Tarifa

Why visit Tarifa

Tarifa sits on the Strait of Gibraltar, just 14 km from Morocco, and on clear days the Rif mountains seem close enough to touch. Its strong winds made it one of the world's great kitesurfing and windsurfing centres, and its walled old town, beach bars and surf shops give it a laid-back, international feel. Beyond the town lie some of the finest wild beaches in Spain and the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia. Tarifa suits watersports lovers, nature lovers, families and anyone heading on to Tangier.

What to see and do in Tarifa

Inside the walls, the Castillo de Guzmán el Bueno recalls the 1294 siege when its commander chose to sacrifice his son rather than surrender. The Isla de las Palomas, joined to town by a causeway, marks the southern tip of continental Europe. Boat trips into the Strait regularly spot dolphins and, in season, pilot and sperm whales. The beaches of Los Lances and Valdevaqueros host kite schools, while Bolonia, 20 km west, has a huge dune and the remarkably complete Roman town of Baelo Claudia, with its temples, theatre and fish-salting factory. Horse riding along Bolonia beach and climbing at San Bartolo are other ways to enjoy the landscape. Ferries cross to Tangier in about an hour.

A day in Tarifa

Walk the old town and the castle in the morning, then take a dolphin and whale-watching trip into the Strait. After lunch, drive to Bolonia to explore the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia and climb the dune. Return to Los Lances or Valdevaqueros to watch the kitesurfers at sunset.

Food and local life

Tuna caught in the traditional almadraba nets is the local delicacy, especially in spring. The covered market is a good place for breakfast and fresh fish, and the old town is full of tapas bars and international cafés.

Around Tarifa

Tarifa is in the Campo de Gibraltar comarca, at the meeting point of two natural parks: the Strait and Los Alcornocales. Bolonia and Zahara de los Atunes lie to the west, Algeciras and Gibraltar to the east, and Tangier is an hour away by ferry.

See every town and village on the Campo de Gibraltar page.

Getting there and around

Tarifa is in the Campo de Gibraltar comarca, about 1 hour 30 minutes from Málaga airport and 45 minutes from Gibraltar by car. Buses connect with Algeciras, Cádiz and Seville. The levante wind can blow hard for days, so check forecasts for beach days. Summer is very busy; spring and autumn are excellent.