Discovering Caldas da Rainha

Here on the beautiful Silver Coast of Portugal we are blessed with many picturesque towns and villages full of history, stunning coastal views, quaint restaurants and bars and a wonderful holiday atmosphere.

But what if you live here? Or what if you visit the area regularly, staying in your own holiday apartment or villa? You might want to experience a bit more than just sandy beaches and ice cream.

That is where places like Caldas da Rainha come in to their own, located about 20 minutes inland from Foz do Arehlo and with Obidos just ten minutes away Caldas is right in the centre of the fabulous Silver Coast region.

This bustling little city of around 25,000 inhabitants was established in the 15th century by Queen Leonor who founded a hospital at the site of the therapeutic hot springs. The hospital is still in operation today making it one of the oldest institutions of this type in the world.
Although modernised and extended, tours of the original parts of the hospital can be booked through the museum behind the main building and it is a fascinating place to visit. The original pool is still there with its domed ceiling carved from stone, the misty atmosphere created by the warm water pervaded by the strong aroma of sulfur.

Back outside in the fresh air and sunshine you will find yourself in a little square along one side of which can be found an entrance to the impressive park. This is a beautiful formal garden reminiscent of the Victorian parks found in the UK. Along with the huge range of exotic plants, trees and grassy areas there is a boating lake, a bandstand, tennis courts, a children’s playground and a lovely café/restaurant with lots of outside seating. It is a delightful place to while away an afternoon.

I should also mention the fantastic farmers market held daily in the Praça da Fruta the big market square in the centre of town. Caldas da Rainha is the only place in Portugal hold a daily market and it is a great place to pick up some fresh produce. Lots of colour, lots of noise, lots of fun.

There is also plenty more retail excitement to be had in the wide variety of shops and stores found in and around the city, including several supermarkets and shopping centres, and with a choice of cinemas, theatres and a new bowling complex, there is plenty of other entertainment too.

A short drive north of Caldas brings you to the coastal towns of Salir do Porto, Sao Martinho do Porto and Nazare, all great unspoilt holiday destinations with long sandy beaches.

Perfect. . .

By Stephanie Johnson

Lowest taxes in the country

The Mayor of Caldas da Rainha, Fernando Costa, has accepted his nomination as the PSD (centre right) candidate for the local mayoral election and most likely another term in office. Fernando Costa has over 24 years of experience in the position as mayor, one of the longest uninterrupted terms to be served by a mayor on the Silver Coast - Portugal.

This announcement should come as good news to many of his supporters on the Silver Coast. During an interview with the Caldas Gazette he reaffirmed his commitment to low taxes “Caldas will continue to have the lowest taxes in the country and I am committed to reducing them even further.” Silver Coast Property owners will be relieved to hear this, especially those who own properties in the Caldas da Rainha municipal district, which includes the Jardins de Salir development in Salir do Porto, located on the hillside overlooking the bay of São Martinho do Porto and Foz do Arelho or Nadadouro on the shores of the Obidos lagoon.

Should he be re-elected the mayor has affirmed that he will continue with his campaign to:·

Hospital Oeste Norte

- Canvass the central government to locate the new Silver Coast hospital in the Caldas municipal district.·

Thermal Springs

- Restore the Caldas da Rainha, reputation as the leading centre for thermal treatment with the revitalization of the world’s oldest public hospital for thermal treatment.·

Art and Culture

– The mayor plans to increase the budget for Museums and promote cultural tourism to attract more visitors to the region.

The likely re-election of the mayor will mean that the council will continue with its programme to improve its coast line. The pedestrian and cycle track around the Obidos lagoon has been completed in time for the summer and the swimming pool and parking facilities at Salir do Porto should be complete in time for the summer holidays.

by Davide Patricio