Top 10 Things To Do In Tarifa, Spain (Besides Windsports)
We’re going to set you up – on a blind date with Tarifa, Spain. If you’re not well versed in windsports (like us), you may never have heard of this easy, BREEZY, beautiful town located at the southernmost end of Spain. There’s more to Tarifa than meets the eye, and this destination is worth more than a quick pit stop on your way to Morocco. Tarifa is easily worth a full day of your time, and if you’re visiting during the summer, it’s a great idea to find somewhere to shack up and stay awhile. Here are the top 10 things to do in Tarifa, Spain, for all travelers (not just those who love kitesurfing).
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Get To Know Tarifa
Here’s everything you need to know for the best first date with Tarifa:
Location
If you drive to Tarifa, route yourself to Castillo de Santa Catalina using Google Maps, and park for free just below this hilltop castle.
- From Marbella: 1 hr
- From Cadiz: 1 hr
- From Seville: 2 hrs
What to Wear
Don’t forget your hat, or better yet just commit to wearing your hair up for the day–Tarifa goes down as the windiest place we have ever been. During the summertime, this town gives major laid-back beach vibes and temperatures are mild in the mid 70s. You don’t have to dress up to explore the shops and restaurants – you’ll be fine in shorts and a T-shirt or a sundress.
On the other hand, we visited Tarifa during the off-season in December. We needed light jackets to help protect us from the wind – but the weather was still nice at around 60 F.
Get a glimpse of Morocco on a clear day from the Mirador del Estrecho viewpoint
Narrow streets of Tarifa's old town
Coffee's at Andrea's
10 Things To Do In Tarifa
1. Visit Isla De Las Palomas
Also known as Punta de Tarifa, Isla de las Palomas is the southernmost point of continental Europe. This little island has quite the history. During the Spanish Civil War, Isla de los Palomas was used as a prison for political prisoners. Today, visitors can still view a fortress and watchtower dating back to the 18th century on the island. If you’re looking for an activity, this island is a popular spot for bird watching, snorkeling, and diving!
Go for a walk along the promenade that splits the Mediterranean Sea from the Atlantic Ocean – and enjoy the unique chance to stand between two major bodies of water! Once you’re on the island, you can check out the stunning views of the coast of Africa, which is just 14km away across the Strait of Gibraltar. Finally, this is the perfect place to watch the sunset along the rugged cliffs if you can time your visit just right.
2. Take a Day Trip To Morocco
Tarifa is located just across the Strait of Gibraltar from Morocco, making it a popular jumping-off point for trips to North Africa. Tangier, a vibrant city in Morocco, is just a short ferry ride away from Tarifa, Spain, making it the ideal destination for a day trip. To take a day trip to Tangier from Tarifa, start by purchasing your ferry tickets in advance to save time. Ferries run regularly from Tarifa to Tangier, with the journey taking approximately one hour.
Once you arrive in Tangier, consider taking a guided tour to make the most of your time in the city. This particular tour includes a local tour guide, and a visit to top sights like Place des Cannons (popular square), the souk (market) and the medina (non-European old quarter) for shopping and lunch. Tours like this are nice because they take care of all the details, including round-trip ferry tickets and transportation by bus.
After a full day of exploring, head back to the ferry terminal to catch your return ferry to Tarifa.
Guided Tours to Tangier, Morocco from Tarifa
- Tangier Day Trip by Ferry with Lunch & Tour Guide – this tour is a bit more expensive than the one linked above, but it includes lunch in a typical Moroccan restaurant and a visit to Mendoubia Palace (or Bab Marsa Museum on Sundays) and the necropolis.
3. Go Whale Watching
Tarifa is a popular destination for whale watching, with over 20 different species of whales and dolphins spotted in the waters around the town. From April to October, you can take a boat tour out to sea to spot whales in their natural habitat. During the tour, you’ll be able to see common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, pilot whales, orcas, and even fin whales. With this particular tour, you get to sail along the Strait of Gibraltar in a UNESCO international biosphere reserve.
Tours are led by guides who will provide you with information about the animals and the area’s ecosystem. Whale watching is one of the top things to do in Tarifa if you’re visiting between April and October – this is a truly unforgettable experience offering a unique glimpse into the marine life of the Mediterranean.
4. Visit Castillo de Guzman el Bueno
Next up on the list of top 10 things to do in Tarifa, has to be a visit to the town’s Castillo de Guzmán el Bueno. This castle is a 10th-century fortress that played a key role in the Christian reconquest of Spain. To reach the castle, head into town past the Puerto de Tarifa (Tarifa’s port) and you’ll see the castle near the entrance to Tarifa’s Old Town.
Do note that the castle costs 4 euros for adults and it’s free for children. Furthermore, this attraction is closed on Mondays – which happened to be the day of the week we visited, and the reason we were unable to check out the inside. The hours are listed below so you don’t make the same mistake we did:
- Tuesday through Friday the castle is open 10:30 am – 2:30 pm and 4:00 – 6:30 pm.
- Saturday and Sunday the castle is open 11:00 am – 6:00 pm.
5. Experience Tarifa’s Old Town
You could spend an entire day exploring the shops and restaurants in Tarifa’s quaint Old Town. This small but vibrant neighborhood is filled with cafes and surf-style shops. Start your day off at Andrea’s Brunch near the entrance to town, with some of the best GF/DF food you’ve ever had (they have plenty of amazing regular food too). Then, wander the streets, exploring the clothing boutiques and local art galleries. We bought some beautiful paintings of Tarifa from a local artist inside her tiny, colorful gallery. Mine now hangs above my mirror at home.
Recommendations: I didn’t know GF/DF Crepes were a ~thing~ but the Veggie Crepe was better than bread (IMO). Split a crepe for just 7 euros, they’re plenty big for two. As for the paintings, we can’t remember the name of the shop we visited! Although, our paintings are signed neila, so consider this a scavenger hunt and comment below if you stumble upon this gallery!
6. Visit San Mateo Eliza Church
Since you’re already in Tarifa’s Old Town, make sure to stop at San Mateo Eliza, a beautiful 16th-century church. This church is located in the heart of Tarifa, and it’s a must-visit destination for those interested in the town’s rich history and stunning architecture. Truthfully, you don’t need more than a half hour for this activity, but it is a beautiful spot to stop and snap some pics during your tour through Tarifa’s Old Town.
Views from the Miramar Tower
7. Climb the Miramar Tower
The Miramar Tower is the spot for unmatched views of the African continent on a clear and cloudless day! Plus, the walk to this viewpoint takes you through a beautiful park with colorful tiles and orange trees, so it’s well worth a visit. We took some of our favorite photos here, and enjoyed having this little spot all to ourselves. Besides the views of Africa, this tower also offers a vantage point to see the city of Tarifa behind you.
Beautiful beach in Tarifa, Spain
8. Lounge on Tarifa’s Beaches
If you park in town below the hilltop castle (Castillo de Santa Catalina), you can start or end your day in Tarifa by checking out the nearby beaches just steps from the lot. Playa Chica and Playa de El Balneario are beautiful stretches of white sandy beach, constantly dotted with a rainbow of color from the many kite surfers on the water. Even when we visited in December, the waters were full of colorful kite surfers gliding across the waves. Enjoy watching the windsports in action with the stunning backdrop of the mountains and sea.
If you visit during the summertime, lounging on this beach for the day is hands down one of the best things to do in Tarifa. You’ll be able to enjoy the small town atmosphere in Tarifa, compared to the other overcrowded beach destinations in Spain during the hottest months of the year.
Once you get hungry, check out El Chiringuito Tarifa Lounge Beach Restaurant, where everything is white and the daybeds offer a relaxing spot to sit and watch the watersports. It’s the only restaurant we found located right on the beach.
Eat Your Way Through Tarifa
Speaking of food, Tarifa has more than just stunning beaches and a vibrant nightlife. This town is also home to some of the best restaurants in the area! Whether you’re looking for traditional Spanish cuisine, fresh seafood, or international fare, Tarifa has something to offer everyone. Some popular spots to try include Bar El Frances, known for its delicious tapas and friendly atmosphere, and Mandrágora, a vegetarian restaurant that offers stunning views of the sea.
For a taste of local flavor, head to Casa Juanito or Restaurante El Tesoro, both of which serve up traditional Andalusian dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. When planning things to do in Tarifa, make sure to add dining at one of these fantastic restaurants to your list!
Breakfast at Andrea's; our favorite GF crepe
10. Experience the Nightlife in Tarifa
Lastly, Tarifa’s nightlife is one of the town’s biggest draws, with a vibrant scene that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed evening with friends or an all-night party, you’ll find it in Tarifa. The town is home to numerous bars, clubs, and music venues, many of which are located in the historic old town area.
For a laid-back vibe: Café del Mar or Chiringuito Agua, both of which offer live music and beachside seating.
For a more lively scene: La Ruina, a popular nightclub that attracts a mix of locals and tourists, or Mandala Beach Club, which hosts regular DJ sets and has a fantastic outdoor terrace.
With its diverse range of venues and lively atmosphere, Tarifa’s nightlife is not to be missed!
Bonus #11: Try Windsports
Okay, we know we said we’d talk about the top 10 things to do in Tarifa besides windsports. But if you make it through the list of all 10 activities above, then windsports is the next logical activity – even if you’re new to the sport! Tarifa offers some great kitesurfing courses (see below), with both private and group options, to help you learn the sport from experienced professionals. This is one of the safest and coolest ways to try it out – you’ll be learning in one of the world’s most popular destinations for windsports!
Wrap It Up
There you have it, the top 10 things to do in Tarifa, Spain! From the stunning beaches and world-class windsurfing to the historic old town and lively nightlife, this little town manages to have it all. Whether you have just a day to spend in Tarifa, or you plan to go steady with this dreamy Spanish town – you can easily cross off a few of these activities.
Hopefully we’ve convinced you to add Tarifa to your Spain travel itinerary! It was one of our favorite spots in all of Spain – and we think you’ll develop the same love for this destination. There is something so energizing and inspiring about Tarifa – with its adventurous and artistic vibe – that you’ll want to experience for yourself.
