Azenhas Do Mar

Tarifa is a little fishing village at the southernmost tip of Europe. Relatively unknown outside of Spain it is famous within Spain for its huge, wide beaches, charming Moorish Old town and castle and its laid back ambiance…oh and the wind! In recent years Tarifa has become a mecca for kitesurfers and windsurfers all over the globe due to its consistent and sometimes nuclear winds. Every year thousands of water sport junkies make the pilgrimage and do battle with the elements in this the European Capital of Wind Sports.

Aside from the wind though Tarifa has a lot to offer anyone. Situated right on the edge of the Alcornocales national park it is surrounded by stunning scenery. Finding something to do in Tarifa really isn’t a problem, whatever your into there is something for you here, Whale and dolphin watching, quad biking, horse riding, trips to Morocco, stand up paddle, mountain biking, climbing and many other activities or if you’re feeling a bit more tranquilo…a relaxing day at one of the most spectacular beaches in Europe.

With Morocco only 30 mins away the Moorish influence in Tarifa is easy to see. The old town is seeped in history and the old castles (Tarifa has 2!) look down over the town providing an amazing backdrop to the hundreds of kites that can be seen here on a summers day. As the southern most point of Europe the weather remains clement all year round and sunbathing is not unheard of on Christmas day. Finally it is easily accessible with 3 major airports all within 2 hours drive, Malaga, Jerez and Gibraltar.

The best time to experience Tarifa is probably from April – June or Sept – Nov. Outside of these months the town is either heaving with Spanish tourists (July-Aug), which is great if you want to party…as they party very hard! And in the winter months the weather while still generally good can be a little unpredictable.

Sam Guest is an IKO Kitesurf Head Instructor currently working in Tarifa, Spain. He has 10 years experience working in the water sports industry and has a passion for life, the ocean and helping people get the most out of what they’ve got.