Penny McCormick sources tips for Portuguese trips…
Irish jewellery designer Susie Lynch-Barrett has been travelling to Portugal for over 20 years. “The 20-minute hop from the airport to our back garden in Quinta do Lago allows for spontaneous short trips, even in the depths of winter.” Her favourite pastime is cycling along the boardwalk that runs from Val do Lobo to Faro Island, through the Ria Formosa nature reserve. “On Faro Island we always stop at one of the little beach huts to enjoy coffee and pastéis de nata. Though there are many beautiful sandy beaches in this area, Quinta do Lago beach is my favourite, a 3.5km stretch of soft white sand where you’ll find the trendy stilt restaurant Gigi’s.”
Susie recommends exploring the cobbled streets of Faro Old Town, a 30-minute drive from Quinta do Lago, where restaurants Ato and Epicure, and wine bar Bago are popular. Another must-visit is Casa do Campo farm-to-table restaurant in the charming town of Almancil.
For coffee, Lahana is a hidden gem owned by a third generation Irish family, which has established a strong following with coffee lovers. “Loulé is great for a day trip, with its historic centre and its Moorish-style indoor market. The latter is a favourite spot for homemade caramel and Algarvian sea salt ice cream. Afterwards a stroll to Martina’s boutique always results in a purchase to be treasured.” @tired_always
Seduced by its light and energy, Erica Bracken, yoga teacher and PR, moved to Lisbon with her dog Fig after testing the water as a digital nomad post-Covid. “I quickly found friends and built a community. For authenticity, I’d recommend staying in an AirBnb in Santos, Lapa or Príncipe Real neighbourhoods. Of course, there are some fabulous boutique boltholes including Hotel das Amoreiras, Memmo Príncipe Real, Verride Palácio Santa Catarina and Santa Clara 1728 and the more affordable My Story Tejo hotel,” she says.
Of Lisbon’s trendy cafés, Erica’s favourite haunts for a café duplo include Buna, Calmo, Hello Kristoff, Comoba, Curva and Dramatico. “When I’ve walked up an appetite for dinner, I am spoilt for choice: Panda Cantina for ramen, Senhor Uva for vegetarian fine dining, Fares for Middle Eastern mezze, Bar Boca for vegan tapas. Taking a ferry across the river to Ponto Fino for seafood at sunset is also special. For drinks, Place de Flores is a wine bar hot spot, try Black Sheep and Magnolia.” @erica_bracken.
A FEW IN TRANSIT ESSENTIALS
Orange and pink wool cape scarf, €54; www.oliverbonas.com.
Large emerald green vanity case, €195; www.marinaraphael.com
The Joy of Exploring Gardens, 60 Travel Experiences, €24, Lonely Planet.
Anthony bag, Mulberry X Paul Smith; www.mulberry.com.
