What Tarifa has to offer
There’s plenty more to Tarifa than just kitesurfing. See, do, eat,
or explore – there’s something for everyone in this windy town.
A bit of history
Tarifa is a fortified village in the south of Spain, located within the province of Cadiz in Andalusia. At only 14km from the tip of Morocco, it’s also at the most southerly tip of continental Europe. Tarifa’s old town is a monument in itself and a salute to the town’s Arabic past: Tarif Ibn Malik.
Beautiful blustery Tarifa is primarily known as one of the world’s most popular destinations for wind sports. An old fishing village famous for its Tuna becoming the Kite Mecca of Europe! But let’s talk about culture and the plaisant blend of Spanish and Arabic influences. Tarifa is one of the most scenic villages in Andalusia, strolling in the narrow streets of the old town you will definitely feel this atmosphere, visiting the historic fortress, Castle of Guzmán el Bueno, is a must-one for those exploring Tarifa’s rich heritage and architecture such as the Roman ruins in Bolonia… Over in Andalusia, visitors can see the typical white villages of the area located on the hills as well as the popular cities of Ronda, Grenada, Sevilla…
Plenty natural beauty
Tarifa is surrounded by four protected natural areas: Los Alcornocales Natural Park, El Estrecho Natural Park, Playa de Los Lances and Duna de Bolonia. From the sunny beaches of Tarifa an imposing curtain of mountains rises out of the Campo de Gibraltar. Expect to see cows chilling or flocks of storks flying.
Lying on the beach or sitting at a “chiringuito” you can simply enjoy the view, a perfect mix of mountains, wildlife and untouched large beaches. Tarifa has become a Mecca not just for lovers of wind – and kite-surfing, but also for tourists seeking a different summer and winter holiday experience with a distinct surfer’s culture and a trendy hippy ambience that some have described as ‘Tarifa chic’. Start your evening with a perfect sunset. For the best view, head to Balneario beach, with famous pro-riders jumping, listening to funky retro tunes in a beach bar with the sky becoming red and the moon rising.
Easy connections
His temperature and sunshine regarding to the rest of Europe, as well as his proximity of big international airports place Tarifa in best condition where spend holidays. At just two hours from Malaga and Seville or 40min from Gibraltar, it’s easy to reach this kitesurfing hotspot by car or bus!
If planning a trip, it’s best to seriously consider hiring a car. If you plan to camp, bring the surf gear or go off-road, a jeep or a campervan is probably your best option. There are lots of local hire companies to choose from and good value for money. If you are coming from Malaga, Jerez or Gibraltar airports and don’t want to hire a car at the airport, taking the bus is relatively easy and certainly the cheapest option. All buses lead to Algeciras, the closest city to Tarifa, about 25 km away. There are a number of transport options for getting around Tarifa once there. Besides hiring a car, it is also possible to hire a scooter or a bicycle which could be really helpful to reach the different kitespots such as Los Lances beach (5min by car from Tarifa) or Valdevaqueros beach (10 min by car from Tarifa).
Tarifa windy city
Tarifa is situated between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean and is well regarded as a kitesurfer’s paradise. With endless stretches of white sandy beaches and over 300 windy days a year, Tarifa is a hub for all sorts of watersport.
Tarifa is a hub for
Beach bars & Parties
There are plenty of “Chiringuitos” or Beach Bars to choose from, for your after kite chilling session. When you want to relax with a cold beer or still have energy left for a party, there are many options to consider, especially between June and September. Here is our best plan to visit the best beach bars in Tarifa and enjoy the most of the ambiance.
OUR BEST LIST
Eating out is part of the local culture
Traditional Andalusian cuisine ranks now as a culinary art and eating out is a big part of the local culture. The culinary heritage, left by people who lived in this land (North African, Moors, Christians, Jews and Romans) gave this region a rich and varied gastronomy that I am sure you will appreciate. There is plenty of local and fusion food to try!
OUR BEST RESTAURANTS
The nomad tribe in co-working
Lot of digital nomads come in Tarifa in winter / spring and autumn to enjoy warm weather, catch-up with entrepreneurs and travel enthusiasts as well as enjoy the various activities around the area. The best co-working space in Tarifa is B-sharing with stable fast internet, extra screen & weekly nomad meetups around a beer.
BOOK YOUR SPOT
The perfect vanlife destination
Tarifa has a world of privileges to offer to those who love van life. Here you will find travelers of different nationalities, with whom to group, share meals, and create a beautiful atmosphere that feels like a big family. Many offers of camping spots are available for short and long term or for few nights many useful applications where to stay in freedom with your own home on wheels.
Turmares Tarifa from 45€
Strait of Gibraltar, declared an Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2006. We recommend Turmares with 1 or 2 boats a day leaving from Tarifa daily, where visitors can take a half-day trip to see dolphins, orca and whales in the Strait of Gibraltar.
BOOK YOUR TICKET
A strategic bottleneck crossing
Tarifa & the Strait of Gibraltar is a strategic bottleneck crossing for more than 200 migratory birds every year, making it a true paradise for ornithologists and nature lovers. The peak migratory crossing in Tarifa happens in September and March. However, the Strait provides for great bird watching opportunities year round. Consult the Ornithological Station which provides information or book your excursion with Birding The Strait.
Tarifa has become a hub also for...
Beach bars & Parties
There are plenty of “Chiringuitos” or Beach Bars to choose from, for your after kite chilling session. When you want to relax with a cold beer or still have energy left for a party, there are many options to consider, especially between June and September. Here is our best plan to visit the best beach bars in Tarifa and enjoy the most of the ambiance.
Eating out is part of the local culture
Traditional Andalusian cuisine ranks now as a culinary art and eating out is a big part of the local culture. The culinary heritage, left by people who lived in this land (North African, Moors, Christians, Jews and Romans) gave this region a rich and varied gastronomy that I am sure you will appreciate. There is plenty of local and fusion food to try!
The nomad tribe and coworking space
Lot of digital nomads come in Tarifa in winter / spring and autumn to enjoy warm weather, catch-up with entrepreneurs and travel enthusiasts as well as enjoy the various activities around the area. The best co-working space in Tarifa is B-sharing with stable fast internet, extra screen & weekly nomad meetups around a beer.
Vanlife and camping
Tarifa has a world of privileges to offer to those who love van life. Here you will find travelers of different nationalities, with whom to group, share meals, and create a beautiful atmosphere that feels like a big family. Many offers of camping spots are available for short and long term or for few nights many useful applications where to stay in freedom with your own home on wheels.
Turmares Tarifa from 45€
Strait of Gibraltar, declared an Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2006. We recommend Turmares with 1 or 2 boats a day leaving from Tarifa daily, where visitors can take a half-day trip to see dolphins, orca and whales in the Strait of Gibraltar.
A strategic bottleneck crossing
Tarifa & the Strait of Gibraltar is a strategic bottleneck crossing for more than 200 migratory birds every year, making it a true paradise for ornithologists and nature lovers. The peak migratory crossing in Tarifa happens in September and March. However, the Strait provides for great bird watching opportunities year round. Consult the Ornithological Station which provides information or book your excursion with Birding The Strait.
Adventurous type?
Of course you are. There are also plenty of other things
to do around Tarifa besides kitesurfing.
Quad Tour
Go quad biking around the coast, or try your hand at a sand yacht. It’ll feed your need for speed and give you experience you won’t forget.
Rock Climbing
The rock climbing area of Betis is located just 10 minutes from Tarifa. It’s protected from the winds and provides a great view on the Strait.
Horse Riding
Get romantic and go for a ride along the beach at sunset. Or ride up to the mountains where you can get a great view of the Strait of Gibraltar.
Mountain biking / E-Bike
If you’re willing to face some epic hills, there are plenty of paths that will allow you to discover Tarifa in truly ‘off the beaten path’ way.
Watersports
On windy days, go for windsurfing or kitesurfing the most popular sports here in Tarifa. On non windy days, surfing, scuba diving or SUP.
Yoga
Many Yoga or Pilates classes are given in Tarifa indoors or by the beach. It will help you to strength your body as well as your flexibility.
Tarifa kitesurfing
Interested in learning kitesurfing! Check out our kite course offers.
Tangier a cultural excursion
This one-day excursion takes you to discover the most prominent places in Tangier.
With the assistance of a Moroccan guide, you will visit the modern city and the historic part, including the Kasbah, the Medina, and the Souk. Additionally, you will enjoy lunch at a typical Moroccan restaurant with live music and free time to explore the Souk and the Medina.
Opt for this unique day trip that will take you to a different world where the lifestyle has been preserved over time; Many different companies offer a day trip in Tangier, from FRS or agencies, you will found your way on internet, from Tarifa for only 90€ per adult with a guide, fast-ferry way-back, lunch and tour.