Tarifa is a small, historic town in the Province of Cadiz, Andalusia, Spain. Tarifa is the southernmost point of mainland Europe and Africa is just 14 km away across the Strait of Gibraltar and is exact point where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea.
Tarifa's popularity as a holiday destination has markedly increased in the 2010s, mainly fuelled by its position as Europe's most significant kitesurfing destination.
The charming walled Old Town has maintained a distinctive atmosphere and the surrounding area has avoided the worst ravages of the tourist developments which have blighted much of the Spanish coastline. Much of the surrounding coastline is still protected by law and a few kilometres to the west of the town are two of Spain's most beautiful beaches.
- Baelo Claudia. Roman ruins right on the beach. Remains of temples, baths, houses, and a Roman theatre.
- El Camino de la Isla de las Palomas. The road that leads to the former island "dividing the Mediterranean and the Atlantic". Beautiful views over the strait and to Africa (16.4 km). The little castle is called Castillo Santa Catalina, built in 1929. Go to the southern tip of Isla de las Palomas, and you're at the southernmost point of mainland Europe.
- Castle Guzman el Bueno. Daily 10:30-14:00, 17:00-20:00. Probably one of the best maintained medieval buildings in Spain, built in 960 by Abd ar-Rahman. From the tower you have a 360-degree view over Tarifa and the Strait of Gibraltar. The legend of Guzman the Good is that the Moors held his son captive at the bottom of the rampart. "Give us Andalucia or we kill your son!" they cried out. Without hesitation, Guzman threw his knife into the heart of his son. Thus ended the 800-year occupation of Spain.
- Church San Mateo. The Gothic church was built in the 16th century. The facade was rebuilt in 1774 by La Vega faithful to the original. The door of the church is always open.
- Los Lances Beach. The famous surf beach. Wide and white sand. The immense beach at Los Lances is recognised as the best kite and windsurf beach in Europe and is home to a number of kitesurfing schools providing lessons for everyone from kids to experts.
- Plaza de Los Ocho Ranitas. Also called Plaza de Santa Maria. The main buildings are the La Alcazaba in neoclassical style, Tarifa city hall, and the local library.
- Puerta de Jerez. Main entrance to the old town of Tarifa, part of the medieval wall, is the only gate of the original three that has survived. Above the entrance is written, Very noble, very loyal and heroic city of Tarifa, won from the Moors, reigning Sancho IV el Bravo 21 September 1292.
Baelo Claudia. Roman ruins right on the beach. Remains of temples, baths, houses, and a Roman theatre.
El Camino de la Isla de las Palomas. The road that leads to the former island "dividing the Mediterranean and the Atlantic". Beautiful views over the strait and to Africa (16.4 km). The little castle is called Castillo Santa Catalina, built in 1929. Go to the southern tip of Isla de las Palomas, and you're at the southernmost point of mainland Europe.
Castle Guzman el Bueno. Daily 10:30-14:00, 17:00-20:00. Probably one of the best maintained medieval buildings in Spain, built in 960 by Abd ar-Rahman. From the tower you have a 360-degree view over Tarifa and the Strait of Gibraltar. The legend of Guzman the Good is that the Moors held his son captive at the bottom of the rampart. "Give us Andalucia or we kill your son!" they cried out. Without hesitation, Guzman threw his knife into the heart of his son. Thus ended the 800-year occupation of Spain.
Church San Mateo. The Gothic church was built in the 16th century. The facade was rebuilt in 1774 by La Vega faithful to the original. The door of the church is always open.
Los Lances Beach. The famous surf beach. Wide and white sand. The immense beach at Los Lances is recognised as the best kite and windsurf beach in Europe and is home to a number of kitesurfing schools providing lessons for everyone from kids to experts.
Plaza de Los Ocho Ranitas. Also called Plaza de Santa Maria. The main buildings are the La Alcazaba in neoclassical style, Tarifa city hall, and the local library.
Puerta de Jerez. Main entrance to the old town of Tarifa, part of the medieval wall, is the only gate of the original three that has survived. Above the entrance is written, Very noble, very loyal and heroic city of Tarifa, won from the Moors, reigning Sancho IV el Bravo 21 September 1292.
Tarifa owes its fame to windsurfing. The bay is ideal, with fresh winds from the Atlantic, the so-called Poniente wind, and the warm strong Levante wind from the Mediterranean. The best spots are Valdevaqueros, Los Lances, Balneario, Playa Chica, and Bolonia. Windsurfing schools are open all year around and offer the best and latest equipment.
Tarifa is also a great place to kitesurf, with huge beaches, steady winds and sun all year round.
- Graykite, Ctra Comarcal 9210 KM 2, Zona Pedro Valiente (the usual meeting point for lessons is at Chiringuito Agua on Playa Los Lances, +34 600 76 62 33. 08:00-20:00. Graykite is a kitesurfing school offering lessons for beginners, advanced kiteboarders and children. All instructors are IKO qualified and have between 4 and 14 years of teaching experience. Most beginners can kitesurf independently after a 3-day course. Help with travel arrangements and accommodation can be provided if required. €70-160.
- Alex Pastor Kite Club, Calle Mar Adriatico 24 (starting from €20/h, +34 956 62 72 71. 10:30-20:30. kitesurf school & kite shop. Airush kite shop & test centre, with kite gear from Airush Kiteboarding. €20-55/hr.
Graykite, Ctra Comarcal 9210 KM 2, Zona Pedro Valiente (the usual meeting point for lessons is at Chiringuito Agua on Playa Los Lances, +34 600 76 62 33. 08:00-20:00. Graykite is a kitesurfing school offering lessons for beginners, advanced kiteboarders and children. All instructors are IKO qualified and have between 4 and 14 years of teaching experience. Most beginners can kitesurf independently after a 3-day course. Help with travel arrangements and accommodation can be provided if required. €70-160.
Alex Pastor Kite Club, Calle Mar Adriatico 24 (starting from €20/h, +34 956 62 72 71. 10:30-20:30. kitesurf school & kite shop. Airush kite shop & test centre, with kite gear from Airush Kiteboarding. €20-55/hr.
- Fasinas Restaurant. There is a restaurant near a village Facinas. It is a meat restaurant with extremely delicious dishes, especially meat ones, and very friendly staff. The portions are rich and generous. Prices are about €25-30 with wine (€35 tops to full you completely) for two persons. The place is sometimes (mainly at weekends) crowded with locals watching football matches on TV or conversing. One of the best restaurants in this region. Nobody speaks English there.
- Mandragora. A nice restaurant in the old city. It is not cheap, but the food is the best.
Fasinas Restaurant. There is a restaurant near a village Facinas. It is a meat restaurant with extremely delicious dishes, especially meat ones, and very friendly staff. The portions are rich and generous. Prices are about €25-30 with wine (€35 tops to full you completely) for two persons. The place is sometimes (mainly at weekends) crowded with locals watching football matches on TV or conversing. One of the best restaurants in this region. Nobody speaks English there.
Mandragora. A nice restaurant in the old city. It is not cheap, but the food is the best.
- Mirador el Balneario. Probably the best spot in Tarifa to enjoy the impressive famous views over the strait and sunset.
- La Plaza de Los Lances. Some nice bars and restaurants serving all kinds of food and cocktails. Every afternoon, sunset celebration with live music. From the terraces great views over the beach and Atlantic Ocean.
Mirador el Balneario. Probably the best spot in Tarifa to enjoy the impressive famous views over the strait and sunset.
La Plaza de Los Lances. Some nice bars and restaurants serving all kinds of food and cocktails. Every afternoon, sunset celebration with live music. From the terraces great views over the beach and Atlantic Ocean.
