a group of people flying kites on top of a sandy beach
boat on sea under white sky during daytime
brown concrete building under blue sky during daytime
a sign that is in front of a building
a large building with a statue on top of it
Photo by Lina Sproge on Unsplash

Holiday in Tarifa

City in Spain — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇪🇸

Country

Spain

Type

City

Best time to travel

June to September for beach and surfing. Levante wind year-round, strongest winds in July-August. Whale watching from April to October.

Budget/day

Getting there from Germany

Flight to Jerez, Málaga, or Gibraltar (2-3h), then 1-2h drive. Also easily accessible by rental car via the coastal road.

About Tarifa

Tarifa is the southernmost point of the European mainland and a place where the Atlantic and the Mediterranean meet, Africa shimmering just 14 kilometers away on the horizon, and the wind never stops blowing. It is this legendary wind - the Levante from the east and the Poniente from the west - that has made Tarifa the world capital of kitesurfing and windsurfing. The endless sandy beaches between Tarifa and Bolonia attract water sports enthusiasts from all over the world, and the colorful scene of surfers, artists, and free spirits gives the city a unique atmosphere that resembles more of Essaouira or Byron Bay than the typical Costa de la Luz. The walled old town is a labyrinth of whitewashed alleys with Moorish arches, independent boutiques, vegan cafés, and surf shops. Playa de Bolonia, about 20 kilometers to the west, is considered one of the most beautiful natural beaches in Europe - a wide arc of white sand, behind it a massive dune, and the ruins of the Roman city of Baelo Claudia. From Tarifa, you can take a ferry to Tangier in Morocco in just 35 minutes, experiencing two continents in one day. The Strait of Gibraltar is also one of the best places in the world for whale watching - orcas, sperm whales, pilot whales, and dolphins regularly pass through the strait. For German travelers seeking wind, waves, and an alternative atmosphere, Tarifa is a magical place at the far edge of Europe, where the energy of the ocean and the proximity to Africa create a very special vibe.

Adventure
95
Beach
90
Safety
85
Nature
80
Food
75

Top 5 highlights in Tarifa

The places you absolutely must not miss.

1

Kitesurfing and Windsurfing

World capital of wind sports with consistent winds and kilometers of sandy beaches for all skill levels

2

Playa de Bolonia

Dream beach with white sand, massive dune, and Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia

3

Whale Watching

Orcas, sperm whales, and dolphins in the Strait of Gibraltar - one of the best whale-watching spots in the world

4

Ferry to Morocco

In just 35 minutes by fast ferry to Tangier - experience two continents in one day

5

Old Town Tarifa

Moorish maze of alleys with white walls, alternative shops, surf culture, and lively tapas bars

Hotels in Tarifa

Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.

Über 700.000 Hotels
Kostenlose Stornierung
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Hotels in Tarifa vergleichen

* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.

Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen

Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie

Best time to travel for Tarifa

Recommended travel time

June to September for beach and surfing. Levante wind year-round, strongest winds in July-August. Whale watching from April to October.

Summer

Winter

How much does a holiday in Tarifa cost?

Average costs per person per day

🎒

Budget

Hostel, Street food, Public transport

🏨

Mid-range

Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions

🌟

Luxury

Boutique hotel, Fine dining

Book a package holiday to Tarifa

Compare thousands of package holidays to Tarifa and find the best deals with flight & hotel.

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5 travel tips for Tarifa

Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.

Learn kitesurfing at Playa de los Lances - the wide beach with steady Poniente wind is ideal for beginners

Plan a day trip to Tangier by ferry - don't forget your passport, no visa needed for Germans

Book a whale watching tour with FIRMM or Turmares - reputable providers with biologists on board

Visit Bolonia during the week - many Spaniards from Seville and Cádiz come on weekends

Use windless days for Bolonia and the old town, windy days for surfing - this way you plan the perfect Tarifa vacation

Food & drink in Tarifa

These specialties you must try!

Atún rojo de almadraba - Red tuna from the traditional fishing method, seasonal specialty in May and June
Tortillitas de camarones - crispy shrimp pancakes from Cádiz, perfect as tapas with a cold beer
Retinto beef - meat from the semi-wild Retinto cattle from Campo de Gibraltar, grilled to perfection
Mojama - air-dried tuna, thinly sliced with almonds and olive oil as an Andalusian delicacy
Tagine and Couscous - Moroccan influence in many restaurants, authentic due to the proximity to Africa
Suitable for:kitesurfingwindsurfingwindbeachwhalesmoroccoferrysurfingalternativenatureandalusiaroman

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