Mushrooms and Other Fungi of the Sintra Mountains
Under the canopy of the Convent of the Capuchos’ ancient woodland, set out to discover the fascinating world of fungi. On a guided walk led by mycologist João Luís Baptista-Ferreira, explore the diversity of mushrooms found in the Sintra Mountains and discover the essential role they play in the life of the forest.
The Secret World of Fungi
The unique temperature and humidity conditions of the Sintra Mountains provide an ideal environment for mushrooms. Walking along the trails beneath the canopy of centuries-old trees in the ancient woodland of the Convent of the Capuchos, we will discover these fascinating organisms, which are neither animals nor plants, and which come in an extraordinary variety of shapes and colours. We will learn that mushrooms are the visible part of certain fungi and that their existence is essential to the life of the forest.
This mushroom-spotting walk will reveal the remarkable fungal diversity of the Sintra Mountains and the vital role this unique group of organisms plays in the survival of ecosystems.
The walk will be led by João Luís Baptista-Ferreira, mycologist and retired Professor of Mycology at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon.
More information
- Location: Convent of the Capuchos
- Date: November 28, 2026
- Times: 10AM
- Duration: 3 hours
- Audience: Youth and adults; families with children (>7 years old)
- Meeting point: Next to the ticket office at the Convent of the Capuchos
- Accessibility: The route includes steps, uneven terrain and irregular surfaces
- Language: Portuguese
- Additional information: Participants should wear comfortable footwear and clothing suitable for Sintra’s weather conditions. The activity may be cancelled in the event of adverse conditions for mushroom observation.