‘Magical’ coastal town that Spanish locals visit in the summer – with African day trips and white-sand beaches
A COASTAL town that is known to Spanish locals is often overlooked by Brits.
Tarifa is the southernmost point of Europe, and stretches along the south coast of Spain.
The white sand beaches are pristine, which are the main attraction of the town.
But due to its location, it is also known as being one of the windiest towns in Europe too.
This means kitesurfers flock to the area, and is a great spot to watch or even try it yourself with a local-run lesson.
Dolphin and whale watching is also an option, which can be spotted by boat.
There is also the 800-year-old Tarifa Castle, between the old Town and seafront which is worth a visit.
Otherwise the Old Town itself is lined with bars and restaurants, with a mix of both Spanish and Moroccan influences.
This is the same for the stalls too, attracting a range of African and Moroccan souvenirs.
Otherwise you can walk between both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea with a long pathway between the two.
And due to it’s location, you can easily visit Africa for a day trip.
Ferries run between Tarifa and Tangier in Morocco, taking around 35 minutes.
In the summer they run every two hours from 9am to 11pm, dependent on the weather.
Tangier is set to be big this year, according to Vogue, thanks to beautiful new hotels opening in the city.
Not only is it an ideal winter sun destination, but it was even used to film blockbusters Mission Impossible, James Bond and Jason Bourne.
Don’t fancy getting the ferry from Spain? Flights from the UK are £16.
To get to Tarifa, Brits can fly to Gibraltar, with easyJet flights for as little as £14.99 from London Gatwick.
Flights also operate from Bristol Airport and Manchester Airport, all taking less than three hours.
Tarifa is then around which is around 40 minutes by car to the coastal town.
Don’t expect to see many chain hotels in Tarifa, although some of the more popular ones include the four-star La Residencia Puerto Hotel & Spa or three-star Beach Hotel Dos Mares.
Lastminute have holiday packages from as little as £252pp, including hotels and flights.
What is it like to visit Tarifa
The Sun’s Harry Cox previously visited Tarifa – here’s what he had to say.
If you want to try kitesurfing, there’s no better place to go than Tarifa in Andalusia, Spain.
I’m not a natural — that was clear when I face-planted for the 56th time.
Kitesurfing is a cruel mistress. But for every hour of misery, there are ten minutes of elation.
Old town Tarifa after 11pm turns in to what, in Britain, we might class as a street party.
There is a courtyard with bars all around it and seating in the middle which is so lively it almost has festival vibes.
Tarifa also has plenty of day-trip options. Drive 20 minutes down the coast to Baelo Claudia, the ruins of an ancient Roman town.
So if you go to Tarifa and find kitesurfing really isn’t for you then you won’t be short of things to do.
In the mean time, here’s the Spanish coastal town that was named the best in the country.
Or if on a budget, we’ve found the cheapest seaside town in Spain for a holiday.
