Rosie in Portugal
We spoke with FELLA Co-Founder Rosie Iffla about her recent travels around Portugal, her holiday staples, and her recommendations for those must-see and must-eat + drink destinations. Part I - the bustling capital of Lisbon.
Where did you stay? Do you have a favourite hotel or property?
We stayed at two hotels. One more modern and perfectly located in the vibey Barrio Alto area, called Casa das janelas Com Vista, and one in the older more historical Almalfa area called Palacio Ramalhete which was in a beautiful old original building.
What was your favourite beach?
Ribeiro Do Cavalo. Although it is an hour drive or Uber out of main Lisbon, doing this with a group of friends is a fun full-day adventure, to what is known as Portugal’s best beach. We packed a picnic of food, towels + umbrellas, and while you’ll have to walk a steep 20 minute path down to the beach (make sure you wear sneakers!), it’s well worth it, as it really was incredible. We also saw a water taxi pass by in the bay and luckily scored an easier trip back (than the steep walk uphill) to another beach where we could get an Uber home.
What sights were on your must-do list?
Walk through the historical Almalfa area and upmarket Principe Real, visit Ponto Final restaurant which is a ferry ride across to some abandoned warehouses, Day trip to either Sintra (beautiful and colourful castles – beware of the queues, however) or Cascais (Ursula beach), a drink or dinner in the busy Barrio Alto area.
What was the most unforgettable meal you ate?
Very hard to choose but I absolutely loved Taberna do Calhau which is an institution and the best Portuguese food in town. We had beautiful (and very traditional) white sardines on toast followed by the salt cod with potatoes and prawn-flavoured infused beef steak. We also loved the trendy (and hard to get into) Taberna da Rua das Flore which put a more modern spin on traditional Portuguese food. Vegetable shredded egg rostini, steak tartare and crisps, razor clams (long clams) and oysters.
Travel read?
A dear friend gave me American Dirt to read before my travels – was a fantastic read.
What are your beauty travel bag essentials?
Ultra Violette face sunscreen, Crème de la Mer, Loewe 001 scent, and Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream.
What’s your perfect travel outfit?
A colourful Missoni pant or jumpsuit paired with the Julian Top + Franz Bottom in Campari.