Escape to Tarifa

For an enchanting break away a weekend in Tarifa, less than an hour along the coast, is like stepping into another world entirely. The pace slows down, shoes come off and time slips away like sand as you unwind and relax in this laidback, hippy town.

The beauty of Tarifa is that you can do as much, or as little as you please. With ten kilometres of white sandy beaches and unspoilt countryside, there is no shortage of picturesque spots to lounge about on the sand, unwind with cocktails on huge beanbags at hip chiringuito beach bars or lap up the sun in the tranquillity of any of the hotels’ attractive pools. But with some of the best wind conditions in Europe for windsurfing and kite boarding, Tarifa is also a veritable surfers’ paradise, and those who fancy a more active weekend are spoilt for choice as the opportunities are endless.

Kite surf schools and spots to hire equipment are dotted along the whole stretch of coastline. Here, you can pick up windsurfs, boards, kites and any paraphernalia that you could desire for a daily fee. For novices, there is a great variety of classes and one to one tuition, where you can begin leisurely by strolling down to the surf and learning to fly a kite!

As the sun sets and surfers pack up after a busy day at sea, they flock to the many beach bars, where live music plays, mojito cocktails are served and beach volley tournaments commence whilst sun-kissed bodies sprawl about in grassy forecourts, soaking up the last of the evening sunshine.

In the evening, wander into the pretty old town, where traditional Andalusian architecture meets funky boho charm. Enter through the original gates of this ancient town and find yourself in a maze of narrow cobbled streets lined with whitewashed houses boasting wrought iron balconies, shutters and indoor courtyards. Scattered about the town a myriad of trendy bars, cool boutiques and gastronomic restaurants buzz with life and excitement inside the castellated city walls of this historic seaside town.

For nature lovers, the possibilities are endless; ramble through rolling hills and rugged countryside, ride horses along the beach or take a trip on one of the many whale-watching expeditions, where whales, sharks and orca swim and jump alongside your boat as you venture out to the straights of Gibraltar and reach the border between Europe and Africa.
There are dive shops for those who fancy exploring the sea from below the water and organised tours for trekking and rock climbing for the more land-based adventurous.

Whether you are window-shopping about town or splashing through the waves, life in Tarifa is a peaceful escape for nature and sport lovers alike, and if you do nothing else but witness a breathtaking Tarifa sunset, with drink in hand and your toes in the sand, you will have had an unforgettable experience.