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Top things to do in Tarifa

Attractions, tours, and activities in Tarifa

About Tarifa

Including tips for the best time to visit Tarifa

Tarifa, tucked in the southernmost part of the Iberian Peninsula, is known as one of the most famous destinations for wind sports. The European capital of kite surfing, this Spanish municipality offers glittering beaches, cozy cafes and a pulsating nightlife.

Despite having a calm and relaxing charm, Tarifa is a hub for outdoor activities. In the summer months, you can join a kite school and learn how to kite surf. During this time, beaches are littered with kites and other people trying to master the skill. Dive into the warm and clear waters of the Mediterranean while you're at Tarifa and watch life underwater. Go for a bike ride up the mountains to witness panoramic views of the surroundings, or venture a little farther on your bike to Baelo Claudio, a well-preserved Roman village by the sea. Whether you're new to rock climbing or a seasoned climber, you'll find a suitable rock to test your skills. Flanked by mountains, northern Tarifa has a good number of trails as well. Hike up La Pena or El Bujeo for magnificent views of the scenes down below.

Tarifa has some of the best relaxing spots by the sea. Head to Playa de los Lances, famous for kitesurfing, for a quick rejuvenating experience under the warm sun. The windy Valdevaqueros beach is ideal for kitesurfing and attracts the maximum number of travellers. Do not miss the white-sand beach of Punta Paloma, with its sand dunes and green trees, when you're in this Spanish city.

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Most popular time to visit October-December
Cheapest time to visit January-March
Local currency € 1 = $1.17
Language Spanish
Average weekend price $167 per night
Average weekday price $166 per night
Average stay 2 nights

Tarifa reviews

What other travelers say about Tarifa

8.0

Lovely town,with atmospheric old town.

August 7, 2025

Lovely town,with atmospheric old town.It gets busy at night,but is yotally not overly touristy in feel.A relaxed and spacious feel compared to the Costa del Sol. Ferry to Tangiers frequent and easy,for an extra option!

stefan
stefan
8.0

It's a beach vacation, which is perfect, and also you...

June 17, 2025

It's a beach vacation, which is perfect, and also you have to do the whale tour. We saw so many whales and even a sperm whale. All the food i had was great, and you have to just enjoy all the fish you can eat.

Morwenna H Hull
Morwenna H Hull United Kingdom
2.0

Valdevaqueros Whaley spot sucks for kitesurfing, too many...

June 2, 2025

Valdevaqueros Whaley spot sucks for kitesurfing, too many people on the spot, kites stall due to the shadow, board lost every day few posts in "Tarifa Lost & Found" about lost board there. People steal, so many people complain of stuff being stolen, no security even though it is a party-animal spot after 16:00 - super loud music and heavy drinking which demands some security detail, but none. People fighting with other surfers with kites in the year, fist-fights. It's mayhem, which could be something you like, but not if your shit is stolen or lost.

Dimitar
Dimitar Bulgaria
10

I picked Tarifa just because of the ferry to Tangier.

May 21, 2025

I picked Tarifa just because of the ferry to Tangier. What a pleasant surprise! I loved watching the kite surfers. We stayed 3 nights-maybe could have stayed one more day (since one day was in Tangier). Such a nice change from the big cities we had been visiting.

Kimberly
Kimberly United States
10

Walking the medina was great.

April 16, 2025

Walking the medina was great. It’s what we come for. The food and drink around town are brilliant. We have been to Vaca Loco four times now! Tarifa has a laidback vibe to it. Getting around is easy; it is very walkable.

William
William Georgia
8.0

Tarifa is great and is a tonic for the soul

April 5, 2025

Tarifa is great and is a tonic for the soul .Lots of different things to see and do. Generally geared to the kite/surfer connotation in the town there are still a myriad of other activities to do that make it worthy. The scenery and the proximity to North Africa are a big draw. It is far less tourist mass marketed than the locations further north on the Costa Del Sol. Go and enjoy!

Barrie
Barrie United Kingdom

Popular places to stay in Tarifa

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