Tarifa (Cadiz) Favorites

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Favorite thing: Some of the strong winds around Tarifa at times are made up of the Levante (south easterly winds) which blow from the land and the Poniente (westerly winds) which gust from the Atlantic ocean and is more likely in the afternoon and are colder. The mountains of Morocco and Spain create something like a wind tunnel

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Favorite thing: Tarifa enjoys a warm humid climate. The summers while hot are not stifling because of the sea breezes and evenings can be cool. The winds are what makes Tarifa famous with the windsurfers. Winters are mild but can be quite cold in the mornings and evenings.

Favorite thing: I have never done kite surfing myself, but this area is for sure a good place to do it. As you can see on the picture, there are hundreds of kites in the air. This beach just west of Tarifa had a school to learn kiteing, and that's probably a good idea if you haven't done it before.

Favorite thing: Most tourists travelling to the Costa del Sol don't realise it, but the best beaches are on the Atlantic side of southern Spain. Terifa is only an hours drive from Marbella, and from there and west, you find one fantastic beach after the other. The sand is good and not the sticky stuff you find on most beaches on the Med. side. But it can be a bit windy though.

Favorite thing: If you are in luck and it's a clear day, then you are at the nearest to Africa at Tarifa.
A real good view of Africa, is on the road between Tarifa and Algaceras. There is a cafe on the side of the road in the hills, that has good parking and a fantastic view. A good place to stop and see Africa just only 14 km's away!

Favorite thing: Tarifa has always been wrapped around in an aura of mystery. Ever since ancient mythology told stories of the Pillars of Hercules, of which Gibraltar is one , being where the world ended, travellers have always been weary and intrigued by this place. Sailors will still narrate how sailing past Tarifa’s coast evokes the similar fascination.

This very same atmosphere attracts all kinds of visitors, be it for windsurfing or just for laying out on the beach, or for more profound reasons: It's history can still be discovered and still generates emotions that are hard to define in words, as many historians poets, writers and artists in general, who live or simply pass, by will tell you.

Travel back in time following the various stages of Tarifa’s history using the links on the left. Be culturally prepared for this mystical immersion you will experience when coming to Tarifa. You may find that it is so interesting that you may reconsider spending most of your time on the beaches, and not let culture pass by again.

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Favorite thing: Tarifa is the southernmost town in Europe. It's right at the very tip of southern Spain. Is has a fascinating location. Just 14 kms from Africa, it divides both the Mediterranean and Atlantic oceans. From here, there are some fantastic views over to Africa.

It's here that you'll find the notorious Levante wind; a very strong inland wind that creates excellent windsurfing) and kitesurfing conditions. Tarifa is widely regarded as the "wind capital of Europe". Many important competitions are held here.

But there's more to it than that. It's not just surfing anymore. Nowadays, visitors come for the nightlife, food, culture and stunning beaches. Tarifa also has a hippie culture that thrives all year round. It has to be the "camper van capital of Europe" too - they're everywhere!!

Although the winds can be relentless, Tarifa is attracting more and more visitors each year. Property prices have boomed and it is quickly becoming a number one tourist spot.

Favorite thing: The Plaza of Santa Maria is also known as the square of the little frog. Nicely planted and with the central pool with frog fountains. The town hall and municipal museum are also located in the square