Tarifa is great for kitesurfing; it is perched on the southern tip of Spain, looking towards Africa just a few miles across the Straits of Gibraltar, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean. The town itself is clustered around the narrow streets and has spread outside the old walls. Surf shops line the road into town from the beach and it is clear that most of the visitors are windsurfers and kiters. The beach starts in town and extends about 6km to the Club Mistral centre at the Hurricane and extends around the small headland past Las Dunas to another 8km of sandy beach.
Due to the limited amount of good accommodation, it is imperative to book at least four months ahead if you are planning to travel between May and October. You have been warned!
Club Mistral centre Las Dunas: Tarifa does offer a variety of other spots all along this coast line if you have a car (which most people do). There are also some excellent wave spots - please ask at the center for more details on this.
Other spots: Tarifa does offer a variety of other spots all along this coast line if you have a car (which most people do). There are also some excellent wave spots - please ask at the center for more details on this.
Tarifa is famous for two prevailing winds that blow through the Straits of Gibraltar. The levante from the south-east is most common in summer when it can blow for weeks, day and night. It is generally stronger, warmer and produces flatter conditions. The westerly poniente, most prevalent in autumn and spring, comes in from the Atlantic, is cooler and can bring waves.
The mountainous terrain and other elements such as the temperature difference between the Atlantic and Mediterranean, high and low pressure, are the cause of winds in Tarifa. As well there is a thermal effect that usually means the wind is strongest in the afternoon. Ideal for party animals. Beginners' courses start at 10am! Conditions can change rapidly and a gentle force 3/4 can be a 6 to 7 within half an hour.
The best time for kitesurfing lessons in Tarifa is in the summer, especially for beginners. The huge space, sandy beach, and flat water make this a great spot for learning to kitesurf. In spring/autumn the onshore winds are more frequent, creating more waves, so it is best for advanced levels.
On the water it is best during a poniente when the wind is blowing cross onshore. Conditions in Tarifa can vary considerably so you need to be prepared to be flexible, especially if you are a beginner. It is a destination that is most suitable for improvers or for those wishing to combine windsurfing and kitesurfing.
There are plenty of excursions and tours in Tarifa for those rare light wind days; the mountains behind can be explored on horseback or by bike. Also there is a good dive centre, climbing, surfing and hang gliding. If you want to visit another continent then try a day trip to Morocco.
A definite must is a whale-watching trip in the Straits of Gibraltar. There are several boats that depart from Tarifa, and sightings of dolphins and pilot whales are guaranteed or you are offered a repeat trip! Other marine visitors to these rich feeding grounds are sperm whales, fin whales and orcas. Don't forget your camera!
Tarifa is ideal for windsurfing slalom blasting with sail sizes varying from 3.5 - 6.5. The levante gives flatter water in a slightly offshore wind and little shorebreak. The poniente is more bump and jump with shorebreak building up more the closer to town you sail. If conditions look good, it can be worth a trip to Bolonia or Canos de Meca (site of the Battle of Trafalgar).
Tarifa offers the best combination of Spanish and European nightlife. It starts late and ends late, but the choice is yours. There are different bars and restaurants to satisfy everyone and all good value. If you want to party, remember it doesn't get going until 1am! At least you don't have to get up early in the morning to catch the wind!
UK / EU passport holders: A full 10 year passport valid until at least 6 months after date of return. No visa required.
Other passport holders: Please check with Spanish Consulate (020 7589 8989).
There are no compulsory inoculations if travelling from the UK but several are recommended. Please check with your GP or local travel health clinic for the latest advice.
