Sintra

Sintra, located just outside Lisbon, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its enchanting blend of natural beauty and architectural splendor.

Nestled in the Serra de Sintra hills, the town was once a summer retreat for Portuguese royalty and nobility. Its landscape is dotted with palaces, castles, and gardens that seem to emerge from a fairytale, making it one of the most visited destinations in Portugal.

Among Sintra’s most iconic landmarks is the Palácio da Pena, a colorful 19th-century palace perched high on the hills, often described as resembling a fantasy kingdom. Visitors also explore the ruins of the Moorish Castle, which offer sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, and the mystical Quinta da Regaleira, famous for its gardens, grottoes, and the enigmatic Initiation Well. Other highlights include the Palácio de Monserrate, with its exotic architecture and lush grounds, and the Sintra National Palace, recognizable by its twin cone-shaped chimneys.

Beyond its monuments, Sintra captivates with its atmosphere of mystery and romance. The town is often referred to as the “Moon Hill,” a place where nature and human creativity harmonize. Dense forests, rugged coastlines, and hidden convents add depth to the experience, while local delicacies such as queijadas and travesseiros provide a taste of tradition. Writers and artists from Lord Byron to Richard Strauss have praised Sintra as a paradise, reinforcing its reputation as a destination that inspires awe and imagination.

Suggested Car Tour: Sintra → Pena Palace → Quinta da Regaleira → Monserrate → Convent of the Capuchos → Sanctuary of Peninha → Cape Roca → Adraga Beach → Colares → Odrinhas → Sintra. Route Length: 66km (41mi).

Sintra

Suggested walking tour in Sintra
Parking Lot → Sintra National Palace → Piriquita House → Moorish Castle → Parking Lot

Sintra National Palace
The Sintra National Palace, also known as Palácio Nacional de Sintra, is one of the best-preserved medieval royal residences in Portugal.

Situated in the heart of Sintra’s historic center, the palace is instantly recognizable by its two large conical chimneys that dominate the skyline. Its origins date back to the Moorish period, but much of its current form reflects later Gothic, Manueline, and Mudéjar influences, showcasing the evolution of Portuguese architecture across centuries. The palace served as a favored retreat for Portuguese monarchs, who appreciated Sintra’s cooler climate and scenic surroundings.
Inside, the palace is renowned for its richly decorated rooms, each with distinctive features. The Sala dos Brasões (Coat of Arms Room) displays an impressive ceiling adorned with heraldic symbols of noble families, while the Swan Room and Magpie Room are decorated with intricate motifs that reflect courtly life and symbolism. The palace also houses beautiful azulejos, or glazed ceramic tiles, which are among the oldest surviving examples in Portugal. Today, the Sintra National Palace stands as a cultural landmark, offering visitors a glimpse into royal history and the artistic traditions that shaped the country’s heritage.
See more at Sintra National Palace - Wikipedia.
Photograph by Ingo Mehling distributed under a CC-BY 4.0 license.

Travesseiro de Sintra
The Travesseiro de Sintra is one of the town’s most beloved pastries, created at Casa Piriquita during the mid-20th century.

Its name translates to “pillow,” a fitting description for the golden puff pastry filled with a rich mixture of egg cream and almonds. The recipe was developed during World War II, when Constança Luísa, granddaughter of the bakery’s founders, adapted an old cookbook to create something new amid scarcity. The result was a flaky, warm, and velvety treat that quickly became a symbol of Sintra’s culinary identity, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Casa Piriquita itself is a historic pastry shop founded in 1862 by Amaro dos Santos and his wife Constança Gomes. Originally a bakery, it gained fame for its Queijadas de Sintra, a traditional sweet that even King Carlos I encouraged them to produce. Over time, Casa Piriquita became a cornerstone of Sintra’s gastronomic heritage, with its travesseiros and queijadas now considered essential tastes of the town. Located in the heart of Sintra’s old center, the shop remains family-run and continues to guard its recipes closely, making it a must-visit stop for anyone exploring the region.
See more at Travesseiro de Sintra - Wikipedia.
Top photograph by Cláudia Almeida, distributed under a CC-BY 3.0 license.
Bottom photograph by yuka HAYASHI, distributed under a CC-BY 2.0 license.

Moorish Castle
The Moorish Castle, or Castelo dos Mouros, is a medieval fortress perched high on the Serra de Sintra hills, offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscape and coastline.

Built during the 8th and 9th centuries under Islamic rule, it served as a strategic stronghold to protect the region and control access to Lisbon. The castle’s walls snake across the rocky terrain, with towers and battlements that once safeguarded the local population. After the Christian conquest of Sintra in 1147 by King Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, the castle gradually lost its military importance and fell into decline.
In the 19th century, King Ferdinand II restored parts of the ruins during the Romantic era, integrating the castle into the scenic landscape alongside the nearby Palácio da Pena. Today, visitors can walk along its ancient walls, explore archaeological remains such as food silos carved into rock, and enjoy panoramic views stretching from Sintra’s forests to the Atlantic Ocean. The Moorish Castle stands as both a historical monument and a natural vantage point, embodying centuries of cultural transformation and the enduring allure of Sintra’s heritage.
See more at Castle of the Moors - Wikipedia.
Photographs by Patrick Nouhailler distributed under a CC-BY 2.0 license.

Sintra → Pena Palace
Driving route between Sintra and Pena Palace.

Palácio Nacional da Pena

Pena Palace
Pena Palace, or Palácio da Pena, is one of the most striking examples of 19th-century Romantic architecture in Europe.

Rising above the hills of Sintra, it was commissioned by King Ferdinand II, often called the “Artist King,” who transformed the ruins of a former monastery into a fantastical palace completed in 1854. Its design blends Gothic, Manueline, Moorish, and Renaissance elements, resulting in a vibrant, eclectic structure painted in bold colors of red, yellow, and blue. The palace is surrounded by extensive parkland filled with exotic trees and winding paths, reinforcing the Romantic ideal of harmony between architecture and nature.
Inside, Pena Palace continues to impress with richly decorated rooms that reflect both royal grandeur and whimsical imagination. Visitors encounter ornate stuccoes, azulejos, and furnishings that evoke the lifestyle of the Portuguese monarchy in the 19th century. Highlights include the Arab Room, the Queen’s Terrace with sweeping views, and the chapel that preserves remnants of the original monastery. Today, the palace is part of the UNESCO-listed Cultural Landscape of Sintra and remains one of Portugal’s most visited landmarks, admired for its fairy-tale appearance and its role as a symbol of Romanticism.
See more at Pena Palace - Wikipedia.
Photographs by Ray Swi-hymn distributed under a CC-BY 2.0 license.

Pena Palace → Quinta da Regaleira
Driving route between Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira.

Quinta da Regaleira

Regaleira Palace
Regaleira Palace, also known as Quinta da Regaleira, is one of Sintra’s most intriguing landmarks, blending Gothic, Renaissance, and Manueline architectural styles.

Built in the early 20th century by wealthy businessman António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro with the help of Italian architect Luigi Manini, the estate reflects Monteiro’s fascination with mysticism, alchemy, and esoteric traditions. The palace itself is richly decorated with ornate carvings, turrets, and gargoyles, while the surrounding gardens are filled with symbolic structures, including grottoes, fountains, and hidden tunnels.
The most famous feature of the estate is the Initiation Well, a spiraling underground tower used for ceremonial purposes, often associated with Masonic or alchemical rites. Visitors can descend its staircase to explore a network of subterranean passages that connect to other parts of the gardens. Together with chapels, lakes, and lush vegetation, these elements create an atmosphere of mystery and enchantment. Today, Quinta da Regaleira is a UNESCO World Heritage Site within the Cultural Landscape of Sintra, attracting travelers who seek both architectural beauty and the allure of its symbolic secrets.
See more at Quinta da Regaleira - Wikipedia.
Photograph by Shadowgate distributed under a CC-BY 2.0 license.

Regaleira Chapel
The Regaleira Chapel, located within the grounds of Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra, is a small yet richly symbolic structure that reflects the estate’s mystical and esoteric character.

Built in the early 20th century under the direction of António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro and architect Luigi Manini, the chapel combines Gothic, Manueline, and Renaissance influences. Its exterior is adorned with ornate carvings, pinnacles, and religious iconography, blending Catholic symbolism with elements tied to alchemy and Masonry. Despite its modest size, the chapel’s intricate details make it a central piece of the estate’s spiritual and architectural narrative.
Inside, the chapel continues this interplay of sacred and mystical themes. Frescoes, stained glass, and decorative motifs depict Christian figures alongside symbols associated with initiation and transformation. The floor mosaics, for instance, feature pentagrams and crosses, reinforcing the estate’s fusion of religious devotion with esoteric philosophy. Connected to the palace and gardens through underground passages, the chapel forms part of the larger symbolic journey envisioned by Monteiro, where architecture, art, and landscape intertwine to evoke mystery and contemplation.
See more at Quinta da Regaleira - Wikipedia.
Photograph by Lacobrigo, distributed under a CC-BY 3.0 license.

Regaleira Imperfect Well
The Regaleira Imperfect Well, located within the gardens of Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra, is a lesser-known counterpart to the famous Initiation Well.

Unlike the grand spiral descent of its more celebrated twin, the Imperfect Well is smaller, unfinished, and less ornate, which gives it a raw and mysterious character. Its incomplete design has led to speculation about its symbolic meaning, with some suggesting it represents the idea of imperfection or the unfinished journey of spiritual initiation. The well is carved into the earth with a simpler structure, lacking the elaborate masonry and decorative details found in the main Initiation Well.
Despite its modest appearance, the Imperfect Well contributes to the estate’s atmosphere of mysticism and hidden symbolism. It is often interpreted as part of the larger allegorical landscape envisioned by António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro and architect Luigi Manini, where gardens, tunnels, and wells embody esoteric traditions tied to Freemasonry, alchemy, and the Knights Templar. Visitors who explore the Imperfect Well encounter a quieter, more contemplative space that contrasts with the dramatic descent of the Initiation Well, reinforcing the estate’s theme of duality between light and darkness, completion and incompletion, and the eternal search for meaning.
See more at Quinta da Regaleira - Wikipedia.
Photograph by tomasz przechlewski, distributed under a CC-BY 2.0 license.

Regaleira Initiation Well
The Regaleira Initiation Well, located within the gardens of Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra, is one of the estate’s most iconic and mysterious features.

Designed in the early 20th century under the patronage of António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro and architect Luigi Manini, the well is not a water source but a symbolic structure tied to esoteric traditions. It consists of a spiral staircase descending nearly 27 meters underground, lined with arches and niches, creating the impression of a subterranean tower. The descent is often interpreted as a metaphor for initiation, transformation, or the journey between life and death, reflecting Monteiro’s fascination with alchemy, Masonry, and the Knights Templar.
At the base of the well, tunnels connect to other parts of the gardens, reinforcing the sense of mystery and hidden knowledge. The design incorporates symbolic elements such as the number of steps and landings, which some believe correspond to Tarot or Masonic rituals. Visitors experience both awe and contemplation as they descend, surrounded by stone walls and dim light that evoke a sense of ritual passage. Today, the Initiation Well remains one of Sintra’s most visited attractions, admired not only for its architectural ingenuity but also for the aura of mysticism that continues to inspire interpretations and legends.
See more at Quinta da Regaleira - Wikipedia.
Photograph by Susanne Nilsson, distributed under a CC-BY 2.0 license.

Regaleira Eastern Grotto
The Eastern Grotto at Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra is one of the estate’s many enchanting subterranean features, designed to evoke mystery and discovery.

Conceived in the early 20th century by António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro and architect Luigi Manini, the grotto forms part of the symbolic landscape that blends Romantic aesthetics with esoteric traditions. Hidden among lush gardens, the grotto is accessible through winding paths and tunnels, offering visitors a sense of adventure as they move between light and shadow. Its design reflects the estate’s overarching theme of initiation and transformation, where natural and man-made elements merge to create a dreamlike environment.
Inside, the grotto reveals chambers and passageways that connect to other parts of the estate, including lakes and wells. The interplay of stone, water, and vegetation creates an atmosphere of secrecy, encouraging reflection on the symbolic journey envisioned by Monteiro. Like the Initiation Well and other mystical structures at Regaleira, the Eastern Grotto is not merely decorative but part of a larger allegorical narrative, inviting visitors to contemplate themes of duality, hidden knowledge, and the passage from one state of being to another. It remains a captivating example of how architecture and landscape were used to embody spiritual and philosophical ideas in Sintra’s Romantic era.
See more at Quinta da Regaleira - Wikipedia.
Photograph by Lusitana, distributed under a CC-BY 3.0 license.

Quinta da Regaleira → Monserrate Palace
Driving route between Quinta da Regaleira and Monserrate Palace.

Monserrate

Exterior of the Monserrate Palace
The exterior of Monserrate Palace in Sintra is a striking example of Romantic architecture infused with exotic influences.

Constructed in the mid-19th century under the vision of Sir Francis Cook, the palace blends Gothic, Indian, and Moorish styles, resulting in a highly eclectic design. Its facade is adorned with intricate stonework, arches, and domes, creating a harmonious yet imaginative composition that reflects the Romantic fascination with diversity and fantasy. The palace’s pinkish tones and ornate details stand out against the lush greenery of the surrounding park, making it one of Sintra’s most visually captivating landmarks.
The palace is set within expansive gardens that enhance its exotic character, with terraces and verandas opening onto sweeping views of the landscape. Decorative elements such as carved columns, latticework, and delicate tracery emphasize its fusion of Eastern and Western motifs. The central dome, flanked by smaller turrets, adds grandeur while maintaining balance with the palace’s overall symmetry. Together, the exterior and gardens embody the Romantic ideal of blending architecture with nature, offering visitors a sense of enchantment and discovery as they approach the palace.
See more at Monserrate Palace - Wikipedia.
Photographs by Vitor Oliveira distributed under a CC-BY 2.0 license.

Interior of the Monserrate Palace
The interior of Monserrate Palace in Sintra is a masterpiece of Romantic design, blending exotic influences with intricate craftsmanship.

Visitors are greeted by richly decorated halls where Gothic arches, Moorish patterns, and Indian-inspired motifs coexist harmoniously. The central gallery, with its long corridor of ornate arches and delicate stucco work, creates a sense of grandeur and continuity, while the marble columns and finely carved details highlight the palace’s eclectic character. Light filters through stained glass and windows, enhancing the atmosphere of elegance and fantasy that defines the building.
Each room within the palace carries its own distinctive charm. The Music Room, with its domed ceiling and superb acoustics, was designed for performances and remains one of the highlights of the interior. Other spaces, such as the library and dining room, showcase elaborate decorative schemes with carved wood, plaster ornamentation, and patterned tiles. Together, these interiors reflect the Romantic fascination with blending cultural styles and creating immersive environments, making Monserrate Palace not only an architectural gem but also a vivid expression of 19th-century artistic imagination.
See more at Monserrate Palace - Wikipedia.
Photographs by nborges, distributed under a CC-BY 2.0 license.

Monserrate Palace → Capuchos Convent
Driving route between Monserrate Palace and Capuchos Convent.

Convento dos Capuchos

Convent of the Capuchos
The Convent of the Capuchos, also known as Convento dos Capuchos, is a small Franciscan monastery hidden within the dense woods of the Sintra hills.

Founded in 1560 by Dom Álvaro de Castro, it was built to embody the ideals of simplicity and poverty central to the Franciscan order. Unlike the grand palaces and estates of Sintra, the convent is austere, with tiny cells, narrow corridors, and structures made largely from local stone and cork. Its design reflects a deliberate rejection of luxury, emphasizing humility and closeness to nature. The monks who lived there followed a life of contemplation and asceticism, relying on the surrounding forest for solitude and inspiration.
Visitors today find the convent remarkable for its integration with the natural environment. The buildings seem to emerge organically from the rocks and vegetation, with cork used extensively to line doors and windows, providing insulation and a rustic character. The site includes chapels, cloisters, and communal spaces, all modest in scale but rich in atmosphere. Walking through the convent offers a stark contrast to Sintra’s opulent palaces, highlighting the diversity of spiritual and cultural expressions in the region. It remains a place of quiet reflection, preserving the Franciscan legacy of simplicity amid the grandeur of Sintra’s Romantic landscape.
See more at Convent of the Capuchos (Sintra) - Wikipedia.
Photographs by Vitor Oliveira distributed under a CC-BY 2.0 license.

Capuchos Convent → Sanctuary of Peninha
Driving route between Capuchos Convent and Sanctuary of Peninha.

Peninha

Sanctuary of Peninha
The Sanctuary of Peninha, located on a rocky outcrop in the Sintra hills, is a small yet striking religious site that offers panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding landscape.

Its origins date back to the 17th century, when a hermitage was built in honor of Our Lady of Peninha, inspired by local legends of Marian apparitions. Later, in the early 20th century, a chapel and manor house were added, blending religious devotion with Romantic architectural influences. The sanctuary’s isolated position and dramatic setting make it a place of both spiritual significance and natural beauty.
Visitors to Peninha often remark on the tranquility of the site, which contrasts with the more crowded attractions of Sintra. The sanctuary is surrounded by rugged terrain and coastal vegetation, creating an atmosphere of solitude and contemplation. From its vantage point, one can see as far as Cascais, Lisbon, and the Cabo da Roca cliffs, the westernmost point of continental Europe. Though modest in scale compared to Sintra’s palaces, the Sanctuary of Peninha embodies the region’s blend of spirituality, legend, and landscape, offering a unique perspective on the cultural richness of the Sintra hills.
See more at Sanctuary of Peninha - Wikipedia.
Photographs by Mike Dickison distributed under a CC-BY 4.0 license.

Sanctuary of Peninha → Cape Roca
Driving route between Sanctuary of Peninha and Cape Roca.

Cabo da Roca

Cape Roca
Cape Roca, or Cabo da Roca, is the westernmost point of continental Europe, located within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.

Rising dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean, its cliffs reach about 140 meters in height, offering breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and vast sea. Historically, the site was marked by a fortress that once guarded the entrance to Lisbon, though today it is best known for its lighthouse, built in 1772, which continues to guide ships navigating the waters. The cape’s windswept landscape and striking scenery make it a popular destination for visitors seeking both natural beauty and symbolic significance.
The site is also notable for its cultural resonance. The Portuguese poet Luís de Camões described Cape Roca as the place “where the land ends and the sea begins,” a phrase now inscribed on a stone monument at the site. Visitors often stop at the lighthouse and monument, as well as the small tourist center that provides certificates marking their visit to Europe’s edge. Surrounded by wildflowers and coastal vegetation, Cape Roca embodies the dramatic meeting of land and ocean, offering a sense of awe and contemplation that complements the rich historical and natural heritage of Sintra.
See more at Cabo da Roca - Wikipedia.
Photographs by Werner Bayer distributed under a CC-BY 1.0 license.

Cape Roca → Adraga Beach
Driving route between Cape Roca and Adraga Beach.

Adraga

Adraga Beach
Adraga Beach, or Praia da Adraga, is one of the most scenic and dramatic beaches along the Sintra coastline.

Nestled between steep cliffs and dotted with dark volcanic rock formations, it offers a wild and untamed atmosphere that contrasts with more developed seaside areas nearby. The beach is part of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, ensuring its landscape remains largely untouched by tourist infrastructure. Its golden sands and powerful Atlantic waves make it a striking destination, and it has even been recognized among Europe’s most beautiful beaches. The southern end features the Pedra de Alvidrar, a massive rock that drops vertically into the sea, historically linked to local rites of passage for young men.
Despite its rugged character, Adraga Beach is accessible and offers amenities such as a small restaurant serving fresh seafood. It is popular for sunbathing, walking, and exploring caves and rock formations, though swimming can be challenging due to strong currents. Outside the summer season, the beach becomes a tranquil spot for contemplation or speleological exploration, with its natural arches and hidden corners adding to the sense of discovery. Its combination of raw natural beauty, cultural traditions, and relative seclusion makes Adraga Beach a distinctive highlight of Sintra’s coastline.
See more at Praia da Adraga - Wikipedia.
Photographs by Vitor Oliveira distributed under a CC-BY 2.0 license.

Adraga Beach → Colares Church
Driving route between Adraga Beach and Colares Church.

Colares

Colares Church
The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Assunção, also known as the Matriz Church of Colares, is the principal religious monument of the village of Colares in Sintra.

Originally built in the 16th century and later reconstructed in the 18th century after the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, the church reflects a blend of Mannerist and Baroque architectural styles. Designed by architects Pedro Nunes Tinoco and João Antunes, with contributions from master mason André Duarte, the building features a rectangular plan, a two-gabled roof, and a facade marked by pilasters, a triangular pediment, and a bell tower slightly set back from the main structure. Its imposing vault and triumphal arch dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Assunção emphasize its role as a spiritual and civic centerpiece of Colares.
Inside, the church is notable for its rich decorative elements, particularly its 17th-century blue-and-white azulejos created by master tile artist Manuel dos Santos. These tiles depict musical iconography, including angels playing instruments, which add a unique artistic dimension to the sacred space. The interior also contains eight lateral chapels, each dedicated to different saints, contributing to the church’s layered devotional character. As the heart of the parish, the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Assunção has historically played a vital role in both religious and community life, embodying the cultural and spiritual heritage of Colares.
See more at Colares (Sintra) - Wikipedia.
Photograph by Vitor Oliveira distributed under a CC-BY 2.0 license.

Colares Church → Archaeological Museum of São Miguel de Odrinhas
Driving route between Colares Church and Archaeological Museum of São Miguel de Odrinhas.

Odrinhas

Archaeological Museum of São Miguel de Odrinhas
The Archaeological Museum of São Miguel de Odrinhas, located near Sintra, is a cultural institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the region’s rich archaeological heritage.

Its origins trace back to the discovery of Roman inscriptions in the area during the 16th century, which were later collected and safeguarded by local scholars. The museum was formally established in the 1990s, designed to house these artifacts and provide a modern space for research, education, and public exhibitions. Its architecture blends contemporary design with references to classical antiquity, creating a fitting environment for the treasures it contains.
The museum’s collection is particularly notable for its Roman epigraphy, including funerary steles, altars, and inscriptions that shed light on the daily life, beliefs, and social structures of Roman Lusitania. Alongside these, visitors can explore artifacts from prehistoric, medieval, and Islamic periods, reflecting the diverse cultural layers that shaped the Sintra region. The museum also preserves remnants of the ancient Roman villa of São Miguel de Odrinhas, offering a direct link to the area’s archaeological past. Educational programs, guided tours, and temporary exhibitions further enrich the visitor experience, making the museum a hub for historical discovery.
Beyond its collections, the museum plays an important role in connecting the local community with its heritage. It organizes cultural events, workshops, and lectures that encourage public engagement with archaeology and history. Its location in a rural setting adds to its appeal, allowing visitors to appreciate both the artifacts and the landscape that nurtured them. By combining scholarship, preservation, and outreach, the Archaeological Museum of São Miguel de Odrinhas stands as a vital institution for understanding Sintra’s long and layered past.
See more at Ruínas de São Miguel de Odrinhas - Wikipedia.
Photograph by Vitor Oliveira distributed under a CC-BY 2.0 license.

Archaeological Museum of São Miguel de Odrinhas → Sintra
Driving route between Archaeological Museum of São Miguel de Odrinhas and Sintra.

Suggested Car Tour

Suggested Car Tour Map

Where to Stay in Sintra

Hotels Map

Where to Eat in Sintra

Restaurants Map

🍽️ Local Culinary Traditions

🥖	Bread Broa de milho - corn bread, common in Portuguese cuisine Pão caseiro - rustic homemade bread, often served with meals
🍲	Soups Sopa de pedra - a hearty stone soup with beans, meats, and vegetables Caldo verde - traditional kale soup with potatoes and chouriço
🐟	Fish Dishes Bacalhau à Brás - salt cod with potatoes, onions, and eggs Pastéis de bacalhau - fried codfish fritters, popular as starters Grilled sardines - a Portuguese staple, especially in coastal areas like Sintra
🍗	Meat Dishes Cozido à portuguesa - a rich stew of meats, sausages, and vegetables Leitão assado - roast suckling pig, often served on festive occasions Carne de porco à alentejana - pork with clams, a dish found across Portugal
🍰	Sweets 🏅 Queijadas de Sintra - small cheesecakes made with fresh cheese, sugar, eggs, and cinnamon 🏅 Travesseiros de Sintra - flaky puff pastry filled with almond and egg cream, created at Casa Piriquita 🏅 Fofos de Belas - sponge-like pastries filled with cream, from nearby Belas 🏅 Nozes de Colares - candied walnut sweets typical of the region
🍷	Wine Colares wine - unique local wine made from Ramisco grapes grown in sandy soils, known for its longevity and distinctive flavor