Tarifa is located in one of the southernmost points of the province of Cádiz in Spain. It enjoys the idyllic hours of sunshine on the Costa de la Luz and is very close to both the Costa del Sol and the city of Algiers on the African continent.
There are more than 50 caves in the local mountains, some of which contain evidence of the Paleolithic Period. They are believed to be about eighteen thousand years old. The most significant of these caves is probably the Cueva del Moro, considered the one with the most rock art in Europe. The most represented animal is the horse engraved on the wall or traced with red pigments.
The city was named after the leader of the first Muslim incursion into southern Spain, Tarif Ibn Malluk. That first raid saw a larger army ascend to the southern Spanish territories a year later. History experts tend to believe that the invasion by the Moors was relatively peaceful, as the Visigoths who ruled within the confines of the Roman Empire put unhealthy pressure on the local population. The Moors ruled here for many years before succumbing to the rule of Sancho IV of Castile in 1292. Since then, it has witnessed many battles, including the successful Anglo-Spanish resistance of Napoleon’s army in the 19th century.
Today, this resort town is popular for its beaches and the climate provided by one of the most famous surf spots in the world. Tarifa is known for being one of the windiest places in Europe. The two winds: Levante from the east and Poniente from the west combine to challenge even the most hardcore of wave riders. Although these waves can be challenging, there are also safer areas for beginners to try, and tutorials are provided. Other water sports also arise, such as those that merge with this popular sport such as kitesurfing and surfskiing. And there are other water sports and interests, such as scuba diving, and whale and dolphin watching excursions that often sail to the regularly appearing schools of them.
Other sports of a drier nature range from patient observation such as birdwatching to the most rigorous such as rock climbing. Then there are the mounted sports of horse riding and mountain biking. And, of course, there is the sport that integrates the beauty of its surroundings into the discipline and skill of the sport itself: there are nine stunning golf courses in the area to test your par.
There are many restaurants in the area serving traditional Spanish food and of course being close to the African continent you also see the fusion of North African influenced dishes. The coast offers the best catches of fresh fish, which are fried into delicious tapas or main fish dishes. Then, to top off that nice feeling, why not end your dinner with a delicious Spanish dessert and a bottle of fine Manzanilla sherry or delicious white wine?
The nearest international airport is Gibraltar, just 28km away. Malaga is much further at 160 km but has more international flights from many other destinations. And there is also the international airport of Tangier which, although only 42 km away, is on the African continent and you will have to take the ferry from there.
