Tarifa is great for windsurfing; it is perched on the southern tip of Spain, looking towards Africa just a few miles across the Straits of Gibraltar, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean. The town itself is clustered around the narrow streets and has spread outside the old walls. Surf shops line the road into town from the beach and it is clear that most of the visitors are windsurfers. The beach starts in town and extends about 6 km to the Club Mistral centre at the Hurricane and extends around the small headland past Las Dunas to another 8 km of sandy beach.
Due to the limited amount of good accommodation, it is imperative to book at least four months ahead if you are planning to travel between May and October. You have been warned!
In Tarifa we partner with Club Mistral windsurfing. They offer 2 centres at 2 different spots on the main large bay area:
Club Mistral center Hurricane: At the Club Mistral centre Hurricane, the water is flat to choppy in summer; biggish waves (2 meters) only occur from autumn to spring. There is a shorebreak only when the wind is onshore (poniente). At the Hurricane Hotel venue, the shore area is somewhat protected from the wind, but after that, surfing in the levante (side-offshore) is superb. Depending on the tide, there may be some rocks when you are launching and exiting.
Club Mistral center Las Dunas: The most popular and best spot is the center Las Dunas in Valdevaqueros. The center is surrounded by a park, with the fabulous, wide sandy beach, which traces the gentle curve of the bay and extends as far as the dunes, in front of them. Depending on the wind force, the protected bay provides optimum instruction conditions for all skills levels. The shorebreak may be slightly stronger only in autumn, if the wind is onshore (poniente). Beginners' instruction depends on wind conditions and may not always be possible.
Other spots: Tarifa does offer a variety of other spots all along this coast line if you have a car (which most people do). There are also some excellent wave spots such as Bologna and Canos da Mecca - please ask at the center for more details on this.
Tarifa is famous for two prevailing winds that blow through the Straits of Gibraltar. The levante from the south-east is most common in summer when it can blow for weeks, day and night. It is generally stronger, warmer and produces flatter conditions. The westerly poniente, most prevalent in autumn and spring, comes in from the Atlantic, is cooler and can bring waves.
The mountainous terrain and other elements such as the temperature difference between the Atlantic and Mediterranean, high and low pressure, are the cause of winds in Tarifa. As well there is a thermal effect that usually means the wind is strongest in the afternoon. Ideal for party animals. Beginners' courses start at 10 a.m.! Conditions can change rapidly and a gentle force 3/4 can be a 6 to 7 within half an hour.
Tarifa is ideal for windsurfing slalom blasting with sail sizes varying from 3.5 - 6.5. The levante gives flatter water in a slightly offshore wind and little shorebreak. The poniente is more bump and jump with shorebreak building up more the closer to town you sail. If conditions look good, it can be worth a trip to Bologna or Canos de Meca (site of the Battle of Trafalgar).
There are plenty of excursions and tours in Tarifa for those rare light wind days; the mountains behind can be explored on horseback or by bike. Also there is a good dive centre, climbing, surfing and hang gliding. If you want to visit another continent then try a day trip to Morocco.
A definite must is a whale-watching trip in the Straits of Gibraltar. There are several boats that depart from Tarifa, and sightings of dolphins and pilot whales are guaranteed or you are offered a repeat trip! Other marine visitors to these rich feeding grounds are sperm whales, fin whales and orcas. Don't forget your camera!
As with windsurfing, Tarifa is at the forefront of development in kitesurfing. The large beaches in Tarifa make it easy for learning to fly the kite. On the water it is best during a poniente when the wind is blowing cross onshore. Conditions in Tarifa can vary considerably so you need to be prepared to be flexible, especially if you are a beginner. It is a destination that is most suitable for improvers or for those wishing to combine windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Tarifa offers the best combination of Spanish and European nightlife. It starts late and ends late, but the choice is yours. There are different bars and restaurants to satisfy everyone and all good value. If you want to party, remember it doesn't get going until 1 a.m.! At least you don't have to get up early in the morning to catch the wind!
UK / EU passport holders: A full 10 year passport valid until at least 6 months after date of return. No visa required.
Other passport holders :Please check with Spanish Consulate (020 7589 8989)
There are no compulsory inoculations if travelling from the UK but we recommend to check with your GP for the latest advice.
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