Things to do in Tarifa

Tarifa Old Town

Tarifa’s old town has a relaxed beach-town feel, with whitewashed houses and narrow streets that give it a classic Andalusian charm. The town’s Moorish history is easy to see, especially in the Puerta de Jerez (shown in one of the images below), one of my favorite reminders of its Islamic past. As you explore, you’ll also come across parts of the old town walls, known as the Murallas de Tarifa, which are most visible along the waterfront, where they connect to the castle.

If you’ve been to places like Ronda or Vejer de la Frontera, Tarifa’s style will feel familiar. But if you haven’t visited a white village yet, you should try to see at least one while traveling through Andalusia. If your trip has mostly been in cities like Seville, Málaga, or Granada, Tarifa is a great place to experience the charm of these historic villages.

Kitesurfing and Other Wind Sports

Tarifa is the windiest town in Europe and a top spot for wind sports. Every year, thousands of people come here for kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and more. There are lots of schools and rental shops, but keep in mind that Tarifa isn’t the easiest place to learn. The waves can make water starts tricky, and offshore winds are common. But you can definitely learn there.

You’ll need a wetsuit most of the year, except in the hottest summer months. If you’re a beginner, November is a great time to learn: it’s less crowded, and you can kite on the Mediterranean-side beaches.

Visit the Castle of Guzman El Bueno in Tarifa

The Castle of Tarifa, built in 960 as a Moorish fortress, is a medieval landmark with a lot of history. Located at the southern tip of the Strait of Gibraltar, it has played an important military role over the centuries.

The castle is also called the Castle of Guzmán el Bueno, named after Alonso Perez de Guzmán, who defended Tarifa in the late 13th century. From the outside, the castle offers a spectacular view with its imposing walls and towers. Inside, you can explore a small exhibit about Guzmán’s life, wander through archways, gates, stairs, and towers from different periods, and even visit a chapel.

The castle is well kept, with plenty to see and do, including walking along the ramparts for great views of Tarifa, the coast, and even the mountains of Morocco. For just 4 euros, it’s a real bargain to experience this historical gem, often referred to as the “last castle in Europe.”

Swim & Visit the Beaches

• Playa de Los Lances (Google Maps)
• Playa de Valdevaqueros (Google Maps)
• Playa Punta Paloma (Google Maps)
• Playa La Caleta (Google Maps)
• Playa de Bolonia (Google Maps)
• Playa Los Alemanes (Google Maps)

Tarifa has some of the most beautiful beaches in Andalusia. Playa de Los Lances is a vast sandy paradise, protected as a Natural Area, perfect for long walks and relaxation. Playa de Valdevaqueros is a top destination for wind sports enthusiasts, attracting kitesurfers and windsurfers from around the world. At the far end of Tarifa’s coast, Playa Punta Paloma is well known for its huge sand dune. Playa de Bolonia is one of the most interesting beaches because it offers a bit of everything. It has beautiful golden sands and an incredible historic site nearby. (More on that below.) If you’re looking for a quiet spot, Playa Los Alemanes remains one of the least crowded due to its limited accessibility. Lastly, La Caleta, with its sandy coves and rocky areas, is a gem that many visitors overlook.

Whale Watching

Tarifa is a great place to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. There’s also a lot of variety, including finback whales, pilot whales, sperm whales, orcas, and just as many types of dolphins. The best time for whale watching is between April and October, with July and August offering the highest chances of spotting them.

Taking a cruise through the Strait of Gibraltar might seem odd because of the busy ship traffic and water pollution, but the area is actually full of marine life. Many dolphins and different kinds of whales come here to hunt for food, so you’ll usually see plenty of dolphins, even if whales don’t show up. Mornings are the best time to go since fishermen attract the whales as they head out to sea. Just a heads-up, because this is where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean. The water can get rough. If you’re prone to seasickness, be sure to take precautions.

Walk to Isla de las Palomas 

Connected to Tarifa by a long causeway, Isla de las Palomas is a fascinating spot. The walk along Calle Segismundo Moret is open to the public and offers beautiful views of the town and the beaches of the Atlantic. While the island itself is closed to the public, it’s still nice to know its history. It contains Phoenician-Punic funeral chambers from as far back as the 4th and 6th centuries BC, as well as a former military post. Until 1808, it was completely separate from Tarifa, and more recently, it was used as a temporary center for migrants rescued from the Strait of Gibraltar.

Today, the causeway walk to the island is a must-do in Tarifa. Leading to the point where the Mediterranean and Atlantic meet, it’s the perfect place to stop and enjoy the view.

Visit Bolonia

It might be surprising that such a small village like Bolonia has so much to offer. Just 20 minutes north of Tarifa and officially part of its municipality, this coastal gem is packed with both stunning natural beauty and a remarkable historical site. Its biggest attraction is Bolonia Beach, a stunning 4 km stretch of golden sand with clear blue water. Because of the strong winds, it’s a hotspot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. There are no hotels, just a few beach bars and rentals, which helps keep it unspoiled. It’s perfect for a day trip from Tarifa.

Right behind the beach, you’ll find the incredible ruins of Baelo Claudia, one of the best-preserved Roman sites in Spain. This ancient town, dating back to the 2nd century BC, thrived thanks to the tuna trade and its location near the African coast. Walking through the site, you can explore a well-preserved theater, baths, a basilica, a forum, and even a fish-salting factory. Admission is free for EU citizens and just 1.50 euros for other visitors.

Check out the Churches

You’ll find that exploring the churches of Tarifa is a wonderful way to discover the city’s. Start in the heart of town at the 16th-century Iglesia de San Mateo. Built on top of an old mosque, the church has a simple design, and while little remains of its original interior, it still has a peaceful beauty. Just outside, a short path to the right takes you to a lovely viewpoint overlooking the port of Tarifa.

Not far away, just behind Paseo de la Alameda, is the San Francisco de Asis Church. This small, charming spot in the old town sometimes hosts concerts and events, which is a great way to enjoy the place.

Finally, go check out the Old Church of Santa Maria, for the beautiful Plaza de la Ranita beside it. This little square is named after its unusual star-shaped fountain, decorated with eight ceramic frogs, all in a stunning Moroccan-style turquoise.

Where to Stay in Tarifa

Tarifa might not have as many hotels as Seville or Malaga, but it still has a great selection. Since it’s so close to Africa and Morocco, you can really feel the Moroccan influence, especially in the way people welcome you. Here’s my pick of the best hotels in Tarifa.

Personally, my favorite is still La Sacristía. I just love the charm of this boutique hotel! It’s right in the historic center of Tarifa, with cozy lounge spaces throughout. The reception area makes you feel at home as soon as you step in. With only 10 rooms, it has a really intimate feel. Plus, it’s just a 5-minute walk to the port if you’re planning a day trip to Tangier, and it’s right in the middle of everything, so you won’t have to go far for great food and shopping!

TYPE	ACCOMMODATION	PRICE
Luxury	La Residencia Puerto Hotel & Spa	From € 170 / night
Mid-range	Kook Hotel Tarifa	From € 149  / night
Mid-range	Dunas Luxury Beach Resort	From € 132 / night
Mid-range	La Sacristía	From € 152 / night

Where to Eat in Tarifa

Tarifa may be a small town, but it offers a rich variety of Andalusian flavors. amous for its tuna dishes, it’s the perfect spot to try the renowned red tuna from the Strait. You won’t find a better spot for it! If you love seafood, definitely try some of the local specialties that Cádiz province is known for. And it’s not just fish. Tarifa also has tasty meat dishes, like the juicy traditionnal oxtail in sauce.

Here are some restaurants to try out in Tarifa:

• Brasería Vaca Loca
• Silos 19
• Bar Ola Ola Tarifa
• Bar El Frances
• El Lola

When to Visit Tarifa

January and February are the rainiest months in Tarifa. From March to June, the countryside turns green and full of life. It’s a great time to enjoy the nature of the Costa de la Luz.

July, and especially August, are the busiest months, with lots of visitors. If you prefer a quieter time, September, October, and November have pleasant weather and plenty of outdoor activities. December is a bit colder, but still a great time to experience Tarifa’s unique charm with less people.

The windiest months are between November and April.

Take the Ferry from Tarifa to Tangier

If you’re not well verse in beach related activities, th’eres another reason most traveler to the region come to Tarifa: because its the gateway to Morocco obviously. I talked a lot about taking the ferry to Africa in my post about doing a day trip to Tangier from Seville.

How to Get to Tarifa

With numerous buses linking the city to Cádiz, Malaga and Gibraltar, there are several ways to get to Tarifa.

Seville to Cádiz Train

If you’re planning a day trip to Tarifa from Cádiz, the best way to get there is by car. If you’re traveling without one, the Avanza bus runs frequently from Cádiz’s Estación de Autobuses. At just over an hour by car from Cádiz, it’s an easy and enjoyable day trip.

Quick facts:

• You can reach Tarifa in 1.5 hours by taking the fastest bus from Cádiz.
• It’s just a 10-minute walk to the city center from Tarifa Bus Station.
• Tickets cost about 17 EUR each way.

Tarifa is located 100 km from Cádiz, 200 km from Seville, 160 km from Málaga and 45 km from Gibraltar. The closest airport to Tarifa is Jerez Airport (XRY), but Malaga Airport (AGP) offers the most international flight connections.

FAQ

Where to park in Tarifa?

There are plenty of free parking lots and street spots in Tarifa, so you shouldn’t have much trouble finding a place. In fact, street parking marked with blue lines is free. One popular spot near Playa de Los Lances is on Calle Mar Cantábrico. (Google Maps)

If you’re taking the ferry to Tangier and want to leave your car at the port, you can save this location (Google Maps) in your GPS. The parking lot is inside the port, but it only has 91 spaces and often fills up. You can check the prices here. That said, some would argue it’s easier to just park on the street. Just drive around, find a free spot, and walk to the port.

Can you see Africa from Tarifa?

If the weather’s clear and there’s no haze, you can see the mountains of northern Morocco and even the city of Tangier from Tarifa. The two continents are just about 14 kilometers apart at the Strait of Gibraltar, which makes it feel like you could almost swim over. Fun fact: the African continent is also visible from Gibraltar, Estepona, Marbella, and even Montes de Malaga Natural Park.

The Mirador del Estrecho (Google Maps) is on the road right before you get to Tarifa, coming from Malaga. Don’t skip it! It has the best and closest view of Africa from Spain (and Europe).

What is Tarifa known for?

Tarifa is known as a top spot for wind and kite surfing, drawing people from all over the world. The strong winds in the area make it perfect for these sports. Due to its location at the Strait of Gibraltar, Tarifa has long been a key point for trade and cultural exchange between Europe and Africa. Even today, it’s the go-to spot for travelers looking to catch a ferry to Morocco.

Why is Tarifa so windy?

Tarifa gets its strong winds because it’s located at the narrowest point of the Strait of Gibraltar. When the winds from the east and west come together, they’re pushed through the narrow gap and it makes them stronger.