Tiny ‘Bali of Europe' town has beautiful beaches
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.
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.
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 $A40 with Ryanair.
You should visit the city of Tangier as well, which has been named a top holiday spot by Vogue last year.
Not only are new luxury hotels popping up, but it has even been used to film Jason Bourne, Mission Impossible and James Bond.
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News.com.au
19 hours ago
- News.com.au
Tiny ‘Bali of Europe' town has beautiful beaches
A beach town in the south of Spain has been compared to Bali thanks to its beautiful beaches and laid-back vibes. Tarifa is the most southerly town in mainland Europe, being less than nine miles from Africa. It is often named the kite surfing capital of Europe thanks to its strong winds making it a popular sport there. Travel influencer and photographer Scarlett compared the vibe to being similar to 'Santa Cruz in California'. However, it is also often called the Bali of Europe thanks to its huge sandy beaches. Another influencer, Travel with Rafa, said: 'It feels like a tropical paradise in the middle of the Mediterranean. It feels like the Bali of Europe!' Playa de Bologna beach is one of the popular beaches where you can also go hiking as well. Otherwise there is also Playa de Los Lances which is where you will spot most of the kite and windsurfers. Or the Bali-like beach Playa de Valdevaqueros, which is home to the surfer-style Tumbao Beach Bar. Tourists should also head to Waikiki beach bar, with its thatched umbrellas, or Aloha Bar for €3 ($A5) cocktails. Near this is the Baelo Claudia, the ruins of a 2,000 year old Roman town. 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.
News.com.au
3 days ago
- News.com.au
Aussie tourists warned of chaos as furious Europeans to unleash on airports, tours and popular attractions
If you are jetting off for a European summer, there is one date to beware of: June 15. Locals in tourist hotspots who feel foreigners are turning their cities into playgrounds while they are left behind with a housing crisis, rising rents and environmental impacts are planning to disrupt airports, tour buses and popular attractions with placards and water pistols to get their point across. Following a meeting in Barcelona in April, a coalition of activists — the Southern Europe Network Against Touristification – revealed they were planning a day of protests on June 15. 'The goal is not to attack individuals but to draw attention to the social and environmental toll tourism is taking on our cities,' one unnamed organiser from Lisbon told EU Today. 'We are being squeezed out of our homes, our public spaces, and our daily lives.' 'It's not about hating tourists – it's about saving our communities,' said another activist. The Spanish island of Majorca is expecting its biggest day of anti-tourist demonstrations yet, with 60 groups wanting to bring the streets to a standstill with the slogan, 'For the right to a decent life; Stop touristification'. It is certainly not the first time we have seen these kinds of protests. One of the latest incidents to grab global headlines was in Barcelona in April when protesters congregated outside the city's Sagrada Familia Basilica wielding water pistols and shouting 'tourists go home' as a bus packed with visitors made its way through the streets. Brett Mitchell, the Australian managing director of Melbourne-born global company Intrepid Travel, said he understood the frustrations of people living in these tourist hotspots and getting the balance right was a real issue that needed to be dealt with. He said it was on everyone, including government, tour operators, cruise lines and airlines, to get around the table and work on solutions for responsible destination management. 'The reality is tourism is not going to slow down, it's a mega trend and it's only going to become bigger and bigger, and if the issue is not addressed it's going to get worse and worse every year,' Mr Mitchell said. While tourism is vital to the local economies of these destinations — and more generally, in bringing the world together — Mr Mitchell said at peak times locals were being 'pushed out' or having their 'whole lifestyle completely turned on its head'. 'As a traveller, I think there's a lot of things we can do,' he said. 'Travelling in smaller groups; we always believe there's always a much better experience for locals and also you as a traveller. 'Look at the off seasons or shoulder seasons; it's another really good way to try and avoid crowds. 'Getting off the beaten track; yes go and see these amazing iconic tourist spots but get there early and then move on and go and see other alternative areas and destinations. 'And then we really believe in trying to spend locally, so really try and do your research and make sure the money on the ground when you're spending it in these countries is going to locally owned businesses and supply chains.' Sarah Orr, from travel insurance comparison site Compare the Market, described the day of protests as 'terrible timing for the tens of thousands of Aussies' who head to Europe this time of year. She said some comprehensive travel insurance policies cover expenses for additional accommodation and travel expenses as a result of riots, strikes and civil commotion. 'However, most policies will not cover you for cancellation fees and lost deposits, if the unrest escalates, continues for some time and/or the commencement of the unrest predates the purchase of your insurance,' she warned. 'While these protests are unlikely to cause major disruptions, it's a good idea to read up on when and where they are happening, so you can plan your itinerary accordingly and avoid them if possible. 'The protests will target tourist hotspots, major landmarks and high foot traffic areas. It may be a great opportunity to visit some less 'touristy' parts of the city, to take in the culture conscientiously.' Popular destinations across the world have been desperately trying to find new ways to cope with a massive boom in tourism post-Covid and avoid the trend dubbed 'overtourism'. New taxes and fees have been introduced, caps have been put on visitor numbers, and new hotels and short-term rentals have been banned. Japan has urged Australians to explore the country beyond the typical tourist hotspots as visitor numbers reach record highs. About 920,000 Australians visited Japan in 2024, setting a new record. This year we're expected to break the one million mark for the first time. And Japan's advice echoed that of Indonesia in 2023, which pleaded with Aussies to explore more of the country beyond Bali. Foreigner crackdowns across the globe Countries across the world are continuing to crack down on foreigners. Donald Trump's 'enhanced vetting' for arrivals at US airports appears to be getting the most attention, but there is plenty more happening elsewhere. Italy has changed its citizenship laws, making it significantly harder for Australians (and other foreigners) to get a passport by descent. You can no longer get citizenship if your great-grandparents were born there, it has to be a parent or grandparent. Venice is doubling its entry free for day-trippers this season and expanding the days it applies to. The fee, first introduced a year ago, was 5 euros ($9) and is now 10 euros ($18) for any visitors who don't book more than four days in advance. Spain has ended its 'golden visa' that allowed non-EU citizens to get residency by buying property worth more than 500,000 euros, which closes off a pathway to Spanish citizenship. Meanwhile, the city of Malaga has prohibited new holiday rental properties in 43 neighbourhoods for three years and a court has backed Barcelona's ban on short-term holiday rentals from 2028. The UK began requiring Australians, and a bunch of other countries who were previously exempt, to complete an application and pay a fee to enter. The EU will do the same but has delayed implementing the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for 30 European countries multiple times, with the latest timeline indicating late 2026. Scotland 's capital Edinburgh has revealed next year it will join a number of cities now charging a tourist tax on overnight accommodation. A 5 per cent charge will be added. In Japan, the latest plan for hotspot Kyoto is to raise the historical city's accommodation tax tenfold — from 200-1000 yen ($2 to $11) per night, depending on the price of the lodging, to between 2000 and 10,000 yen ($22 to $115) per night. Meanwhile, the mandatory fee for hiking Mount Fuji has doubled to 4000 yen ($46) per person for the peak season this year. A fee and requirement to book a limited spot was first introduced last year. Nepal has also hiked the permit fee to summit Mount Everest during peak season by 36 per cent. It will now cost $US15,000 ($25,150), up from $US11,000 ($18,450). Last year, notable changes in holiday hotspots included Bali introducing a $15 fee to enter the wildly popular Indonesian island, Greece introducing a cap on visitor numbers to the famed Acropolis in Athens, and Amsterdam in the Netherlands banning new hotels from being built.
The Age
4 days ago
- The Age
Not quite luxe but this expedition ship is the real deal
For a ship that carries 130 passengers, Greg Mortimer beats some larger expedition opposition in its generous public areas, which include a large lecture lounge with a help-yourself coffee station, and adjacent Elephant Island bar and lounge, popular for pre-dinner cocktails. The forward-facing observation lounge on Deck 8 has a small bar and large deck from which to view wildlife and scenery. Another expansive deck faces aft on Deck 7, which might normally be filled with Zodiacs on expedition ships. I particularly like the snug library on the port side, crammed with polar reference and history books, and with windows often framing views of mountains or icebergs. The ship also has a reception desk, small shop and, in its bowels, a mudroom for storing boots and poplar jackets (both supplied by Aurora Expeditions) and with access onto Zodiacs for excursions. The stateroom I'm in a balcony stateroom, each of which varies slightly in size. Mine is 20.9 square metres plus balcony. It's a generous and well-considered space with enough room for a desk and two small armchairs, and ample storage space for the contents of two suitcases. A large TV, a minibar and abundant electric and USB sockets are among amenities. The room is well insulated: I can't hear my jet-lagged neighbours, who worry I might be disturbed by their TV late at night. The ensuite is a decent size but is lacking a cabinet or much counter-top space. Yet it has what you really need in polar conditions: underfloor heating, and a generous shower space with gushing hot water. The food Dining times are short, and service swift but attentive. Seating is open. There's only one restaurant, with breakfast and lunch served buffet-style and providing a good range of hot and cold dishes. At lunchtime I'm very happy with the salad bar, cold cuts and cheeses, an always excellent soup, and various hot dishes and desserts that change daily. The galley delivers consistently good, home-cooking-style cuisine, rather than the fancy or adventurous. The menu is Europe-inspired but among the choices is always an Indian (and sometimes other Asian) dish to enliven the palate. Wine is included at dinner. A small section of the dining room is set aside in the evenings as a speciality, inclusive Tuscan grill restaurant. It has a limited and unchanging menu but the two pasta dishes (pappardelle alla norma and oxtail ragout) are excellent, as are various vegetable side dishes. Wellness The ship has a small spa, a good-sized gym with an impressive range of equipment, and two hot tubs on Deck 7 at the front of the ship that make for fabulous wallowing as glaciers and icebergs pass by. Also popular is the sauna, where chilled bones can be warmed, especially following the notorious 'polar plunge' or rite-of-passage dip into the icy Antarctic Ocean. Entertainment Nobody is on this ship for singers or piano players. Greg Mortimer is focused on maximising the expedition experience, so 'entertainment' is confined to informative lectures by highly experienced expedition staff, many of whom are scientists specialising in geology, ecology, Antarctic history or niche subjects from whales to penguins. Guests make Zodiac excursions twice daily (conditions permitting) and may opt for additional adventure activities such as kayaking, snowshoeing, mountain climbing, ice camping and scuba-diving or snorkelling (yes, even in polar regions). Greg Mortimer has a huge advantage in Antarctica, where regulations restrict landings to 100 people at a time. With some guests out kayaking or doing sporting activities elsewhere, guests can maximise their time ashore without any need, as on larger ships, to rotate. The crew The quality of any expedition hinges on the experience, knowledge and good sense of the expedition team, where Aurora excels. Greg Mortimer himself leads the team on my voyage but all its members are impressive, whether in the lecture lounge or out in the Zodiacs. On shore they patiently answer questions about everything from sea-ice formation to the sex life of penguins. The regular ships' crew are mostly from the Philippines, with all the usual charm and friendliness you expect from that nation's hard-working cruise staff. They soon remember guests' names and dining preferences. A shout-out in particular to the irrepressible Pel and the always-singing Wendy in the restaurant, who manage attentive service while always appearing relaxed. The verdict Aurora Expeditions isn't a fancy cruise company with an expedition-lite arm but the real deal, offering a thrilling and rugged sense of adventure in the remotest places – and yet not sacrificing comfort to do so. The details A 23-day Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula itinerary round-trip from Ushuaia departing December 27, 2025, is priced from $US28,215 a guest all-inclusive, except for some adventure activities. Greg Mortimer has two staterooms with disabled access. See The rating out of five
