Tarifa is one of the most unique towns in Spain, and for a special reason – it is the southernmost point not only in Spain, but in all of Europe. The “City of Winds” is famous for its endless beaches with fine sand and crystal-clear waters. It is perfect both for active recreation – there is a very developed kiting infrastructure here, as well as for family holidays with children.
The town is situated on the Costa de la Luz coast (Costa de la Luz) and is a famous spot for seaside holidays. In addition, the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean here, right in front of its shores. You will be amazed when you discover this wonderful town and the area around it – a holiday in Tarifa is dramatically different from the seaside resorts of the neighboring Costa del Sol. The atmosphere here is absolutely different: wild beaches, wonderful transparent water of the ocean and sea, and incredible spaces for contemplating the colorful spectacle of sunsets.
In this blog post you will find all the places with descriptions, photographs, and locations where you can find them on Google Maps. We enjoyed spending a whole day wandering around Tarifa and exploring it to the fullest!
So, here are the best things to do and places to visit in Tarifa!
When is the best time to visit Tarifa
Summer months – July and August, can be extremely hot, with temperatures often rising above 40°C. Although this is a popular time for beach lovers – by the sea and on the beach it is much easier in such heat. And in Tarifa the wind constantly blows, so it’s the best place to endure the heat compared to other parts of southern Spain.
The best time to visit Tarifa is September and early October. That is when the weather stays warm enough for swimming, but the summer heat is gone and the crowds of tourists have significantly decreased. This is also a period with a minimal amount of rainfall.
Late spring months – April and May also offer pleasant weather, although the sea and ocean are still cold, so swimming will not work. But you can try kiting – riding the waves on a board with a sail. For this, wetsuits are used so you won’t get cold.
Winter in Andalusia is mild compared to most of Europe. And thanks to low prices, it’s a great time to explore the area. But you should understand that in seaside towns like Tarifa, which are associated with sea holidays, many places can be closed. But a one day trip, walking along the coast and breathing the salty wind, is possible even in winter.
How to get here
The simplest way is to fly Ryanair to the airport in Seville or Malaga. Then choose a bus, or a rented car.
The bus trip to Cadiz will take an hour and a half from Seville, or four hours from Malaga. Afterward, you need to transfer to the next bus to Tarifa, which will take another 1–1.5 hours to the city.
We traveled around Andalusia by rental car – so I recommend this transport, as it is more comfortable and faster. Plus, you can see a lot of interesting things along the way – Pueblo Blancos (White Villages of Andalusia), and other beautiful places. We booked the car through the repeatedly tested service RentalCars, which contains offers from all major international car rental companies. As well as many small local agencies that often have much better prices.
Recommended reading: Andalusia Guide – what you must see in southern Spain
Where to stay in Tarifa
We stayed outside the Old Medina, because we were traveling by car. Therefore, we chose the wonderful Hostal Tarifa, which is in fact a nice hotel two blocks from the gate to the Old Town. I recommend it because it has its own parking (for an extra charge), and one block beyond there is free parking where we left the car. This parking is closed only on Tuesdays, because on that day there is a street market here.
- Hostal Tarifa≫ – actually, it’s a hotel and a very nice one (the reason for the name is unclear, as there are no dormitory rooms here). Very clean, nice beds, cleaning like in good 4-star hotels. I really liked the hotel (by the way, there is an elevator here), and a block away there is a large free parking where we left the car (parking place mentioned above).
- Hotel-Apart CORTIJO LAS PIÑAS≫ – Excellent location of the apart-hotel. Incredible views, a large selection of apartments, very authentic design, you feel the spirit of history and the family who runs this place.
- Eole Tarifa Rooms≫ – Clean, tidy, cozy. Authentic apartments with all amenities. There is a nice inner courtyard where birds sing. Great location in the heart of historic Tarifa.
What to do in Tarifa and where to relax by the sea
The town of Tarifa is a hidden gem of Andalusia. It combines tranquil moods and medieval charm. Whitewashed houses mix with ancient stone walls, castles, and churches. But the most important thing is that this is the southernmost point of Spain and Europe!
We really enjoyed visiting this wonderful town, and we happily spent a whole day walking the old town, learning about its history, exploring famous and unfamiliar corners.
Recommended reading: A two-week itinerary around Andalusia – how to see almost everything
Explore the Old Town
Tarifa’s old town is very beautiful with whitewashed buildings and centuries-old stone walls, cobblestone streets, various architectural projects and modern parks. I really enjoyed walking the old town and discovering its hidden gems.
Tarifa has the classic layout of an Arab town – it has a Medina enclosed by city walls which has retained the charm of the Moorish style. There are several entrances to the town through ancient gates located in the old medieval wall.
Puerta de Jerez
But Puerta de Jerez is the only ancient city gate that has survived through the centuries. However, one of the most unique hidden gems in Tarifa is the arched passage Lámpara de los vientos at the entrance to the Old Town (next to the tourist office). Another place worth visiting is Puerta de la Almedina. This is another historic access point to the Old Town – the entrance to the walled Almedina (location Puerta de la Almedina).
Firstly, there is a huge tiled panel on the wall depicting a scene from typical rural life in the past.
Secondly, there is a super unique lamp here. If you pay attention, you’ll see that it is actually a weather vane showing all the cardinal points – north, east, south, and west. In addition, small bells are attached to the lamp, which ring when the wind blows. But the main lamp construction consists of three star-shaped elements and a sharp part in the form of a rhombus. Beautiful!
Santa María Square (Plaza de Santa María) is one of the most beautiful and charming squares in Tarifa. It is located right in front of the local town hall building and is full of flowering trees, plants, and fountains. It is decorated with tunnel-like passages overgrown with plants. They are in each of the four corners of the square. There is also a fountain decorated with beautiful tiles and frog figurines in the middle.
A must-stop are such charming places as Plaza de las Ranitas or the area around the main Catholic church in Tarifa San Mateo Apóstol Church (Iglesia de San Mateo Apóstol). The church was built on the site of an old mosque in the 16th century and has a beautiful baroque façade. It is wonderful both inside and out.
Castillo de Guzman el Bueno Castle
This wonderful castle Castillo de Guzman el Bueno, built in the 10th century, was the site of the heroic defense of Tarifa by Guzman el Bueno in 1294. If you want to dive into the history of Tarifa, then you definitely need to visit this 10th-century castle with its impressive defensive wall and watchtowers.
You will not only see millennia-old artifacts, but also learn about the city’s history and receive some of the best views of Tarifa, the port, and even see the mountains in Africa as you look at the Strait of Gibraltar from the top of the castle. The walk along the fortifications of the medieval wall ends near the Miramar and Maderos towers. From the first, there is an impressive view of the African coast, where Musa mountain stands out. The second tower has preserved the gates through which King Sancho IV’s troops entered the city when they retook Tarifa from the Muslims in 1292.
Visiting the castle grounds is independent, and you can do it at your own pace. The only thing is that the entire route is already planned in advance, and you just need to follow the directions wherever you go. The entry to the castle costs 4 euros per person – tickets on the website or at the box office cost the same.
Places of charm, tradition, and history
An interesting activity in Tarifa is to explore the local market and go shopping. There are many boutiques, pastry shops, as well as street markets around the old town. If you visit Tarifa from Monday to Saturday, be sure to check Mercado Publico de Tarifa with its beautiful interior.
Another great thing you can do in Tarifa is to take a tour! Did you know that killer whales, whales, and dolphins can be seen around the Strait of Gibraltar? You can take this boat tour from Tarifa or this one to visit spots where killer whales are regularly present in the Mediterranean Sea.
Walk the border between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea
One of the coolest places to see in Tarifa is the border between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea (Frontera Mar Mediterráneo – Océano Atlantico). There is a narrow road into the water that draws a line between the two bodies of water and connects mainland Tarifa with Isla de Tarifa.
In the middle of the road, there are two metal signs that indicate which side is the ocean and which is the sea. Be sure to take a photo here, standing between the sea and the ocean.
In the evening, many people stroll here, waiting for the sunset. Luckily, the road is always open, so you can go there at any time of the day. Beware, the wind can go crazy, it is always very strong here.
Continuing along the road, you will reach Isla de Tarifa. This is the southernmost point in Spain and Europe. However, you should know that the islet and the fort on it are closed for free visits. You can only get there in guided groups with a prior reservation.
On Tarifa Island (also known as Pigeon Island) is located the Interpretation Center in the former lighthouse keepers’ house. This exhibit space showcases the historical function of the defensive bastion and the natural wealth of the seabed in the Strait of Gibraltar.
If you are unable to get to the island and the fort, it is not a big deal. Because the beauty of the surrounding beaches is accessible, and you can see the shores of Africa from any point in Tarifa.
We spent some time watching ferries depart and enter the port. We also sat on a bench overlooking the ocean and enjoyed watching athletes riding the ocean waves. This is a special place, and the walk to the islet is very impressive.
Beach holidays in Tarifa
When visiting a beach destination, you naturally expect to relax on the beach. Honestly, I didn’t expect a good beach holiday here because I thought there might be big waves in the ocean, and it might not be very good for swimming. But I was wrong!
We visited Tarifa at the end of September; I had wonderful warm weather here, a calm and clean ocean. And incredibly huge and beautiful sandy beaches. I simply fell in love with them!
Playa de Los Lances – one of the most beautiful beaches in the region due to its white sand and beautiful and pristine natural landscape. This beach is washed by the Atlantic and there is so much free space, and there are no beach clubs. This is a truly free, wild beach with room for everyone. In the part adjacent to the city, you can occasionally see beach bars. For example, Chiringuito Waikiki, where it’s nice to enjoy a glass of cold beer or juice. The water entry here is very gentle, so the waves aren’t too ocean-sized )))
This beach is also one of the favorites among kitesurfing enthusiasts. You can spend hours watching athletes flying over the waves with kites. And if you wish, you can go to one of the many kite schools and learn to fly the same way.
Playa Chica – a beach washed by the Mediterranean Sea, it is small and sandy, sheltered from waves by Tarifa Island. It’s great to relax here with small children. The beach is wild, there are no sunbeds – everyone comes with their own folding chairs.
Punta Paloma – beach and huge dune
Punta Paloma beach is located at the end of Tarifa’s beaches. It is very easy to recognize from afar because of the huge sand dune formed by the eastern winds, which drag its golden sand to the shore. This almost untouched and wild beach is surrounded by pine trees, and the small bay has individuality and a special charm that makes them unique. With fine sand and moderate waves, the beach has an excellent location: campsites are located in the pine groves by the beach, where it’s great to relax close to nature. It also offers an unsurpassed view of Tarifa and Morocco, making it one of the best beaches in the area for swimming as well as for surfing or windsurfing lovers.
Punta Paloma – is also a huge dune on the shore near Tarifa. Definitely plan a visit, because it is really impressive! This place cannot be seen from the road – you can see it only from Punta Paloma beach: the white sand rises on the hill like a white spot among the pine forest. An incredible feeling from the opportunity to walk on a huge dune formed by the constant winds blowing from Africa, bringing sand from the Sahara Desert.
Tarifa Promenade
Walking along the promenade by the border between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, you may notice a small hill with a castle on top – Castillo de Santa Catalina de Tarifa. The castle was in fact never a castle – it was built around 1930 and recently served as a meteorological observatory, the southernmost weather station in Spain and Europe. However, in recent years it has been abandoned and sealed up by the city authorities.
Along the promenade you can also see examples of street art. Street art is located on house walls and fences, as well as on a small square on Calle Grupo Cardenal Cisneros street near the beach. There are several paintings with quotes on the wall, as well as rainbow stairs leading to the street. Location: street art and rainbow stairs.
See the mountains of Africa from El Mirador de Africa
El Mirador de Africa or the Africa Viewpoint is a charming corner in the city where you can enjoy amazing views of the Strait of Gibraltar and the African mountains. Nearby is a small square with plants and benches.
It is actually located on the Old Medina wall. In the corner of the square, there is an old tower joined to the Medina wall. You can climb up and have a fantastic view of the coastline. Entry to the tower is free.
Try local dishes in one of Tarifa’s excellent restaurants
No visit to any Andalusian city in Spain would be complete without trying local dishes in a restaurant or bar. Here in Tarifa, there are great options. We visited La Garrocha. Gastrobar – a great place near the ferry terminal, where I recommend trying bruschetta with red tuna. Another highlight of this place is the Hamburguesa de Atun Rojo, a red tuna burger with two sauces: wasabi mayonnaise and natural tomato sauce with red chili. You won’t taste anything like it anywhere else!
Red tuna – it is caught in the waters of the Strait of Gibraltar and this fish is one of the main ingredients of dishes in this region. So, definitely try it both raw (ceviche, tartare, pickled on sandwiches, etc.), as well as steaks made from red tuna – Atun Rojo.
Trip to Morocco from Tarifa
You can get from Tarifa to Africa cheap and quickly. Visiting Morocco is an excellent idea, because fast ferries go every day from Tarifa to Tangier, costing 70 euros one way. Tickets at the ticket office or on the ferry company’s website.
So, if you plan a trip to Tarifa, think: maybe this is a chance to see a colorful African country. You can read a separate post about traveling to Morocco – How to plan a trip to Morocco – transport, accommodation, route, money, and interesting places.
Useful articles and links:
- Top 7 cities to visit in Spain
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- Madeira VS Mallorca – which island to choose for your next trip
Travel health insurance – online at the portal HotlineFinance
Hotel bookings and apartments – Booking.com
