The Best Pastry Shops in Sintra: A Journey Through Pastry Perfection

There’s no better way to experience Sintra’s charm than through its pastries. In this town, pastry shops are not just places to pick up a sweet treat; they’re landmarks, each one with a story to tell. Let me take you through some of Sintra’s most beloved pastry shops, from cozy cafés to hidden gems, where the aroma of butter and sugar fills the air and each bite brings you closer to the heart of Portuguese tradition.

Table of Contents

• Casa Piriquita - The Original Travesseiro Haven
• Queijadas da Sapa - The Masters of Queijadas
• Casa do Preto - Off the Beaten Pastry Path
• Café Saudade - A Cozy Café for Dreamers
• Dona Estefânia - New Traditions with a Sweet Twist
• Pastelaria Gregório - For the Perfect Pastel de Nata
• Aurora Queijadas - A Tribute to Tradition
• Savoring Sintra’s Sweet Moments

Casa Piriquita - The Original Travesseiro Haven

Casa Piriquita is the quintessential Sintra pastry shop and a place where locals and visitors alike gather. Nestled in the heart of Sintra’s old town, Casa Piriquita has been perfecting its famous Travesseiros since the 19th century. The name means “pillow,” and one bite explains it all—this pastry is a cloud of flaky dough filled with rich almond cream.

I savor the Travesseiro’s sweetness, perfectly paired with a strong Portuguese espresso. The café has a cozy, timeworn feel, with walls that seem to whisper stories of the generations who’ve come here to indulge. Casa Piriquita is as essential to Sintra as the palaces and gardens, and each pastry is a reminder of the family’s dedication to keeping traditions alive.

 

Queijadas da Sapa - The Masters of Queijadas

A short walk away lies Queijadas da Sapa, home of the famous Queijadas de Sintra. These tiny, slightly caramelized tarts are made with fresh cheese, eggs, sugar, and a hint of cinnamon. @fabrica_queijadas_sintra is the original, dating back centuries, and its rival, @queijadasdasapasintra, is another favorite among locals.

I try both, and the flavor differences are subtle but delightful. The queijadas from Fábrica have a rustic, almost homemade quality that speaks of old Portuguese kitchens, while the Queijadas da Sapa have a slightly more refined taste. Each bite connects me to Sintra’s history in a way no museum ever could.

 

Casa do Preto - Off the Beaten Pastry Path

For those who like to venture off the main tourist trails, Casa do Preto offers a quieter escape. Located a little outside Sintra’s bustling center, this shop is a local bastion, cherished by locals.

Here, the specialty is the Nozes de Galamares—a walnut-filled pastry that has a satisfying crunch and nutty sweetness. It’s the perfect blend of tradition and simplicity, a pastry that’s not overly refined but entirely delicious. Casa do Preto, known for its rather infamous name and logo (an african servant from long ago) serves some of the best pastries in Sintra as the never ending queue of locals will attest!

 

Café Saudade - A Cozy Café for Dreamers

At Café Saudade, you find not only pastries but an atmosphere that invites you to linger. With high ceilings, eclectic decor, and an air of nostalgia, Café Saudade is a place where one can sit for hours with a book or simply watch the world go by.

I order a classic Pastel de Nata, a custard tart with a golden, caramelized top, paired with a “meia de leite” (half-milk coffee). Café Saudade’s take on this pastry is delightfully creamy, and the cinnamon powder adds a perfect kick. I feel at home here, surrounded by old photographs and locals deep in conversation—a true slice of Portuguese life.

 

Dona Estefânia - New Traditions with a Sweet Twist

One of Sintra’s newer pastry spots, Dona Estefânia, combines traditional recipes with a modern flair. The ambiance here feels contemporary but warm, with staff who are eager to share their passion for Portuguese pastries.

The bolinhos de canela at Dona Estefânia are delightfully spiced, melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon cookies that bring a cozy warmth with every bite. Dona Estefânia is a delightful spot for those looking to taste something unexpected, and it’s quickly becoming a favorite among both locals and visitors.

 

Pastelaria Gregório - For the Perfect Pastel de Nata

If you’re on a quest for the best Pastel de Nata in Sintra, Pastelaria Gregório might just be the place. This charming bakery is always bustling, its glass display cases filled with fresh pastries that tempt passersby. They are also famous for their delicious "Broas de Mel" - honey cakes!

I sprinkle cinnamon on my Pastel de Nata, as is customary, and take a bite. The custard is smooth and luscious, with a delicate sweetness, while the crust is perfectly flaky. It’s a simple pastry, but when done right, it’s pure perfection. The warm ambiance of Pastelaria Gregório makes me feel like I’m in someone’s kitchen, surrounded by the comforts of home.

 

Aurora Queijadas - A Tribute to Tradition

My last stop is Aurora Queijadas, an unassuming little bakery where Queijadas are the stars. The atmosphere is unpretentious, and there’s a sense of pride in the air as customers chat with the staff, sharing stories and reminiscing about old Sintra.

Aurora Queijadas is known for using a recipe that’s been handed down through generations. Their Queijadas have a wonderfully rustic quality, with a slightly caramelized top and a rich cheese flavor that’s both satisfying and nostalgic. Eating a Queijada here feels like connecting with Sintra’s roots, savoring a taste of the past in a place that respects its heritage.

Savoring Sintra’s Sweet Moments

As I wander back through Sintra’s cobblestone streets, a little slower now with a belly full of pastries, I realize that each shop offered more than just sweet treats. These pastries are a link to the past, each recipe a reminder of the hands that shaped Sintra’s culinary story.

From the classic Travesseiros of Casa Piriquita to the experimental twists at Dona Estefânia, each pastry told its own tale, adding a new flavor to my Sintra journey. I think I'll lay of the sugar for a moment, but if you find yourself in Sintra, let yourself be guided by the scent of fresh pastries wafting through the air!

Take a seat, savor a treat, and soak in the stories shared over coffee and sweets. Because in Sintra, the best way to explore isn’t by rushing from sight to sight but by letting yourself linger, one pastry at a time.

You can reach these and other pastry shops on our King of the Hill Ebike route in Sintra. Although if your loading up on pastry, you may wish to ride a little longer - if so, look at our Sintra Parks Epic route instead!

Celebrate your journey! ​

Post a picture with a mention or hashtag of the pastry shop and #SintraSweetTrail and share your favorites.

Download a free PDF checklist to hit all the best Sintra Pastry shops!

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