Portimão

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Portimão is perfect in terms of visiting the Portuguese sea-side. Not only the local market is rich in freshly caught fish and fruits coming from the nearest orchards, but the  beach here is… a dream. Just as the restaurants, villas and pretty much everything. I can actually see myself living here, picking oranges and shells for days.

All photos by Edward Kanarecki.

Claus Porto

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The Chiado district of Lisbon is a treasure chest of the best goods coming from all over Portugal. At the roots of Claus Porto are its German founders and a beautiful, historic city of Porto. The label built its name on hand-crafted soaps infused with fine fragrances, which draw on ingredients from the country’s rich and lush countryside. These products are imbued with an artisan’s heart and soul, and are wrapped by hand in packaging illustrated with retro-inspired and vintage graphic designs, which give a sense of being transported to the glamourous decadence of Belle Époque Europe. Not only soaps tempt you at Claus Porto, but as well creams and perfumes. Still, it’s the signature soap that everyone has to bring back home, whether you’re deciding between Classico, Deco, Agua de Colonia or Musgo Real.

Rua da Misericórdia 135 / Lisbon

República das Flores

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Have you ever wondered what it’s like to enter a cabinet de curiosités? Well, entering República das Flores might be just the experience you’ve always been dreaming of. It’s a magical store that’s located in a Pombaline house from the beginning of the 19th century in Lisbon’s Chiado district. What to see and love in here? Perfumed paper, cushions, soaps and bath products, Bordalo Pinheiro china, fresh flowers, linen table clothes from Porto, vintage garments, jewellery from remote destinations, Alentejo oil and wine, antique objects from India and Morocco… in fact, you can’t go out with empty hands.

Rua Alecrim 99 / Lisbon

All photos by Edward Kanarecki.

Mini by Luna

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Mini by Luna‘s aim was to bring together woman, kids and well-curated home decorations under the same roof. The two-story space beautifully represents the subtle elegance, sophistication and simplicity of a number of Portuguese and international labels (such as Pomandère, American Vintage, Osklen, Tocoto Vintage, Aden & Anais, April Showers and Mes Demoiselles). It’s one of my favourite addresses in Lisbon for a reason – the garments you will find here are seasonless, and they perfectly convey this kind of laid-back, always sunny style the locals have here. And all those baskets! Aah. If you’re here, you can’t ignore the shoes by another Portuguese label called Maray. Those hand-made, leather babouches (nicely finished with tassels and other details) are a must-buy.

Rua Dom Pedro V 74 / Lisbon

All photos by Edward Kanarecki.

Lisbon

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I’ve been quite absent on the site lately, as me and my family went for a spring break to Portugal and Spain. And, I’ve found my new love: it’s Lisbon. From Chiado to Alfama district, from the laundry dried on the streets to the most precious ornaments in Church of Sao Roque, Lisbon is full, but full of beauty. And of always smiling people, delightful food (really, wherever you go – a post on my favourite eating spots in the city is coming soon) and art! Here are some of the moments I’ve captured, while walking down the hilly, sun-drenched streets and during the moon-lit evenings.

In case of art, the Portuguese capital is booming with impressive museums. If you’re around the town for a day or two, don’t miss Museu Coleção Berardo, one of the largest private collections of contemporary art in the world. The permanent exhibition contains works by Andy Warhol, James Turrell, Jeff Koons, Louise Bourgeois, Nan Goldin and many, many more. Until the 3rd of June, there’s also the No place like home exhibition that creates a conceptual dialogue between domestic spaces, utilities and modern art. For a stark contrast, later on check out the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, which will shook you with European masters and some of the greatest works of Renaissance. A must visit as well. 

Don’t worry – more of Lisbon (plus Portuguese seaside and Sevilla in Spain) is around the corner!

All photos by Edward Kanarecki.