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Top things to do in Tarifa

Attractions, tours and activities in Tarifa

About Tarifa

Including tips for the best time to visit Tarifa

Tarifa, tucked in the southernmost part of the Iberian Peninsula, is known as one of the most famous destinations for wind sports. The European capital of kite surfing, this Spanish municipality offers glittering beaches, cozy cafes and a pulsating nightlife.

Despite having a calm and relaxing charm, Tarifa is a hub for outdoor activities. In the summer months, you can join a kite school and learn how to kite surf. During this time, beaches are littered with kites and other people trying to master the skill. Dive into the warm and clear waters of the Mediterranean while you're at Tarifa and watch life underwater. Go for a bike ride up the mountains to witness panoramic views of the surroundings, or venture a little farther on your bike to Baelo Claudio, a well-preserved Roman village by the sea. Whether you're new to rock climbing or a seasoned climber, you'll find a suitable rock to test your skills. Flanked by mountains, northern Tarifa has a good number of trails as well. Hike up La Pena or El Bujeo for magnificent views of the scenes down below.

Tarifa has some of the best relaxing spots by the sea. Head to Playa de los Lances, famous for kitesurfing, for a quick rejuvenating experience under the warm sun. The windy Valdevaqueros beach is ideal for kitesurfing and attracts the maximum number of travellers. Do not miss the white-sand beach of Punta Paloma, with its sand dunes and green trees, when you're in this Spanish city.

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Most popular time to visit October–December
Cheapest time to visit January–March
Local currency € 10 = £8.38
Language Spanish
Average weekend price £60 per night
Average weekday price £60 per night
Typical stay 2 nights

Tarifa reviews

What other travellers say about Tarifa

10

The town of Tarifa itself iz very interesting, with good...

4 January 2025

The town of Tarifa itself iz very interesting, with good restaurants and a fascinating castle (as well as the ferry to Tangier). And on the coast nearby, great beaches and sand dunes and the remarkable Roman ruins at Bolonia.

Kiloran
Kiloran Canada
10

Tarifa is wellknown for being a welcoming small coastal town...

3 January 2025

Tarifa is wellknown for being a welcoming small coastal town with an international flavour brought by kite-surfers, bird-watchers and whale-watchers, with many bars, cafes and restaurants at different budget levels..the winter winds are very strong, but warm.. Food choices include many cuts and presentation of Atlantic Bluefin tuna as well as many other popular seafood and fish dishes, together with the meat dishes of local beef, including a Ruta Iberica

Jon
Jon United Kingdom
8.0

Tarifa is a very living town full of bars and restaurants...

2 December 2024

Tarifa is a very living town full of bars and restaurants and people of all ages. It breeze energy, not in the last place because of the wind ☺. A visit to the castle is absolute recommendable, it can cost you one hout or two...

Karel
Karel Netherlands
10

I didn't expect to find much to do in Tarifa, it was...

20 November 2024

I didn't expect to find much to do in Tarifa, it was just a stop off for our return flight to the UK from Gibraltar, having been in Tangier. But it was actually a lovely place - very pretty, more upscale, and safer feeling than I expected for a port town. We were only there for 1 day and night, I'd definitely visit again to explore a bit more. Maybe don't go if you don't like dogs - we saw loads of them!

Lauren
Lauren United Kingdom
10

Tarifa is a lovely old town with a tremendous town wall...

1 November 2024

Tarifa is a lovely old town with a tremendous town wall still in place on the west side of town. It is a romantic place with lovely little street, lots of shops and restaurants and bars, a ruined castle and old fortification near the harbour. A cute covered daily market offers meats, sausages, cheeses, flowers, clothing, plants and a spectacular display of fresh fish of the day to buy and also served to eat there and then. There are several ferries going daily to various places in Morocco. You can't get bored here. Public buses are very comfortable and punctual and super cheap to explore the surrounding area or coming/going to the airport. Ice cream in Tarifa is the best and plentiful - I am ice cream addicted.

Gertrud
Gertrud United Kingdom
6.0

Tarifa is beautiful, very cool, the old town is great if you...

6 October 2024

Tarifa is beautiful, very cool, the old town is great if you could look at the buildings. You spend more time watching the ground for all the dog crap. My god, do people not know have to clean up after their dogs

Fergal
Fergal Ireland

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