Sintra is famous for its fairy-tale palaces and lush landscapes, but it’s also a fantastic place to explore Portugal’s culinary traditions. Unlike visits to crowded restaurants, these food tours offer authentic tastes paired with meaningful experiences. We love the countryside adventures that include local organic picnics and scenic drives, such as the Lisbon Countryside Food Tour on Vintage Car, which combines charming villages with delicious homemade food. The tours allow you to feel the rural rhythm—listening to farm animals, smelling fresh air, and tasting foods crafted with care.
Some options focus on off-the-beaten-path explorations, like jeeping through Sintra’s hills and discovering secret beaches, while others offer hands-on culinary lessons, such as the Pastel de Nata Class in Sintra with a Food-Loving Couple. Whichever you choose, these experiences promise a taste of authentic Portuguese life away from tourist crowds. Below, we’ve highlighted the four best food tours, each with its own flavor and appeal.
1. Lisbon Countryside Food Tour on Vintage Car
Starting in Sintra’s lush surroundings, this tour brings together vintage cars, local villages, and organic picnic lunches for a balanced day of exploration. With a small group capacity, the Lisbon Countryside Food Tour on Vintage Car offers an intimate look at rural Portugal’s charm. You’ll drive a Volkswagen T3 classic van or a Citroën 2CV, both vintage and comfy, through scenic countryside that most travelers never see.
The tour begins with a secret waterfall stop—a perfect photo opportunity—hidden along Sintra’s mountains. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a rustic lunch in a village that’s still connected to traditional ways of life, featuring local products and organic ingredients. The sounds of farm animals and the fresh mountain air set an authentic scene. The itinerary also includes a drive past an inactive volcano and a walk through the cobblestone streets of Ericeira, famous for its surf and quaint charm.
Rated 5.0 based on 29 reviews, this experience is highly praised for its relaxed pace, delicious picnic, and the friendly hosts Diogo and Rita. One reviewer describes it as “a very memorable four hours touring with Diogo, who shared stories about Portugal’s countryside and made us a lovely picnic of local products.” For a unique, small-group experience that combines scenery, local flavors, and vintage charm, this tour hits the spot.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want an intimate, scenic drive coupled with local organic food and a taste of Portugal’s rural life.
2. Lisbon Countryside Food Tour on a Vintage Car
This slightly longer version of the vintage car experience in the Lisbon District emphasizes diverse stops that include a waterfall, traditional villages, and the seaside town of Ericeira. At around 4.5 hours, it offers a comprehensive taste of the region, with time allocated for photo breaks, shopping, and local snacks. The tour starts at Avenida Mário Firmino Miguel and features a 30-minute vintage car ride to Mafra, where you’ll visit the famous Palácio Nacional de Mafra and enjoy a guided picnic lunch.
The tour’s highlight is the mix of scenic drives—covering Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe—and exploring secret beaches and hidden spots. The walk in Ericeira allows for shopping and enjoying the lively local atmosphere, with opportunities to taste regional snacks. Guests praise the guide Diogo for his charm and knowledge, often quoting the “delicious food” and “beautiful stops” as standout features.
Rated 4.9 out of 5, this tour offers excellent value, combining scenery, food, and cultural sights in one package. It’s best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive day of exploration with flexible stops along the coast and countryside. The pace is relaxed, with plenty of opportunities for photos and free time.
Bottom Line: For those looking to combine scenic drives, local food, and sightseeing, this tour delivers a well-rounded experience with personalized touches.
3. Eat, Wine, Love and Jeep in Sintra
If you’re craving a full-day adventure with off-road thrills and authentic wine and food tastings, this Eat, Wine, Love and Jeep in Sintra tour is a top contender. For around $244 per person, you’ll spend approximately 7 hours exploring Sintra’s hidden beaches, villages, and scenic spots in a 4×4 jeep—a vehicle that’s perfect for accessing areas larger buses and cars can’t reach.
Your journey begins with a visit to Santuário da Peninha, perched 488 meters above sea level, offering sweeping views of the Atlantic. The tour then takes you to Cabo da Roca, mainland Europe’s westernmost point, with plenty of photo opportunities. The best part? You’ll explore secret spots away from crowds, including beaches and small villages, while sampling Portuguese petiscos and local wines**. The guide, Andres, is praised for his knowledge and friendly attitude.
This tour is ideal for adventure seekers and food lovers who want to combine nature, culture, and gastronomy in a single day. The off-road aspect adds a layer of excitement and access to hidden spots that are impossible to reach otherwise. Reviews consistently mention the well-organized itinerary and the delicious food and wine as highlights.
Bottom Line: If you want a dynamic mix of off-road exploration and culinary delights, this tour offers a memorable, hands-on experience of Sintra’s lesser-known corners.
4. Pastel de Nata Class in Sintra with a Food-Loving Couple
For those who prefer rolling up their sleeves and learning a hands-on culinary skill, this Pastel de Nata Class in Sintra stands out. Led by Maggie and Romain, who run the class from their apartment in Sintra, it’s an intimate experience that lasts about 3 hours. You’ll be guided step-by-step through making puff pastry and the classic custard filling from scratch—just like the real deal.
What makes this class special is the personalized attention and the chance to learn authentic Portuguese baking techniques in a cozy home setting. Participants often comment on the fun stories shared about how the hosts met and their cultural insights. Ingredients, local wine, and soft drinks are included, and you get to enjoy the tarts you helped prepare at the end of the session. If you’d rather learn a traditional Portuguese meal instead, Romain and Maggie are flexible.
Rated 5.0 with only one review, this experience is perfect for foodies who want a culinary souvenir and an authentic look into Portugal’s baking traditions. It’s best suited for small groups or couples seeking a personalized, immersive activity in Sintra.
Bottom Line: Ideal for culinary enthusiasts and those who want a memorable, hands-on cooking experience in a friendly, home environment.
How to Choose Your Perfect Food Tour in Sintra
When selecting between these options, consider your interests and travel style. If you love scenic drives and discovering rural Portugal, the countryside vintage car tours are excellent choices. For a full-day off-road adventure with wine and beaches, the jeep tour is ideal. Budget-conscious travelers might prefer the organic picnic and village visits, while foodies seeking a personal cooking lesson should go for the Pastel de Nata class.
Think about your schedule and fitness level as well—jeep tours involve some walking and uneven terrain, while the vintage car experiences are more relaxed. Booking early is recommended, especially for popular activities like the pastry class. These tours are designed to suit different interests, from scenic exploration to culinary immersion, ensuring that everyone can find a memorable way to taste Sintra.
Final Thoughts
Sintra offers a surprising variety of food-focused experiences that go beyond typical sightseeing. Whether you prefer relaxing drives through scenic villages, adventurous jeep trips to secret beaches, or hands-on baking classes, there’s something for all. For those wanting an authentic taste of Portuguese countryside, the vintage car tours are a highlight. If you’re after a more active and off-the-beaten-path experience, the jeep adventure won’t disappoint.
For travelers interested in culinary skills and local recipes, the Pastel de Nata class provides a cozy, personal touch. Whichever you pick, these tours promise a delicious and memorable way to experience Sintra’s authentic flavors. Be sure to book early—these popular experiences fill up fast, especially in peak season. Happy tasting!
