This charming Andalusian town offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and adventure.
Wander through the narrow streets of the Old Town, where you'll find the imposing Castle of Guzmán el Bueno, a testament to Tarifa's rich past, and some fantastic bars and boutique shops.
For beach lovers, the golden sands of Playa de Los Lances and Playa de Valdevaqueros offer perfect spots for sunbathing or trying your hand at kitesurfing and windsurfing – Tarifa is, after all, Europe's wind capital!
Nature enthusiasts can explore the stunning landscapes of Los Alcornocales Natural Park or take a short ferry ride to Morocco for a day trip to Tangier.
Don't miss the opportunity to watch the sunset at the iconic lighthouse, Faro de Tarifa, and see where the Atlantic meets the Mediterrean!
- Tarifa is the windiest spot in Europe, making it a paradise for wind and kite surfers from around the world.
- On a clear day, you can see Africa from Tarifa's beaches - Morocco is only 14 km away across the Strait of Gibraltar!
- Tarifa is named after Tarif ibn Malik, a Berber military commander who led the first Muslim expedition to Iberia in 710 AD.
- The Castle of Guzmán el Bueno, built in 960 AD, is one of the best-preserved Caliphate-era castles in Spain.
- Tarifa is a crucial point on the migratory route for birds between Europe and Africa, making it a birdwatcher's paradise.
- The town is home to several endangered species, including the Iberian lynx and the Spanish imperial eagle.
- Tarifa's sand dunes, some of the largest in Europe, are a protected natural area.
- The Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia, just 22km west of Tarifa, offer a glimpse into life in a prosperous Roman town 2000 years ago.
- Tarifa is considered the unofficial capital of whale and dolphin watching in Europe, with regular sightings of sperm whales, orcas, and various dolphin species.
- The town's motto is "Muy Noble, Muy Leal y Heroica" (Very Noble, Very Loyal and Heroic), granted for its resistance against sieges throughout history.