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.
Continue reading “13 Day European Family Road Trip Diary: Overnight Ferry, Portugal and Spain”
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.
Continue reading “13 Day Europe Family Road Trip Planner: UK to Spain and Portugal”
Newquay isn’t just known for its beaches and surf culture – it’s also home to a vibrant and diverse street art scene. From colourful murals to hidden artistic gems, the town is bursting with creativity waiting to be discovered.
In this guide, I’ll showcase some of the best street art and murals around Newquay, complete with stunning photos and tips on where to find them, as well as best practice tips when visiting street art.
Discover 40 pieces of street art and wall art murals in Newquay in this virtual tour! Whether you’re a visitor or a local, this guide will help you explore Newquay through a fresh and artistic lens.
Continue reading “Newquay Street Art and Murals: Photos and 40 Locations 2025-2026”
Kolymbia isn’t a place you come to tick things off a list. It’s a place you stay when you want warm air, space to breathe, and days that unfold slowly without feeling like you need to spend lots of money to enjoy yourself.
During our two times staying here, especially when travelling as a family, we realised that some of the best moments in Kolymbia cost absolutely nothing. Walking, swimming, watching light change, and simply noticing what’s around you become the highlights.
If you’re visiting Rhodes outside peak summer, particularly after reading about why Rhodes works so well in October, Kolymbia really comes into its own. Here are the best free things to do in Kolymbia, based on how we spent our days.
Continue reading “Free Things To Do in Kolymbia, Rhodes”
After visiting Rhodes twice, in October 2024 and October 2025, we came away with a long list of things that surprised us. Some were wonderful. Some were confusing. A few were genuinely disappointing. All of them shaped how the island felt as a place to explore.
If you’re planning a trip to Rhodes, particularly outside peak summer, these are the things that surprised us the most.
Continue reading “15 Surprising Things About Rhodes”
Our October 2025 trip to Rhodes was packed with adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences.
From ancient sites to beaches and delicious vegan meals, here’s a detailed roundup of our days on this Greek island, with links to each place we visited.
Continue reading “Family Travel Diary: One Week in Rhodes October 2025 (Beaches, History & Vegan Delights)”
Kolymbia Beach, sometimes written Kolimbia, is one of the most accessible beaches on Rhodes if you are staying in Kolymbia itself. It is long, easy to reach, and lined by hotels and organised beach areas.
Next to it, at the far end, is White Rock Beach, a smaller, quieter stretch under Tsambika mountain. The two beaches sit side by side but are separated by water so you cannot walk along the sand from one to the other, although you can swim between them.
We have visited both more than once and each has its own atmosphere. Kolymbia Beach has more facilities, watersports and a restaurant overlooking the sea. White Rock Beach feels more tucked away and peaceful, almost hidden at the end of the bay. If you like a beach that has variety, these two are a great combination for dipping in and out of during your holiday.
Continue reading “Kolymbia Beach and White Rock Beach in Rhodes: What to Expect Before You Go”
Navarone Bay is one of those places you picture when you think of dreamy Greek waters. Deep turquoise, quiet, scenic and almost cinematic when the light hits right.
We first discovered it on the Hippo Submarine boat trip last year, where we swam in the bay surrounded by the most vivid blue water we had ever seen. It was the kind of swim you remember long after the holiday ends. In fact, my favourite and most memorable swim in the sea to date.
This year we returned to experience it from the beach. We’d seen the beach from the boat and it looked so peaceful. So quiet and like the sand was white rather than golden. It looked ideal for a beach to visit another time, so that’s what we did when we returned to Rhodes. But the beach itself didn’t quite live up to our expectations.
Continue reading “Navarone Bay and Beach Review, Rhodes”