about caldas da rainha

The Host City of the F/262 Festival

WHY Caldas ?

The F/262 Festival chose Caldas da Rainha for its unique blend of tradition and experimentation, heritage and future-thinking. The city’s walkable layout, proximity to nature, and engaged local community make it an ideal space to host exhibitions, talks, and workshops that spill beyond the walls of galleries.

Because it’s not just a location — it’s a statement. F/262 believes in art that lives in community. Caldas da Rainha is one of the few cities in Portugal where tradition and experimentation walk side by side. It’s a place that fosters risk, conversation, and collaboration — the perfect setting for a photography festival with depth and edge.

Caldas da Rainha is more than just a city — it’s part of the festival’s DNA. Located on Portugal’s west coast, one hour from Lisbon, Caldas blends history, creativity, and contemporary culture. It’s a city shaped by artists, students, makers, and thinkers — and that energy is present in every street, square, and museum.

The Flag of Caldas da Rainha

Caldas da Rainha’s flag features purple and yellow fields with the city’s coat of arms. It honors royal origins and a deep cultural legacy. For F/262, the purple and blue shape our base palette, paired with an orange drawn from camera lenses — a mark of the festival’s photographic DNA.

A City of Creativity

Caldas is home to ESAD.CR – the School of Arts and Design, which has helped shape a new generation of artists and thinkers. The city’s creative energy flows through its galleries, studios, and cultural spaces.

Historical Roots

The city’s name—“Hot Springs of the Queen”—comes from Queen Leonor, who founded the hospital and thermal baths in the 15th century. These remain part of the city’s identity and architecture today.

Cultural Hotspot

rom ceramics to street art , Caldas da Rainha is a city that thrives on creative experimentation. Home to ESAD.CR, one of Portugal’s most dynamic art and design schools, and surrounded by museums, ateliers, and artist-run spaces, Caldas plays an active role in both the national and international cultural scene.

You’ll find a rare mix here — tradition, irreverence, innovation, and care — rooted in a long-standing community of makers, thinkers, and students. The city lives and breathes creativity.

Throughout the year, Caldas hosts festivals that transform its streets, galleries, and institutions into open platforms for contemporary expression.

Museums & Cultural Spaces

If you’re attending F/262, or simply exploring the region, here are some must-see stops:

Museu de José Malhoa – Traditional and modern Portuguese painting inside the city’s main park.
Museu da Cerâmica – A deep dive into Caldas’ most famous art form, set in a 19th-century palace.
Museu do Ciclismo – A hidden gem for cycling and design lovers.
Centro de Artes – Houses Museu Barata Feyo, Atelier-Museu António Duarte, and Atelier-Museu João Fragoso, all focused on sculpture and the city’s artistic legacy.
Casa Museu São Rafael & Casa Museu Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro – Celebrating one of Portugal’s most influential satirical artists and ceramicists.
Museu do Hospital e das Caldas – A blend of medical history and thermal spa heritage.

And don’t miss the Rota Bordaliana – an outdoor circuit of 18 life-sized ceramic sculptures scattered through the city. These figures pay tribute to Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro and the playful, subversive identity that defines Caldas.

Annual Events & Street Culture

Caldas isn’t just about galleries — it brings art to the streets.

Caldas Late Night – Since 1997, this student-led festival has turned workshops, apartments, and city blocks into ephemeral art spaces. Organized by ESAD.CR students, it’s raw, exciting, and truly local.
FALU (Festival de Arte Urbana das Caldas da Rainha) – The city’s first street art festival, featuring names like Bordalo II, Add Fuel, Akacorleone, Daniel Eime, and Nuno Viegas. With large-scale murals and interventions, FALU brings new visual languages and bold urban aesthetics to the streets of Caldas.

Together, these festivals reflect the city’s open-door approach to creativity — welcoming artists of all backgrounds, disciplines, and generations.

Where to Stay

Caldas has a mix of hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnb options. Here are a few trusted picks:

Hotels & Guesthouses

SANA Silver Coast Hotel – Modern 4-star hotel in the city center, with excellent breakfast and walkable location.
Hotel Cristal Caldas – Centrally located, affordable option with pool.
19 Tile Boutique House – Stylish boutique accommodation in a renovated building with local art throughout.

Airbnb Picks

Look for listings in:
- Centro Histórico (Historic Center) – Walkable to venues, restaurants, and museums.
- Parque D. Carlos I area – Near the garden, cultural center, and thermal spa.
- Foz do Arelho – Nadadouro – Close to the beach 15 min by car from city center

Tip: Book early. May is a busy season.

City Guide
Caldas da Rainha

Discover the best of Caldas da Rainha. Download the official city guide for tips on where to eat, what to see, and how to explore.

How to Get Here

From Lisbon (approx. 1h10min)

By car: Take the A8 highway north. Exit at Caldas da Rainha Sul or Caldas da Rainha Norte. Tolls apply.
By bus: Rede Expressos runs regular buses from Lisbon’s Sete Rios terminal to Caldas. Book in advance at rede-expressos.pt.
From Porto (approx. 2h30min–3h)

By car: Take the A1 south, then A8 towards Caldas da Rainha.
By bus: Rede Expressos also connects Porto (Campo 24 de Agosto terminal) to Caldas, though less frequently than Lisbon.

Nearest Airport: Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS). From there, you can reach Caldas easily via bus or rental car.