Tarifa

Tarifa is a small, historic town in the Province of Cadiz, Andalusia, Spain. Tarifa is the southernmost point of mainland Europe and Africa is just 14 km away across the Strait of Gibraltar and is exact point where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea.

Tarifa's popularity as a holiday destination has markedly increased in the 2010s, mainly fuelled by its position as Europe's most significant kitesurfing destination.

Understand
The charming walled Old Town has maintained a distinctive atmosphere and the surrounding area has avoided the worst ravages of the tourist developments which have blighted much of the Spanish coastline. Much of the surrounding coastline is still protected by law and a few kilometres to the west of the town are two of Spain's most beautiful beaches.

By plane
The nearest airports are Malaga a 1½-hour drive, Gibraltar, 35 minutes, Jerez de la Frontera a 1-hour drive and the airport of Tangier, Morocco. Tangier is a 1-hour ferry journey from Tarifa.

By bus
You can get the bus to Tarifa from Algeciras (45 min), La Linea, Malaga, Jerez, and Cadiz (1½ hr). Most if not all rides are operated by Transportes Generales Comes.

By boat
From the port a fast ferry by FRS leaves every other hour to the port of Tangier, Morocco. Cruise time varies from 35 minutes to 1 hour. One-way, €40 (includes shuttle from Tarifa to Algeciras). Round-trip, €71. There's also another company plying the route, Intershipping. Also here, there are departures every second hour, the crossing taking one hour and prices are as of June 2016 practically the same (€65.70 for a round-trip). Ticket holders can then take free shuttle buses at Tarifa onward to Algeciras, duration 45 min.

See
A walk around the is a good start to exploring Tarifa. Many of the most interesting architectural sights are on a walking distance.





Sealife watching
Seven species of marine mammals can be found in the Strait of Gibraltar. In addition to the year-round local bottlenose dolphins, striped dolphins and pilot whales, you can occasionally see orcas, fin whales and sperm whales. In Tarifa, various providers offer observation trips from the end of March to the beginning of November. Such trips only take place when the sea is calm.

Windsurfing
Tarifa owes its fame to windsurfing. The bay is ideal, with fresh winds from the Atlantic, the so-called Poniente wind, and the warm strong Levante wind from the Mediterranean. The best spots are Valdevaqueros, Los Lances, Balneario, Playa Chica, and Bolonia. Windsurfing schools are open all year around and offer the best and latest equipment.

Kitesurfing
Tarifa is also a great place to kitesurf, with huge beaches, steady winds and sun all year round.



Go next

 * Tangier — Africa is just a short boat ride away
 * Cadiz — the capital of the province offers 3000 years of history and a huge Carnival.
 * Gibraltar
 * Ceuta
 * Granada
 * Jerez de la Frontera
 * Seville
 * Ronda