Tarifa

Tarifa is located in the Spanish Municipality of Cadiz at the southmost end of the Iberian Peninsula. Just 14 km away from the Strait of Gibraltar were the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea.

Tarifa owns its fame to its constant wind hence making it one of the most significant kiting locations in Europe. I was told that for some 300 days a year the wind averages between 20-25 knots albeit at times quite gusty. Beware, a wet suit is advisable when on the water.

Old Town Tarifa

We had booked our rooms in the centre of the Old Town of Tarifa in the Hostel Gravina on Sancho IV El Bravo 3. Even though called Hostel it was everything else. My room was spacious, clean, well decorated, AC. And it was meters away from the St Mateo Church. Another selling point was that there is a parking lot view steps away. A fact that needs some consideration in Old Town of Tarifa as most of the narrow streets are accessible to pedestrians only.

Playa de Los Lances

After a bit of a lengthy check-in was done we were off to Playa de Los Lances. A travel companion had booked two cabanas at BiBo Beach House.  Nice surprise was that for every beach bed we received two presents ie a pair of sunglasses and a beach towel.

Playa de Los Lances is rated among the best kite boarding spots in Europe.

While it was somewhat windy we enjoyed every minute watching the crazy movement of all those kiters. The colourful kites on the beach added to the picture. Not to speak about the chilling time of the kiters after all the effort.

But we also had great food at BiBo’s. Do not expect a full fletched menu when eating on the beach but plenty of great snacks.

Night life in Tarifa is chilled.

There might be places to party out in Tarifa but we were more interested in having a good steak and just walk around the rather busy streets of Old Town of Tarifa.

Old Town Tarifa

Next morning, I was awaken by the smell of freshly baked croissants from the bakery next door. 

Shopping was on the plan but a bit of sightseeing of Tarifa town as well. By the way, shops open at 10AM then close at lunch time to reopen in the afternoon until later in the night.

Keep yours eyes open as there are good photo opportunities around.

Saint Mateo Church

Ancient walls surrounding the Old Town of Tarifa

Castillo de Santa Catalina

Statue in honour of Sancho IV, the Castilian king who conquered Tarifa in 1292

After all the time strolling around Tarifa it was time to get some food. So we walked down the short distance towards the beach passing by the Immigration and Customs building. The premises also comprises the ferry port to catch the “fast ferry” to Tangier.

Playa Chica in Tarifa

As this beach is more protected from the winds, it offers good swimming and chilling. Albeit, it is not very big and might get somewhat crowded. I was intrigued by the vicinity of the Moroccan mountains seen in the background. By the way, Playa Chico is actually an extension of the enormous Playa de Los Lances.

On our search for lunch, we first came across El Chiringuito. It has a great view onto Castillo de Santa Catalina and was really quite inspiring. Great spot to enjoy a sunset.

Great view onto the Moroccan coast

Albeit, as all tables were reserved we continued our stroll on the beach promenade. We passed by several more restaurants but ended up in Waikiki Tarifa. Here we had an OK lunch compensated by a great atmosphere.

All good things come to an end. We picked up our luggage in the Hostel Gravina, walked up to the parking lot and were off back to Marbella. 

Gibraltar

But there was one more stop on the way that we had to do: get a peak from a viewpoint onto the “Rock of Gibraltar”. While really tiny, this British Overseas Territory has an impressive history. It was ceded to Britain in 1713.

Other activies in and around Tarifa

Tarifa is one of the most famous kiting spots in Europe but maybe you are not really into it. It offers other interesting activities: 

Whale/dolphine spotting

For example, a boat trip to have an encounter with some of the 7 cetacean species that can be observed in the Strait of Gibraltar – dolphins, pilot/sperm/fin/killer whales. A couple of tourist companies offer trips that, just in case no cetacean was spotted, you get a free trip the next day.

Hiking

Tarifa offers great hiking of different levels as well. One starts NE of Tarifa trekking on the coast next to the Strait of Gibraltar. Or the one that takes you for an extensive walk on the coast. 

Mountain biking

There are couple of companies that rent out mountain bikes, e-skoters and e-bikes. The hills around invite for some exiting tours.

Trip to busy Tangier in Morocco

Good place to catch a ferry to Tangier as it is the closest point to Africa. It only takes a couple of hours and is definitely worth it.

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If into kitesurfing check out my post on kiting in Turks and Caicos. Another fantastic spot for this intriguing sport.