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Municipality in Andalusia, Spain
Photo: Ypsilon from Finland, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
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Castillo de Guzmán El Bueno
Probably one of the best maintained medieval buildings in Spain, built in 960 by Abd ar-Rahman. From the tower you have a 360-degree view over Tarifa and the Strait of Gibraltar. The legend of Guzman the Good is that the Moors held his son captive at the bottom of the rampart. "Give us Andalucia or we kill your son!" they cried out. Without hesitation, Guzman threw his knife into the heart of his son. Thus ended the 800-year occupation of Spain.
Only accessible on guided tour which must be booked in advance. See https://www.andalucia.com/tarifa/isla-de-las-palomas. "The road that leads to the former island "dividing the Mediterranean and the Atlantic". Beautiful views over the strait and to Africa (16.4 km). The little castle is called Castillo Santa Catalina, built in 1929. The southern tip of Isla de las Palomas - is the southernmost point of mainland Europe.
The Gothic church was built in the 16th century. The facade was rebuilt in 1774 by La Vega faithful to the original. The door of the church is always open.
Playa de Los Lances
The famous surf beach. Wide and white sand. The immense beach at Los Lances is recognised as the best kite and windsurf beach in Europe and is home to a number of kitesurfing schools providing lessons for everyone from kids to experts.
Plaza de Los Ocho Ranitas/Eight Frogs Plaza
The main buildings are the La Alcazaba in neoclassical style, Tarifa city hall, and the local library.
Jerez Gate
Main entrance to the old town of Tarifa, part of the medieval wall, is the only gate of the original three that has survived. Above the entrance is written, Very noble, very loyal and heroic city of Tarifa, won from the Moors, reigning Sancho IV el Bravo 21 September 1292.
Nice sandy beach.
Iglesia Mayor de San Mateo
Built in 1506 on the remains of a mosque. Its current Baroque facade was designed by architect Torcuato Cayon de la Vega in 1774.
Faro Punta de Tarifa
Southernmost lighthouse in Spain.
Iglesia de Santiago
16th century watchtower.
Roman ruins right on the beach. Remains of temples, baths, houses, and a Roman theatre.
Cave with prehistoric wall paintings.
Fortified medieval tower.
Ruins of an ancient watchtower.
Graykite is a kitesurfing school offering lessons for beginners, advanced kiteboarders and children. All instructors are IKO qualified and have between 4 and 14 years of teaching experience. Most beginners can kitesurf independently after a 3-day course. Help with travel arrangements and accommodation can be provided if required.
kitesurf school & kite shop. Airush kite shop & test centre, with kite gear from Airush Kiteboarding.
A nice restaurant in the old city. It is not cheap, but the food is the best.
Probably the best spot in Tarifa to enjoy the impressive famous views over the strait and sunset.
Comfortable, cosy hostal.
Great views over the Strait of Gibraltar. The restaurant is well known for fresh fish and ambiance. Don't miss the sunset celebration parties at the beach club. Great mojitos.
Nice English-speaking staff, decent location. Good en suite bath and flat-screen TV.
Great hostel accommodating backpackers and travellers on a budget. The hostel cares for hygiene and maintains cooking facilities and free Internet. Staff has problems speaking English.
By bus
You can get the bus to Tarifa from Algeciras (45 min), La Linea, Malaga, Jerez, and Cadiz (1½ hr). Most if not all rides are operated by Transportes Generales Comes.
By boat
From the port a fast ferry by FRS leaves every other hour to the port of Tangier, Morocco. Cruise time varies from 35 minutes to 1 hour. One-way, €40 (includes shuttle from Tarifa to Algeciras).
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Gibraltar · International · GIB
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