Super Useful Checklist: Top Things to Do in Tarifa
If you’re looking to find the top things to do in Tarifa because you’re considering taking a trip to this gorgeous place while exploring southern Spain, then well done you! Tarifa is one of those really special places that the Spanish love but visitors to Spain haven’t yet discovered in a big way (like Zuheros and Aracena). You are going to have your mind blown (and not just by the wind!)
It’s true that this wind capital of Europe is home to some of the best beaches for windsurfing and kitesurfing in Spain but there are also plenty of amazing things to do and see if you’re not a surfer (I know this because while I wish I could surf, I am really bad at it!).
I live just outside Seville (in Alcala de Guadaira) and just love taking every opportunity to head down to the Andalucia coast whenever I get a spare moment.
In this article I will
✅ Whet your appetite for a visit to Tarifa
✅ Share my checklist of the top things to do in Tarifa
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Why Visit Tarifa?
Tarifa is a hidden gem of a city on the Cádiz coast of southern Spain.
It is a particularly great city to visit if you’re into ocean-based activities but while Tarifa is one of the world’s most popular cities for wind sports thanks to the regular wind it experiences, there’s so much more to experience here. It’s a place to visit to:
🌊 Take a windsurfing or kitesurfing class
🌊 Explore the incredible beaches and the national parks along this section of Spain’s southern coast
🌊 Take a boat ride to see dolphins and whales in the Strait of Gibraltar
🌊 Experience standing between two bodies of water – the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean while seeing two continents – Europe and Africa
🌊 Stand on the southernmost point on the European continent
🌊 Take great day trips including to Tangier in Morocco
⭐️ Tarifa is one of the best places to visit in Andalucía with kids
Where is Tarifa?
Tarifa is a small town at one end of Spain’s Atlantic Costa de la Luz (Light Coast) in the Province of Cadiz in Andalucia. This region of coast extends all the way from here, through Huelva Province to the border with Portugal. Tarifa sits on the Strait of Gibraltar, just 14km from the North African country of Morocco.
How to Get to Tarifa
🚗 Tarifa is not far from the big cities such as Seville and Malaga. It is perfectly feasible to rent a car and drive around this region of Southern Spain.
Seville – 210 km 2hr30
Cadiz – 100 km 1hr20
Jerez de la Frontera – 120 km 1hr30
Malaga – 160 km 2 hr
Gibraltar – 45 km 1 hr
🚌 Bus routes from all major cities can be checked here
🚉 The nearest train station is in Algeciras, which is a thirty-minute bus from Tarifa.
Check train tickets here
✈️ Tarifa is within easy reach of four airports: Malaga, Sevilla, Gibraltar, and Tangier.
Top Tip: While cars can enter the old town of Tarifa, the roads are extremely narrow and can be hard to navigate. Be aware that if you drive to Tarifa, parking may be a problem. We spent a good half hour looking for a space before giving in and parking the car in an official car park (San Sebastian is well located if you’re in the old town). Be sure to factor in the 15 euros parking a day.
Brief History of Tarifa
Tarifa was given its name after a sucessful attack by Tarif ibn-Malik in 710 AD and was held by various Islamic kingdoms until it was conquered by Sancho IV of Castille in 1292. Tarifa’s strategic location at the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar made it one of the most important ports during the Maghreb empires.
The city was not heavily populated during the middle ages. Due to its location it was regularly threatened by Muslim raids that resulted in killings and kidnappings.
During the Peninsula War (1807-1814), Tarifa was besieged by French troops. British troops from Gibraltar helped defend Tarifa.
⭐️ There are a myriad of excellent reasons to visit Spain, keep reading to learn more about this magnificent country ⭐️
When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Tarifa?
This really depends on what you’re coming for. People searching out great windy conditions for kitesurfing are probably going to want to come at a different time of year than people wanting to sunbathe and admire the beautiful views.
🌸 Spring – good winds for kitesurfing. March is the windiest month in Tarifa
🔆 Summer – the summer months of June – September are considered to be Tarifa’s high season when the wind is less strong, the ocean is at its warmest and the tourists flock here
🍁 Autumn – good winds for kitesurfing
🧤 Winter – decent wind for learning to kitesurf. Still warm with average temperatures of 18-23C
Where to Stay in Tarifa
We opted to stay in an apartment in the Old Town of Tarifa on a pedestrianised road right in the heart of the action. It was pretty fabulous – close to the port for our dolphin watching and for our trip to Morocco, and close to restaurants and shops yet never too noisy.
There are, of course, options for every budget and holiday maker. If I were as rich as I think I deserve to be then I’d have stayed at Hotel & Spa La Residencia, an absolutely gorgeous hotel with a rooftop infinity pool that looks out towards Africa.
Checklist of Top Things to Do in Tarifa
Explore the Old Town
☑️ Castillo de Santa Catalina
This castle is something of a symbol of Tarifa. It sits atop a small hill between the two oceans. It was apparently built in 1933 after the English demolished the previous hermitage during the war of independence. The building is currently abandoned so take a look as you walk by as it isn’t open to the public.
☑️ Castillo de Guzman el Bueno
This tenth century fortress is the most southern castle in all of Europe. It was built in 960 by Abd al-Rahman III and is today considered to be one of the best preserved defensive enclosures in all of Spain. Shortly after the 1292 conquest, the castle’s governor, Alonso Pérez de Guzmán el Bueno chose to sacrifice his own son instead of surrendering the stronghold: whether this really affords him the accolade “El Bueno” or not is something we can discuss over a beer.
Tickets can be bought in advance or upon arrival. Guided tours are offered.
☑️ Isla de Tarifa and Centro de Interpretacíon
It is not permitted to enter this island except on the daily tour and you must reserve your spot at the Tourist Information Centre in Tarifa in advance. I emailed to do this.
The tour takes you around the island, explaining some of the history from Phoenician times up to the modern-day military history of the island.
The views of the African continent from the end of the island (the official most southerly point of Europe) are amazing.
The small Interpretation Centre was only opened at the end of 2022 and is extremely informative.
Note that the tour was given in Spanish but I noticed the guide translating as we walked for non-Spanish speakers so it’s worth asking if it’s available in English when you book.
☑️ Mirador de Africa
We did not stop here since we’d had such incredible views on the island tour but if you don’t get a chance to take the island tour or the weather has prevented great views, then I recommend checking it out for views across to the neighbouring continent.
☑️ Mercado Publico de Tarifa
Visit this covered food market in the old town of Tarifa early in the day to peruse the stalls, buy your picnic items to eat on the beach later and then grab a coffee in the cafe area.
☑️ Wander the Old Streets of Tarifa
As you explore the narrow streets of Tarifa’s old town don’t miss Iglesia de San Mateo, the Puerta de Jerez (a large old gate at the entrance to the old town) and the gorgeous plazas. Enjoy browsing in the fabulous shops and be sure to sit in a cafe and people watch.
Explore the Beaches
Even if you’re not in Tarifa for windy-watery activities you must visit these incredible beaches.
In the town Tarifa you have two beaches with easy access:
☑️ Playa Chica: The Very First Mediterranean Beach
This is a tiny bay with clean calm water and a gorgeous sandy beach. By September the water was chilly but I’m sure it’s delighful in the summer. There is a wooden path along the sand and down to the water provided for people with mobility issues.
☑️ Frontera Mar Mediterráneo – Océano Atlántico
While not a beach, this walkway between the two bodies of water is both the only way to reach the Isla de Tarifa as well as a fabulous opportunity to stand with a different sea on either side of you. Be sure to take photos with the signs! And at the far end, just under the gateway to the island, on either side are small beaches locals enjoy.
Nearby don’t miss the Monumento Atún y Viento – this is a cool tuna weathervane that names the winds for you. We loved it once we figured out what it was.
☑️ Playa de los Lances: The Very Last Atlantic Beach
On the other side of the Isla de Tarifa walkway is Playa de los Lances, which is a huge sweeping beach where you can while away the hours watching people kitesurfing, enjoy a sundowner in a chiringuito (beach restaurant/cafe) and generally frolic around.
☑️ Beaches Just Outside Tarifa
Further out of town towards Playa de Bolonia are Playa Punta Paloma and Playa Valdevaqueros, which are both extremely popular with kite surfers.
☑️ Playa de Bolonia: A Natural Monument
Playa de Bolonia, located just within Parque Natural del Estrecho, is one of the most beautiful beaches you can imagine. This beach stretches around a glorious bay that is almost 4 km long and 70 m wide. Visit here for incredible sand dunes and the archaeological site that is the impressive Roman ruin of Baelo Claudia (see below).
Between the ruins, the dunes, the incredible turquoise crystal clear waters and views of Africa, I think you’d be hard pressed to find a more magnificent beach. In fact, this beach is one of the best beaches in Andalucia and cannot be missed when you’re in Tarifa.
The Grand Dune is located on the west of the beach and was named a natural monument in 2001. The dune is in constant motion thanks to the strong easterly wind (seriously strong, we could barely sit on the beach for our picnic).
Many people like to climb this dune. We did it and it took around 40 minutes. We eventually found ourselves at tree level looking out over the top of the beach forest to the bay and ocean. It was breathtaking (in the good way!) and absolutely is recommended as long as you have a decent level of fitness.
Remember: you’re never too old to enjoy rolling or running down a big sandy dune!
There are a few small restaurants (chiringuitos) along the beach. They close mid-December to March.
In the summer there are lifeguards and the beach is said to be safe for kids although it was pretty wild when we were there in September and we saw no one in the water.
Top Tip: If you don’t have time to get to the official Baelo Claudia site then there is a boardwalk from the beach from where you can view them perfectly.
Wind and Water Based Activities
☑️ Kitesurf, Windsurf and SUP all along the coast
You rent equipment and go solo or you can book classes if you aren’t ready to head out onto the ocean alone.
Although we love to take surfing classes (we’ve taken them in Portugal and Mexico), this felt a little wild for us so we just watched the kitesurfers with admiration and wonder from the beach at Playa de los Lances.
☑️ Dolphin and Whale Watching Tours
There are a few companies offering tours. We went with a Tumares boat because they promised ethical tours. I highly recommend this as an activity. We saw other similar sized boats out there as well as smaller boats offering private tours.
What Can You See in the Strait of Gibraltar?
🐬 Killer whales – summer
🐬 Common, Striped and Bottlenose dolphins – all year
🐬 Pilot whales – all year
🐬 Sperm whales -spring and autumn
🐬 Fin whales – spring and summer
We had an incredible 2.5 hours on our tour during which time we saw dozens of dolphins and one or two whales.
Day Trips From Tarifa
If you’re in Tarifa for a few days and aren’t kitesurfing obsessed then you’ll probably want to consider a day trip or two.
☑️ Baelo Claudia Roman Ruins and Playa de Bolonia
➡️ Explore the ruins, play on the beach, have a picnic or lunch in a beach cafe before climbing the dunes. End your day with horse riding on the beach.
📌 Baelo Claudia Ruins are some of the most striking Roman ruins you’ll ever come across, so fantastically located are they right next to the beach. Just 22 km from Tarifa this is a perfect low-key day trip from Tarifa.
📌 The town was originally a fishing village and port when it was settled 2000 years ago. It was abandoned in 600 CE.
📌 This archaeological site is considered to be more comprehensive than any other Roman town ruins on the Iberian Peninsula including Mérida, Italica (outside Sevilla) and even Conímbriga outside Porto. Of course the location in El Estrecho Natural Park is quite magnificent.
📌 Entry to the site is free. If it is closed, head down to the beach as there is a boardwalk from which you can see the site pretty well.
📌 After you’ve explored the ruin, head down to the beach for some idyllic beach time / a long climb up the dunes for incredible views over the bay.
📌 Book your horse riding on the beach experience here
☑️ Day Trip to Tangier, Morocco
➡️ Morocco is just 14 km across the Strait of Gibraltar making the city of Tangier a great option for an unforgettable day trip to North Africa.
Option 1: Book the boat and explore on your own
Pros – Freedom to do it your way without anyone else’s schedule to worry about
Cons – You may see less. You’ll need to use roaming on your phone if you want to access maps.
Option 2: Take an organised tour of Tangier
Pros – An easier way to visit a new country, particularly if you’re worried about language and cultural differences
Cons – You are obliged to follow someone else’s schedule
We opted to book the boat online in advance and made a plan of what we wanted to see in Tangier. We ended up walking around a lot and not seeing as much as I’d hoped as we got extremely distracted by all the lovely shops. Next time I’d definitely consider taking a tour so we can see more. Read about our incredible day trip to Tangier here.
Highlights of Tangier Day Trip
📌 Exploring the markets of the Grand Socco, Petit Socco and the Old Medina
📌 Kasbah District and Museum
📌 Drinking mint tea in Cafe Hafa (the Phoenician tombs are nearby too)
📌 Eating tagine and couscous in a traditional Moroccan restaurant
📌 American Legation Museum
Remember: You’ll need a passport for this trip.
☑️ Day Trip to Cadiz
➡️ Cadiz is an ancient and vibrant city full of great food, culture and coastal walks
Highlights of a Cádiz Day Trip
📌 Walk the Campo del Sur promenade all the way to the Playa de Caleta and out to the Castillo de San Sebastian
📌 Yaciemento Arqueologico Gadír – this free archaeological museum is home to the ruins of a Phonecian settlement
📌 Torre Tavira – one of the few remaining camera obscuras left in Spain
📌 Wander the streets, see the cathedral, the market, the museum and more
➕ Read more about exploring Cadiz here and how to explore Cádiz with kids
☑️ Gibraltar Day Trip
➡️ This geographic and cultural anomaly of Britain in Spain can’t be missed if you’re in the region.
Highlights of a Gibraltar Day Trip
📌 Take the cable car up to the top of the iconic Rock of Gibraltar for incredible views over the Strait of Gibraltar, Spain and Morocco
📌 See the only wild monkey colony in Europe
📌 Learn why there’s a piece of Britain in Spain in the many museums and military installations
📌 Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Interpretation Centre for Gorham’s Cave
📌 Explore a small British town centre and eat British food in Spain!
➕ Read more about exploring Gibraltar here
➕ Book a day trip to Gibraltar here
Remember, you’ll need a passport for this trip.
☑️ Seville Day Trip
➡️ Sevilla, the capital of Andalucia is an extremely beautiful city that’s small enough to explore on foot for a day
Highlights of a Sevilla DayTrip
📌 Plaza de España and Parque Maria Luisa
📌 Real Alcazar and Jewish Quarter
📌 Cathedral and Giralda
📌 Las Setas
➕ Read more about exploring Seville here
Explore the Natural Parks
☑️ Parque Natural del Estrecho
This is a long stretch of coastline from Cabo de Gracia near Bolonia to Punta del Carnero (near Algeciras). It is the southernmost protected area in all of Europe and it covers both the Med and the Atlantic. Its maritime areas are home to over 19000 species of marine flaura and fauna. On land there is also an impressive range of habitats that include sand dunes, coak oak woods and offshore sandbanks.
Its location on the Strait of Gibraltar also makes it a prime location for birdwatching, as it is on the main migration route for birds between Africa to Europe.
➕ Go snorkelling in the Parque Natural del Estrecho
☑️ Los Alcornocales
This incredible natural park stretches across the provinces of Cádiz and Malaga and is home to the largest cork oak forest on the Iberian Peninsula. The abundance of rain this park receives means it is home to some of the most extraordinary landscapes on the entire peninsula – long ravines called ‘canutos’, that are home to a unique plant biosphere.
Eat Excellent Food in Tarifa
We felt spoiled for food choice in Tarifa and that four days wasn’t enough to try all the restaurants we wanted to enjoy. We ate at:
🍽 El Ancla – excellent seafood.
🍽 El Lobo – truly excellent food but service was very slow so if you’re starving or in a rush it might not be for you! The ribs were perfection.
🍽 Pizzeria Mezzometro – we grabbed decent slices of pizza here.
🍽 Pastelaria Bernal – The pastries are excellent and there’s a nice garden if you squeeze around the counter.
A Final Word on Top Things to Do in Tarifa
My family gave Tarifa a resounding 10/10 for a long weekend trip and we can’t wait to go back and explore the area more. I hope you hav a great tipme and let me know if you have any questions or planning issues I can help wihtbus
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