beaches

This Andalusian town has been named the ‘Bali of Europe’ because of its laidback atmosphere and expansive, white sand beaches – and it’s cheap to get to

A beach town in the south of Spain has been drawing comparisons to Bali – and once you see it you’ll understand why. This destination is much more than just a Bali dupe, its beaches and tranquil atmosphere are completely distinct.

Tarifa is the southernmost town in Europe, is less than nine miles from Africa. Its unique position – tied to two seas and two continents – and access to the foothills of the Penibaetic mountain offer travellers a wealth to explore and experience.

Tarifa’s location means it is subject to very strong winds – considered the ‘windiest’ town on the continent. But as a consequence, it has become the kite surfing capital of Europe, drawing avid surfers in droves each year.

But it is the expansive sand beaches that bring travellers back again and again and put Bali top of mind. The travel influencer and photographer, Rafaela, recently posted a travel vlog about Tarifa with the title: “Is this the Bali of Europe”?

READ MORE: Beautiful little island with 33C temperatures in May named world favourite

On her travel channel, Travel with Rafa, Rafaela describes Tarifa’s as a “tropical paradise in the middle of the Mediterranean”. She continues: “The laidback lifestyle, the beautiful beaches, the epic sunsets and the surf culture make this place special.”

Bolonia beach is one of the popular beaches in Tarifa for windsurfing but it is also known for its immaculate white sands. On a clear day, you can see the African continent from here and it is also next to the Baelo Claudia Archaeological Site preserving the ruins of a Roman town.

Los Lances beach is also another must-visit spot for more active travellers intent on surfing. This beach is also a protected area where you take long scenic walks to discover the local natural landscape.

Perhaps the most ‘Bali-like’ beach is Valdevaqueros which is also home to the beloved surfer bar: Tumbao Beach Bar. Waikiki beach bar – distinguishable by its thatched umbrellas – is also a great tourist spot as well as Aloha Bar for €2.5 cocktails.

In her travel blog, Petite Suitcase, the travel writer and photographer Scarlett compared Tarifa to her native California. “Tarifa’s eclectic, beach town vibe reminds me of somewhere like Santa Cruz” writes Scarlett.

Tarifa’s Old Town is also certainly worth exploring, filled with tapas bars, nightclubs and shops selling local goods. One of the many things that distinguish Tarifa from Bali and other destinations is its distinctly vibrant nightlife, which is enjoyed by both locals and tourists alike.

Some must-visit attractions include Puerta de Jerez – the ancient entrance of the walled town- and the 800-year-old Castle of Tarifa. Travellers can also go to the Isla de Tarifa which offers wonderful views of the town.

It is also worth noting that Tarifa has become a hub for ‘glamping’ in recent years. There are numerous campsites and caravan sites where travellers can enjoy a more nature-centric holiday – with access to all modern conveniences.

There is no airport in Tarifa, with the nearest being Malaga Airport which is just under two hours away via car, a journey spanning approximately 76 miles. Budget airlines such as Vueling, according to Kayak, show flight prices as low as £41 from July 19 to 26 at the time of writing.

Other popular airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet and Jet2 operate numerous flights from UK airports to Malaga each week.

In a desperate effort to tackle over-tourism and fight against rising sea levels, one Spanish island is planning to remove a whopping 1,700 of its sun loungers from popular beaches

Sun-worshipping Brits heading over to one EU hotspot could soon be impacted by a major beach shakeup. Last year, a whopping 15.3 million international tourists flocked to the Balearics, a cluster of Spanish-owned islands renowned for their golden sands and crystal clear waters.

The influx marks a 6.15 per cent spike compared to 2023, despite growing calls to curb over-tourism from fed-up locals. Many Brits opted to holiday in Majorca (also known as Mallorca) which is the largest of the Balearic Islands.

Here, you’ll find the party-mad resort of Magaluf, the beautifully idyllic town of Alcúdia, and the sleepy inland hotspot of Seineu. Palma, the island’s capital, is also extremely popular with Brits – perfectly balancing rich history, gothic architecture, and picturesque beaches.

READ MORE: Brits start ‘snubbing’ Spain and head to sizzling 38C tourist hotspot instead

However, the city is believed to be clamping down on over-tourism by removing a staggering 1,700 of its sun loungers from beaches – to make more room for protesting locals. According to local media, Palma’s council has green-lighted plans to reduce sun beds on the city’s beaches by 20 per cent by 2026.

“There has been a loss of sand on the beaches, and we couldn’t maintain the same number of sunbeds and umbrellas – and this has coincided with complaints from residents who feel they have less space,” a spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs of the Balearic Islands reportedly said. “The mayor [Jaime Martínez] is aware that the majority of residents don’t use the sun bed service, so we decided to implement this redistribution.”

The move isn’t just to snub pasty Brits desperate for a tan, but has also been attributed to rising sea levels which are slowly taking away space on the beach. The Local Es, a Spanish news site, claims this will impact several popular stretches of coastline, and will see Platja de Palma go from 6,000 sunbeds down to 4,436.

The publication states Cala Major will go from 300 to 250 sunbeds, while Cala Estància will also have 18 fewer sun beds by next year. Can Pare Antoni, a popular urban beach located just east of the city centre, is also thought to be cutting down on its sun bed offerings.

While the announcement won’t go down well with UK holidaymakers, it may help appease frustrated residents who argue that over-tourism is pricing them out of the property market and destroying the environment. This has slowly cumulated in a series of confrontational protests where banner-waving activists have demanded Brits ‘go home’ for good, while anti-tourist graffiti has been smeared across the island and mainland.

More recently, demonstrators have flocked to the streets en masse – armed with water pistols – to get their message across. As previously reported, this could be one of the reasons behind a surge in summer holiday bookings to rival destinations such as Egypt.

Has rising anti-tourist sentiment put you off from visiting Spain? Let us know in the comments section below

Bournemouth has been named the most in-demand coastal location for buyers, with its stunning natural beauty, extensive green spaces, and appealing property market all contributing to its popularity

Bournemouth, the charming coastal town situated on England’s southern coast, has recently experienced a significant increase in popularity among property buyers. The latest figures from Rightmove reveal that Bournemouth has become the most sought-after seaside location for purchasers, a trend fuelled by its breathtaking natural beauty, abundant green spaces and attractive housing market.

Bournemouth presents a unique mix of attractions that make it an irresistible choice for potential homeowners. The town is home to seven miles of stunning sandy beaches, ideal for a variety of activities from sunbathing to water sports.

READ MORE: Simple airport duty free trick to bag cheaper beauty and alcohol before arriving

These beaches, along with 2,000 acres of green space, offer a perfect equilibrium between coastal and city living. Adding to its allure, Bournemouth is conveniently located near the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site renowned for its dramatic cliffs, historical importance, and natural splendour.

This close proximity allows inhabitants to experience the best of both worlds: the serenity of seaside living and the thrill of exploring ancient landscapes.

Bournemouth’s property market has witnessed substantial growth over the past five years. The average asking price for properties in 2024 stands at £360,298, representing a 22% increase since 2019.

The surge in property values is a clear indicator of the surging demand and Bournemouth’s escalating allure. The town is becoming increasingly sought-after due to several enticing attributes.

With its stunning beaches and lush parks, Bournemouth offers an abundance of outdoor leisure activities and spots for unwinding, reports the Express.

Its vibrant cultural landscape is dotted with festivals, theatres, and a selection of eateries, contributing to an enriched living experience. Excellent transport links mean Bournemouth is well-placed for those wishing to commute to metropolises like London.

Educational institutions, including highly-regarded schools and Bournemouth University, increase the town’s attraction for families. Locals have voiced their joy over the area’s burgeoning popularity.

On Trip Advisor, an enthused resident remarked: “Living here feels like being on a perpetual holiday. The community is welcoming, and there’s always something to do. The rising property values are a testament to how wonderful this place is.”

Bournemouth’s rising fame as a residential hotspot augurs well for its economic prosperity, with potential upticks in investment and tourism.

Yet, this popularity boom poses hurdles, notably in ensuring growth is handled responsibly and the town’s scenic charm is preserved.

In spite of these challenges, the outlook for Bournemouth remains promising as it cements its status as one of the UK’s most coveted living destinations.

This Balkan country has been hailed as an ‘up-and-coming’ holiday destination, and it’s easy to see why

Montenegro, a rather underappreciated jewel in the Balkans, should be on more Brits’ summer holiday shortlists. It’s an ideal spot for both beach holidays and city breaks, with direct flights from the UK to two of its cities – Tivat and Podgorica.

Touted as an ‘up and coming’ destination by Condé Nast Traveller, Montenegro caters to all sorts of holidaymakers, boasting wild beaches and hidden trails, as well as private beaches, beach clubs, and superyachts.

Plus, it’s a breathtakingly beautiful country, so you’ll have plenty of snaps to show off to your mates and social media followers.

The capital city, Podgorica, is just a direct flight away from London Gatwick, taking less than three hours.

Ideal for a city break, there’s loads to do in Podorica, from exploring the Ottoman-era neighbourhood of Stara Varoš, to taking a riverside stroll to Waterfall Niagara (not to be mixed up with the similarly named Niagara Falls on the US-Canada border).

History enthusiasts can take pleasure in wandering through the city’s historic sites, including the stunning Saborni Hram Hristovog Vaskrsenja church, or the ancient Duklja Ruins, which hark back to the Roman era, and are just a few miles from the city centre, reports the Express.

For those seeking a tranquil beach holiday, Budva is the place to be. This stunning city boasts sandy expanses and pebbly coves, bustling tourist hotspots and secluded beaches favoured by locals.

Slovenska Plaža, a popular beach near the old town, offers both public and private sections. For a more serene experience, the picturesque Mogren Beach or the somewhat secluded Ploce Beach are ideal choices.

Many of the city’s hotels and resorts also feature their own private beaches, meaning you won’t have to venture far for some sun-soaked relaxation if you’ve booked a stay in the city.

If a summer getaway isn’t your cup of tea, then consider a winter trip to the mountainous village of Kolašin for some thrilling skiing.

The Kolasin ski centre has received glowing reviews from visitors. One thrilled guest wrote: “It was amazing experience. We went there to snowboard, and it was awesome. Ski tracks were great! We will come again next year!”

Another visitor shared: “Will remember this place because my 5 and 7 y.o, kids learned to ski here. Great ski instructors Ksenija & Ivan – more than grateful for their patient approach and fun we had with them.”

A third reviewer enthused: ” What a great resort to go to. There was plenty of snow and many runs to go down. Exciting and some scary runs but didnt take long to get back into skiing after over 20 years of not doing it.”