Sintra’s lush hills, fairy-tale palaces, and charming villages make it a perfect setting for exploring Portuguese cuisine. It’s not just the scenery that draws visitors but the chance to taste local delicacies in authentic settings. Several tours capture this spirit—whether it’s a countryside drive in a vintage car, a jeep adventure into hidden spots, or a cozy cooking class with passionate locals. Our favorites include experiences that combine scenic beauty with delicious food, like the Lisbon Countryside Food Tour on Vintage Car or the chance to learn how to make Pastel de Nata right in Sintra. These tours stand out for their personal touch, regional insights, and memorable flavors.
If you want to learn about Sintra’s culinary culture, you’ll find a variety of options here. Some focus on scenic exploration, while others prioritize hands-on food preparation. Here’s a quick overview of the best food tours, helping you decide what suits your taste and schedule.
1. Lisbon Countryside Food Tour on Vintage Car
This tour is a delightful blend of scenic drives and authentic tasting experiences, which makes it ideal for those who love a bit of adventure. Starting from Sintra, you’ll be driven in a style-conscious Volkswagen T3 classic van or a vintage Citroën 2CV—both perfect for small groups (up to 8). The day includes a visit to a secret waterfall along mountaineering trails, where the sounds of nature and fresh air set the perfect scene for a rustic, organic picnic. The food served is home-prepared, organic, and local, with a focus on rustic regional products.
What makes this tour special is the chance to explore villages and pass by an inactive volcano while enjoying a personalized experience with small groups. The itinerary also includes a walk through Mafra, famed for its Baroque and Neoclassical palace, and a visit to Ericeira, a fishing village and world surf reserve. Guests rave about the vintage car rides, the cozy picnic, and the authentic local flavors—“a very fun experience,” says one reviewer.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking scenic countryside, authentic local food, and a touch of vintage charm. It’s a well-priced, intimate outing that balances nature, culture, and cuisine.
2. Lisbon Countryside Food Tour on a Vintage Car
This slightly longer version of the first tour offers a 4.5-hour journey into the Portuguese countryside in a stylish vintage car. The focus remains on scenic drives, local flavors, and charming villages, but with a slightly more flexible itinerary. Your day begins at a central Lisbon location, then heads out towards Mafra, where you’ll visit the famous Convento de Mafra for a guided tour, enjoying its Baroque architecture and history.
The tour continues with a picnic lunch in a rustic village, savoring regional delicacies like olives, sausage made on the farm, and local wines. The highlight is a visit to Ericeira, where you’ll have free time to explore, shop, or sample more snacks. The trip provides excellent value, given the variety of highlights packed into 4.5 hours. Reviewers emphasize how the trip’s mix of scenic drives, local food, and small-town charm made it a memorable outing, with many noting it’s a perfect way to see the countryside without hiking or strenuous activity.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive taste of Sintra’s rural beauty in a relaxed, stylish setting. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a mix of sightseeing and delicious bites.
3. Eat, Wine, Love and Jeep in Sintra
For those who prefer a more dynamic experience, this 7-hour Jeep tour combines off-road adventures with food and wine tastings. Traveling in a Jeep means you’ll access off-the-beaten-path spots and the rugged beauty of Sintra’s hills—places larger vehicles can’t reach. The journey includes a visit to Santuario da Peninha, perched high on a hill with sweeping views of the Atlantic, and the Cabo da Roca, the most westerly point of mainland Europe.
What sets this tour apart is the combination of exploration, local wines, and traditional snacks. You’ll visit the village of Colares, famous for its wine cellar and bakery, then relax with petiscos (Portuguese snacks) paired with regional wines. The small-group format ensures a personalized experience, and the off-road capability means more remote, less touristy spots. One reviewer notes, “Andres, our guide, was knowledgeable and friendly—this was the most fun I’ve had in Sintra.” The tour is well-suited for adventurous travelers who want a mix of nature, culture, and gourmet tasting.
Bottom Line: Best for active travelers who want to combine sightseeing with a hands-on adventure, including wine and traditional snacks in less-accessible areas.
4. Pastel de Nata Class in Sintra with a Food-Loving Couple
This small, intimate hands-on cooking class offers a cozy way to dive into Portugal’s most iconic pastry, the Pastel de Nata. Hosted by Maggie, Romain, and their adorable kitties in their Sintra apartment, the class lasts about 3 hours and is perfect for foodies eager to learn from locals. You’ll be guided step-by-step through making the puff pastry and custard filling, with plenty of personal tips and stories along the way. If you prefer, they can teach other traditional Portuguese dishes instead.
What makes this experience stand out is its home-cooking vibe and focus on authentic skills. All ingredients are provided, and you’ll enjoy the pastries with local wine or soft drinks afterward. The review highlights its personalized nature, with Maggie and Romain sharing fun stories and culinary tips. It’s a relaxed, educational experience ideal for those who want a tangible takeaway—a skill to recreate at home—and a memorable taste of Portugal’s sweet side.
Bottom Line: Great for food lovers, couples, or families who want an authentic, hands-on experience with Portuguese comfort food.
$139.00 per person
How to Choose the Right Food Tour in Sintra
When selecting a food tour, consider your interests and fitness level. If scenic drives and a relaxed atmosphere appeal, the Vintage Car Tours are ideal, especially if you want to explore small villages and enjoy a rustic picnic. For a more active, off-road adventure, the Jeep Tour combines sightseeing with wine and local snacks. If you prefer immersive learning and a cozy setting, the Pastel de Nata Class offers a hands-on cooking experience. Budget considerations, time constraints, and personal culinary interests should guide your choice.
Booking early is recommended, especially for the popular hands-on classes and small-group tours, which can fill quickly during peak seasons. Think about whether you want a scenic exploration, a culinary deep dive, or a combination of both—each option provides a distinct way to enjoy Sintra’s culinary richness.
Sintra offers a variety of food adventures that cater to different interests and travel styles. For scenic drives with a vintage twist, the Lisbon Countryside Food Tour on Vintage Car is a standout. For those craving active exploration, the Eat, Wine, Love and Jeep in Sintra delivers a fun off-road experience with tastings. Food lovers and aspiring pastry chefs will find the Pastel de Nata Class irresistible. Whatever your preference, Sintra’s culinary tours promise authentic flavors and memorable moments—so book early and enjoy discovering Portugal’s delicious side.