Portugal - Travel Vixta

Visiting the Costa Nova Striped Houses & Cool Architecture in Portugal

Published on April 30, 2026April 30, 2026 by VictoriaLeave a comment

Colourful striped houses right on the beach, it looks like one of the most photogenic places in Portugal.

But what’s it actually like to visit?

We spent two nights in Costa Nova as part of our Spain and Portugal family road trip in April, arriving late in the dark after our overnight ferry crossing and a long drive across Spain and Portugal.

The next morning we were visiting family in Viseu, then heading all the way south to Salema in the Algarve.

That meant we only had one full day here, and so the weather was just whatever it was going to be.

And honestly, our experience wasn’t quite the sunny postcard you might expect!

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Salema, Portugal, in April: Return Visit for 3 Days on the Algarve

Published on April 30, 2026April 30, 2026 by VictoriaLeave a comment

You know when you return somewhere and hope it feels just as good as the first time?

That was Salema for us.

We’d visited Salema in February once before and loved this quiet pocket of the Algarve. We’re not fans of built-up, tourist-heavy places, and Salema offered a peaceful escape that felt completely different from the busier parts of the region.

On that first visit, we stayed at NAU Salema Beach Village and honestly felt like the only guests there. It was that quiet.

So coming back again during the UK school Easter holidays in April, how would it compare? Would we love it just as much?

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13 Day UK to Spain & Portugal Family Road Trip Costs

UK to Spain and Portugal Family Road Trip Cost Breakdown (13 Days)

Published on April 30, 2026April 30, 2026 by VictoriaLeave a comment

13 days.
1982 miles.
48 hours of driving.
42 hours on a ferry.
5 beautiful locations.

We recently returned from a UK to Spain and Portugal road trip, travelling by ferry with our own car and staying in a mix of coastal and rural locations.

One of the biggest questions when planning a trip like this is simple: how much does it actually cost?

So here’s our full, honest breakdown.

This isn’t a stripped-back budget or a luxury getaway. It’s what we really spent as a family of four, balancing comfort, convenience and cost while travelling and working remotely.

This UK to Spain and Portugal family road trip cost breakdown includes ferry, accommodation, food, fuel and tolls over 13 days.

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13 Day European Family Road Trip Diary Overnight Ferry Portugal Spain

13 Day European Family Road Trip Diary: Overnight Ferry, Portugal and Spain

Published on April 30, 2026April 30, 2026 by VictoriaLeave a comment

13 days.
1982 miles.
48 hours of driving.
42 hours on a ferry.
5 very different locations.

This trip was a mix of everything, long travel days, quiet coastal villages, mountain stays, and one standout city stop.

We travelled from the UK to Spain by ferry, drove through Portugal and back across Spain, and returned the same way.

Here’s how it all played out, day by day.

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13 Day Europe Family Road Trip Planner: UK to Spain and Portugal

Published on April 30, 2026April 30, 2026 by VictoriaLeave a comment

If you’re thinking about driving from the UK to Spain and Portugal, it can feel like a big trip to plan.

Where do you stop?
How long should you allow?
And is it actually doable as a family?

We recently did this exact route over 13 days, combining an overnight ferry with a mix of coastal and mountain destinations.

We’re a family of four, and on this trip, our daughter was 13 (almost 14), and our son had recently turned 11.

Most of the trip worked out well, but there are definitely things we’d do differently next time.

Here’s the full itinerary, plus what to expect along the way.

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Salema Portugal: Things To Do For Free

Published on March 3, 2024November 1, 2024 by VictoriaLeave a comment

If you’re planning a trip to the charming coastal village of Salema in Portugal, you’ll be pleased to know that there are plenty of things to do that won’t cost you a penny. From soaking up the sun on pristine beaches to exploring the local culture, Salema offers a variety of free activities for visitors to enjoy. Let’s explore.

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Is Salema Portugal Worth Visiting? A Family Holiday Reflection

Published on March 3, 2024November 1, 2024 by Victoria2 Comments

Portugal’s rich history, stunning beaches, and delicious food make it a haven for family vacations. We recently returned from a trip to Salema, a small and quiet coastal town in the Algarve region. Did we enjoy our holiday? Is Salema in Portugal worth visiting? Let’s explore in my honest review and reflection on our family holiday in this region of the Faro district.

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Travel Spending Diary: 7 Nights of Luxury in Salema, Portugal on a Budget

Published on March 3, 2024August 5, 2025 by VictoriaLeave a comment

We recently returned from a magical, but budget-friendly, 7-night trip staying in a luxurious townhouse in Salema, Portugal, with our entire family – two adults and our two children (aged 11 and 8). Who says a luxurious family holiday has to cost a fortune?

By being smart about our choices, we enjoyed a stunning townhouse with breathtaking sea views and created lasting memories, all on a budget!

Here’s a detailed breakdown of our spending to show you exactly how we did it and lots of money-saving tips for how to get luxury accommodation for less.

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