Tarifa is the southernmost city in Andalusia and a great destination for surfers and culture lovers. What are the best things to do in Tarifa? A few tips!
About Tarifa
Tarifa is located on the southern coast of Spain on the Costa del Luz. It is an idyllic coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, adventurous water sports, and rich history. Located at the southernmost tip of Europe, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, Tarifa is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers.
Once this city was an important port when the Moorish ruled the Iberian Peninsula. The remains of the imposing castle of Guzmán el Bueno, which majestically overlooks the city, remind us of this glorious period.
Apart from its historical heritage, Tarifa is also known as a paradise for lovers of water sports, especially windsurfing and kitesurfing. The city attracts countless surfers every year in search of the perfect wave, thanks to the strong and constant winds that blow here.
But there is more! The city has a charming old center full of narrow streets filled with cozy cafes, bustling tapas bars, and quaint boutique stores. The relaxed atmosphere combined with breathtaking sunsets makes it an ideal place to just relax and enjoy the surroundings.
I visited Tarifa with a friend and immediately felt at home. It is not a huge city, so you can see a lot in a short amount of time. It’s highly recommended to explore the old town without looking at the map or take long walks along the beautiful coast that overlooks the continent of Africa. Tarifa is a delightful city that has much to offer.
The best things to do in Tarifa
Although Tarifa is not very big, you can have a great time in this interesting city. What to do in Tarifa? These are the most beautiful Tarifa sights.
Castillo de Guzman el Bueno
The Castillo de Guzmán el Bueno stands out in the city, as it is an impressive medieval fortress that towers high above Tarifa. This imposing castle, once a defensive stronghold against invaders from the sea, offers a glimpse of the city’s glorious past.
The thick stone walls, imposing towers, and breathtaking views from the top make the castle an iconic landmark. Inside the castle, you will discover extraordinary stories about Moorish rule and Guzmán el Bueno, whose legendary courage and loyalty still keep the history of this monument alive.
Puerta de Jerez
The Puerta de Jerez from the 13th century is one of Tarifa’s ancient city gates. Our accommodation was near this gate and it was always fun to pass through the gate. It feels like a portal from a busy modern seaside town to a medieval town with narrow streets. Very impressive! The streets beyond the gate are full of nice cafes and restaurants.
Iglesia de San Mateo
The most beautiful church in town is the Iglesia de San Mateo. This church, dedicated to San Mateo, consists of a combination of Gothic and Baroque elements that make it look very special. Its majestic facade and beautiful interior, decorated with impressive artwork and detailed carvings, offer a serene place for contemplation amid Tarifa’s lively streets.
Plaza de Santa María
The Plaza de Santa María is the beating heart of old Tarifa. This historic square is surrounded by distinctive buildings, such as City Hall and the library. What stands out most is the unusual fountain with the green frogs. Around it are several benches with mosaics, making it a great place to relax.
Punta de Tarifa
One of the most special places in the city is Punta de Tarifa, located at the southernmost point of mainland Europe. This is the point where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, and from here you have a beautiful view of Tarifa and the coastline of Morocco.
There is a museum on the island and some old fortresses to visit. But above all, this is the best place to go for an unforgettable sunset.
Iglesia San Francisco de Asis
While walking through the historic center, I stumbled upon Iglesia San Francisco de Asís. This is a small simple church and it is a bit hidden away in a cozy little square. It’s also nice to take a look inside. Although it is quite soberly decorated, you can see beautiful carvings and a few fine paintings.
El Mirador de Africa
One of my favorite spots in Tarifa was El Mirador de África. This viewpoint is located on the old city wall and is surrounded by several old towers. From here you have a magnificent view of the Strait of Gibraltar, separating the two continents, Europe and Africa, by only a few kilometers. El Mirador de África is a great place to watch the sun rise, a magical sight!
Paseo Marítimo Los Lances
Would you like to go for a walk with good views? Check out Paseo Marítimo Los Lances, which is a long promenade along the coast. This boardwalk offers a fine walking route along the expansive beaches while enjoying the sound of the waves.
Along the promenade, you will find several vibrant beach bars, perfect for enjoying a refreshing drink overlooking the azure waters.
Mercado Publico de Tarifa
The Mercado Público de Tarifa is a small market hall in the heart of the city. On one side you have mostly fish and meat, but inside you have a few cozy stores where you can buy souvenirs, among other things. It has a small bar with a few tables and there is always a nice chill atmosphere.
La Alameda
La Alameda is a boulevard (although I thought it looked more like a plaza) in the middle of the city. It is a chill place with trees and benches for relaxing. On the south side, there is also a large monument of Guzmán El Bueno and a playground. On the east side of the square, you will find many (fish) restaurants with cozy terraces.
Want more information about Tarifa? Head to La Alameda, because the tourism office is located in the middle of the square.
Playa de Los Lances
Tarifa has one of the largest and most expansive beaches along the southern coast of Spain. Playa de Los Lances is not only a paradise for sunbathers and beach lovers, but also a mecca for water sports enthusiasts. The constant wind attracts windsurfers and kitesurfers from all over the world, who enjoy perfect conditions for their sport here.
Would you like to learn how to surf? Join a surf lesson in Tarifa.
Hike one of the long-distance hiking trails
Do you like to hike? Then, too, you’re in the right place in Tarifa! The city is a hub of several long-distance hiking trails. For example, you can walk a section of the GR7, which goes from the French Vosges Mountains to Tarifa. The part in Andalusia is very well-marked and runs mostly through the hilly interior.
Explore street art
Although Tarifa is not really known for street art, you can discover some incredibly beautiful and colorful murals throughout the city. I found the wings in the photo below on a wall near the beach bar Chiringuito Waikiki. Beautiful, isn’t it?
Mirador del Estrecho
Just outside Tarifa is the Mirador del Estrecho. This is a breathtaking vantage point with panoramic views of the Strait of Gibraltar and the extraordinary landscapes on both sides of it. I noticed that it is surprisingly green here; I found the landscape somewhat similar to that in Galicia, on the other side of Spain. This viewpoint is fun to stop at if you do pass by. There is also a small bar with a terrace.
Fun day trips from Tarifa
Those were all the fun things to do in Tarifa itself, but Tarifa is also a nice base for a longer vacation in Andalusia. You can take several fun day trips from the city. Here are a few suggestions.
Bolonia
About a 30-minute drive from Tarifa is the charming coastal town of Bolonia. This destination is known for its beautiful beaches with clear blue water and fine white sand. Visit the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia, an ancient archaeological site, and enjoy a relaxing day of sunbathing and swimming at the beach.
Estepona
Just a short drive from Tarifa is Estepona, a charming coastal town on the Costa del Sol. It is known for its beautiful beaches, picturesque old town with narrow streets full of flowers, and its lively marina. It is a must to get lost in the colorful streets of the old center or go for a long walk along the vast promenade along the beach.
Read more: 20 Best things to do in Estepona
Gibraltar
Want to take a trip to another country? This is very easy to do from Tarifa! The city is located near Gibraltar, a British overseas territory. It is best known for its imposing rock that rises majestically above its surroundings, and it offers a special blend of British and Spanish influences.
You can see Gibraltar’s famous monkeys, take a cable car to the top of the rock for breathtaking views, and enjoy duty-free shopping in the city’s lively streets.
Fun thing to do: go on a day trip to Gibraltar with a boat ride. You might even see dolphins along the way!
Los Alcornocales Natural Park
Los Alcornocales Natural Park is a nature reserve just north of Tarifa. This park, known for its extensive cork oak forests, offers an oasis of peace and natural splendor. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers and hikers, with a network of trails leading to hidden waterfalls and scenic viewpoints.
Tangier (Morocco)
Tangier, a vibrant city in Morocco, is perhaps the most interesting day trip from Tarifa; after all, you are going to another continent. You reach the Moroccan coastal city after a short boat ride across the Strait of Gibraltar.
Once you arrive in Tangier, immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the old city, with its narrow streets, traditional crafts, and lively bazaars. From the iconic Grand Socco Square to the Kasbah district and spectacular views from the coast, Tangier offers a fascinating mix of history, architecture, and Moroccan culture.
Do it the easy way and book an organized trip to Tangier.
Where to stay in Tarifa
As you can see, you can have a great time when visiting Tarifa. There is plenty to see and do! It is therefore highly recommended to spend a few nights in the city. These are a few amazing places to stay in Tarifa:
- Hostal El Asturiano is where I slept during my last visit to Tarifa. It is a wonderful centrally located guest house with an amiable owner. It is housed in an old building and all in style with beautiful mosaics. From the rooftop terrace, you have a great view of the city.
- La Sacristía is one of the city’s finest accommodations and is located right in the historic center. It is housed in a mansion from the 17th and the rooms are beautifully decorated.
- Hotel & Spa La Residencia Puerto (4⭐) is a good place to stay if you need a little more luxury. This hotel is located right next to the harbor, so you have a nice view of the sea and Morocco. What makes it even better is the heated outdoor pool on the roof.
Check out Booking.com for more great accommodations, availability and prices.
Best bars & restaurants in Tarifa
In the cozy downtown and along the coast you will find plenty of nice restaurants. A few recommendations:
- Bar El Frances: Cozy tapas bar in the old town. The menu features several special tapas dishes that are different from other places.
- El Lola – Bar de Tapas y Flamenco: One of the most popular tapas bars in Tarifa. All waiters walk with flamenco-style aprons.
- Chilimosa Comida Vegetariana y Vegana: Cozy restaurant serving delicious vegetarian and vegan food.
- Bossa: Nice bar where you can get nice cocktails. It’s open all day, so it’s also great for coffee, breakfast and small snacks.
- Brio Tarifa: Along the beach, there are several nice restaurants and beach bars of which Brio Tarifa is one. This is a vegetarian restaurant and incredibly coolly decorated.
Book a trip to Andalusia
These were all my Tarifa tips! Would you like to visit Tarifa during a trip to Andalusia? Book your trip now!
✈️ Plane tickets
The nearest international airport to Estepona is Malaga Airport. Check Skyscanner to find the best deals on plane tickets. From Málaga, it is about 1 hour and 45 minutes drive to Tarifa
🚆 Travel to Spain by train
Spain is very well accessible by train from other European countries. Check Rail Europe for train times and tickets.
Please note: Tarifa does not have a train station, but is easily accessible by bus. You can find bus tickets via Busbud.
🚘 Rental Car
Although public transport is quite well organized in Spain (I traveled through Spain by train and bus many times), it is still useful to have a rental car. This makes it even easier to get to really special places. Check Discover Cars to find the best deals.
💊 Travel insurance
Having good travel insurance will give you peace of mind. Check Insubuy to find the best travel insurance that fits your needs.
🎡 Tours and activities
There are a lot of fun tours and activities in the south of Spain. Check Civitatis and Get Your Guide to find the best-guided tours and activities.
Read more about Andalusia
Would you like to visit Tarifa and other beautiful places in Andalusia? Order one of these travel guides for more tips and inspiration:
I travel to Spain several times a year, as it is one of my favorite destinations in Europe. That is why you can find a lot of information about a trip to Spain on this website. You might like to read these articles as well:
- What are the best things to do in Cadiz? 17 tips!
- Spain Bucket List: 25 incredible places to visit
- Interrailing in Spain: my experience, itinerary & tips
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