Holidays abroad - Travel Vixta

STUNNING Algarve Coastal Hike: Praia Santa, Praia da Figueira, Praia da Andorinha, Praia das Furnas

Published on February 22, 2024November 1, 2024 by Victoria1 Comment

Sun-kissed shores, dramatic cliffs, and hidden coves – the Algarve’s magic unfolds with every footstep. But away from the bustling crowds, a quieter, wilder beauty awaits.

This February, I embarked on a beautiful Algarve coastal hike along its lesser-known coastline, from Salema to Praia das Furnas, unveiling a string of four breathtaking and secluded beaches: Praia Santa, Praia da Figueira, Praia da Andorinha and finally, Praia das Furnas.

From the pristine secret sands of Praia Santa to the incredible rock formations of Praia da Andorinha, a winter surfer’s paradise at Praia das Furnas and the perfect picnic spots at Praia da Figueira, each beach offers its own unique charm and allure which I share below in photos and memories with maps and helpful visitor info.

Join me on a visual journey as I unveil the beauty of this region of the Algarve coastline through my lens.

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Exploring Cabo de São Vicente Lighthouse, Landscape & Rugged Beauty at Portugal’s Land’s End

Published on February 21, 2024November 1, 2024 by VictoriaLeave a comment

Embarking on a family holiday to Salema in the picturesque Faro district of southern Portugal, we were drawn to explore what we soon dubbed as the “Land’s End of Portugal” – Farol do Cabo de São Vicente, a majestic lighthouse perched upon a rugged headland.

Translated to “Lighthouse of Cape Saint Vincent”, this iconic landmark and its surrounding landscape offer a glimpse into Portugal’s maritime heritage and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.

This headland with its breathtaking views and iconic red lighthouse marks the furthest southwestern point of Portugal’s mainland, which is why we nicknamed it Land’s End, like the furthest southwestern part of Britain is well-known!

Join me as I uncover the enchanting allure of Farol do Cabo de São Vicente through our travel photos and captivating vistas that await at Portugal’s southwestern tip.

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Where are the Dinosaur Footprints in Salema?

Published on February 21, 2024May 7, 2026 by Victoria1 Comment

Have you ever dreamed of stepping back in time and encountering creatures from millions of years ago?

Portugal’s Algarve region boasts stunning beaches, vibrant sunsets, and a rich history, but tucked away on the western Algarve coast lies a hidden gem that truly transports you back millions of years: the dinosaur footprints of Salema!

Salema is not only a picturesque and tranquil destination but also a treasure trove of ancient history, where you can find some dinosaur footprint tracks. There are many reasons to visit Salema, but these fossilised tracks offer a glimpse into the Jurassic past, igniting the imagination of both children and adults alike.

Join us on an adventure as we uncover the secrets of the dinosaur footprints in this charming and authentic Portuguese seaside village, where to find them with accessibility tips and maps.

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Salema Beach Review in February (Praia da Salema, Portugal)

Published on February 20, 2024November 1, 2024 by VictoriaLeave a comment

Last week, my family and I embarked on a delightful getaway to Salema, a tranquil fishing village nestled in the heart of the Algarve, Portugal. Travelling during the February half term with our two children, aged 8 and 11, we sought a destination that promised relaxation, scenic coastal paths for hiking, winter sun (maybe even warm enough to catch some rays!) with accommodation a stone’s throw from the beach.

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NAU Salema Beach Village Accommodation Review: 2-Bedroom Seaview Townhouse in February

Published on February 20, 2024November 1, 2024 by VictoriaLeave a comment

Dreaming of a winter escape that combines stunning ocean vistas, spacious comfort, and endless family fun? Look no further than NAU Salema Beach Village, a hidden gem nestled on the Algarve’s unspoiled coastline.

Just last week, I had the pleasure of experiencing this haven firsthand. In this NAU Salema Beach Village review, we explore our holiday experience at this charming resort nestled in the picturesque coastal fishing village of Salema, Portugal.

With a focus on the two-bedroom townhouse sea view accommodation option, we’ll delve into the amenities, ambience, and overall appeal of this idyllic retreat during February. Here’s my honest review (with stunning photos!) to help you decide if it’s your perfect Algarve getaway.

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My Family 7-Night Ryanair Underseat Bag Packing List

Published on February 19, 2024June 1, 2026 by Victoria2 Comments

We just got back from Portugal where we had a 7-night family holiday in Salema and flew with Ryanair to Faro, from Newquay. We wanted to keep the holiday as budget-friendly as possible and were pretty surprised upon booking to discover we couldn’t take a cabin suitcase for free! The only free luggage included in the standard ticket rate was an under-seat bag with maximum dimensions of 40x25x20cm, so we took on the challenge!

If you’re wondering how much can you fit in a 40x20x25 bag then read on as I share photos of what me and my husband managed to pack in our Ecohub bags, which we each used as our Ryanair small bag for a whole week’s holiday, and descriptive packing lists for us and our two children.

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Monsanto Mountain Rock Village Game of Thrones Filming Location

Revisiting Monsanto Mountain Rock Village in 2023: A Post-Game of Thrones Experience

Published on January 11, 2024May 1, 2026 by VictoriaLeave a comment

I recently had the chance to return to Monsanto Mountain and Rock Village, a place I last explored back in February 2020. This time, my visit took place in December 2023, and I must say, the charm and beauty of this Portuguese village remain as stunning as ever. However, there’s an interesting twist – since my last visit, this picturesque location has been used as a filming location for the renowned series, Game of Thrones.

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Covão dos Concho sserra da estrela natural park sinkhole lake

Visiting Covão dos Conchos: Portugal’s Otherworldly Sinkhole

Published on January 9, 2024February 21, 2024 by VictoriaLeave a comment

Deep within the mountainous scenic beauty of Portugal’s Serra da Estrela Natural Park lies a remarkable testament to human engineering – Covão dos Conchos. Not to be mistaken for a natural sinkhole, this awe-inspiring structure is, in fact, a manmade engineering marvel.

Let’s delve into the fascinating world of Covão dos Conchos, where nature and human ingenuity meet. Join me as I take you on a visual journey through Covão dos Conchos, sharing photos from my recent trip to this otherworldly destination that feels like a portal through the mountain to another realm!

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