Tarifa is located in the province of Cadiz in the Spanish region of Andalusia. It is located at the southernmost point of the European continent, only 14 km from the coasts of North Africa.
Known around the world as a mecca for windsurfers, this charming white Andalusian town has been only slightly spoiled by the mass tourist developments that have devastated the coasts of most of Spain. Much of the surrounding coast is still protected under Spanish law and a few kilometers west of the city are two of the most beautiful beaches in Spain. Strong winds and good waves make Tarifa an attractive place for water and wind sports.
Water sports are one of the main activities in Tarifa – with windsurfing and kite surfing being the most popular in Tarifa.

Activities in Tarifa
Windsurfing in Tarifa
Tarifa is the best combination of service and wind. It is known as a testing center or training location for most of the brands and professionals. However, it is also well suited for beginners. Here you will find windsurfing centers from Los Lances Beach to Valdevaqueros and Bolonia. Depending on the wind direction, you need to choose the one that better suits your level. Conditions can vary from a distance of 3 km. Ask the locals who will kindly recommend the best place for the day.
Most of the centers are open from March to October, but some, like the Surf Center at Hotel Arte Vida, are open all year round. Some days windsurfing in Tarifa can become unforgettable for you when you are cruising in the Strait of Gibraltar, having such a beautiful view of the African continent, thinking about the history of this channel and even feeling the magical surroundings and the surroundings, a mixture of African flamenco fusions … I promise you will get addicted to this city. What is known is that from that day on you want to come back again and again.
Kitesurfing in Tarifa
Tarifa is for sure the best place in Europe to practice kitesurfing. The mixture of good winds, kilometers of perfect beaches and a comprehensive service at professional schools and rental centers makes Tarifa this place, from shallow water for beginners or freestylers to waves for kitesurf addicts, everyone is suitable in these waters, just choose yours Place.
From the city of Tarifa to Caños de Meca you can find a nice place that suits your needs but only in Tarifa shops that use the take away service or in closer areas like Dos Mares, Arte Vida or Valdevaqueros where you can Find centers with all the services you can need. You can even find places with kindergarten services.
Kitesurfing in Tarifa is definitely a must when you visit us!
Whale watching in Tarifa
The fascinating experience of cruising the Strait of Gibraltar gains an emotional climax when the lovable inhabitants of these waters, whales and dolphins, approach our boats to show themselves and thus satisfy the curiosity of tourists.
Whale watching in Tarifa has become a tourist activity with an educational and research background. The latter has the effect of minimizing the impact on the environment and maximizing the protection of the natural environment and species, using the visitor’s experience as an instrument for the process of conscience.
Marine biologists partner with tourists to research statistics and data about these animals and their habitat that are useful for scientific projects and publications. You can film and photograph the unforgettable encounters with dolphins and pilot whales watching the tourists, the orca mother with her young calves around the fishing boats trying to catch a bite of the bluefin tuna, the fin whales (the second largest animal in the world) ) caused a big blow to the surface, and the sperm whale waved goodbye to tourists, showing their huge tails and looking out of the water like an obelisk in the sea.
- Resident species (can be seen year round): Common dolphin, striped dolphin, bottlenose dolphin and pilot whale.
- Semi-inhabited species (presence related to feeding seasons): Killer Whale – Orca (between July and September) Sperm whale (mostly between March and July).
- Migratory bird species (cross the strait on their hiking trails): Fin whale (mostly between May and July).
Where shall we eat
In Tarifa, the food is generally good – especially fish. Try to go to the places that are filled with local people. They are generally easy to find by tourists (both Spanish and foreign). Some of the best places in Tarifa are the best too.
Don’t forget to try the local tuna, swordfish and especially the „Prawn tortillas“Typical of the Cadiz coast. Ortigas are another local specialty. The best restaurant in the old town is called Mandragora and is located in Independencia (a small alley between the city walls and the cathedral). It’s not che but the food was the best we’ve had in Spain and it’s filled with locals.
Insider travel tip
Drive north along the very long beach, the best thing to do is take a car … 🙂 There you will find a huge dune that is fun to climb and offers a fantastic view from up there!