Book one of our Tarifa hotels and explore its 10km of white sandy beach, historic old town and rich wildlife.
Old Town
Tarifa's pretty old town is filled with cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and the scent of jasmine. The 10th-century Guzman Castle is named after Alonso Perez de Guzman, who defended Tarifa against the Moors in the siege of 1294. Inside there is a display on Guzman's life, as well as arches, stairs, gates and towers from various periods. Climb up to the Miramar lookout point on top of the walls for spectacular views of Morocco's Rif Mountains.
Baelo Claudia is one of the most impressive ruined Roman cities on the Iberian Peninsula. You can still see the basilica, theatre, market, walls, forum, stores, baths and temples, and there is a display of objects found on the site in the visitor centre.
Beaches and outdoor activities
Both windsurfing and kitesurfing take place in Tarifa all year round, with April to October the busiest time. The town has around 30 kitesurfing and windsurfing schools, many of which rent and sell equipment. Other outdoor activities available include surfing, horse riding, rock climbing, sailing and scuba diving.
Playa de los Lances is Tarifa's main beach, and is officially protected as a natural park. Walkers can hike across the dunes on a boardwalk. Playa de Valdevaqueros is where windsurfing championships are held, while Playa Chica, popular with locals, is good for families as it is the only beach sheltered from the Atlantic winds. La Caleta is a quiet cove.
Wildlife
Tarifa is also famous for birdwatching, as a large number of migrating birds can be seen travelling across the Strait of Gibraltar in spring, late summer and autumn. You can find information on the area's birdlife at the Estacion Ornitológica de Tarifa, and day trips are available.
You can also go whale and dolphin-watching all year, and boat trips are available with several organisations. FIRMM – the Foundation for Information and Research on Marine Mammals – is a particularly eco-conscious one, and its trips include an introductory talk.
Eating and drinking
Tarifa's cuisine has a strong North African influence, so head to family run La Mandragora for Andalucian-Arabic fusion food. Couscous, tagines and the mushroom and parmesan salad are all popular options.
Café Azul is an extremely popular place for breakfast, with a wide-ranging menu including muesli, fruit salad, filled rolls, crêpes, omelettes and toast with olive oil, avocado and tomato.
For organic vegetarian and vegan food, head to the tiny Chilimosa Comida Vegetariana. The varied menu includes quiche, several Indian options and the popular falafel with houmous, as well as homemade desserts including gluten-free brownies. All three establishments are TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence winners.
