Curator’s statement
Tarifa, situated at the southernmost point of Spain, borders the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. This unique town, though small, is an amazing spot for travelers to discover. It is mostly known for the strong wind that attracts many kiteboarders and windsurfers such as myself. It has much more to offer. There are several trails to explore in the surrounding area and beautiful beaches to enjoy when the weather permits. If you visit in the shoulder seasons of April–May or September–November, you will enjoy warm temperatures and smaller crowds of tourists. This will allow you to relax into the coastal life of Southern Spain, even if it’s just for a weekend.
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Where to stay in Tarifa, Spain
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Things to do in Tarifa, Spain

Beaches
There are several beaches in this small town of Tarifa. Playa Chica allows you to swim in the Mediterranean Sea. Walk to the other side of the boardwalk. You are welcome to relax in this spot, but watch out. There aren’t many days that you won’t see professional or training kiteboarders in this famous “Balneario Spot.” It’s truly incredible to watch. But if you’re more interested in swimming…. Just keep walking down the beach. Further down this beach, Playa de los Lances, you will find several Beach bars (Chiriguitos) where you can stop for rest and enjoy the view.
If you have a car and want to venture further out of Tarifa’s old town, I suggest traveling to the Playa de Bolonia. Said to be one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Spain, Bolonia is another wonderful spot to relax and enjoy the sun. You may even see the famous cows that live nearby come to rest on the beach.
Wind sports
One of the main reasons people visit Tarifa is for the extreme wind sports. Though it's not the only reason, it is a good one. If you want to do an activity like this, make a plan. If you only have a few days and no experience, you won’t likely have enough time to learn to kitesurf or windsurf. But if you are content to just get your feet wet (literally and figuratively) there are plenty of great surf schools to choose from.
Tours
Tarifa is extremely historical. Due to its location, less than 15 kilometers from Morocco, it has a long history of battles against invasions by Spain. One tour that can teach you about this is at the Castle of Guzmán El Bueno. This castle has a small entry fee of four euros and gives you a great view of the old town and across the Strait of Gibraltar to Africa.
You can also find free walking tours if you want to learn more about the old town as you wander.
Day trips
Being at the southern most point of Europe, it is easy to make a day trip to Morocco or the African continent! Ferries run multiple times a day, giving you the chance to explore Africa for the day and have a late dinner back in Spain.
Places to eat & drink in Tarifa, Spain

There is no shortage of good food in Tarifa. However, some personal favorite places add just a little something special to your visit:
Café Numero C: A breakfast spot with the best coffee you can find with an excellent breakfast. Or if you prefer, there are fresh pastries to choose from here.
Café Azul: For a more traditional breakfast, Café Azul with its bright color and beautiful interior is another fantastic place to go.
Surla: One of the best-known breakfast/lunch spots to eat in Tarifa, and for a good reason. It has a cheerful environment right off the beach walkway and has delicious locally sourced breakfast and lunch menu items.
Papaya Tarifa: Offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and a bar. Everything you want on the beachfront and for a reasonable price. This spot is another local favorite.
Bar El Ombligo: A fabulous choice for dinner with amazing burgers and several traditional tapas. This restaurant is the perfect place to finish your evening with a nice dinner.

Travel Advisor
Rebekah Smith

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