By GoCaldas Team●25 May 2020
A Market Open Every Day, a Lakeside Park and Sunset on the Lagoon: Valentine’s Day in Caldas da Rainha
Spend a romantic day in Caldas da Rainha: the fruit market, Parque D. Carlos I, the Thermal Hospital and an afternoon by the Óbidos Lagoon in Foz do Arelho.
A lovers’ guide to Caldas da Rainha
Make this Valentine’s Day in Caldas da Rainha one to remember, with a day full of emotions and experiences.
You can book a guided tour with us and discover a city with more than 500 years of spa tradition and a long history of welcoming visitors.
Our general tours take you to the places locals pass every day, from Praça da Fruta, the only open-air market in Portugal open every day of the year, to the oldest thermal hospital in the world.
If you are looking for something more specific, we also offer themed tours, such as a visit to a working ceramics factory where you can follow every stage of production, including the painting.
Or you can explore Queen Leonor’s town at your own pace. Here are some tips on what to do and see for an unforgettable day.
Tips for visiting the city’s highlights
Start the day at Praça da Fruta, one of the city’s icons, but keep an eye on the time: the market only runs until about 3 pm, and some sellers start packing up earlier. Then walk down Rua da Liberdade to Parque D. Carlos I. Stroll along its wide avenues and visit the José Malhoa Museum, home to Bordalo Pinheiro’s most iconic work, The Passion of Christ.
After the museum, walk past the Park Pavilions, another city icon, which still stand proudly over the park’s lake despite their poor condition. Céu de Vidro (the Glass Sky) is right next door: if it is open, go in and look up at the wrought-iron dragons that hold up the glass roof.
Leaving Céu de Vidro, you will find the impressive Thermal Hospital. Founded in 1484, it is considered the first thermal hospital in the world, as it was the first to combine water treatments with the permanent presence of a doctor.
Still to see: the Nossa Senhora do Pópulo Church, just behind the Thermal Hospital, the Bordallo Pinheiro shop and the city’s other museums.
Recommended guided tour
Caldas da Rainha & Óbidos: Private Tour
A private tour for two: the best of Caldas da Rainha and the medieval town of Óbidos in one day.
On the sands of the Silver Coast
After lunch, head to Foz do Arelho. This quiet seaside village is less than 10 km from Caldas and is the gateway to the beautiful Óbidos Lagoon, the largest coastal lagoon system in Portugal.
Park by the lagoon and follow the path that links it to the beach. The scenery is stunning, and along the way you will see Penedo Furado, the old pier and the boats moored on the lagoon.
In the evening, enjoy seafood or fresh fish at one of the village restaurants, or head back to the city for something more modern or more traditional.
You can end the night with a concert at the Caldas da Rainha Cultural and Congress Centre.
We hope you enjoy our tips. Whenever you need us, we are here to share the best the locals have to offer and make your experience truly special!
Frequently Asked Questions
What can couples do in Caldas da Rainha?
Visit Praça da Fruta in the morning, stroll through Parque D. Carlos I, see the Thermal Hospital and spend the afternoon by the Óbidos Lagoon and the beach at Foz do Arelho.
How far is Foz do Arelho from Caldas da Rainha?
Less than 10 km, about 10 minutes by car.
Until what time is Praça da Fruta open?
The market runs in the morning until about 3 pm, and some sellers start packing up earlier.
More about Caldas da Rainha
- One day in Caldas da Rainha
- Best natural spaces in Caldas da Rainha
- What to do at Foz do Arelho
- Tours at Caldas da Rainha
This guide was put together by the GoCaldas team, the local travel guide to Caldas da Rainha. Please check opening hours and prices before your visit.