Turistguide

Duplicate of Island Las Palomas

Or called also Punta Marroquí, is the meeting point of Mediterranean sea and Atlantic ocean. Here is the extreme southern limit of Spain and Europe and also the nearest place of Gibraltar Strait. At the end of the island you´ll find lighthouse 43m high. The Island is closed for public, it´s military zone. You can have a nice walk between two seas till the island. For surfers, Balneario beach is perfect surf spot, you get nice waves. Tarifa is the only place, where you can take a swim in one day in Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean See.

Duplicate of Castle Guzmán el Bueno

Tarifa´s castle was built from Caliph Adberramán III as a strategic point of the Strait of Gibraltar. King Guzmán "The Good" became famous for his fight against Muslims in 1294. His son was captured by his enemies and as exchange they asked to have village Tarifa. He decided in favor of Tarifa, but his son was executed. A statue of Sancho IV is outside the castle looking out over the Gibraltar Strait to the coast of Tangier in Morocco. You find the castle in old town of Tarifa, near the sea.
The openings time is: Tue-Sat, 11am-2pm and 6-8pm. Sun 11am-2pm. Mon closed.

Duplicate of Viewpoint in Tarifa

Two continents so close, Europe and Africa just 14 km far away ! You get beautiful view of Africa, across Gibraltar Strait. And behind Gibraltar strait, coming out the silhouette of African´s guardian, Musa mountain, with its 851 high. A lots of specialist call this mountain one of two column of Hercules. The other one would be Rock of Gibraltar. On left side, you can see Ceuta, a Spanish city on African continent. You can visit Ceuta with fast ferry from Algeciras. If you come from Malaga, this viewpoint is just 6 km before Tarifa. There is a small bar.

Duplicate of Roman ruins Baleo Claudia

In Bolonia, just 15 km from Tarifa, direction Cadiz, you can find the 2000 year old ruins of the Roman town of Baelo Claudia, relics of Roman architecture. Baelo Claudia supplied the popular Roman delicacy, fish paste, to the whole Roman Empire. Emperor Claudius gave the town his name. Main attractions to be seen includes Theater, Temple of Isis, Basilica, Thermal baths, Aqueducts and Salting factory. Opening time: Tue to Sat: Jun - Sep 9am - 7pm, Nov - Feb, 9am - 6pm. Sun all year round: 9am - 2pm, Mon closed.

Duplicate of Mini castle Santa Catalina

In front of Tarifa´s harbor. You can see it from town beach Balneario. Santa Catalina, was built in 1929 as a weather centre for shipping. It change during the Spanish Civil War in 1936. General Francisco Franco took it over for military purposes, converted it into an ammunition storage and outfitted it with concrete bunkers for defensive purposes. Area under construction at the moment.

Duplicate of Fishing tune - The Almadraba

Fishing art used by the Phoenicians along the coasts of Cádiz and then later by the Romans. It consists of setting a maze of nets along tuna routes, from March till June. Almadrabas are concentrated in Conil, Barbate, Zahara de los Atunes and Tarifa.
Tuna Week: in June 30 establishments offer special menus dedicated to tuna.
La Tarifeña: a shop offering every type of packed fish. You can find tuna and mackerel from Tarifa; products with D.O. Designation, Specific Designation of Origin Andalusia.

Duplicate of St. Matthew's Church

It is town´s main church. Located in old town from Tarifa, near the castle, surrounded with lots of lovely restaurants. It was built in the 16th century and is largely of late Gothic style with a neo-classic facade. Stained glass windows glow and statues are powerful. When the Spain's Catholic Kings were driving the Moors back to Africa, Tarifa was a dangerous place. To encourage people to live here, the Church offered a huge amount of forgiveness to anyone who stuck it out for a year. One year and one day after moving to Tarifa, they would have the privilege of passing through this special "door of pardons," and a Mass of thanksgiving would be held in that person's honor.

Duplicate of Sand dune

Fantastic unspoilt beach, about 8 km from Tarifa direction Cadiz. Turn direction Punta Paloma and the next to the left. There is a big parking. You go down to the beach and to the right. You can have a nice walk there, along the see. You will find a nice surf spot and also hidden beaches. Actually it is nature reserve so no buildings on the beach :-) From the sand dune, the views of the African coast are spectacular.

Duplicate of Whales and dolphins

If you prefer to watch the animals in their natural habitats, take an excursion for to see whales and dolphins in the Strait of Gibraltar - you can see orcas, striped dolphin, common dolphin, sperm whale etc. Awesome experience! Dolphins and pilot whales you can see any time, sperm whales from May to July and killer whales season is from June till September. Orca´s trip takes around 3 hours. There are several companies which offer boat trips. The boats go several times a day. But choose a day without waves :-)

Duplicate of Snorkeling

You don't need to take a PADI dive course to enjoy the amazing underwater scenery of Tarifa. There are amazing snorkel spots and beaches with clear turquoise waters, easily accessible for everyone. Be ready for the adventure ! Snorkeling is a favorite activity for the whole family. Nice spots are by Tarifa´s island but there are also a lots of secret spots in the military zone. If you prefer to go on a guided tour with our staff, just ask in our kitesurf shop.

Duplicate of Rock climbing

Tarifa is perfect location for climbing. You can climb here the whole year around. The hills around Bolonia, in San Bartolo area are wind protected and offer over 250 routes of levels between III and 8a. There are routes from 10 to 90 meters, (most are between 20 meters). The rock consists of compact sand- and limestone. Another climbing adventure offers Gibraltar, all types and grades on its two hundred million year old Jurassic limestone. Try St. Michaels cave, with its own underground lake.

Duplicate of Horse riding

Discover Tarifa´s beaches, pine forest, eucalyptus alley or natural park Los Acornocales from horseback. Have a ride along white sand beaches, blue Atlantic Ocean with stunning views of Africa. Andalusian horses are famous around the world and they are easy to mount. For small children they are ponies. It will be your experience of a life time. The first Sunday of September there is Fair of horses in Tarifa. Tarifa offers an excellent climate for horse riding the whole year. The weather in summer is not too hot and in winter not too cold. There are several stables in Tarifa.

Duplicate of Play Golf in Andalusia

Costa de la Luz y del Sol are only places in Spain where you can play golf all year long. In Andalucia there are over 100 golf courses and 300 sunny days a year. The nearest are Golf Montenmedio (30min direct. Cadiz), La Duquesa Golf Club, 18 holes (30min. direct. Marbella) and Alcadeisa, which has 2 golf courses - Heathland and Link golf course (only links course in southern Europe), both 18 holes (40min direct. Marbella). They have also Driving range and golf academy. The prices change a lot from place to place and a lots of golf places offer also happy hour :-)

Duplicate of Yoga

Mix of Hatha yoga, Iyengar yoga, Anusara yoga and Therapeutic yoga with Inga Maria. Very healthy yoga for everybody: adults, kids, for people with back problems etc. Classes are in small groups, but you can also have a private lesson. Tel. +34 660832269. She speaks Es, De, En, Fr. It is possible to do lessons in Facinas in her house, which is a small village 20 min from Tarifa direction Cadiz. House of Inga is perfect for doing yoga, in very special natural environment. If you prefer lessons in Tarifa, there  classes in Hotel Hurricane (around 5 km from direct. Cadiz).

Duplicate of Scuba diving

It is estimated that in the Spanish waters there are about 1,500 shipwrecks, which in many cases hides different treasures of great historical value. Huelva and Golf of Cadiz are the areas of Spain with a biggest number of sunken ships. Mostly of them belonged to Indian´s trader or were boats from Battle of Trafalgar. 9 of the 15 French and Spanish ships that sank in the Battle of Trafalgar (1805) against the British navy remain underwater close to the coast of Huelva and Cadiz.

Duplicate of Fishing in Tarifa

Mood for fresh fish ? You can fish it on your own! Sportfishing becomes very popular and along the Tarifa´s coast you will find a lots of good spots. You can choose between bottom fishing and deep fishing. According to the period of the year, you can fish different species. In bottom fishing - pargos, sea bass, toothy, breams, gilded, brotolas etc. In deep fishing sword fish, white marlin, imperial needle, shortfin mako shark, blufin tuna etc.

Duplicate of Mountain biking

As Tarifa is located between 2 natural parks, Los Alcornocales (Oak forest) and Gibraltar Strait, there is not just beautiful nature and stunning scenery but also plenty of great trails for mountain bike. Discover these all beauty and enjoy your green holiday. The hidden off roads will makes your trip an unique mountain-biking experience. There are more shops in Tarifa, which offer bike renting and guide bike trips for differents levels. Thanks to Tarifa´s clima, biking can be done all year long.

Duplicate of Bird watching

There are almost 400 species of birds passing over the Straits of Gibraltar and through Tarifa. Every autumn and every spring, migratory birds rest in south of Spain on their way to Africa for the winter, and come back heading to Northern Europe for the summer. This makes Tarifa a prime destination for birders. Ornithologists established in Tarifa offer guided tours to discover all kind of birds as Eagles, peregrine Falcons, Ospreys, Barn Owls, Stork, giant Lammergeier, Vulture, Lesser Kestrel, European Bee-eater, Serin, Little Swift, Eurasian Spoonbill, Black Kite, Marsh Harrier etc.

Duplicate of Trekking

Discover Andalusian nature surrounded by spectacular views of Africa, Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. You will be surprised by Tarifa´s magic countryside, mountains, pine and eucalyptus forests and olive trees. During your trip you can see different birds, horses, donkeys, sheep, black pigs, goats and cows. Nice routes are f.e. trip to Guadalmesi River (8km), Colada del Estrecho (5km), Honey river (5 km), Risco blanco (6km), Hozgarganta River-Las Asomadillas (8km). In the Natural Park Los Alcorconales should be the biggest Oak forest in Europe.

Duplicate of Quad biking

If you like adrenaline, adventure and off-road riding, so quad biking tour is the perfect outdoor activity for you. Alone or with group, discover Andalusia´s hidden trails, undiscoverd routs, mountains and amazing scenery on quad. Doeasn´t matter if you are beginner or experienced quad rider, the tour is for all levels. You just need a drive licence. This guided excursion will be an excited and unforgettable adventure on your holiday in Spain. Available all year around.

Duplicate of Playa chica

The last gold sand beach of the Mediterranean Sea. A tiny beach in front of the Isla de las Palomas - the southernmost point of the European continent. Families like to go there, if there is west wind and waves in the see, here the water is calm without waves and the bay protect you again the wind. Favorite beach from the local people in summer. Nice place for paddle surfing, diving and snorkeling.

Duplicate of Los Lances

Best Tarifa´s beach for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Stunning white sand beach with clear water, Andalucia mountains in background and amazing sunset. Official kite spot from 15.6. - 15.9. It has the best wind conditions for sailing with the west wind. If there is Levante, east wind, you can contract rescue boat in our kite school. Beach club Agua has a compressor. No buildings at the beach, no hotels, just cows and horses along the beachside, relaxing at the max!

Duplicate of Las dunas

A wonderland beach with sand dunes in Natural Park called Gibraltar Strait. If you climb to the top of the dune, you get a wonderful view back along the coast to Tarifa and to Tanger. If you walk along the dune, you will find hidden beaches, amazing surf spot and the tip of Punta Paloma. There is a path all the way along the beach to Bolonia.
A good place to kitesurf with the east wind. Zones for kitesurf, windsurf and swimmers in summer. Respect them!

Duplicate of Bolonia

Small coastal village, located on Atlantic shora, is just 18 km from Tarifa towards Cadiz. Known for its sandy beach, bay, sand dune and also the Roman town ruins of Baelo Claudio. You'll find there great oceanside restaurants and beach bars. If you are a cheese fun, visit the goat cheese farm behind Bolonia village. Preper yourself for a magical trip to splendid place.
If the wind for kitesurfing and windsurfing is too strong in Tarifa, in Bolonia is little bit softer.

Duplicate of Surla, Surf bar

In this surf bar you can have a breakfast, with the real italian cappuccino; lunch, with daily menu and from 7pm sushi from fresh fish from Tarifa. Possibility to take it away. Don´t forget to taste the home-made cakes :-) The restaurant is located close to the see at the beach Los Lances. You can connect to wifi internet. After eating here enjoy a walk along the beach, with its breath-taking sunsets and views to Morocco.
Street/ Pintor P. Villalta, 11380 Tarifa, Phone: +34 956685175, Open from 9am till 00h.

Duplicate of ECO center, a vegetarian restaurant

This vegetarian restaurant, located in center of Tarifa, offers ecologic food and pizza. In the holistic center inside you can practice yoga, pilates, meditation, salsa dance, they also offer massage shiatsu etc. In the eco shop you find ecologic products, food, drinks, healthy cosmetic, eco cleanings products, books, fresh bread, eggs, vegetable, spices and more ! They also organize life concerts every Sunday. Who does not know the famous music band from Tarifa, Los Miserables...miss something!!!
Street/ San Sebastian 6, Tarifa 11380, Phone: +34 956627220. Open 1-4pm and 7pm-12am.

Duplicate of Surf bar Tomatito

Tomatito, the sport bar, is the next stop in the regularly nightlife route through Tarifa :-) You have to try their fresh strawberry mojito, you will not to stop to drink it !!! Good for parties, birthday celebration, or just have a drink on the way. For small hunger you can have hamburger, hot dog or veggies sandwich. Amazing and funny service, done with love :-)) By important spanish football games you can watch it there. Located in old town, in the squere where are the best parties of Tarifa.
Street/ Cervantes 4, 11380 Tarifa. Open from 7pm till 2am.

Duplicate of Restaurant Solsticio

Restaurant at the beach Los Lances, behind bus station, by skatepark turn right. Cozy place with amazing fresh juice, variety of salads, starters, main courses and deserts. Good, friendly, English speaking and very fast service - this combination is very difficult to find in Tarifa :-) Terrace full of beautiful plants. You can connect you to internet per wifi. After nice food you can have a beautiful walk along the beach, with sunset and view of Tanger in Morocco. Open from 3pm.
Street/ Pintor P. Villalta 64, Urb. Los Lances II, 11380 Tarifa, Phone: +34 956 68 49 65

Duplicate of Vegetarian Restaurant Chilimosa

Great experience and fantastic fresh and helthy dishes. Very small, so if it is full, you can take it away. But very good vibe in the restaurant, staff is friendly and English speaking. All biological and home made food. Try the fabulous hummus with falafel, coconut curry with rice and as desert delicious brownie and carrot cake :-) Behind the gate to old city (Puerta de Jerez) turn left, you will find it on your left handside.
Street/ Peso 6, Tarifa, Phone: +34 956 68 50 92. Open: 12:30-3:30pm and 7-11pm.

Duplicate of Steak house Vaca Loca

Delicious high quality steaks on barbecue served on a wooden plate. Full of meat, salad and homemade fries. Portions are huge! Good house red wine. A good choice after a kitesurfing session ! This place fills up quickly. They don´t take any reservation. Great to sit outside on a summers evening and take in the atmosphere, watching all the people around. It is in the old town, in the squere, where all the bars are.
Street/ Cervantes 6, 11380 Tarifa. Open 6pm - 2am.

Duplicate of Pizzeria La Tribu, Surf bar

Night life in Tarifa start mostly with visiting the Surf bar and Pizzeria La Tribu. Located in old city, passing the Jerez gate take left down. They offer variety of pizzas, for cheap price and it´s fast done. As a drink try Spanish beer, Coronita or some tasty cocktails as Piña Colada, Mojito, Sex on the beach....Happy hour are mostly from 23-00h. They shows nice surf and windsurf movies.
Street/ De la Luz 7, Tarifa, Spain, 11380, Opening hours: 19:00 to 02:00.

Duplicate of Caffee shop "Café Azul", breakfast bar

Nice Caffee bar with breakfast and brunch in center of Tarifa. Small but cozy place with different decoration. You can choose between great smoothies and fresh juice, yoghurt with fresh fruits, nice italian coffee, sweet and salty crepes, cold or warm sandwiches, eggs and more. You find it near Puerto de Jerez, on the street with all banks, near traffic lights (there is just one in Tarifa :-). They speak English.
Street/ Batalla del Salado 8, 11380 Tarifa. Open from 9am - 2:30pm, every day.

Duplicate of El Tesoro Restaurant

This hidden restaurant you find in Betijuelo. Once there, you will not regret this trip through the countryside. You end up in the mountains over Punta Paloma in place called Betijuelo, in a secret place in middle of Tarifa´s virgin environment, overlooking the bay of Valdevaqueros. The restaurant offers fabulous local food, while you enjoy the beautiful view of Morocco. There are very busy in summer, so advanced booking is recommended.
Street/ Paraje Betijuelo 6, 11380 Tarifa, Phone: +34 956 23 63 68. Open from 12pm-12:30am.

Duplicate of Bar El Almedina

Lovely coffee bar with special architecture and amazing atmosphere, located in historical entrance to medina (old city). During the day you get nice breakfast, pasta, salads, deserts, tee (try tee moruno with menta) and in the nights is famous for life music, soul, jazz and jazz-funk. There is a life flamenco concert every Thursday. Try also mojito :-) Sometimes they are also exposicions from local artists.
Street/ De Almedina 1, 11380 Tarifa, Phone: +34 956 680 474. Open from 11am-4pm and 9pm-2am.

Duplicate of Gibraltar

Rock of Gibraltar. Just 40 km from Tarifa away and you will feel like in England. It is an Overseas Territory of the UK and to go there, you need a passport. They have Pounds Sterling as its currency. Most of its area is covered by a nature reserve, which is home to around 250 Barbary Macaques, the only wild monkeys in Europe. Walk around the Rock and enjoy the increible views. Visit also Great Siege tunnels and St. Michaels Cave, set 300 metres above sea level. An amazing example of what time and water can do to limestone. Electronic goods, cigarettes and alcohol are cheaper than in Spain due to tax free status of the colony.

Duplicate of Cadiz

106 km, capital of the province of Cadiz, the oldest city in the Occident - 3000 years old! Known for its Carnival in february, flamenco, wineries, monuments, beaches and 300 days of sunshine a year. Sights in Cadiz: baroque-neoclassical Cathedral; the tower Torre de Poniente with marvellous views over the old city; Case del Obispo - museum of glass walkways over 1500 sq metres of excavated ruins takes you through every period of Cádiz' history; playa de la Caleta - city beach guarded by two forts and Moorish bath house. The beach is also famous for movie James Bond - Die Another Day where Halle Berry come out of the sea in an orange bikini.

Duplicate of Jerez de la Frontera

118 km. Famous for its Sherry, wineries, flamenco, Andalusian horses and moto race. The biggest events: International Horse Fair in May and Motorcycle Grand Prix in April! Sights: Jerez's Moorish fortress Alcazar; Cathedral San Salvador; Domecq - Jerez's oldest bodega (1730) famous for the world's best-selling brandy Fundador; Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art - every Thursday the Cartujana horses (a cross between the Andalusian and the Arabian) show dressage techniques and jumping in the spectacular show. Taste also Tío Pepe sherry in bodega Gonzalez Byass!

Duplicate of Seville

210 km from Tarifa. Capital of Andalusia, birth place of flamenco and famous for its architecture (on the picture is Real Alcázar), bullfighting and the fair, which has space of 54 football fields, with 3000 people riding a horse the all times and 500 thousand visitors! A great party :-) Don´t miss to visit Real Alcázar - Unesco World Heritage Site in 1987; Cathedral Giralda - officially the biggest in the world; Basilica de la Macarena - La Macarena is the patron of bullfighters; 15-century monastery La Cartuja de Cazalla; Parque de María Luisa and Plaza de España, both relaxation spots.

Duplicate of Granada

280 km. Visit The Palace Alhambra and its gardens, world heritage by UNESCO. It is the best-preserved and oldest Moorish palace in the world. It has around 8 thousand visitors a day, so book the ticket in advance. You should also see Science Park, the most visited in Andalusia, with a planetarium and interactive demonstrations of scientific experiments; The Palace Nazaries, the most brilliant Islamic building in Europe; The Palace de los Leones; The Albazyín, is an open-air museum in which you can lose yourself for a whole morning and the abbey Abadía de Sacromonte.

Duplicate of Ronda

136 km. The city is cut in two by bridge El Tajo that carries the rio Guadalevín through its centre. Both sides joined the famous bridge (New Bridge) of 130 m. It has the oldest bullring in Spain. Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles lived in Ronda for many years. Visit also Alameda del Tajo - lovely gardens, where at the end you find a balcony protrudes from the face of the cliff, offering a vertigo-inducing view of the valley below; Pileta cave with its prehistoric wall paintings of bison, deer, and horses (some of theme old 15000 years) and Palace of Mondragón.

Duplicate of Ceuta

29 km. You need to take a boat to go to Ceuta, it is a Spanish city on an African continent. It takes around 1 hour with fast ferry (company Balearia or Trasmediterranea). The statue of Hercules symbolizes unity of Europe and Africa. These two bronze figures are the biggest in the world in the classical mythology. See also Castle del Desnarigado, located just under Ceuta's lighthouse; Plaza de Africa - the heart of the old city; St. Philip's Moat, built in 1530 by Portuguese and open air swimming pool in the center of the town with cozy Moroccan restaurant :-)

Duplicate of Tangier, Morocco

14 km. In 40 minutes with fast ferry you will discover other world: the African continent. Ferry company FRS and Trasmediterranea. The mountain, which is to see from Tarifa´s beaches, is called Rif Mountain. Sights: St. Andrew's Church; Kasbah museum with its Andalucían-style Sultan's Gardens; Caves of Hercules, the mythical hero and the symbol of Tangier (16km outside of the city); Grand Mosque; Grand Socco with Mendoubia Gardens and Cinema Rif, which displays photographs and old movie posters highlighting Tangier's glamorous past.

Duplicate of Wind Poniente

A side onshore wind, very steady, coming from the Atlantic see, from west, from Portugal. In summer it is a thermal wind. The sea is choppy. In winter, this wind is more onshore and with more waves. Perfect wind for waves riding, kite surfing and paddle boarding. Wind forces around 10-20 knots. In winter sometimes stronger. The best spots for riding is Tarifa town, by football stadium and Los Lances beach (by beach bar Agua). In summer it is forbidden to kitesurf in Tarifa, so we go to Los Lances beach.

Duplicate of Wind Levante

Funneled through the Strait of Gibraltar, Levante is an offshore wind from east. Hot and gusty wind in summer and cold in winter. Wind forces of 20-40 knots, mostly blows in summer. When it blows more than 35 knots, better to take a windsurf equipment :-) Good kite spot for Levante wind is Los Lances, with flat water, but you should contract the rescue boat (just in summer). In winter we go to Punta Paloma beach or Valdevaqueros.

Duplicate of Air temperature

From June till September we have in Tarifa above 30°C. In winter it can be around 20 to 15°C. In January and February is mostly raining.  The water gets warm in summer, requiring only boardies or a shortie wetsuit. In winter gets much cooler, you will need a 4/3 or 5/3 wetsuit. On these sandy beaches in Tarifa on the Atlantic ocean side, you will find the perfect wind and weather conditions for kitesurf, surf and windsurf. Beaches as Los Lances, Valdevaqueros and Las Dunas.

Duplicate of Wind forecast