MORE ABOUT TARIFA


The first settlement of the Moorish invasion of 711, it is famous for the story of Guzmán del Bueno (the Good), who sacrificed his son rather than surrender the Town Square. It still retains all the charm of an Arabic city. Its legacy of historic monuments is noteworthy: the Gate of Jerez and the Caliph`s Castle from the Moorish rule, the church of San Mateo (16th century), etc. Nearby, the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia are worthy of mention, lying next to the beach of Bolonia.

The town is an excellent destination for lovers of water sports, and it`s a party town, yet with a distinctly chilled out atmosphere. Take a road trip up along the old roman roads behind Tarifa, for a wonderful experience; winding up into the hills, through forests and past hilltop fortresses. Alternatively, you can gallop along the beach towards the Zahara sand dunes. To descend the dunes, the horses have learnt how to toboggan, sitting back on their rumps and slithering down the hill. Best of all are the full-moon beach rides.

Beaches

6 miles of white sandy beaches, unspoiled countryside and some of the best windsurfing conditions in Europe, have established Tarifa as a true surfers` paradise. Just 7 miles across the Straits of Gibraltar at its narrowest point, this southern-most tip of Europe where the Med meets the Atlantic Ocean, enjoys spectacular views of the Rif mountains of Africa across the water.

Nature

Tarifa`s wild coastline attracts surfers and nature-lovers alike. Just as famous for its bird watching as its surfing, there are endless opportunities to explore the rolling countryside. Horse-riding, hang-gliding, kite-surfing, rock-climbing and diving to name but a few.

Activities

Its coast has been chosen as the venue for the World Windsurfing Championships, which has come as a great boost to the city. Underwater fishing is also possible in its transparent waters and beaches of Los Lances, Bolonia, Punta Paloma, De la Plata, Valdevaqueros and Torre de Peña.

Strains or fighting bulls and beautiful horses can also be seen at pasture in this region, and from the coast, so too can the flight of great flocks of birds migrating.