A guide to visiting Tarifa, Spain
The surfer town of Tarifa in Spain has to be one my favourite spots to enjoy a beach day in Andalusia. Located in the Cadiz province, Tarifa is in fact the southern most point of both Spain and continental Europe. How can I describe Tarifa? It is unlike any other town you’ll find along the south coast of Spain. It has a relaxed bohemian surfer vibe, mixed with the traditional charm you will find in many of Andalusia’s whitewashed towns. The old town area is packed with boutique shops, trendy cafes and bars, together with historic monuments and also boasts some of the areas most beautiful beaches in Spain. Tarifa is a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing as it is also known as one of the windiest towns in Europe. Therefore make sure to visit Tarifa on a less windy day to really enjoy everything it has to offer. You can check using the site Wind Guru which has the most accurate wind forecast. Tarifa is one of those truly special places I guarantee you will leave longing to return.
My name is Emily and I have lived in the Andalusia region of Spain for over three years. I spend a lot of time exploring the area and I have been fortunate to visit Tarifa on countless occasions. So I’m confident my travel guide will give you all the help and inspiration you need to plan your own visit there. In this blog I will share with you my top places to see in Tarifa, along with recommendations for places to eat, places to stay and must see beaches to visit nearby.
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Are you ready? Let’s begin!
how to get to Tarifa
Tarifa makes for a great day trip if you are staying in the nearby cities of Cádiz, Gibraltar or Marbella and the best way to get there is by car or by bus. The closest airport to Tarifa is Gibraltar International Airport, followed by Jerez Airport. Tarifa is approximately 50 minutes drive from Gibraltar or 1 hour 20 minutes from Jerez Airport. You can also visit Tarifa from Malaga in 1 hour 45 minutes. I recommend parking at Parking Municipal which is on the edge of the old town. Unfortunately there are limited free parking options in Tarifa, but if you are lucky, you may find free street parking along Avenida de Andalucía. You can take the M-260 bus from La Linea (the closest town to Gibraltar) to Tarifa click here and for more bus information from other destinations click here.
If you plan to hire a car from Sevilla or Malaga to visit Tarifa and the surrounding area, I highly recommend Wiber. They have no deposits or hidden excess fees and pick up and drop off is straightforward.
TOP PLACES TO SEE IN TARIFA
The Historic Old Town
The best way to enjoy Tarifa is to simply explore the labyrinth of charming white washed streets within the historic centre. Just allow yourself to aimlessly stroll and enjoy the charm and beauty in what you discover around every corner. Tarifa is somewhat of a time capsule, as the town has been inhabited by different cultures during its lifetime, including Romans, Moors and Christians.
I would recommend starting at Puerta de Jerez and walking through the last surviving 13th century gate out of the original four that once guarded the historic old town. Here you can make your way down Calle del Peso on your right, Calle Jerez in front or Calle Silos to your left. Meander your way through the streets where you will soon find many independent boutique shops selling clothing, jewellery, crafts and homeware which are perfect for a souvenir. There are also a selection of bakeries, bars and cafes to enjoy too, along with an Indoor Food Market on Calle Colón. This indoor market has an indoor central courtyard which has food stalls with seafood and local produce and a few bars where you enjoy a drink or tapa.
Be sure to make your way down to Calle Sanchez IV el Bravo, which is considered the Main Street in Tarifa’s old town, where you will find numerous shops, bars and restaurants with alfresco dining. You’ll easily spot when you’re on this street when you see the impressive Iglesia de San Mateo Apóstol, an historic 16th century church with an impressive Baroque facade. Be sure to step inside this church, which is free to visit, and check out an impressive chapel with ornate pink and purple decoration.
Castle of Guzman El Bueno
On the edge of the Tarifa’s historic old town near the port, you will find an incredibly well preserved 10th-century medieval fortress built by Caliph Abd al-Rahman III dating back to 960 AD. You can step inside this castle and learn all about it’s fascinating history, including the story of Guzman El Bueno after who the fortress is named, who famously refused to surrender the fortress in 1294 despite threats to execute his captured son. You can also walk the Castle walls which give you 360 views of Tarifa and the coastline.
The Castle is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00am to 4:00pm and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. You can purchase tickets at the entrance which costs €4 for adults and reduced rates for children.
Isla de Las Palomas
Isla de las Palomas is a small island linked to Tarifa by a causeway and it is here you can officially stand on the southern most point of both Spain and continental Europe. Fun fact: The island was a former Spanish military base which is now abandoned. The island itself is closed to the general public due to its military history and nature reserve status, but you can walk along the connecting causeway which famously has the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Mediterranean on the other. On a clear day you will be able to enjoy impressive views of the Moroccan coast in front of you, along with Playa de Los Lances, a stunning golden sand beach that stretches for 7km!
Whale watching
Tarifa is one of the best places to enjoy spotting marine life on the Gibraltar straits, including dolphins, pilot whales and even orcas. I’ve been lucky to see Iberian Orcas on the straits during the tuna migration season which usually takes place off Tarifa between July and August. This subspecies is in fact endangered with less than 40 remaining in the wild. There are a number of responsible whale watching tour operators which operate with no equipment so not to cause harm to marine life, including Turmares Tours.
Best beaches in Tarifa
You can’t visit Tarifa without spending some time on the beach. Famous for its golden sands and spectacular coastal scenery, Tarifa is home to some of the best beaches on the Costa de la Luz (and in my opinion, all of Spain). Whether you’re looking to swim, try kitesurfing, relax at a beach bar or simply enjoy the views, there’s a beach in Tarifa for you.
Here are my top beaches in Tarifa to choose from:
Playa de Los Lances: The largest beach closest to Tarifa town, Los Lances is a popular spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing due to the strong winds from the Atlantic. You’ll also find several chiringuitos along this beach, making it a great place to enjoy lunch or a drink with a sea view.
Playa Chica: Located just before the causeway to Isla de las Palomas, this small sheltered beach is one of the best places for swimming in Tarifa. Its calmer waters make it a popular choice for families and those looking to avoid the winds.
Playa de Isla de Tarifa: Tucked away on the Mediterranean side of Isla de las Palomas, this small beach is close to Playa Chica and offers a quieter spot to enjoy a swim. On a clear day it offers great views of the Moroccan coastline too.
Playa de Valdevaqueros: Around 10km from Tarifa town, Valdevaqueros is one of the areas most popular beaches. It is one of my favourite places to go in the summer with friends - it’s a vibe! You’ll find beach bars, restaurants and surf shops here, including music at BORA Tarifa. There is paid parking close to the beach, or you can take a taxi from Tarifa if you don’t want to walk there.
Playa Punta Paloma: At the base of the impressive Punta Paloma sand dunes, this beautiful beach is one of the most scenic places to visit near Tarifa. Its huge sand dunes, turquoise water and views towards Africa make it well worth the trip from town. I recommend parking at Playa de Valdevaqueros or at the top of the sand dunes so you can enjoy walking down to the beach. You may also see people covered in mud here - that’s because you can find natural mud bath at Punta Paloma beach.
Best places to eat in Tarifa
From traditional tapas in the old town to fresh seafood and restaurants with incredible views, there are plenty of great places to eat during your stay in Tarifa. Here are a few of my favourites I’d recommend:
Bar El Francés: Located in the heart of Tarifa’s old town, this is a great spot for traditional tapas in a lively, local atmosphere. This is a great spot for a casual lunch or dinner while exploring Tarifa’s historic centre.
El Cocedero del Varadero: If you’re looking for fresh fish and seafood in Tarifa, this is a great choice. Head here for a relaxed meal and enjoy some of the area’s best seafood.
Posada La Sacristía: I love this beautiful hidden spot in the old town which is great for a coffee or drink. This hotel has a beautiful interior but I recommend grabbing a seat outside if you can.
Pachamama Tarifa: Located just outside Tarifa, Pachamama is worth the short trip for a great meal in a relaxed outdoor setting. It’s a particularly good option if you have a car or you can get a taxi. It’s one of my favourite places to eat in the area.
El Mirlo de Tarifa – If you’re looking for somewhere a little more special, El Mirlo is a great choice. It’s more on the pricey side, but the beautiful setting and views are worth it. This is located just beyond the Punta Paloma sand dunes so you will need a car for this one.
Best places to stay in Tarifa
There are plenty of places to stay in Tarifa, whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly hostel, a self-catering holiday apartment or a comfortable hotel.
Best Day Trips from Tarifa
One of the best things about visiting Tarifa is its location. Sitting at the southern tip of Spain, it’s perfectly placed for exploring the Costa de la Luz, Andalusia and even Morocco. If you have a few extra days, these are some of the best day trips from Tarifa to add to your itinerary.
Morocco: Just across the Strait of Gibraltar, Morocco makes for an unforgettable day trip from Tarifa. Take the ferry from Tarifa port to Tangier or book a day trip with GetYourGuide and experience a completely different culture for the day.
Playa de Bolonia & Baelo Claudia: Combine a trip to one of the best beaches near Tarifa with a fascinating Roman archaeological site which is free to visit. This is my favourite beach in all of Spain, with impressive sand dunes and the most beautiful turquoise waters.
Gibraltar: In less than an hour you from Tarifa you can step foot into the British Overseas territory and spend the day exploring Gibraltar. Visit the famous Rock of Gibraltar, enjoy the views across the Strait and look out for those cheeky Barbary macaques. Check out my full Gibraltar travel guide here.
Vejer de la Frontera: Just a short drive from Tarifa, the beautiful white village of Vejer is perfect for a day trip. Wander through its narrow cobbled streets, admire the whitewashed buildings and enjoy panoramic views from up high. Check out my full Vejer de la Frontera travel guide here.
Thank you for reading my guide to visiting Tarifa. I hope you have found it useful. If so, please leave your feedback in the comments section below or reach out to me on Instagram!
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Want to visit one of the most unique coastal towns in southern Spain? Then check out my guide to visiting Tarifa. Famous for its beautiful beaches, historic old town, kitesurfing and incredible views across the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco, Tarifa is a must-visit destination in Andalusia. Whether you’re visiting for the beaches, food, outdoor adventures or a laid-back atmosphere, Tarifa has plenty to offer. Check out my guide for recommendations!