Surf Tarifa - Surf spots & sightseeing

Playa de Los Lances - surfing directly in Tarifa

Playa de Los Lances is the largest and most famous beach if you want to surf in Tarifa. It stretches over several kilometers and offers good conditions for surfers, especially in winter. The wide, open beach catches swells from the Atlantic well, and with the right swell you can expect clean, long waves here. In the summer months, however, the wind can pick up considerably, making Los Lances a hotspot for windsurfers and kitesurfers. For surfers, the best time is in fall and winter, when the wind dies down and the waves get higher.

Playa Chica & the town beach of Tarifa

Aon the first day of Levante, when there is nowhere to surf, it is worthwhile for kitesurfers and windsurfers to check out Playa Chica and the town beach. These are the only surf spots that work. If you want to surf, you have a chance of catching some nice waves when switching from Poniente to Levante.

Playa de El Balneario - surfing at the gateway to the Mediterranean

Playa de El Balneario, right next to Isla de Las Palomas, is another fantastic spot for surfing in Tarifa. Here, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, you can experience particularly powerful waves that unfold best in larger swells. El Balneario is less susceptible to wind than other beaches in Tarifa, which makes it particularly popular with surfers. Experienced surfers in particular appreciate the powerful, hollow-breaking waves, which are often steeper than at other spots in the region.

Playa de Valdevaqueros - wind sports mecca with occasional waves

Valdevaqueros, around 10 kilometers west of Tarifa, is primarily known as a windsurfing and kitesurfing spot. However, you can also occasionally find good waves here, especially in winter and on days with less wind. The beach offers a spectacular landscape with sand dunes and a wide bay, making it a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts. Although the waves are not as consistent as at the other spots, it is still worth getting your surfboard out here if the conditions are right.

Tip: There is a bar near the beach called Tumbao, which loosely translated means "to lie down". The name says it all: the green lawn is a great place to hang out, watch kitesurfers and enjoy cocktails. The music is also usually good and there are burgers and other grilled food to keep hunger at bay. You can easily spend the whole day here - especially if you fancy something more relaxed.

El Palmar offers what many surfers dream of: an 8 km long beach break that guarantees beautiful waves almost all year round. The spot is particularly popular with beginners and advanced surfers, as the waves here come in different levels of difficulty. Unlike Tarifa, where the wind often dominates, El Palmar offers significantly more days with perfect conditions for pure surfing. Due to its sheltered location, the wind is weaker here and the waves can build up more cleanly and evenly - ideal for long sessions in the water. But of course, Levante or Poniente can also blow here. For such days, there are wonderful alternative spots such as Barbate or Cañon de Meca nearby. For more information, take a look at surf spots.

In addition, the vibe in El Palmar is relaxed. Surfers dominate the coastal town (apart from the height of summer, when it is mainly Spanish bathers who stay here. But then there are no decent waves in El Palmar anyway), there are a few surf stores and restaurants, a supermarket and, of course, a few surf camps.

If you want to surf in Tarifa, you should know two winds: Levante and Poniente. Because you'll have to deal with both of them if you want to surf on the Costa de la Luz.

Levante:
Levante is the warm east wind: when the palm trees bend in the wind and the streets and the view of Africa are a blur, it's probably Levante in Tarifa. The Levante is a real natural giant that has a strong influence on life in Tarifa. When it arrives, you can feel it immediately: the air becomes warm and dry, the sky seems clearer and the strong east wind blows everywhere. It often blows continuously for days on end and can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h in the narrow Strait of Gibraltar. What is particularly striking is how it changes Tarifa - the streets become emptier, the trees bend and the sound of the wind is omnipresent.

For windsurfers and kitesurfers, the Levante is a real dream because it brings with it the perfect conditions. Perfect if you want to surf in Tarifa. For surfers, on the other hand, it can be challenging because the wind whips up the waves and makes the water choppier. But despite its power, the Levante also has something fascinating about it - it gives the city a special energy that you can literally feel.

Poniente:
The Poniente is the gentler brother of the Levante and blows as a westerly wind from the Atlantic towards the Mediterranean. In contrast to the hot, dry Levante, the Poniente brings a fresh, cooler breeze that makes the weather in Tarifa much more pleasant. When the Poniente blows, you usually experience clear, sunny days and calmer waters. Africa is now clearly visible. Temperatures are more moderate and the air feels humid and fresh, which is a welcome cool-down after hot Levante days.

For surfers, especially surfers, the Poniente is a welcome change. It provides more consistent, cleaner waves that are easier to surf. Windsurfers and kitesurfers also get their money's worth when the Poniente blows with moderate winds, but without the extreme gusts of the Levante. Overall, the Poniente creates a relaxed atmosphere in Tarifa - the perfect time to enjoy the waves or simply feel the pleasant breeze on the beach.

Even though Andalusia is a sunny destination, you should make sure you have the right wetsuit for surfing in Tarifa and El Palmar. In fall and winter, the water temperatures are relatively cool at around 15-18 °C, so a 4/3 mm wetsuit is ideal to keep you warm. In spring and summer, a 3/2 mm wetsuit or simply board shorts or a shorty is often enough. In September and October, it can still be quite warm, so board shorts are sometimes still sufficient. In addition to the wetsuit, you should choose a surfboard that suits your ability and the local conditions depending on the wave conditions - slightly larger boards with more volume are recommended for the powerful winter waves. You can find surf stores with rental stores in both Tarifa and El Palmar. Tarifa is mainly home to surf stores for kitesurfers and windsurfers. In El Palmar, you will find surf stores that are designed for surfers.

The best ice cream in Tarifa
You enter the old town of Tarifa through the so-called "Puerta de Jerez". On the left behind the archway, you will find our first insider tip: this is where you will find really delicious homemade ice cream - according to Alex and his girlfriend Ana, the best ice cream in Tarifa.

Cakes and cupcakes
A little further down the street, the sweet smell of cakes and sweets will fill your nose. This emanates from the traditional confectionery and pasteleria "La Tarifena". Delicious cakes and sweets have been made here for over 60 years. The pretty and sweet delicacies are piled up in the store window and display cabinets. They are perfect for a little snack or as a gift to take home. If you don't get weak here, it's your own fault.

Shopping in the old town
If you like shopping, you're sure to find what you're looking for in Tarifa's old town. You won't find chains such as H&M or Zara here, but you will find numerous individual boutiques with modern but also unusual clothing, jewelry, handicrafts and home accessories.

Bars & Restaurants
The further you go down the street, the deeper you work your way into Tarifa's gastronomic offerings. You will find typical Andalusian restaurants and many bars in the romantic winding streets of the old town. You can find our restaurant tips below. However, we can already reveal that the restaurants "El Lola" and "Picnic" are our favorites in the old town of Tarifa.

Plaza Miramar - view of Africa
If you don't feel like stopping for a bite to eat, grab a coffee to go or a tart from the pasteleria "La Tarifena" and sit down in the "Plaza Miramar". The small garden is located on the old city walls of Tarifa. Here you will find palm trees and benches to relax on. Best of all: you have a wonderful view of Morocco from here!

Welcome to the southernmost tip of Europe! The Isla de las Palomas (or Isla de Tarifa) is the southernmost point of the European mainland. You don't need a boat to get to the island. You can easily reach the island on foot, as a causeway connects it to the mainland (the so-called Punta de Tarifa). There is an old military fortress on the Isla de las Palomas, which can only be visited by appointment. But that is not what is really interesting. Rather, it is the location that makes the Isla de las Palomas so special. Because here, at the southernmost point of Europe, on the Strait of Gibraltar, the two oceans, the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, merge. So you have the Atlantic on your right and the Mediterranean on your left - with a view of Africa. Pretty awesome, isn't it?

If you are already on your way to Isla de las Palomas, you can also stop by the Castillo de Guzman el Bueno. The castle is located on a promontory and practically towers over Tarifa. From here, you have a magnificent view over the Strait of Gibraltar. In the past, the castle was used as a bulwark against pirate attacks and later as barracks for the Spanish-British troops. Today, you can visit the Castillo de Guzman el Bueno and even book guided tours.

Playa Chica is located on the Mediterranean side. The sea at this beach is fascinatingly blue and clear! Although there are virtually no waves, you can snorkel or paddle a SUP here. Playa Chica has its very own flair, as you will hardly see any tourists here. Instead, you can roll out your towel next to the locals ;-) Interestingly, the water here is always a few degrees colder than on the Atlantic side.

Tarifa is the stronghold of kitesurfers. It goes without saying that there are also corresponding stores here. Are you looking for a wetsuit, board shorts, a surfboard or fins? No matter what you are looking for, in Tarifa's numerous surf stores you will find everything you need for surfing, kitesurfing or windsurfing - or the latest surf fashion.

April to October is whale season. During this time, you can watch whales and dolphins in the Strait of Gibraltar. The foundation firmm in Tarifa organizes so-called whale-watching tours. Unlike many other providers in Tarifa, firmm (Foundation for Information and Research on Marine Mammals) is actively committed to the protection of whales and dolphins and therefore also the marine habitat. Before each trip, all participants are first given comprehensive information about the habitat and the protection of the animals. The team also provides important and exciting information about the marine mammals during the expedition. Incidentally, A-Frame guests receive a 10% discount on a whale-watching tour.

A quick trip to Africa? Morocco seems close enough to touch from Tarifa - as if you could swim across quickly. And indeed, Morocco is only 14 kilometers away from Tarifa. A bit far to swim, but what's the ferry for... Several FRS high-speed ferries depart daily from Tarifa to Tangier in Morocco. The ferry crosses the Strait of Gibraltar in just under 45 minutes and you're already in Africa. A day trip from Tarifa to Tangier is therefore not at all unusual. If you've never been to Morocco before, you can take the opportunity for a short trip in Tarifa.

Tip: Don't forget your passport. If you are traveling in a guided group, an identity card is often sufficient.

The Restaurant Picnic is located in the old town of Tarifa. Everything is just right here. The team is welcoming and the food is excellent: tapas, octopus, steak or tuna - everything is delicious and beautifully presented. If you like tapas, you have to try the patatas bravas! In addition to the delicious food, the wine here is also very good.

Surfers are always hungry. It's a good thing that Tarifa has the Surla restaurant. Because there is always good food here! The restaurant is located directly on the Paseo Maritimo and is the favorite place of surf instructor Alex and his girlfriend Ana (dog Frida likes it too). Whether it's breakfast, lunch or sushi for dinner - they could spend the whole day here. In their opinion, the most remarkable thing is breakfast: they have chia pudding, acai bowls and various egg variations. They also serve incredibly good coffee, smoothies and other healthy shakes. The cool thing is that you can also eat typical Spanish tostadas there, so there's something for everyone. Surla places great value on high-quality ingredients and the price is more than ok for the quality. For lunch there are woks and pasta dishes, in the evening Surla turns into a sushi restaurant (according to Alex, the best sushi in the area!). Surla is open all year round - with the exception of February. In the evening, the restaurant is only open in the high season (June to October). The restaurant itself is very lovingly decorated, making you feel at home and happy to stay longer.

The Restaurant El Lola is actually a typical Andalusian tapas restaurant. But only "actually". The tapas there have a modern twist and there are many tuna dishes such as sashimi, tataki or tartar de atun. These are particularly recommended as the fish is caught locally and has a long tradition and is also certified. Our favorite, the ensaladilla de langostinos or the calamares fritos are perfect for sharing and tasting. The restaurant and terrace are always full in high season. Nevertheless, it is not possible to reserve a table in advance. As the restaurant is located in the old town, waiting to eat is often entertaining - musicians often play in the square in front of El Lola. The service staff are very friendly and funny. Somehow you feel like you've been invited to a friend's house for dinner.

The Waves Beach Bar Tarifa is located directly on the beach. Here you can sit comfortably, eat fish or sip a cocktail while watching the sunset. The Waves Beach Bar often hosts parties (until 2 a.m.).

The Chiringuito Lounge-Beach Restaurant Tarifa is something for romantics. It is located in Tarifa, at the entrance to the Isla de las Palomas - right on the beach. The restaurant is a little more upmarket, but you can also just have a coffee. The best way to do this is to make yourself comfortable outside on the wonderful terrace and enjoy the sun. The food and wine are said to be excellent - but we haven't been there for dinner ourselves. The restaurant clearly stands out for its view. Coffee with a view of the sea or dinner in the sunset - whatever the weather. Because if it's too uncomfortable outside, the restaurant offers panoramic glazing for uninterrupted views of the Atlantic. Wonderful!