural heritage through themed trails and educational tours.

7. Alvorninha Dam

Alvorninha Dam is featured in the PR1 trail of “Caminhos da Rainha.” It’s a peaceful spot surrounded by nature, ideal for fishing, canoeing, and enjoying the biodiversity. It also offers refuge for quiet contemplation and outdoor leisure.

8. Integration into the Western Geopark

Caldas da Rainha is part of the Western Geopark (Geoparque Oeste), a 1,154 km² region with over 180 geosites of international significance. These include fossil cliffs, prehistoric footprints, and unique rock formations. The Geopark fosters scientific tourism, nature walks, and educational programs.

Visitors can explore its natural wealth on foot, by car, or even by boat, enhancing both environmental knowledge and the tourism experience.