Sintra. Portugal

Everyday of being here in Portugal is like a little miracle for me! Being able to taste fresh vegetables grown in organic farm and cook with them - is a true joy. But sometimes ( especially on weekends) I have opportunity to go taste the feeling of other cities. This time - it is Sintra.

First things first, Sintra has 2 desserts which are absolutely amazing. First one is Travesseiros piriquita which is like a fluffy sweet pillow with egg yolk, sugar and almond filling accomponied by generous sugar coating. The other one is Queijadas de Sintra - cheesecakes of Sintra, which has nothing to do with the cheesecake that we normaly eat.

Both of them - really good. Not surprised why everyone was just trying to sell me those!

(I tried them at Fábrica das Verdadeiras Queijadas da Sapa, where for coffe with milk and these 2 beauties I paid 3,15 Eu.)

I did try Queijadas de Sintra in other place called "A padaria". They had 2 different flavors and for both I paid 3,25 Eu. They were a bit more moist than in the first place but I could not say which one is better, you just have to try them!

Next stop is roasted chestnuts. You just could not pass them because lady with a small child is standing in the middle of city centre with some kind of vehicle and all you can see is a cloud of smoke.

If you go closer - do not be afraid to ask for one chestnut to try. I believe you will love it!

And if so - you can buy 12 pieces for 2 Eu:)

Since the city center is reeaaaaally small, you will deffinetely see another lady sitting behind the window and pouring liqueur to the passerbies. Normaly - I do not drink those sweet drinks - but once you are a tourist and this is a local thing - it is a must to try (1 shot - 1 Eu).

The last and deffinetely not least place that I visited is called Bacalhau na Vila Sintra. There you can try a big variety of dishes made with Codfish. The one that I tried is very common Portuguese dish " Codfish a Brás style " (that is codfish, potatoes, onions and egg) and it was amazing!!! Also in that place I tried Codfish ceviche that did not impress me at all so I will not recommend that for you//

For these two tapas I paid only 10 Eu and I was full so do not be tricked by the name "tapas" next to the dish because portions are quite big.

Ditto, I managed to visit Castelo dos Mouros which appears to be remarkably beautiful but the maps and signs for reaching it was just horrible! Keep in mind to have water and a lot of patience if you want to reach them.

Ticket to this castle costs 7,5 Eu. If you also want to see Palace of Sintra, that would be 7,5 Eu more.