Just west of Tarifa is this magnificent 3km-long beach, the Playa de los Lances, 226ha of which is protected. The fine white sands are backed by a low ridge of dunes and the marshlands of the Jara and Vega rivers. These rivers run parallel to the beach and have created two lagoons, the Jeli and Montellano.

Tarifa is a great place for birdwatching, being situated on the edge of Los Alcornocales National Park, and also on the migration route for more than 400 species of birds which fly in flocks towards the Straits of Gibraltar and across to Africa to spend the winter, and then return again in spring. 

Thanks to its ideal situation on the Straits of Gibraltar opposite Africa, where the Atlantic and Mediterranean meet, with constant winds, Tarifa is already known as the European capital of windsurfing. The expansive golden beaches to the north of the town (Playa de los Lances and Playa Valdevaqueros are ideal for these sports). For more information see our windsurf page.

Thanks to its ideal situation on the Strait of Gibraltar opposite Africa, where the Atlantic and Mediterranean meet, with constant winds, Tarifa is already known as the European capital of windsurfing. The beaches of this historic Moorish town have also now established themselves as a world-class destination for another hugely popular, and very beautiful, wind-powered watersport: kitesurfing (also known as kiteboarding).

This impressive, solidly-built Moorish fortification, which played an important part in early Spanish history, has been recently restored. As the southern-most point of the peninsula, Tarifa was an important strategic entry point into Spain and the rest of Europe for would-be invaders, so good defensive structures were essential.

The magnificent church of San Mateo is the main church in Tarifa, located in the centre of the old town on Calle Sancho IV el Bravo. All the town´s big weddings and religious festivals are held here. The church has a striking 18th-century Baroque facade, the crumbling stone of which stands out from the whitewashed walls of Tarifa. The belfry, painted salmon pink and decorated with Tuscan pilasters and a hemispherical dome top, is one of the most distinctive features of the town´s skyline.

Created in 2003, the Parque Natural del Estrecho is the southernmost protected area in Europe. It is made up of a long stretch of coastline covering 18,931ha from Cabo de Gracia in the west near Bolonia and Punta del Carnero in the east, south of Algeciras.

Tarifa is located at the southern-most point of Spain and is a popular destination for surfers, families and couples alike, with plenty of activities, from the high-octane to the more sedate. Famous for its long beaches and being the number one kite-surf destination in Europe, the town is popular with watersports enthusiasts, but it also has a great shopping and nightlife and a beautiful old town for visitors to enjoy.

Some companies offer luxury yacht and boat hire, a luxury sailing concierge, who can arrange almost everything from sunset cruises with fine dining to trips to Morocco and Portugal. All in all it's great to see Andalucia from the sea.

Tarifa isn’t only a Mecca for fanatical wind and kite surfers. There are so many other aspects that make Tarifa the beautiful place it is; whale watching on the straits, horse riding, land sailing, mojitos in the chillout beach bars like the famous Tumbao with their unforgettable sunsets, and finally the nightlife scene which has its own unique vibe.

Tarifa´s shopping scene is as varied as the crowd who frequent the town. Classics like the indoor fish market and touristic souvenir shops are balanced with the wave of boutiques that have begun to colonise the old town to cater for the hip surfing set. The result occasionally feels like a clash, but captures the spirit of old and new which so characterizes Tarifa.

Discover the Tarifa beach scene - the fine golden sands, those surf-loving winds, and that very special light of the Costa de la Luz, together make an unbeatable combination. The 10 km of white sandy paradise for which Tarifa is famous. Located north of the town as far as small headland on which sits Torre de la Peña. The beach and the pines behind it are officially protected as a Natural Area.

These massive, majestic mammals swim between the Mediterranean (to the east, from the Costa del Sol across to Morocco) and the Atlantic (to the west, between the Costa de la Luz and Morocco) - the best months to see them are April to October.

Tangiers can be reached by ferry from Tarifa in just 35 minutes. The Moroccan port has a fascinating history: after years under joint French and Spanish control, it was designated an "international zone" in the 1920s and remained so until independence in the 1950s, becoming a haven for Europeans in search of an alternative lifestyle, spies and eccentric millionaires; writers attracted by its liberal multiculturalism and vibrant, exotic atmosphere, include Tennessee Williams; William Burroughs, Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg; and Paul Bowles (who died here). Matisse also painted in the city.

Famous for being the European capital of kite-surfing and located at the southernmost tip of Spain, Tarifa has a laid-back atmosphere all of its own. With its reliable breezes, kilometres of sandy beaches and a Moorish fort, it is a relatively small town which offers fantastic watersports all year round, fascinating history, and excellent nightlife.

Many people dream of riding a horse along the beach, with their hair flying in the wind and the waves crashing around them, feeling a great sense of freedom. Tarifa´s extensive chain of white sandy beaches provides an ideal spot for realizing this dream. Most beaches are several kilometers long, and those which are not immediately connected can be accessed easily via coastal paths, meaning that riders can cover a huge proportion of the coast unrestricted.

Tarifa is a small but historic town with a relaxed vibe. Its most famous monument is the castle . Other attractions are Alhameda Gardens, Plaza de la Ranita, Church of San Mateo, Jerez Gate, Miramar Gardens, Municipal Museum and Santa Catalina the fake Castle

What is it that sets Tarifa apart as such an ideal destination for fans of extreme sports such as kite-surfing?

Ever heard of garum? This strong, fish-based paste was highly prized by the Romans, and was used as a cooking sauce by the gastronomy-loving race. One of the most famous producers of garum was a town called Baelo Claudia, located near Bolonia, a seaside village just north-west of Tarifa.