Go Tarifa Spain | Tarifa Spain for holiday accommodation, windsurfing and kite surfing in Tarifa Spain.

Go Tarifa Spain...

...About Tarifa

About "The Hurricane City" Go Tarifa Spain

Spain, Andalucia, Cadiz, Costa de la Luz, Tarifa

We aim to give our visitors The Best Opinion of where to go in Tarifa - based on "insider information", be it windsurfing or kitesurfing, hotels - weather or maps,
shopping, property, bars or restaurants, holiday information and accommodation and apartment rental , rather than to provide a comprehensive listing!

Click on Local Info for more details on how to avoid the crowds!!

Some General information

The seaside is the centre of attention during sun-filled days, while at night Tarifa's nightlife spots become focal points.

Ten kilometres of white sandy beaches, unspoilt countryside together with some of Europe's best windsurfing, kitesurfing conditions have established this area as a true
surfers paradise.

A lot of people who travel to or live here prefer wind When most people would be inside, Tarifeños & tourists are out surfing - taking advantage of the obstacle course of waves that currents bring. Beaches are covered day after day with surfers, windsurfers, kite surfers, each waiting for their chance at what is an unpredictable ocean.

Because of windy conditions, this isn't a first choice of destination for luxury loving sun-worshipers. It is uniquely un-built ( there's no large tourist complexes) - just great campsites, many unpretentious cafes and bars which come alive after a hard days surfing.

Just 11 km across the Straits of Gibraltar at its narrowest point, this southern-most tip of Europe where Med meets Atlantic Ocean, enjoys spectacular views of Morocco's Rif mountains of Africa. Windsurfing enthusiasts from all over Europe head for this location throughout the year, some end up staying for months. Because winds are so strong, it's not an ideal place for beginners but if you don't bring your own gear you can rent windsurfing equipment from one of many surf schools attached to major hotels.

A wild coastline attracts surfers and nature-lovers alike. Just as famous for its birdwatching as its surfing, there are endless opportunities to explore rolling countryside, horse- riding, hang-gliding, kite- surfing, rock-climbing or diving to
name but a few. One can find some excellent hotels, mainly located north of town. So if you just want to relax, there's plenty of choice.

Tarifa Town

This little fishing town was where the moors invaded Southern Spain in AD 711.

In 1295 Guzman El Bueno fought against invading Moors. According to local legend, the Moors captured his son and threatened to kill him if Guzman didn't surrender . He
refused, throwing down his sword with which they killed his son.

Local fishermen still use " Almadraba" method of fishing using a circle of boats and nets, a practice which has not changed since 13th Century. Their Tuna fishing season generally starts end of March and lasts about three months.

Narrow cobbled streets, tumbling jasmine, beautiful wrought-iron rejas make Tarifa old town a charming place to stroll. Original castellated city walls of this ancient town
are tightly woven into the fabric of whitewashed houses. However, much of what we see today was constructed in the 18th Century. La Puerta de Jeréz, that invites you into the walls of the medieval precinct. Tarifa's 8th Century Jerez Gate has been recently restored. There is a magnificent church of San Mateo on main street and nearby in Calle los Azogues buildings date back to 16th and 17th century.

Guzman el Bueno's arab castle is open to visitors. It was built in 960 AD on orders of Caliph Abderraman III. Irregular oblong architecture has Roman influence giving
rise to popular theory that it was built on remains of a Roman fort. Look east - you will see two high towers protect the entrance to the arab town. Tarifa's municipal museum is also well worth a visit. It is located near Plaza de Santa Maria. There is an impressive view of Morocco's shores from the Miramar Gardens next to the Town Hall

La Alameda: Typical Andalucian paved gardens where old folk sit on wrought iron benches in shade of vast palm trees. Just across the road, at the entrance of the
castle is a magnificent statue of local hero Guzman el Bueno, saviour of Tarifa. Next to the Alameda is an old fishing port. It has never been developed makes an interesting stroll. Walk or drive (take care as wind blown sand is sometimes deep) down the causeway called Muelle de Rivera towards Tarifa's island, Isla de las Palomas. You are now at Spain's south west tip and only a few feet separate sea and ocean. A modern castle here is now a military base.

There are plenty of little tapas bars in the old town just to the east of the Alameda. Outside the Jerez Gate on main street " Batalla del Salado" (leading north out of town) you'll find surf shops and plenty of trendy clothes shops. Tarifa offers a tempting opportunity for a quick approach to Morocco, with Tangier feasible as a day-trip by boat on the 5 times daily ferry. Tickets are available from Tourafrica office (tel 956 684 751) on the quayside, or from travel agents along c/Batalla del Salado. The boat normally leaves at 9.00am, returning from Tangier at 4.00pm or 6.30pm (Spanish time – which is 2hr ahead of Moroccan); check current times with Tourafrica or turismo office. Crossing takes an hour, leaving you just enough time for a brief look around. An overnight stay probably makes more sense, especially as a return ticket costs around € 49. It's wise to book a few days ahead, as tour companies often take over the whole boat. This crossing is a lot more expensive than going from Algeciras, but might be a better bet if the latter is chock-a-block in summer or when Moroccans are returning home for the two major Islamic festivals (which rotate between January, February and March).