Tiny ‘Bali of Europe’ town has beautiful beaches

A small town in the south of Spain has been compared to Bali, thanks to its beautiful beaches and laid-back vibes.

A beach town in the south of Spain has been compared to Bali thanks to its beautiful beaches and laid-back vibes.

Tarifa is the most southerly town in mainland Europe, being less than nine miles from Africa.

It is often named the kite surfing capital of Europe thanks to its strong winds making it a popular sport there.

Travel influencer and photographer Scarlett compared the vibe to being similar to “Santa Cruz in California”.

However, it is also often called the Bali of Europe thanks to its huge sandy beaches.

Tiny 'Bali of Europe' town right by Africa.

Another influencer, Travel with Rafa, said: “It feels like a tropical paradise in the middle of the Mediterranean. It feels like the Bali of Europe!”

Playa de Bologna beach is one of the popular beaches where you can also go hiking as well.

Otherwise there is also Playa de Los Lances which is where you will spot most of the kite and windsurfers.

Or the Bali-like beach Playa de Valdevaqueros, which is home to the surfer-style Tumbao Beach Bar.

Tourists should also head to Waikiki beach bar, with its thatched umbrellas, or Aloha Bar for €3 ($A5) cocktails.

Near this is the Baelo Claudia, the ruins of a 2,000 year old Roman town.

Not a bad spot at all. Picture: iStock

The area is popular with kite and windsurfers due to its breezy conditions. Picture: iStock

If you want to explore the Old Town, it is home to beautiful tapas bars, nightclubs and local shops. This is where the night-life is as well, with many of the streets filled with both tourists and locals.

But while it is very Spanish in its atmosphere, it’s also easy to see Moroccan influences as well with Moorish architecture.

Puera de Jerez is the ancient entrance of the walled town, and where you can also visit the 800-year-old Castle of Tarifa.

On a long walkway is Isla de Tarifa, which has some of the best views of the town.

While there are a number of hotels and B&Bs to choose from, there are also a number of campsites and caravan sites.

For example, Via Villagio Tarifa has glamping pods right on the beach or Dunas Tarifa with palm tree cabanas and safari lodges.

Tarifa is also easy to get to, being around an hour from Gibraltar by car.

Or, if you’re in Morocco, it is around one hour by ferry from Tangier which you can fly to from the UK for $A40 with Ryanair.

You should visit the city of Tangier as well, which has been named a top holiday spot by Vogue last year.

Not only are new luxury hotels popping up, but it has even been used to film Jason Bourne, Mission Impossible and James Bond.

This story originally appeared on The Sun and is republished here with permission