Adventure & Kitesurf Travel Guide of Tarifa 2024 | Spain

Updated July 2024

Are you thinking of visiting Tarifa for an active holiday or long-term stay? Great minds think alike! After a decade of intense Tarifa exploration of Europe’s outdoor playground, I surely have some useful Tarifa tips for you. Use this Tarifa guide as a start for your own Tarifa adventure!

Table of Contents

• Tarifa Travel Guide: A sense of place
  • A casual day in Tarifa
  • An adventure sports paradise
  • Tarifa’s special location
  • Wind capital of Europe
  • Active in the outdoors
  • Relax, don’t worry
  • Mindset
  • Orientation
• Tarifa travel planning
  • How to go to Tarifa?
  • From the airport to Tarifa
    • Hire a car
    • Ridesharing
    • Bus to Tarifa 
    • Private transfer Airport – Tarifa
  • The best time to be in Tarifa
  • How to go around in Tarifa?
• Kitesurfing in Tarifa
  • Wind in Tarifa
  • Which kite and wetsuit to take to Tarifa?
  • Where to kitesurf in Tarifa?
  • Where to take kitesurf lessons in Tarifa?
  • The best after-kiting chill spots
• Adventure things to do in Tarifa
  • Mountainbiking in Tarifa
  • Hiking in Tarifa
  • Longboarding in Tarifa
  • Stand Up Paddle (SUP) in Tarifa
  • Surfing in Tarifa
  • Kayak in Tarifa
• Cultural things to do in Tarifa
  • Explore the Old town of Tarifa
  • Feria de Tarifa & other feria’s in Cadiz
  • Pueblos Blancos
  • Roman Ruins Baelo Claudio
  • Morocco (Tanger) in a Day
  • Get culture clashed in Chefchouean, Morocco
  • What other things to do in and around Tarifa?
• Best places to stay Tarifa
  • Hostals in Tarifa
  • Budget accommodation in Tarifa
  • Mid-range accommodation & B&B Tarifa
  • Boutique hotels in Tarifa
  • Group accommodation in Tarifa
  • Hotels in the old town of Tarifa
  • Hostels in the old town of Tarifa
  • Beachfront accommodation in Tarifa
  • Rent a holiday home in Tarifa
  • Longterm housing Tarifa
• Eating & Drinking in Tarifa
  • Where to go for a local style breakfast in Tarifa?
  • What to eat and where to go for tapas in Tarifa?
• Digital Nomad life in Tarifa
  • Digital Nomad community
  • Digital Nomad blogs
  • Good wifi spots in Tarifa
• Practicalities
• Thoughtful Travel Take-aways
• More resources for Tarifa

Tarifa Travel Guide: A sense of place

A casual day in Tarifa

And Tarifeando we are! With an absurd number of sunny days per year, most time is spend outdoors.  A casual day starts with a café con leche and tostada aceite-tomate (typical Spanish breakfast) in la calle (the street), continues with some thrill seeking in the water or mountains, and gets topped off with some tapas (little food plates) and Cañas (cold small glass of tap beer) at night, of course in, la calle.

An adventure sports paradise

This adventure sports paradise is set in the most southern point of mainland Europe. When approaching Tarifa from the north, the green mystical moon style landscape and views make me speechless, every time again. It feels like you’re near the end of the world. That magical.  Although it’s not the end, you are driving towards a different world: the Arabian one. Put on the radio and the Moroccan berber music starts to dominate the speakers. You can even see the windmills in action on the other side. Africa is thát close.

Tarifa’s special location

Beside two continents, Tarifa is also the merging point of two seas, the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. This special location made Tarifa a strategic military point in history and made Tarifa what it is today. The landscape is scattered with bunkers and cannons from the time Napoleons troops were hopping around. The Moors that ruled for almost six centuries gave Tarifa town its Arabian style architecture. Its white narrow streets make it easy to get lost. Doesn’t matter. Every street eventually ends at your destination, which is mostly likely la calle anyway.

Wind capital of Europe

Tarifa has about 300 windy days per year. No wonder El Viento (the wind) is the talk of the town and an even more popular resource here than the sun. ‘Discovered’ by windsurfers back in the days, Tarifa now attracts kitesurfers from all over the world to see what the buzz is about. As opposed to most other Andalusian coastal towns, here it’s not the beach, but the sky that is crowded. Tarifa has more kitesurf shops than grocery shops. Dogs are walked with a kite leash. And the number of party people at night depends on the wind forecast for tomorrow. I was also drawn to Tarifa because of the wind. But I’m still in this place because it’s so much more than just wind. The excitement I felt when moving to this town, is still present after eight months…  That’s a record! Its bohemian ambience, divers sportive, artistic, multi-national crowd, and endless exploration options, make it very damn hard to leave.

Active in the outdoors

So no wind, no worries! Tarifa’s surroundings are a fascinating place for wildlife watching. It’s on the migration route for both whales and birds. On the north side of Tarifa, there are the mountains to explore. Tarifa borders with the natural park of Los Alcornocales, one of world’s largest cork tree forests. It’s a mountainbikers, hikers and climbers heaven. Access is easy but be aware when out there. Your trail may be occasionally blocked by some bulls, donkeys, cows, horses, Iberico (Spanish ham) pigs, or goats giving away a music play with their bells. Uphill exercise efforts are rewarded with magical views of the strait and Morocco. Add the fragrance of pine trees and eucalyptus, migrating birds above you, and your expedition becomes priceless!

Relax, don’t worry

Tarifa has more international vibes than I ever felt elsewhere in Spain. Still, the Spanish lifestyle dominates. Although quiet some people are going through some rough times here economically, happiness rules. There is no crisis complaining but every day again the calles and chiringuitos are bursting with people enjoying the climate, food, nature, and each others company. The wind is free, the sun is free, smiles are free. These simple pleasures of life are very appreciated here, every day. What else do we need? Check out the Tarifa tips below to get your exploration started!

Mindset

Many are drawn to this Tarifa because of the kitesurf or windsurf but many stay because it’s so much more. It’s an outdoor playground, a paradise for nature lovers, lifestyle designers, digital nomads, food lovers, and adventure people. There’s a risk you’ll stay longer than planned or may not even leave at at all. It’s a very chilled-out town. When you arrive swift back and slow down! Tarifa is not just Spain, it’s Andalucía where everyone is on the Mediterranean diet.

If you walk the street at 8.30, you will hardly see anyone. In the course of the morning people wake up so they have just enough time to get their stuff done before all shops close at 2pm. Then the town turns quiet, and people go for lunch, a siesta, or a kitesurfing session. Or in most cases, a combi of those:). In the afternoon (which is after 17.00-ish) shops open again, the paseo maritimo (boulevard) turns into the place to be for dog walking-, running-, and longboard-sessions. Then Sunset watching is the only routine that really exists here each day, and after that, Tarifa town really comes alive!

Orientation

Tarifa is the most southern village of Europe. Morocco is only 14 kilometres away. These views never bore. As it’s a seaside town the climate stays mild in summer as opposed to egg frying temperatures in other parts of Andalucía.

Tarifa travel planning

How to go to Tarifa?

By plane, boat or road! You can fly to Malaga, Sevilla, Gibraltar, Tanger or Jerez. Malaga has the most flight connections. Seville is often cheaper in high season (July – August). Jerez only operates in high season (July-August). Gibraltar only has flight connections with the UK. From Tanger you would still have to take a boat (67 euro’s return) so I would only fly in here if you combine Tarifa with Morocco. I use google flights or booking to find the best flight deal.

From the airport to Tarifa

Hire a car

If you have a drivers license, hire a car! The rental car situation in Spain is incredibly cheap. It’s often cheaper than buying a return ticket for the bus Malaga-Tarifa or Sevilla-Tarifa (25 euro’s one-way), and it’s way more convenient. Budget car prices go from 3 euro per day in low season (dec-march) to +/- 25 euro per day in high season (July/August). It’s far cheapest to book in advance. It’s often cheapest to rent a car in Malaga (as opposed to Seville). The car rental situation in Spain is like the wild wild west. There are so many websites and providers to choose from. I recommend to book through Booking. The advantage of booking through this site is that it automatically gives you insurance. No need to pay an extra fee at the desk (they will try realllly hard to purchase add-ons!). Or book directly with Goldcar, budget-friendly and located right in the airport in Malaga and Sevilla. Each time I’ve rented through Goldcar I got a Fiat500. Perfect for parking in Tarifa!

Because of these cheap prices most people who stay long-term also rent instead of buying. There is no car drop-off in Tarifa. Not all car rental companies allow border crossing with Portugal so think about this when booking your car. TIP: you have to show the same creditcard at the desk as you booked with! Also, It can take ages at Malaga airport to get your car. If you’re more than 1 person, let 1 person wait for the luggage, and let the other one get the car already (if the car provider is located IN the airport). It can save you hours! Or fly into Sevilla where there never seems to be a waitingline. Drive times to Tarifa: Malaga – Tarifa: 2 hours. Sevilla- Tarifa: 2,5 hours. Gibraltar – Tarifa: 45 min. Jerez – Tarifa: 1 hour, 15 min.

No car? No worries! Of course, there are other options to get to Tarifa

Ridesharing

Blablacar This is a ride sharing website that works very well in Spain. Check the routes and see if you can share a ride with someone. I love this website! I’ve used it a few times. It’s fun, cheap, fast AND environmental friendly to share the ride. I met great people through this platform. If you have a certain amount of flexibility (which you should have in Spain!) chances are high you find a ride for your preferred route and time. IF you do rent a car, why not sign up for this website too and help someone else with a ride? You’ll make a new friend for sure!

Ridesharing Tarifa Facebook Group People post their rides and ride requests here. Perhaps someone is going and you can share the costs!

Bus to Tarifa

From airport Malaga, there are 2 direct buses to Algeciras daily: at 11.30 and at 18.50. It takes about 2 hours. I never buy a ticket in advance and it always works out well. However, in high season (july-august) you may want to do this. From Algeciras, there are buses going to Tarifa almost every hour until 10pm. If you arrive after 17.00 in Malaga Airport you can go to Malaga or Marbella bus station first and then take a casual bus from there. It pays off to wait for the faster bus (there’s also one that stops everywhere, not much fun), or better to book a flight that arrives early so you can take the airport bus or fast bus from Malaga bus station. You can also take a bus Airport Malaga to Marbella and then hop on a bus to Algeciras/Tarifa. It’s gonna take a while. From Seville airport, there’s a bus every half hour to the bus station in Seville center (4 euro). Get out at Prado de San Sebastian. From here you can take a bus to Tarifa which takes 3 hours (20,30 euro). Beautiful route! The bus will stop for 10 minutes on the route. There are 4 buses daily (9.30; 14.00; 17.30; 20.00). If you have to wait long for the bus to leave you can drop your luggage in a locker and soak up some Sevillean ambiance and have a tapa or two. Seville center is walking distance from this busstation, so is Parque de Maria Luisa which is great for siestas and enjoying the fragrance of the orange blossom flower :). I sometimes fly into Seville on purpose as this city is amazing and the busride from Sevilla to Tarifa is much nicer than from Malaga to Tarifa. Arriving in Malaga after 20.00? No way public transport will get you there. Chill-out and take a bus or Blablacar mañana. Take the bus (or train!) to Malaga center, check-in at the hostel next to the busstop and explore Malaga. It’s a lovely city!

Private transfer Airport – Tarifa

If you want no hassle and go straight from the Airport to Tarifa, you can book a private transfer in advance. This will be half the price than taking a taxi on the spot (Malaga-Tarifa Taxi 300 euro! outch). If you don’t want to rent a car and you’re 3-4 persons, a private booked transfer is cheaper than the bus. More and more private transfer options keep poppoing up here.

Ferry to Tarifa

If you come from Morocco, there’s also a direct ferry to Tarifa. With Ferryhopper you can check the best price. See here all the ferry companies and timetables for Tarifa – Tangier.

Or sail in in style. Unfortunately, Tarifa’s port doesn’t accept sailing vessels unless it’s an emergency.

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The best time to be in Tarifa

April And May are my favourite months in Tarifa! There are good vibes in town, flowers are blooming, the grass is still green, many (Poniente) windy and wavy days, it’s easy and affordable to find a place to stay, it’s not too hot for mountain biking, birds are migrating, the dolphins are close to shore, the Alamadraba tuna is on its best and people are happy! Note. Semana Santa, Eastern, and May 1st is busy. June: also chill! Until the 15th of June, you can kite at the town beach. After the 15th, the high season really starts, it gets busier in town, and kitesurfing and windsurfing is only allowed in certain zones (Picture below) July-August: hot, busy & mucho fiesta en la calle (the street)! Many windy days. There are not many wave days. The town and beaches are crowded. Nevertheless, there is so much space that it’ll never become a Costa del Sol. On the water, it’s busy but not crazy busy cause in these months, many are just coming for the beach. If you hack the Spanish lifestyle hours and get up early, it’ll be just you and nature. September-October-November: Love it! Good vibes in town. Nice weather. Beautiful sunsets. Good mountainbike weather! The second week of September, there is the Feria in Tarifa, which is an authentic Andalusian event not to miss! December-January-Februari- March: Quiet, many wave days. It’s a nice time of the year for mountain biking, too. THE time to meet a local. It doesn’t get colder than 10 degrees and there are still quite some days of 20+ degrees. February and March have most rainy days.

How to go around in Tarifa?

Tarifa old town is fairly small. Everything is within walking distance. From the old town to the beach, it’s only a few minutes walk. Other parts in Tarifa town can be reached in less than a 30-minute walk. It’s nice to walk El paseo Maritimo (path along the beach), especially around sunset. The bay of Tarifa is 14 kilometers long. The N340 road goes along this bay. To reach different beaches, a car is most convenient. It’s also nice to have one if you want to explore places beyond Tarifa, like Bolonia, Vejer, or Cadiz. Between 15 June – 15 September you need a car to reach the kitebeaches if you stay in town. In July and August, there are also beach busses going every 2 hours, which costs 1 or 2 euro’s. Hitchhiking is quite common too. To visit nearby places like Bolonia or Vejer there are public bus options, but not too many. If you stay longer, get a bicycle! Especially if you’re Dutch ;). I do everything by bike and works fine for me. The N340 road is a bit dangerous to cycle but you can take the scenic offroad detour route and avoid it.

Kitesurfing in Tarifa

The wind: what Tarifa is famous for. Tarifa is known as the wind capital of Europe. Where back in the days windsurfers dominated the bay of El capital del viento (wind capital), now most action comes from the kitesurfers. Tarifa’s main beach stretches from town to 14 kilometres north towards Cadiz. Between the 15^th of June and the 15^th of September, you’re only allowed to kite in the Tarifa kite zones , Valdevaqueros and Los Lances Norte. (after 20.00, you can go everywhere, but usually, the wind has dropped by then anyway). Beyond the high season, you can kite everywhere, from the island of Paloma to the dunes of Punto Paloma. It’s best at Los Lances and Valdevaqueros.

Wind in Tarifa

Tarifa has two main winds: Poniente, a colder stable western wind and Levante: the stronger and warmer eastern wind coming from the Sahara. It’s an all-year-round wind destination, with a bit more windy days in summer. On hot clear days there’s often thermic wind in Valdevaqueros. In summer the wind sometimes changes in no time from Levante to thermic when the beach heats up. First days of Levante are often gusty. With both wind directions, the wind is usually best later in the afternoon. Levante can drop sometimes within minutes at the end of the day. Clouds often means no wind. To check the Tarifa weather forecast: Look outside Live cams for Los Lances (Campo de futbol) and Valdevaqueros (Mistral) at www.spotfav.com Windguru.com Windfinder.com -> superforcast. This is Tarifa though; the weather forecast is hardly accurate, so look outside, observe and assess the situation.

Which kite and wetsuit to take to Tarifa?

The best is to have 3 kites. For those who do not have a money tree, kite size depends on the month you’re coming.  I most often use my 9m (I’m 55-60 kg depending on how many windy days there have been ;)). Kitable wind goes from 13 knots up to 35 (Poniente 12-22 knots, Levante 18-35 knots, Thermic 16-23 knots). For the strong levante a 6m is nice to have. If it’s really strong winds you can drive to other spots. Until June I use a 4/5 mm wetsuit. From July – September a shorty or even boardshorts are fine. The surface water doesn’t get colder than 17 degrees.

Where to kitesurf in Tarifa?

Poniente: Playa de Los Lances Sur (until June 15), Playa de Los Lances Norte, Valdevaqueros, Punta Paloma. Levante: Valdevaqueros (side shore), Punta Paloma (the least strong) or Playa de Los Lances (side offshore) between June 15 – September 15 when there are boats. Thermic wind on hot summer days (onshore) is best in Playa Valdevaqueros. Between June 15 and September 15, kite at Playa de Los Lances Sur and Playa Punta Paloma is forbidden until 20.00.   Sea Angels operate rescue boats with Levante in Playa de Los Lances Norte (side offshore). You can buy a rescue ticket with any kiteschool or the chiringuitos (beachbars) on the beach (30 euro’s – 2 rescues, 50 euros – 5 rescues). Valid whole season. Don’t go too far out in light Levante unless you like swimming with your kite. The wind sometimes drops within a minute. With strong levante you can go to Canos de Meca which is a cool hippy town a beautiful 45 minutes drive towards Cadiz. Or you can go from Gibraltar to Getares (+/-20 min drive) or Palmones (+/- 25 min drive), which are industrial spots which I don’t recommend because of the pollution. If you are crazy for the wind, these are your best options. In high season these spots are forbidden and you can get fined (300 euro’s!). In Bolonia and Zahara de Los Atunes, kite is forbidden as well. The lagoon (Playa de Los Lances) is forbidden. It’s a bird sanctuary.

Where to take kitesurf lessons in Tarifa?

There are +50 kiteschools in Tarifa. I recommend taking lessons from my partner, Johnny Mango. (Summer 2024) Contact him, say you come via Suzanne, and he’ll give you a good deal :). He will never take more than 2 students at a time and works with radio helmets, so you get the maximum out of your lesson hours.  More after experiencing a kitesurfing camp? Browse +1000 surfcamps here.

The best after-kiting chill spots

Gaia (Los Lances Sur /Campo de futbol);  Chiringuito Aqua (Los Lances Norte); Arte Vida (avoid in summer); Club Mistral (Valdevaqueros); Tangana (Valdevaqueros). All these places are amazing for sunset watching too! TIP: At the pigfield (the field between Tangana and Punta Paloma Valdevaqueros) you have a little shop (Tienda Javi) in the back that sells delicious gazpacho (just try it!), tortilla Española and sandwiches for cheap. Tangana and Mistral are nice, but not for those on a budget.

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Adventure things to do in Tarifa

Tarifa is only for kitesurf and windsurfing? No way! It’s so much more than that. Here’s a very small selection of my best Tarifa adventure tips:

Mountainbiking in Tarifa

Tarifa borders the Alcornocales National Park. This is the largest cork tree area in Spain. It’s huge and has great potential for mountainbiking. There are about 35 trails, of which half you can do straight from Tarifa. Some of those offer amazing views over Africa. Mountainbike routes go from easy to extreme. There are some single tracks too. The downhill pro’s or lazy asses who like a view but no sweat, can take their bike in the bus up to Algeciras. Bike rental is around 20 euro’s for a day. Where to rent a mountainbike in Tarifa? At Sailboards Tarifa, Girasol, or AOS. Note that you should get your bike before 2pm or after 6pm. On www.mtbTarifa.com you can find more info on the trails.  And a cool video about Mountainbiking in Tarifa.

Hiking in Tarifa

Like biking, the hiking in Tarifa is a favourite on my adventure list too! The diversity of flora and fauna you find here will surprise you. Not even talking about the views you’ll get.  

A few of my coolest hikes in Tarifa:

• 1. Bartholome mountain: Los Algarbes – Betijuelo. Medium. 6 km. 3 hours. A diverse medium difficulty hike which gives best views over Tarifa & Bolonia, cliffs, pine-trees, wildlife and a refreshing dive in de sea at the end.
• 2. Colada de la Costa 8.2 km Medium difficulty 4 hours. Keep right from the harbour toward Algeciras and you’re on track. Tarifa towards Algeciras. Historical interest, stunning views of Morocco. If you’re lucky you’ll see some whales.
• 3. La Pena. Medium 900 meter. 30 min. Stunning views over Tarifa and Los Lances beach. Easy to squeeze in any itinerary. Mundoposibilidas is a little local business that organises sunrise, sunset and other unique hike gatherings almost every day for free or a few euro’s. You can download this brochure which has many of the hiking routes of the province of Cadiz (including Tarifa) listed.

Did you know that the longest hike of Europe starts in Tarifa? The GR7 goes from Tarifa to Athens. I walked it from Tarifa to Ronda. A beautiful way to get to know Tarifa’s backcountry.

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Longboarding in Tarifa

The Alameda and the ‘Paseo Maritimo’ (beach walk) are the perfect spots for some longboarding. Sunset is the greatest time to go. Bianca from Girlsloveboards gives longboard classes. The guys from Oh my Long organize a longboard gathering every Tuesday and Thursday at plaza Alameda.

Stand Up Paddle (SUP) in Tarifa

Near Balneario island BicSport rents out Stand Up Paddle boards. Rent one for a quiet morning or sunset session and paddle around the island. 2 km out of town there’s a river called Rio Jara. If there’s no wind or you feel like doing a more mellow activity, go cruise this river with a Stand Up Paddle (SUP) board. The BEST Pro Center rents out SUP boards (STAR brand). They recently opened their new school/restaurant on the beach next to Rio Jara. I have seen the most amazing birds here.

Surfing in Tarifa

Can you surf in Tarifa? Maybe this question I receive the most. Yes, you can! The conditions are definitely best in winter. This year, though, the weather patterns are very different from last year, and there have been more wave surfing days. Wave height? 0.5 – 3 meters. Beachbreak. Best surfing spot Tarifa? El Balneario. Often, there’s also surf at Arte Vida and Punta Paloma. Where to rent a surfboard? At BicSport . If wave surfing really is your thing, also check out El Palmar, which is a 40-minute drive up the coast northwest from Tarifa. This is the place to be for wavesurfing. This is a cool surf hostal in El Palmar right on the beach.   Check out more surfcamp and spots

Kayak in Tarifa

Rent a kayak and paddle around Isla de Paloma, the island of Tarifa. You’ll be amazed by what you’ll see. Further Tarifa’s is a VERY good place to go diving, horse-riding, running, freediving, birdwatching, and whalewatching.

Cultural things to do in Tarifa

Explore the Old town of Tarifa

Tarifa is so much more than kitesurfing and windsurfing. Walk through the old town and discover the culture, history, tapas bars, and iconic sightings such as la Puerta de Jerez and Castillo Gizman el Bueno.

Feria de Tarifa & other feria’s in Cadiz

Tarifa has it’s biggest annual fiesta starting the first Sunday of September: The feria!  Tarifa ‘business as usual’ shuts down and the tarifeñas make home at the feria playground set up at the outskirt of Tarifa. Tarifeñas live towards this celebration the year!  It’s the moment we dress up, wear a traje de gitana (Polka-dot dress) or el traje corto (traditional man outfit). Young and old sing, clap, dance the Sevillana, eat tapas, drink rebujitos, and simply enjoy the Spanish life. Nothing else matters this week. Opposed to what many think, it’s not just at night event. Everyday, there is something special going on at the feria. Horse parades, contest for the most beautiful Caseta, cinta races and just general practice of the Mediterranean diet in one of the Casetas. It’s a celebration of culture. The feria is not just drinking and loud music. There are traditions, stories, and unwritten rules about how to dress when, how to act and where, when to go. If you’re not around during Tarifa’s feria, check here if there’s another one going on. Every town has its feria and it’s Spanish life at it’s best. At the feria, visit a few casetas, taste the best feria foods, drink a rebujito and dance the traditional sevillana.

Pueblos Blancos

Vejer de la Frontera, one of the prettiest pueblos blancos (white towns) of Spain. Go either in the morning or afternoon (after 17.00) to encounter more liveliness. It’s about a half an hour drive. Between 14.00 and 17.00 the town is hot and asleep. Arcos de la Frontera is another pretty one a bit further towards Cadiz. In Arcos is the last feria in the area.

Roman Ruins Baelo Claudio

A 15-minute drive from Tarifa you can go 2000 years back in time. In summer there are concerts in the Roman theatre. Quite a must when visiting this area. It’s closed on monday.

Morocco (Tanger) in a Day

Tangier is worth the day trip if you go with  local guide! You can visit Tangier all year round. June-August is busy and hot. Better to avoid. On super strong levante wind days the ferry sometimes doesn’t go. Check and book a ferry with Ferryhopper

Get culture clashed in Chefchouean, Morocco

If you have more time, go a few days to the bluest town in the world. A nice weekendtrip from Tarifa.

Check and book a ferry with Ferryhopper

What other things to do in and around Tarifa?

I have about 1000 more ideas of what you can do, how and where. For now the above will keep you busy enough. Just want to relax at a pretty beach? Explore the beautiful bays and dunes of Punta Paloma, get a natural mud bath at the rock that sticks out there, and end with a Tarifa’s best Paella at El Mirlo.

Best places to stay Tarifa

If you’re coming in August, you better book your place a few weeks in advance. For July and holiday weekends this is also safer. Tarifa will get FULL. If you do want to come in superhigh season, go camping. That’s what I did and had the time of my life:). Or stay outside of Tarifa, in for example Facinas.  There are a lot of accommodation options to choose from. If you come alone it’s nicest to stay in or around the old town. If you have a car and don’t mind a short drive to town, it’s nice to stay in el campo (countryside) or the beach zone. It’s so beautiful along the coast. There are no high rise buildings, only small scale accommodation, a few beach hotels and campings. There is not really a hotel that’s on the beach AND close to town. Apartments yes. These are a few of my personal recommendations. For long-term accommodation tips scroll further down.

Hostals in Tarifa

Which is the best hostel in Tarifa? Hostal bed prices go from 12,50 in low season to 30 euro’s in high season.

• Wake up in Tarifa – New hostel in the center of it all. Well protected from the wind next to the best cocktail bar in town: Aloha. Can get noise here in high season.
• Sulok Hostel New hostel in the Old towns mainstreet. Perfect location with all bars nearby but not in the middle of it.
• Melting Pot – Laid back ambiance hostel, close to town, close to the beach.
• Backpackers Facundo – Central & cheap. Mix of backpackers, kitesurfers, short & long term travellers.
• Tarifa Hostel – This one was built in no time in 2014. Looks cool, clean & fun. Central.
• Hostal Africa – In the old town, nice views from the rooftop terrace.
• Girlslove boards Rent a bed or room in a surf house for chicas only. 5euro discount code: DestinationXploration
• Pinkhouse Central located hostal with a relaxed rooftop terrace. Good for groups as well.

Budget accommodation in Tarifa

For a 2-person apartment, 50 euros per night is a super good budget hotel in Tarifa. In high season, this doubles.

• Pension Correo In the center of it all. The room at the top has a nice little private terrace.
• Hostal Tarifa Value for money. Central location. New building. That’s it.
• Casa Rosendo Nice location in the oldtown with different studio’s/apartments. Moorish style architecture. Nice views.

Cool campings: Camping la Torre & Camping las Dunas. Prices are 12.50 – 17,50 for one person. It’s amazing!

Mid-range accommodation & B&B Tarifa

Find a place to stay in Tarifa for 60-90 euro’s per night. Some of the best hotels in Tarifa in this price range:

• Room Tarifa Super friendly staffed accommodation in the old town. Top location in Tarifa.
• Malibu Beach House. Very close to El Balneario beach, as well as walking distance to the old town. Ground flow. The location couldn’t be much better.
• Casa Blanco Stylish modern accommodation in an authentic Moorish style house. In the center of Tarifa. Relaxed rooftop terrace to chill or watch the people down in town. Open all year round.
• Benali Guesthouse Fully furnished apartments in a great location in the old town. Very nice architecture. Romantic. Could be noisy though in July/August because of the taparias on the square (Taparias close 1-2 AM)
• Hotel La Torre Close to the beach on the N340 (5km outside Tarifa Town). I love the location. Close the kitebeaches, surfbeaches. A car is quite essential. The restaurant is delicious. They grow most of their own vegetables and fruit. They have a sauna, jacuzzi and chill-out garde Tangana Best place to stay if you are here for kitesurf or windsurf only. Cosy little bungalows at Valdevaqueros beach. Busy in July/August. Nice for families.

Boutique hotels in Tarifa

Best Tarifa hotels and accommodation from 90 euro’s /night.

• Dar Cilla. There is no better view of Tarifa and Morocco than from here. I used to be a host here and that view I saw every evening on the terrace is just it. It’s eight beautifully renovated apartments equipped with all you need. The 800 year old wall goes straight through it. Passionately run by Zoe and Martina. The best place to stay in the old town of Tarifa!
• Aristoy New fancy accommodation venue in the center of the old town. With swimming pool.
• El Riad Cosy Moroccon/Andalucia styled B&B with hammam. In the old town, close to everything but far from noise.
• Cortijo el Pozuela, a charming B&B, surrounded by nice gardens, close to the beach, very nice breakfast, a 2 km walk out of town. They have bicycles you can take.

Group accommodation in Tarifa

• Pinkhouse Central located hostal with a relaxed rooftop terrace. Has bunkbed rooms. Good budget option for groups.
• Tarifa Hostel Has rooms up to 10 persons, cooking area, central location. Budget.
• Al Mundo Just outside the oldtown. Very clean accommodation. The suites all have their own style and terrace. A bit more quiet located than the option above. Breakfast included.

Hotels in the old town of Tarifa

• Dar Cilla. There is no better view of Tarifa and Morocco than from here. It’s a guesthouse with self-sufficient appartments. Tarifa’s best place to stay.
• El Riad Cosy Moroccon/Andalucia styled B&B with hammam. In the old town, close to everything but far from noise.
• Room Tarifa Superfriendly staffed accommodation in the old town. Top location.
• Casa Blanco Stylish modern accommodation in an authentic Moorish style house. In the centre of town. Relaxed rooftop terrace to chill or watch the people down in town. Open all year round.
• Benali Guesthouse Fully furnished apartments in a great location in the old town. Very nice architecture. Romantic. Could be noisy though in July/August because of the taparias on the square (Taparias close 1-2 AM)

Hostels in the old town of Tarifa

• Sulok Hostel New hostel in the Old towns mainstreet. Perfect location with all bars nearby but not in the middle of it.
• Pinkhouse Central   hostal Centrally located with a nice rooftop terrace
• Hostal Africa – In the old town, nice views from the rooftop terrace.

Beachfront accommodation in Tarifa

These are the different options for beachfront accommodation. You can either stay on the ‘malecon’ in town. Note that kitesurfing is forbidden here between June 15 and September 15. Then, in Los Lances and further up the coast until Valdevaqueros, there are numerous places where you can be beachfront. Also most of the campsites have tents and bungalows for rent.

Rent a holiday home in Tarifa

Booking has holiday houses, villas and rural house rent as well these day. Atraveo also has +20 options on holiday house rental in Tarifa

ther websites to find a holiday house to rent in Tarifa: Taha Has a few nice listing in the countryside, as well as rural houses elsewhere in the Costa de la Luz. Flipkey is tripadvisors database which dozens of house rental options in Tarifa Homeaway has one of the largest databases of houses in Tarifa Homelidays has the most extensive choice of rentalhouses in Spain, including Tarifa.

Longterm housing Tarifa

The housing market in Tarifa is supercomplicated. About every 20 meters there is a real estate agent. Not even speaking yet about the individuals intervening for rooms and apartments. The Tarifenas earn in the summer to survive the winter months. The earlier in the season you’ll be in Tarifa, the better your chances are for a nice and affordable place. If you arrive in March, you’re set for the season. If you arrive in April or later it comes down to your investigative spirit and a bit of luck. Cuanto cuesta? A room in a shared place: 200-300 euro’s per month. A studio/one bedroom apartment: 350-450 euro per month Larger apartments: 400-800 per month. Prices triple in July and August! So how to set your place for the season? Spread the word around town! Check the notes in the library, Cafe’s (Café Azul, Cafe de la Luz, Café Blanco), sports center, local grocery shops. Repeat. Websites to check for rooms or apartments are www.milanuncios.com , www.segundomano.com www.tucasa.com www.enalquiler.com. There are also 2 facebook groups dealing with this: Tarifa Room Mate and Room and Apartments Tarifa. Best is worth of mouth. So learn the language! Best investment you can make.

Or… go vanlifing!

Eating & Drinking in Tarifa

It’s good that in Tarifa it’s all about activity and the outdoors cause it has more than 180 café’s, bars and restaurants offering delicious dishes, tapas, home made ice-creams, cocktails and canas (glass of draft beer) for little money! There’s no escape.

Where to go for a local style breakfast in Tarifa?

A typical desayuno (breakfast) 8-11 AM: Café con leche (coffee with milk), Tostada aceite tomate (toast with olive oil and pured tomato), and zumo de naranja (orange juice). You won’t find tastier oranges than here! I prefer to go to the local local style places, which you’ll find at every corner, especially outside the oldtown. You’ll get a breakfast deal for 2 euro’s and you get to soak op the Spanish ambiance. El Burgato cafe, Café central, el Tapeo, La Tarifena playa, Toni y Jesus, or the market, are a few of my favourite places for breakfast. Another typical Spanish breakfast: Churros con chocolate (untranslatable, just try:)) at Churrería La Palmera, one of THE places for churros in Tarifa. For an ‘international’ non-Spanish style breakfast? Café Azul, Bossa Bar, Surla or Café Diez are nice options.

What to eat and where to go for tapas in Tarifa?

Lunch (Almuerzo) (14.00 – 16.00) is the main dish and the locals like to take their time for it. At 18.00 ish it’s merienda time when you have a coffee or tea and something sweet. After 21.00 places re-ope again for la cena (dinner) which is mostly sharing a few tapas here and there. I’m a big fan of eating tapas (little bites) and raciones (=plate). A few favourites:

• El Frances (closed on thursday). Try: Patatas Bravas and the red wine
• Lola: Delicious tapas. Has something for everyone, whether you love meat, fish or are vegetarian.
• Veradero: Local style place for fish and sea food anything!
• El Burgato: Passionate owner and de-li-cious tapas. I love the gambas aljillo here!
• Melli: popular and for a reason! Must try here: revuelto and tuna.
• Mobydick: A distinct tapas menu, with more vegetarian options than in the average tapasbar.
• La Jara: On plaza Alameda. Superbueno local food and always many local guests. For a reason…
• Anca Curro: Home breeded and made Iberian ham! I’m against meat for food but this is the purest form you can find.
• La Bodega: local style and cheap taperia in the center of town
• La Esquinita: infront of the Guardia Civil. Delicious some-made style tapas. Big portions for a little price. No cola (waiting line) in high season.
• Toni Y Jesus: superlocal cheap tapas bar just outside the old town (Across Kiteschool Bull)
• El Rancho: 2km out of town. Just off the N340. Real Tarifa. Super local, authentic and delicious. Nice terrace.

TIP: Tapas are usually only served in the bar area or standing around wine barrels. Terraces often only allow raciones or media raciones.

No feeling like eating tapas but other delicious food: Chilimosa: Delicious vegetarian place . Best paella en Tarifa? El Mirlo! Best pizza en Tarifa? Ecocenter, El tribu, and Pachamama. Asian/Indian/Moroccan food? Souk.

Tarifa’s best vegetarian / Vegan food places and restaurants: Chilimosa, Ecocenter, Coco Rock Cafe, Souk.

Digital Nomad life in Tarifa

Digital Nomad community

There’s a digital nomad Tarifa Facebook group where you can connect with digital nomad working and living in Tarifa.

Digital Nomad blogs

Digital Nomads that wrote digital nomad things on Tarifa:

• Johannes (WebWorkTravel) wrote a Digital nomad guide on Tarifa.
• James from LocationIndependent.Co.uk wrote a detailed Digital nomad guide on Tarifa.
• A Tarifa digital nomad braindump by Alex
• Fellow hitchhiker Iris wrote some thoughts on her digital nomad experience in Tarifa.

Good wifi spots in Tarifa

A digital nomad needs GOOD wifi. These are nice wifi working places:

• Bossa Bar (9.30-14.00 / 18.00 – 01.00)
• Café 10 10.00-10.00 Often busy but central
• La Tarifena playa Open all day. Best bread and pastelerias of Tarifa. Nice views over Los Lances.
• Stoked surf bar (next to the blue appartment building, beach side) 1,50 euro breakfast (tostada aceite /tomate)
• Convento 10.00 – 10.00 Cheap and quiet.
• Pachamama All day. Here you can cool down in the swimming pool once in a while
• WET cafe 1 km out of town. Chill garden, good coffee and awesome sandwiches.
• Waves Bar at the beach. Goof wifi, nice view!
• El Chozo Very inspirational to write, view over Tarifa & Africa. It’s the bar of Camping Torre de la pena. Quiet in the mornings and afternoons.
• Library is also nice if you really want some peace. It has free wifi and is open 9.30 – 12.30 and 17.00 – 20.00. Summer opening hours: 09.00 – 14.00.

Top food places & beach bars mapped out:

Practicalities

• Language. Most useful phrases Una cana = a draft beer (1 euro). Cafe con leche = espresso coffee wit milk Mañana= tomorrow (or never ;)). El viento = the wind. See you later = hasta luego
• Budget. Average daily spending budget style: 30 euro’s. Luxury style: 100 euro’s.
• Money ATMs are only in the old town and on the main street with all the shops (Batalla del Salado).
• Sim card. It’s easy to get a local simcard here. Vodafone and Orange have the best coverage. Yoigo is cheapest. It costs about 15 euro and usually you get the same amount of credit with it. It’s helpful to get one if you stay around for a while.
• Where to park in Tarifa? In and close around the old town there are paid parking zoned (blue sidewalks). If you park a few meters further it’s free. It’s usually walking distance. Along the strait of Gibraltar there are usually some spots. Or close to the Plaza de Toros (Bullfight ring). Blue lines is paid parking. Yellow sidewalk is no parking. Your car will get dragged away (minimum costs 65 euro’s)
• Safety: Tarifa is safe. Do keep an eye on kitegear on the beach and don’t leave kitegear or phones in the car overnight. Common sense.
• Business hours 10.00 – 14.00 and 18.00 – 21.00 (More or less)

Thoughtful Travel Take-aways

• Although it may not look like it because everyone is out there consuming on the street, the financial situation is not all sunshine and sunflowers. Go to local little supermercado’s, fruteria’s, heladerias, panaderia and pasterlerias. The local entrepreneurs put their heart and soul into their businesses and need you!! They are what make the place. So skip the big supermarket and go for a local experience.
• Learn a few words of Spanish. Although Tarifa is quite international, all local business goes in Spanish. It’s nice to exchange some words with the local waiter or vendor. Especially if you’re coming for a longer stay, learn Spanish! You’ll manage without but you’ll get so much more out of it if you speak it a little
• You can drink the tapwater in Tarifa. Though I don’t do it anymore because of high calcium. Here are water filter solutions for traveling.
• When you meet someone (even if you don’t know them (yet) you give 2 kisses!
• Adapt yourself to Spanish ‘o clock to get the most out of your time here! Local business times: 10.30 – 14.00 & 17.30 – 22.00 with occasional unannounced changes or close ups. Local eating times: Breakfast 9.00- 12.00. Lunch: 14.00. Diner: 21.00) Don’t even try to have diner before 21.00. Until around 02.00 la calle is where it happens. For the footloose, the dancing starts late. After 02.00. But then… :). The beach early morning is a beautiful place to be.

More resources for Tarifa

• Official Tarifa brochure (click to download)
• Mountainbike trails: www.mtbtarifa.com
• Wind checking Spotfav Windguru Windfinder
• Tarifa second hand kitesurf gear: Tarifakitemarket (KTS has also a good second hand market!)
• Further background reading about everything Tarifa: www.tarifaspain.net www.todotarifa.com
• More reading about Andalucia: Lonely Planet has an extensive guide on Andalucia you can download as an ebook.

Welcome to Tarifa! Que te pásalo bien!!

By no means this is a complete guide of things to do in Tarifa. It’s meant to be a starting point of what I think is useful for the adventure people to know and how you can easily start exploring on your own! I have SO much more tips and insights to give for Tarifa.

Disclaimer. This Tarifa travel guide includes my personal recommendations and that only. Some links contain affiliate links and if you book a Tarifa stay via my site I earn a few pesos to keep this website going. Thank you! Things change frequently in Tarifa. May you notice any inaccurate information, please let me know so it can help the next adventurer! Thank you for your support!

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