Coastal walks - Travel Vixta

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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waiting for fish sculpture in bronze in porthleven cornwall

Exploring Porthleven in Cornwall: Travel Photo Diary & Thoughts

Published on September 17, 2025October 21, 2025 by Victoria2 Comments

Porthleven is one of Cornwall’s most characterful harbour towns. With its independent shops, bustling foodie scene, and dramatic coastal setting, it has quickly become a favourite place to return to.

On our latest visit, we decided to spend a day here, camera in hand, to capture the atmosphere and share our experience in this travel photo diary.

Whether you’re planning a family day out, searching for things to do in Porthleven, or simply curious about this Cornish harbour town, here’s what we discovered.

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The Mousehole Shop in Mousehole Cornwall

Exploring Mousehole in Cornwall: My Rainy Walk & Travel Photo Diary

Published on September 9, 2025September 18, 2025 by VictoriaLeave a comment

Mousehole is often described as one of the prettiest villages in Cornwall, with its sheltered harbour, narrow granite streets, and traditional cottages. Just a short distance from Penzance, it’s a popular spot for a day trip, coastal walk, or a wander through its galleries and cafés.

On our recent weekend away to Clowance Estate, we headed to Mousehole for the first time. The weather wasn’t on our side, with heavy rain turning our visit into more of a damp dash than a leisurely stroll.

Even so, we discovered plenty of charm — from the restored tidal pool and harbour views to the memorial gardens and quirky allotments — and left with plans to return on a sunnier day, or perhaps at Christmas to see the famous harbour lights.

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Exploring Sennen Cove & Gwynver Beach: White Sands and Turquoise Waters in Cornwall

Published on August 17, 2025September 18, 2025 by Victoria1 Comment

On Saturday, mid-August, we set off from our home in Newquay for a one-hour drive down to Sennen Cove and Gwynver Beach, just past Land’s End.

The day was warm at around 22°C, though very, very windy, so while we were comfortable in summer clothes during the day, we needed cardigans and hoodies by the evening.

These beaches had been on our list for a while. We’d only ever seen Sennen from the Land’s End Coaster bus from St Ives a couple of summers ago, so this time we wanted to properly explore on foot before meeting friends later for dinner.

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Crantock Village and Poppies Walk Near Newquay

Crantock to Polly Joke Poppy Fields: A Rainy Yet Beautiful Coastal Walk

Published on August 7, 2025October 6, 2025 by VictoriaLeave a comment

Living in Newquay gives us the privilege of being close to some of Cornwall’s most stunning coastal walks—and one of the most breathtaking natural displays each summer: the wild poppy fields between Crantock and Polly Joke.

On 13 June, my husband and I decided to take a walk to see the poppies in bloom. We knew they were nearing their peak, as we’d spotted the vivid red fields from the East Pentire side of Newquay earlier in the week.

Sadly, the weather had other ideas, and we got absolutely drenched in a torrential downpour! Still, despite the rain, it was wonderful to get up close to the flowers again, and it reminded us how lucky we are to have them on our doorstep.

We’re sharing our route, what we saw in Crantock village, and a little about the incredible natural history behind these protected wildflower fields.

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Agios Georgios Harbour, Pegeia: A Peaceful & Scenic Stop on the Cyprus Coast

Published on May 7, 2025October 27, 2025 by VictoriaLeave a comment

Agios Georgios Harbour, sometimes also referred to as Pegeia Harbour, is a small but beautiful coastal spot located in the Pegeia (or Peyia) region of Cyprus. While the official Cypriot name is Pegeia, it’s more commonly written as Peyia today — and both names refer to this peaceful and picturesque area along the west coast of the island.

We visited Agios Georgios Harbour for a short stop on our way back to Villa Kambos Dio after a refreshing walk through the impressive Avakas Gorge Nature Trail. It turned out to be one of the most photogenic spots of our entire trip, and although we didn’t stay long, it definitely left a lasting impression.

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Harbour, Marina, Port or Quay? A Simple Guide for Coastal Travellers

Published on May 7, 2025May 19, 2026 by VictoriaLeave a comment

If you’ve ever walked beside the sea and found yourself unsure whether you’re looking at a harbour, a marina, or maybe even a port or quay, you’re not alone! These coastal terms are often used interchangeably, but they do have distinct meanings.

And while it may not matter to some, understanding the difference can actually be quite helpful when travelling, especially if you’re planning boat trips, walks or days out by the water.

In this post, I’ll break down each term in plain English and share examples from some of the coastal places we’ve explored, including Cyprus, Cornwall, France and beyond.

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Lara Beach, Cyprus: Family Walk and What to Expect Outside Turtle Season

Published on April 30, 2025October 27, 2025 by VictoriaLeave a comment

If you’re exploring the unspoilt beauty of Cyprus and want to enjoy a more natural side of the island, Lara Beach is the perfect spot. Known for its protected turtle nesting grounds, this remote stretch of coastline offers raw, untouched scenery, turquoise seas, and fascinating conservation efforts. We visited Cyprus in April, outside of turtle season, and it was still one of the most memorable walks of our holiday.

Here’s everything we experienced — from the scenic mountain drive to the bottlecap jellyfish, and why visiting Lara Beach with kids is just as magical even when the turtles aren’t nesting.

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