A beautiful small town on the Spanish coast is known as “Bali of Europe.” The Spanish town of Tarifa, near Cadiz, is a gem of culture, food and sea views. The town has Andalusian talent and picturesque beaches.
The strong winds blowing through the coast of Cadiz make Sandy Beach a popular destination for windsurfers. Visitors can walk through the historic back streets of the old town, in Spanish colonial style buildings painted in vivid colors. According to a travel influencer with Rafa, Tarifa “feels like a tropical paradise in the middle of the Mediterranean. It feels like Bali in Europe!” For the food, the small town fishing tradition has created great local dishes. Freshly raised fish and crabs can be found in many restaurants in town. The town also has lively clubs, beachfront tiki bars and good nightlife with surfing haunts.
Playa de Bolonia was named Spain's second best beach in 2024 with a timeout. Because of its incredible dunes, soft white sand surrounded by crystal clear water and majestic woodland.
But it's more than just sand dunes and beautiful beaches. The giant sand dunes also hide the ruins of an ancient town dating back to the second century BC. Visitors can observe the forum, marketplace, thermal baths, aqueducts, theatres and the ruins of the cathedral just off the beach.
Over seven species of dolphins and whales are found in clear waters in Tarifa, just 8.7 miles from the African coast, making them ideal for ocean sightings and snorkeling.
A TripAdvisor review said, “It's a great small town to stay at least a day/night. This is a particularly good place to stay if you're taking a ferry from Spain to Morocco.
“There is an old section (walled section within Tarifa), filled with narrow streets and labyrinths, offering a great place to wander for hours. There are small shops, great restaurants, and some very small hotels and hostels.
“Make sure you see Castillo Guzman el Bueno – a fortification that is part of the old town. From there you can see it from the Mediterranean to North Africa.”
