The Best Things to do in Tarifa

Tarifa, located at the southern end of Spain’s Costa de la Luz, is the meeting point of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Tarifa is the most southern town in Spain and lies around 8 miles (14 kms) from the coast of North Africa at their closest points.

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A brief history of Tarifa

Tarifa was founded by the Romans at nearby Baelo Claudia. However, in 710 AD it was captured by Tarif ibn Malik who gave the town its name. This gave the Moors a foothold in Spain which they held for several hundred years.

In 1292 Tarifa was captured by Sancho IV of Castille (known as el Bravo) and over the years that followed was a military and maritime outpost thanks to its strategic position on the Strait of Gibraltar.

Tarifa is only a small town with a population of around 18,000 but there’s plenty to do whether you only have time for a day trip or are planning to stay awhile.

I’ve put this guide together after many visits to Tarifa. It’s somewhere we often head to for the day as we live less than an hour’s drive away and love the relaxed, laidback vibes.

All prices are correct as of March 2026.

Follow the marked tourist trails

Tarifa has five short walking trails to follow with each one giving you the opportunity to check out a different part of the town and discover more about Tarifa’s history – ideal if you’re short of time but want to see as much as possible.

Each route is marked with different coloured signposts.

Ruta del Camino de la Isla (brown route)

This line starts at the Castillo de Guzmán el Bueno and is an easy walk along the causeway to Isla de las Palomas with six points of interest along the way.

Ruta de las Murallas (pink route)

This one also begins at Castillo de Guzmán el Bueno and has seventeen signposted points of interest including nine towers, several archways, and the old royal prison.

Ruta de las Iglesias (purple route)

This one starts at the 16th century Iglesia de San Mateo at the end of Calle Sancho IV el Bravo and is a short route through the old town discovering Tarifa’s main churches including the lovely San Francisco de Asis in Plaza del Ángel.

Paseos por el Conjunto Histórico (blue route)

This route starts at Puerta de Jerez and explores the old town with points of interest including the Fuente del Mesón.

Ruta de las Plazas (green route)

This line begins at the wide Paseo de la Alameda in front of the port and along the way you’ll discover some of Tarifa’s most charming squares, often filled with colourful flowers and orange trees.

One of the nicest squares is Plazuela del Viento which has some lovely gardens and a little mosaic frog fountain. There’s also a lookout tower with views of the port, Morocco across the straits, and the old town walls.

Visit Castillo de Guzmán el Bueno

As with much of Andalucia, there’s something for the history buffs and in Tarifa’s case, that’s the Castillo de Guzmán el Bueno which sits on a rock at the edge of the old town near the port. Originally built in 960 AD as a fortress it came under siege in 1294 and was later named after Alonso Pérez de Guzmán who defended the castle, refusing to surrender it despite the threat to his son’s life.

The castle has been restored in recent years and a wander along the ramparts has outstanding views across to Morocco and over the old town.

Entry to the castle is €4 and, once inside, there’s loads of information on its military history throughout the years and you can even do a bit of dressing up too!

As well as that you get some great views from the top of the castle walls over the old town, the port, and across the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco.

📍 Castillo de Guzmán el Bueno, Calle Guzmán el Bueno, Tarifa

Check out the Iglesia de San Mateo Apóstol

This is Tarifa’s main church and was built in the early 16th century, although the façade wasn’t completed until the early 18th century. In fact, if you walk around the outside of the church you’ll see that the Gate of Forgiveness on the side façade is still unfinished.

It’s also worth taking a peek inside the church for its high domed ceilings with their intricate patterns, and the many stained glass windows.

📍 Iglesia de San Mateo Apóstol, Calle Sancho IV el Bravo, Tarifa

Stroll through the Puerta de Jerez and wander around Tarifa old town

You can reach the old town directly from the port area by the castle or, alternatively, you can head through the Puerta de Jerez, the only one left of the original city gates and built during the 13th century.

The whitewashed old town with its narrow, cobbled streets is always worth a wander. Tarifa has lots of quirky shops befitting its hippy vibe, as well as plenty of bars and restaurants all contained within the old city walls.

Keep your eyes peeled as you stroll along the cobbles for pretty tiles, ornately decorated doors, and fading frescoes on the ancient buildings.

📍 Puerta de Jerez, Avenida Andalucia, Tarifa

Enjoy a plate of churros from La Palmera

If you only have one day in Tarifa I’d highly recommend that you start here by grabbing a seat on the pavement opposite the castle. It’s nothing flashy but the fact that it’s always crowded with locals tells you all you need to know. In fact, on a Sunday morning during the summer months, it’s more than likely you’ll have to queue for your breakfast. It’s worth the wait though. Their churros are light and crunchy and served with thick and creamy hot chocolate to dunk them in, and the café con leche has just the right kick. Add in some freshly squeezed orange juice and you’ll still get change from €10 for two people.

📍 La Palmera, Calle Sancho IV el Bravo, Tarifa

Buy some quirky souvenirs

As you’re strolling round the old town you’ll find lots of small independent shops selling clothing, jewellery, pieces of art, and other unique to Tarifa souvenirs. Babachic just behind the main church has some gorgeous bags and jewellery plus fabrics and beads if you’re feeling creative.

If you’re in Tarifa on a Sunday there’s usually a small flea market in Plaza de Oviedo, just next to Babachic, which is always worth a look.

If vintage clothing is more your style have a look in Azogue on Calle de los Azogues – they have some fantastic pieces plus homeware too.

There are also plenty of shops selling surf gear if you need your fix of Roxy and Rip Curl clothing.

Outside the old town and across the road from the port on Calle Alcalde Juane Nuñez, you’ll find my favourite shop, La Galeria del Mar. The owner makes some amazing artwork using driftwood, and the rust and metal from the old anchors and chains used in the almadraba (the ancient way of catching tuna which is still used along the Costa de la Luz).

We have a few pieces of his artwork and always take any visitors there to meet him and buy their own unique souvenirs.

Sample all the delicious seafood

Whether you just want a few tapas or something a bit more substantial you’re in luck as Tarifa has lots of great restaurants all offering local seafood dishes.

You’ll find restaurants and bars on almost every street or tucked away in little squares as you wander through the old town. We always make a beeline for Bar Rico every time we visit Tarifa to get our fix of their delicious tortillitas de camarones. It’s on Calle Coronel Moscardó, a small square in the old town.

Another favourite is Merkado 27 on Calle Santísima Trinidad which has exceptional seafood tapas.

Enjoy a meat feast at La Vaca Loca

If seafood isn’t for you, La Vaca Loca is a carnivore’s delight and, even though I don’t eat meat, it does have a few non-meat options including the spinach quiche which is delicious. Portions here are huge so make sure you’re hungry before you go.

It doesn’t take bookings but we’ve always been lucky to get a table although, if you go in the summer, you might have to queue – it’s worth it though! It’s open evenings only from Monday to Thursday, but from lunchtime onwards on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

📍 La Vaca Loca, Calle Cervantes, Tarifa

Stroll down the causeway to Isla de las Palomas

Officially called Calle Segismundo Moret, the causeway leads to the southernmost tip of Europe and an old military fortress. From here you have the Mediterranean Sea on one side of you and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. Just to prove it, there are signs halfway. If you’re lucky you might be the only people on the causeway to get a decent photo of both signs. Otherwise, expect to wait while everyone snaps a selfie between two bodies of water.

The fortress at the end of the causeway is, unfortunately, closed to the public. It was briefly open for guided visits in 2022 but, due to some restoration work needed at the main entrance, it’s temporarily closed again. Regardless, it’s still a nice walk down the causeway although depending on the weather, you might find yourself dodging the waves on the causeway so be prepared!

📍 Isla de las Palomas, Calle Segismundo Moret, Tarifa

Admire the Castillo de Santa Catalina

As you walk back towards Tarifa, you’ll see this fortress overlooking the causeway. Despite appearances to the contrary, this fortress was only completed in 1933. It. It was badly damaged during the Spanish Civil War and is now in a state of disrepair so, unfortunately, can’t be visited.

Relax on one of the beaches

The beaches are the big draw in Tarifa whether you’re looking to just spend some time sunbathing or you want to try some water sports.

Tarifa has three main beaches close to the town and, if you pick one of the Atlantic beaches, you’re likely to have plenty of space to yourself.

Playa Chica

This is Tarifa’s Mediterranean Sea beach – a small curve of golden sand right next to the start of the causeway to Isla de la Palomas.

If it’s a particularly windy day in Tarifa Playa Chica will be your best bet as, due to its size, it tends to be more sheltered.

Playa de los Lances

Playa de los Lances is the beach on the Atlantic side of the causeway and is a four mile (seven km) stretch of wide golden sands.

Los Lances is split into the north and south section by a coastal stream. The south beach nearest the town is best for sunworshippers while the north has the best conditions (and facilities) for kitesurfing and windsurfing.

Even on the south section of los Lances the waves can be huge but, on a calm day, there’s nothing better than a dip in the clear waters. We’ve even been in on 1st January once or twice for our annual New Year’s Day dip and it was surprisingly warm.

Playa de Valdevaqueros

Playa de Valdevaqueros is the furthest from town and recognisable for its large sand dune that you can clearly see from Tarifa.

Whichever beach you choose, there are plenty of chiringuitos when it’s time for a beer and a bite to eat. Not much beats a plate of grilled sardines or fried fish eaten al fresco.

Check out the street art

Tarifa doesn’t have a huge street art scene but there’s a frequently changing display along the promenade as you walk away from the town towards the northern end of Playa de los Lances.

Go whale and dolphin watching

Tarifa is the place to go if you fancy heading out into the Strait of Gibraltar for a spot of whale watching. There are several whale watching companies in Tarifa all offering trips to see whales and dolphins, plus longer trips during the summer months where you’ll have the opportunity to spot orcas. We took a three-hour trip with Firmm and, although the orcas were elusive on that particular day, we spotted lots of pilot whales and dolphins.

Walk a section of the Via del Estrecho

Of course I found a Camino de Santiago route in Tarifa!

The Via del Estrecho starts in the port city of Algeciras and finishes in Puerto Real just outside Cádiz where it joins the Via Augusta. The whole route is around 90 miles (148 kms) long.

You can read about all the Camino de Santiago routes in Andalucia in this post.

Other long distance hiking routes that pass through Tarifa include the Sendero Europeo Arco Atlántico and the Sendero Europeo Sierras Meditteráneas.

Hike to the Buddha cave

This is a stunning walk in the Parque Natural del Estrecho from the park’s information point to a small cave where visitors have placed buddhas and other offerings.

It can be done as a linear route up to the Buddha cave and down again, or a circular route which takes you up to the wind farm at the top of La Peña and back down along forest trails.

We did the circular route – it’s roughly 6.5 miles (10.5 kms) and is hard going in parts but worth it for the views alone.

It’s worth noting that this area was really badly damaged by forest fires in the summer of 2025 so, if you walk now, you won’t get the lush greenery. However, it’s still accessible and is slowly regenerating.

📍 Punto de Información, N340 (km 77), Tarifa

More things to do in Tarifa

I’ve been to Tarifa many times since I moved to Andalucia in 2017 but there are still things that I haven’t done so I’m including these separately as I only write about, and recommend, activities that I’ve done personally.

Book a kitesurfing lesson

Thanks to the almost constant wind Tarifa is a mecca for kitesurfers and windsurfers (it’s Spain’s kitesurfing capital for very good reason) so if it’s an adrenaline rush you’re after you’ve come to the right place. It’s possible to book kitesurfing lessons although I’m far too much of a coward to have even contemplated this!!

There are loads of kitesurfing schools offering group and private lessons and courses for all abilities. Most will also rent out equipment if you already know how to kitesurf.

Discover Tarifa’s underwater world

Diving and snorkelling are very popular in Tarifa too and we always see divers in the waters around Isla de las Palomas.

There are plenty of dive schools in Tarifa offering diving and snorkelling trips or full PADI courses. Unlike kitesurfing, this is one activity that I will be giving a go.

Saddle up and go horse riding

This is another activity on my Tarifa to do list. There are several riding schools in Tarifa offering rides for all abilities through the Parque Natural del Estrecho, the dunes of Punta Paloma, and on the beach at Valdevaqueros.

Take a birding tour

Tarifa’s proximity to North Africa means that, in spring and autumn, it’s on the migratory route for many species of birds. I’ve been lucky to spot a lot of vultures when hiking in the Parque Natural del Estrecho and witnessed hundreds of white storks in flight on their journey to Morocco.

Most of my bird sightings have been by luck rather than design but if you want to see the birdlife with some experts then check out Inglorious Bustards who, apart from having a great name, run day trips and tours to witness the migration across the Strait of Gibraltar.

Birding the Strait is another option. I’m hoping to do their puffin watching tour one day.

Things to do near Tarifa

Once you’ve exhausted all that Tarifa has to offer there are a few places nearby that are worth a visit, although you’ll need a car to get to most of them.

Drive between the sand dunes at Punta Paloma

Driving north from Tarifa along the N-340 coastal road you’ll reach the turn off for Punta Paloma after about 15 minutes where you can drive between high sand dunes to reach the beach. There’s also excellent hiking in this area too and look out for the huge wooden sculpture keeping watch over the beach.

Climb the sand dune in Bolonia

If you have a little more time to spare in the area and are looking for a truly special beach it’s definitely worth the drive to Bolonia. Just over 12 miles (20 kms) north of Tarifa, Bolonia has miles of largely untouched golden sand backed by pine forests with walking trails which lead into the Parque Natural del Estrecho. The piece de resistance is a huge sand dune which is reportedly one of the largest in Europe. A climb to the top of the dune is worth the effort as you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the beach, the pine forests and the mountains of Morocco.

It’s also more than likely that you’ll end up sharing the beach with a cow or two!

Visit the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia

If you’re visiting Bolonia you can’t miss the ruins of Baelo Claudia, one of the most well-preserved Roman sites in Andalucía.

With its enviable position between Bolonia beach and the pine forests of the Parque Natural del Estrecho the city built its wealth on tuna fishing, fish salting and the production of garum (a fermented fish sauce) and held a strategic position for trading between Europe and North Africa.

Coming soon – Exploring the Roman Ruins of Baelo Claudia

Day trips to Tarifa

There aren’t many guided tours to Tarifa from other parts of Andalucia but luckily it’s easy to reach by car or public transport which I’ll explain later in this post. If you prefer a guided tour here are a few options.

🚐 From Cádiz – Tarifa and Roman Ruins
🚐 From Cádiz (and various locations on the Costa de la Luz) – Guided tour to Tarifa, Baelo Claudia, Bolonia, and Vejer de la Frontera
🚐 From Seville – Dolphin Watching with Beach Day in Tarifa

Day trips from Tarifa

Morocco is almost within touching distance and ferries leave Tarifa bound for Tangier regularly throughout the day.

If you do fancy a Moroccan adventure there are several day tours that you can book if you don’t fancy travelling independently. I have a day trip to Tangier post coming soon.

Top tip. Keep an eye on your mobile phone while you’re in Tarifa. It’s so close to the African continent that it frequently picks up Moroccan network signals without you realising it, so you might want to switch off data roaming.

Where to stay in Tarifa

Although we live less than an hour’s drive from Tarifa and make regular day trips we love staying over and making a weekend of it now and again. These are three hotels that we’ve stayed in over the years.

Hostal Gravina

Hostal Gravina is above Pasteleria Bernal (perfect location!) and right by the Iglesia de San Mateo so couldn’t really be in a better spot for seeing all that Tarifa has to offer with loads of places to grab a coffee, beer or bite to eat within walking distance.

The only drawback was that we stayed on New Year’s Eve and there was a stage set up outside the church with entertainment that went on until about 5am!

📍 Hostal Gravina, Calle Sancho IV el Bravo, Tarifa

Kook Hotel

I loved our stay at Kook Hotel. It’s in the old town right by the city walls and fits Tarifa’s laid back vibe perfectly.

The decor is quirky with lots of polished concrete and an eclectic mix of mismatched ‘shabby chic’ furniture and funky art on the walls. There’s a lovely snug area just off the reception area with books and games as well as a record player with a selection of records to choose from.

There’s a courtyard with a stunning ‘living wall’ plus a roof terrace with great views across the rooftops of the old town to Morocco.

📍 Kook Hotel, Calle Cilla, Tarifa

Hotel La Torre

Although we usually stay in the old town we decided to have a night out of town near Playa de Valdevaqueros and booked into Hotel La Torre.

There are cabins set in lovely gardens that back onto the Parque Natural de los Alcornocales and it has a pool if you just want to relax. If you plan to do the hike to the Buddha cave this would be a great place to stay as the starting point is only a few minutes’ walk away.

📍 Hotel La Torre, N340, Tarifa

Where to eat in Tarifa

As well as the places I’ve already mentioned there are plenty of restaurants in the old town as well as around Paseo da la Alameda all serving fresh fish dishes. Be sure to try Tarifa’s famed tuna. I’m not sure about the sea donkey though!!

If you’re staying in one of the hotels further out of town I can highly recommend El Chozo right on the waterfront in the Torre de la Peña campsite. They have a great selection of seafood dishes, including some delicious Moroccan spicy mussels and black rice with squid and cuttlefish – all served by the sea with some gorgeous views.

If you’re in Tarifa early you can get a really tasty breakfast/brunch in Bondi Coffee on Calle Sancho IV el Bravo – the focaccia with hummus, mushrooms, tomato, rocket and pesto is worth trying!

If you’ve got a sweet tooth then definitely drop in to Pasteleria Bernal for some cakes and pastries. It’s on Calle Sancho IV el Bravo. There are a few tables outside if you want to stop for coffee and cake or you can do as we do (every time) and take a selection home with you – delicious and great value. Pasteleria Bernal even opens on Sundays which is a rarity in Spain.

Getting to Tarifa

By air

Tarifa’s closest airport is Gibraltar which is less than 30 miles (48 kms) away although it does have limited daily flights from the UK.

Alternatively you could fly into Jerez de la Frontera which is around 75 miles (120 kms) away and has flights mainly from Germany. Malaga airport has daily arrivals from around the world and is around 100 miles (160 kms) from Tarifa.

You can check out flight prices on the Flight Centre website.

By car

Driving to Tarifa from the south is easy as it’s a straightforward route on the A7 (which becomes the N-340 just after Algeciras). Once you leave Algeciras behind the road passes through the Parque Natural del Estrecho and, about 4 miles (6 kms) before you reach Tarifa, there’s a sign for the Mirador del Estrecho which is worth a stop (although it’s easier to pull in on the way out of Tarifa). The views from here are breathtaking particularly on a clear day when you can see Morocco as well as Ceuta.

You can read what it’s like climbing Jebel Musa, the Moroccan mountain that you can see from the mirador, in this post.

Coming from Cádiz and the north the quickest, and most scenic route, is along the N-340/E-5. Alternatively taking the A-381 will bring you out at Algeciras and you can follow the N-340 as above.  

If you’re planning a visit to Tarifa in the summer then be warned, it gets busy and you might well find yourself stuck in traffic on the N-340. We made the mistake once of deciding to go there one summer Sunday afternoon and, after sitting in slow-moving traffic for what felt like hours, just turned around and headed home. So much for spontaneous decisions!

Once you’re in Tarifa you’ll need to find a park. There are plenty of parking spaces although during the summer months you might struggle to get a spot, unless you arrive early in the morning.

We usually head down towards the beach and use the free parking area just behind the seafront off Calle Almadraba.

If all of that hasn’t put you off driving and you’re thinking of hiring a car for your holiday I always use Discover Cars and find them reasonably priced and easy to deal with.

By bus

The bus station in Tarifa is about a 15 minute walk from the port area and old town and has daily services from Algeciras and up the Costa de la Luz as well as some services along the Costa del Sol to Malaga.

You can check prices and timetables, as well as buy tickets, on Omio.com.

📍 Estacion de Autobus, Calle Batalla del Salado, Tarifa

Getting around Tarifa

Getting around Tarifa’s old town is best done on foot. If you wanted to get to Playa de Valdevaqueros you could rent a bike but if you’re travelling any further afield you’d need a car.

Weather in Tarifa

Average summer temperatures are around 25°c while, during the winter months, the average temperatures are around 12°c. Rainfall is likely during the winter months with March generally being the wettest.  

Of course, Tarifa is Europe’s windiest city which means that, even in summer, it can feel as though you’re being sandblasted whenever you go anywhere near the beach.

I hope this post has given you lots of ideas of things to do in Tarifa. Let me know if you have any questions, or if there’s anything that you’d recommend for future visits.

Happy travels!

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