Caldas da Rainha>Parishes>Tornada and Salir do Porto
Tornada and Salir do Porto
From the Paul de Tornada nature reserve to the biggest dune in Portugal, overlooking the bay of São Martinho do Porto.
Photo: GoCaldas
About Tornada and Salir do Porto
Tornada lost its status as a separate parish in the 2013 administrative reform and is now part of the Union of Parishes of Tornada and Salir do Porto. Five kilometres from Caldas da Rainha, it has around 3,500 inhabitants.
In the Middle Ages it was called Cornagaa, and there are records of the Romans passing through. Tornada marked the edge of the lands of the Alcobaça monastery, and during the reign of João II, Queen Leonor gave its land to the Thermal Hospital she had founded in Caldas da Rainha in 1484.
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Nature lovers can walk the trail around the Paul de Tornada reserve to see its wildlife and plants, and history lovers can visit the parish church.
Salir do Porto, at the edge of the municipality, borders São Martinho do Porto (Alcobaça). With just ten square kilometres and around 1,000 inhabitants, it is famous for the largest dune in Portugal, about 50 metres high. Legend has it that the caravels of the Portuguese Discoveries, in the reigns of Afonso V and João II, were built at its old shipyard. Don’t miss the viewpoint and the ruins of the Santa Ana chapel, both with superb views over the bay.
What to see
Paul de Tornada
Now a Local Nature Reserve, with a circular trail for watching wildlife and plants. It covers 45 hectares, 23 of them wetland.
Tornada parish church
Built in the 16th and 17th centuries on the main road, it combines Manueline and Baroque styles.
Salir do Porto viewpoint
It offers a superb view over the bay of São Martinho do Porto and the surrounding area.
Salir do Porto dune
About 50 metres high, the largest dune in Portugal, and said to have once been the largest in Europe.
Santa Ana chapel
Now in ruins, but in the 20th century the people of Salir do Porto still walked up the hill to it in procession.
Old shipyard ruins
On the beach at Salir do Porto, where the caravels of the Discoveries are said to have been built in the reigns of Afonso V and João II.
Good to know
Getting there
Caldas da Rainha is about an hour from Lisbon on the A8 motorway. The easiest way to explore the parishes is by car.
Parking
Parking is usually easy in the villages. In the city centre, use the car parks around the centre and walk.
Where to eat
You will find traditional restaurants across the municipality, and plenty more in the centre of Caldas da Rainha.
Frequently asked questions
How high is the dune of Salir do Porto?
About 50 metres, the largest dune in Portugal.
What is Paul de Tornada?
A Local Nature Reserve of 45 hectares, 23 of them wetland, with a circular walking trail.
How far is Tornada from Caldas da Rainha?
About five kilometres.
