Belém, Cascais e Ericeira e Sintra

Morning: Belém – Pastries and History

We start the day in the **Belém** district because life isn’t just about soap operas and football – you need sugar too! The famous Pastéis de Belém are the perfect kickoff for this culinary adventure. These little pieces of heaven have been around since 1837, and no one can resist that crispy crust and smooth cream.

Fun Fact: Did you know the recipe for Pastéis de Belém is a closely guarded secret, known only by three people in the world? It’s more protected than any soap opera plot twist!

But Belém isn’t just about desserts. Take some time to check out the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery, two icons that have witnessed more history than any soap opera family feud.

Mid-Morning: Cascais – Where Fish is King

Next, we head to Cascais, a seaside town where fresh fish reigns supreme. If hunger strikes, grab a snack like fried baby squid or clams à Bulhão Pato. Cascais also offers stunning beaches, a chic marina, and views that will make your Instagram followers jealous.

Fun Fact: Cascais was once the summer retreat of European royalty! And here you thought only Leblon had that kind of luxury, right?

Lunch: Adega Mãe – A Stop Fit for the Gods

Now for the highlight of the day: lunch at Adega Mãe. This is where the flavors of the land meet the finest wines that Alentejo and the Oeste region have to offer. And what a perfect combo! The view over the vineyards is worth the visit alone, but the real experience is in the dishes.

Here, you’ll savor **bacalhau** like you’ve never had before, accompanied, of course, by a glass of white or red wine – because no meal here is complete without wine. And don’t forget to order some duck rice to bring a little Brazilian twist to the meal.

Fun Fact: Adega Mãe produces unique wines that have won international awards. So while you enjoy your meal, you’re sipping on the best that Portuguese soil has to offer.

Afternoon: Ericeira – Surfer’s Paradise and Seafood Delights

After a royal lunch, spend a relaxing afternoon in Ericeira, the surf capital of Portugal. Here, in addition to the waves, seafood is a specialty. If you’ve still got room (who doesn’t?), try a seafood rice or some fresh razor clams.

Fun Fact: Ericeira is the only surf reserve in Europe and one of the best in the world! Who would’ve thought such a small village would have waves to rival Brazil?

Late Afternoon: Sintra – Palaces and Sweets

We wrap up the day with a golden key in Sintra, where palaces look like they came straight out of a fairy tale and the desserts are worthy of an epic soap opera ending. Here, try the famous Queijadas de Sintra, and if you’ve still got the energy, go for a Travesseiro – because the only thing better than one dessert is two! Before heading back to Lisbon, don’t miss the **Pena Palace** or the **Moorish Castle**, which offer breathtaking views of the region.

Fun Fact: English poet Lord Byron described Sintra as “paradise on Earth.” If he had tasted the queijadas, he probably would’ve written a poem just for them!

Conclusion

And so our day comes to an end – filled with great food, excellent wines, and plenty of stories to tell. So forget the diet for a day and come experience what the real Alentejo and Greater Lisbon have to offer. After all, between a custard tart, some codfish, and a glass of wine, no soap opera can top this experience!