Imagine this: while everyone dreams of faraway Bali with its palm trees and turquoise sea, where tickets and accommodation are often too expensive, there is a place in Europe that looks like a tropical paradise but costs way less! Welcome to Tarifa, a Spanish town at the very south of Andalusia, where the Mediterranean and Atlantic meet, and the beaches look like they were stolen from Bali.
Tarifa is known as the European center for kitesurfing and windsurfing, with winds perfect for surfers of all levels. Summer temperatures hover around a pleasant 25 degrees Celsius, and the view of Africa just 14 kilometers away adds an extra exotic touch. The most famous beach, Playa de Bolonia, is described as spectacular and spacious, ideal for unforgettable sunsets.
For those who love active holidays, there are also Playa de Los Lances and Valdevaqueros, favorites among kite and windsurfers. Beginners can attend surf schools offering lessons in multiple languages.
What about prices? Cocktails on the beach during happy hour cost only 3 euros, and the gastronomic offer is based on fresh fish and seafood. Main courses in restaurants range from 12 to 18 euros, while tapas start at 3 to 6 euros. Daily menus with starters, main courses, and drinks are available from 10 to 15 euros. A portion of swordfish costs around 15 to 20 euros, and shellfish for two about 30 euros. Beer and wine are affordable, between 2 and 3.5 euros, and soft drinks from 1.5 to 2.5 euros. Fast food like burgers and sandwiches cost 5 to 9 euros, while pizza ranges from 8 to 12 euros. Dessert or smoothie? Around 3 to 5 euros.
One more cherry on top: Tarifa is the only place in Europe where you can catch a daily ferry to Morocco! Imagine enjoying a European beach in the morning and being on another continent in the afternoon, changing climate, language, and pace of life.
How to get there? The easiest way is by plane to Malaga, where Ryanair flies several times a week. Return tickets can be found for around 50 euros, and the trip from Malaga to Tarifa takes just over two hours. Accommodation for two in July starts at 50 euros per night.
So, if Bali seems too far and expensive, Tarifa is Europe’s answer to your tropical paradise dreams. Just a few hours of flying and driving separate you from a place that will win you over with its winds, beaches, and views of two continents.
Now, dear readers, what do you think? Is Tarifa the new summer hit or just another hipster destination? Drop a comment, share your thoughts, or tell us your beach adventure stories — you know we love a good tale!
