What Tarifa Has To Offer

Beautiful blustery Tarifa is primarily known as one of the world’s most popular destinations for wind sports. As frenetic as the wind that blows through it, everyone knows the Spanish love a fiesta. Summertime in Tarifa is one non-stop party. Here the concentration of hideaways, crazy hangouts and pumping hot spots allows the locals to mix happily with the tourists, surfers and travellers and everyone gets high on the atmosphere and tequila. Part of Tarifa’s nightlife charm is due to the eclectic mix of talented musicians it attracts. Flamenco, samba, jazz, chill-out, pop and African beats are fused by ethnic and international bands.

Lying on the beach or sitting at a chiringuito you can simply enjoy the view, a perfect mix of mountains, wildlife and sea. 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 Agua Chiringuito, listening to funky retro tunes while watching the sky go red, the darkness fall and the moon rise.

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, as only in summer time there is a bus services to reach the beaches. 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). Beware, however to the true Andalusian style and in strong wind with Levante.