Tarifa, Spain – The World Capital Of Wind
I wanted to visit Tarifa in winter but back then it was so windy and cold that I had to postpone my visit untill summer.
Tarifa is the southernmost point of Europe. A tiny, in the literal sense of the word (in several streets), town that is well known to all fans of windsurfing and kitesurfing. Not for nothing, Tarifa is considered the capital of the winds – there are literally no days without wind! This is the most popular place for windsurfing and kitesurfing in Europe.
It is located in the narrowest part of the Strait of Gibraltar – from here to Africa there are only 16 kilometers. Standing on the main pier you will find the Mediterranean Sea on the left side, and the Atlantic Ocean on the right.
To get there, it’s best to fly to Malaga, and from there it is only 2 hours to Tarifa by car or you can also catch a bus.
All accommodation options in Tarifa are 2-3 * small hotels, campsites or apartments. I strongly recommend you to book in advance: in summer, during peak season the chance that you will find a room without reservation is close to zero.
Tarifa has an absolutely unique atmosphere and you will experience it as soon as you step in there. Plenty of interesting hipster shops, all related to kitesurfing or windsurfing (of course!) is a great entertainment after the day spent on the beach. Little charming streets are full of hidden corners with bars “only for those who know” and discos at night. Tarifa is popular among younger people, and you can literally feel this energy of youth and free spirit in the air. Many people come in caravans (houses on wheels) and stay in campings.
There are a lot of kitesurfing schools and if you are planning to start or improve your skills this is probably the best place in Europe. There are plenty of places to visit nearby Tarifa, like Cadiz, Conil de la Frontera, Seville. However, if you get bored on this shore you can take a ferry to go to Morocco.
When visiting local restaurants and bars don’t forget to try local specialty – fresh tuna which is cooked here in many different ways.
Tarifa has plenty of history and lots of antique buildings – you can start acquainting with the town by visiting its historic part – the castle and the old town.
As in many other cities in Andalucia, the buildings are all painted in white, and of course, it makes sense considering how much heat and sunlight there is during the summer time.
Going around the narrow streets of old town, don’t forget to look inside the patios – you will find some of the cutest and interesting courtyards inside.
It is interesting that despite the water in Mediterranean sea was very calm, I found that it was much colder than in the Atlantic ocean. The beach in Tarifa seems endless and walking along it was one of the most pleasant pastimes there.
