A Gluten-Free and Health-Conscious Travel Guide to Caldas da Rainha, Portugal and The Silver Coast (Nazare, Peniche, Obidos, and More)

Jun 18

My mom knew I would move here before I did.

As my husband, then a very new friend, showed us around the park built by the queen for residents to rest after bathing in the thermal waters, my mom said, “I could see you painting here.” A sweet omen.

Not long after, that future became my present

Caldas da Rainha sits on Portugal’s Silver Coast, between Lisbon and Coimbra. It is a working town shaped by ceramics, thermal waters, and its famous daily fresh market, where farmers, fishers, and local producers come in every morning with what they’ve just harvested or caught. It is loud, practical, and completely alive.

It is also an art university town, home to ESAD.CR, and that presence shows up everywhere. Ceramics studios, experimental cafés, vintage shops, and small creative spaces are part of everyday life here.

I love how walkable it is. And within a short drive you find beaches, lagoons, surf towns, medieval villages, salt flats, caves, and wellness cafés along the coast.

Here are some of my favorite places in and around the Queen’s Hot Waters…

BREAKFAST / COFFEE

Origem Coffee (Caldas)

Specialty coffee and simple breakfast/lunch in the center of town. Offers gluten-free options.

🔗 https://www.instagram.com/origem.coffee/

Aloha Brunch (Nazaré)

More casual, beach-adjacent brunch café.

🔗 https://www.atly.com/gluten-free/location/AlohaBrunchNazare

Sol Café (Peniche)

Cute cafe for before surf or coastal walks.

🔗 https://www.instagram.com/solcafepeniche/

Avocado Café (Óbidos)

Gluten-free friendly brunch inside the medieval walls.

🔗 https://www.instagram.com/avocadocoffeehealthyfood/

LUNCH

Kali Café (Peniche)

Health-conscious coastal café with gluten-free options, and a bio/ organic store inside.

🔗 https://www.instagram.com/kalicafepeniche/

Local Cafe

All-day café: breakfast, lunch, dinner, natural wines, and a strong community feel.

🔗 https://www.facebook.com/local.cafe.caldas/

Be You Organic Café (Ericeira)

Organic café + shop with seasonal lunches and gluten-free options.

🔗 https://www.instagram.com/beyou.ericeira/

ALVA Bakery (Ericeira) — 100% Gluten Free

Dedicated gluten-free bakery with breakfast and lunch menu.

🔗 https://www.instagram.com/alvabakeryericeira/

DINNER

PALCO (inside CCC – Caldas da Rainha)

Cultural café and restaurant inside the contemporary arts center.

🔗 https://www.ccc.com.pt/espacos-comerciais/cafe-concerto/

Flavors of India

Family-run Indian restaurant in the center of Caldas da Rainha known for authentic home-style cooking and rotating daily menu. Strong reputation locally for careful attention to dietary needs. Reservations required.

🔗 https://www.facebook.com/flavoursofindiacaldas/
🔗 https://restaurantguru.com/Flavours-of-India-Caldas-da-Rainha