Enjoy the best beachfront hotels in Tarifa Spain located on the southern tip of Spain where the Mediterranean and Atlantic meet. This bohemian town is popular with surfers, windsurfers and kite surfers because of the strong Atlantic winds. The town is an excellent destination for lovers of water sports, and it’s a party town, yet with a distinctly chilled out atmosphere. Tarifa’s wild coastline attracts surfers and nature-lovers. Bird watching is just as popular as surfing, and there are endless opportunities to explore the rolling countryside. Enjoy horseback riding, hang gliding, kite surfing, rock climbing, diving, and some of the best surfing in Europe. Visit all of the Best Spain Beaches here.
Tarifa Weather – When to Visit
The best time to visit Tarifa Spain is typically in the spring (March to May) or during the fall (September to November). At these times, you’ll likely find fewer crowds, cheaper accommodations, and the best weather (even for hitting the beach!). Temperatures in Spain typically don’t dip too low, even in winter when the lows hover in the 40°F to 50 °F range country-wide. But summers can get really hot, with highs creeping into the low 90’s.
Best Tarifa Spain Beaches
La Caleta Beach
La Caleta beach lies on the eastern side of Tarifa’s port and only about a 5-minute walk from the old town. The beach is a small, rocky cove protected from the eastern and western winds. It’s known for its shiny crystal-clear waters made for wonderful bathing.
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Los Lances Beach
The beach divided into two parts: first, is North Los Lances, a wide beach stretching 4km. also is one of the 2 best kitesurfing spots in Tarifa. Second, is South Los Lances, very close to the town of Tarifa and reserved for bathers. In addition, the beach has all facilities like public toilets, showers, changing rooms, first aid points, lifeguards, flags to signal the state of the sea, and several restaurants.
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Punta Paloma Beach
This beach has the most spectacular stretching of sun dunes. Rising to heights of over 100 m, burying all the vegetation and even the trees. At the top, you get picturesque views of the beaches all the way down to Tarifa town, across the straits to Morocco.
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Valdevaqueros Beach
Valdevaqueros beach is popular among the professional kite surfers. It stretches over 1,5 km long and is narrower than Los Lances. Besides, it is often very windy there, busy with many kites, and windsurf on the spot during high season.
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Chica Beach
This small bay protected from Tarifa’s strong winds. Also, it is famous among families and bathers and quickly fills up during the high season. This beach offers views out to the north coast of Africa. As well as showers, toilets and a beachfront restaurant serving superb fish dishes.
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Best Tarifa Spain Tours & Activities
Horseback Riding in Tarifa, Spain
Tarifa is the southernmost point on the European mainland, as well as marking the boundary between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. Our stables are located directly on the beach at the bay’s center and offer a view of the African coast. From our location, you have direct access to the most beautiful beaches of the Costa de la Luz, as well as to the inland nature reserves offering many, breathtaking destinations. Book your Horseback Riding in Tarifa Spain here.
From Seville: Whale Watch Beach Tarifa Day Trip
Live this memorable experience to the Strait of Gibraltar and witness first hand the seven different species of dolphins and whales that live in this area. Leave the city of Tarifa, on the coast of Spain. Then we will enjoy a 2-hour boat ride through the Strait, respectfully observing the many species of dolphins and whales. Book your Whale Watch Beach Tarife Day Trip Here.
Semiprivate Kitesurfing lessons
A kite surfing lesson with Explora Watersports will change your life. You will learn in a short period of time how to handle a kite, get pulled through the water and play with the elements wind & water. Book Your Semiprivate Kitesurfing Lesson here.
Horseback Riding in Tarifa with picnic, Spain
Tarifa is the southernmost point on the European mainland, as well as marking the boundary between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. Our stables are located directly on the beach at the bay’s center and offer a view of the African coast. From our location, you have direct access to the most beautiful beaches of the Costa de la Luz, as well as to the inland nature reserves offering many, breathtaking destinations. Book your Horseback Riding with Picnic Here.
Private Kitesurfing lessons (adapted to every level)
A kite surf lesson with Explora Watersports will change your life. You will learn in a short period of time how to handle a kite, get pulled through the water and play with the elements wind & water. Book Your Private Kitesurfing Lessons Here.
Best Tarifa Spain Restaurants
N°6 $11 – 30
All stone walls, tall tables and cheery staff, this zestful newcomer prides itself on its cocina sencilla (simple cooking). But their food is imaginative Spanish-international creations in a modern-rustic setting. Telephone: 34 671 23 79 41 Web: Nº. 6 Cocina | Facebook
Mandrágora $11 – 30
This intimate palm-dotted spot serves Andalucian–Moroccan–Middle Eastern food and does so so well. Enjoy tempting choices to include falafel and hummus, lamb with plums and almonds, Moroccan vegetable couscous and chicken or monkfish tagine. Telephone: Web: Mandragora, Tarifa – Tripadvisor
Chilimosa
A cozy, casual vegetarian restaurant at the top of the old town, with just a handful of tables. The unpretentious home-cooked Middle Eastern menu is fired by ingredients from the owners’ garden. Menu Telephone: 34 956 68 50 92 Web: Chilimosa, Vegetarian Vegan Restaurant, Tarifa
El Lola $11 – 30
El Lola is known for its delectable, lightly creative tapas and raciones of Atlantic bluefin almadraba tuna, from smooth tataki to a full degustation. Other Cádiz-flavored temptations include just-cooked tortilla, grilled king prawns and croquettes stuffed with ibérico ham or spinach. Telephone: 34 956 62 73 07 Web: El LOLA | Facebook
Posada La Sacristía $11 – 30
This summer-only hotel restaurant serves Asian and Mediterranean flavors with a short but select menu of creative fusion dishes like stir-fried yakisoba noodles with prawns, beef sirloin in red-wine sauce or ginger-seared red tuna. Telephone: 34 956 68 17 59 Web: Restaurante La Sacristia – Tripadvisor
Best Tarifa Spain Beach Bars
Waikiki
Easygoing beachfront restaurant & bar serving seafood, grills & burgers, plus cocktails & smoothies. Telephone: 34 956 79 90 15 Web: Waikiki Beach Club – Tripadvisor
Afrikana Beach Bar
Beautiful place to relax with great music. Telephone: 34 640 10 45 15 Web: AFRIKANA Beach Club
Restaurante Mandala Beach
Chic restaurant offering Mediterranean dishes, tropical cocktails & a pool, plus beach views. Telephone: 34 669 02 97 83 Web: Mandala Tarifa | Beach Club
Café del Mar Beach Tarifa
Good Music, Good Vibes, Comfy Sofas Outside, fast WiFi Telephone: 34 956 68 11 22 Web: Cafe del mar Cafe DEL Mar Beach, – Tripadvisor
Chiringuito Waves Beach Bar
Beach bar with live DJs, for seafood & salads, plus cocktails & juices, at loungers on the sand. Telephone: 34 656 69 43 42 Web: Waves Beach Bar Tarifa
Best Tarifa Spain Beachfront Hotels
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Your website is fantastic. I can not stop coming back to look at your updates. You have comprehensive reviews that I have not found anywhere else. The beaches of Spain look fantastic. You say it is a party town. I am a bit older and while I like going out to a good restaurant and enjoy a wine with my meals, I am not big on crowds of drunken people. Does it get overly raucous? But the beaches look great. I take it they are safe and have lifeguards? Thanks again. I am going to have to stop looking at your website, because every time I read one of your artIcles I want to go there.
Thanks
Stephen
Yes, you will find lifeguards there. Glad you enjoyed and thanks for the comments 🙂
All of the information you provide is very useful, and I’m glad I came on this website. I adore any coastline with its own distinct individuality. I enjoy kiteboarding, so having sites in line to check out is always helpful. Keep up the great work! Looking forward for more of your contents
If you enjoy kiteboarding, you will enjoy Tarifa Spain! Please let me know if you have any additional questions. Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
I’ve just seen on the map that this location is only an hour’s ferry ride to Morocco. It’s also a popular location due to the number of airports within reach. And of course not forgetting the favorable weather with beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters. Definitely worth including in a holidaying bucket list.
If one enjoys some bit of history, Tarifa also has noteworthy churches to visit, like San Mateo, San Francisco, and Santa María.
Agreed Steve! There is so much to offer in Tarifa and the surrounding area. Thanks for sharing and taking the time to do so 🙂
Hi there, Spain has so many beautiful beaches, and Tarifa is another gorgeous destination. I can certainly see the appeal for windsurfers and kite surfers if they have better and stronger wind there coming off the Atlantic Ocean, as the wind in the Med is sometime not good enough. But great to see that there are other activities like bird watching and horseback riding for those that want to explore the countryside as well. Thanks for sharing.
There is plenty to do besides hang out at the beach for sure. I love being in the water. I have been to Tarifa, and the water can get pretty crazy if it is really windy. Great beach destination. Glad you enjoyed.l
Looks like I’m going to Tarifa as soon as Airlines allow flights from my home country! Super comprehensive article, i feel i could use this as a reference once i got there. I would eagerly like to meet the people and try the local food! the beaches look endless and warm! wonderful layout of the site! easy flow and easy to read
Thanks so much Zack! Sounds like you are ready to pack your bags and head to Tarifa! I am glad you enjoyed your visit. Thanks for stopping by.
Ah, thank you so much for detailing many good spots at Tarifa Spain. I plan to go there next summer and enjoying Chica Beach. I love that there are both horseback riding activities and vegetarian restaurants there! I can’t wait to plan my itinerary with my family. Thanks for all the info!
You are welcome. Enjoy your vacation in Tarifa Spain. Please let me know if you need any additional information.
WOW This post has just encouraged me to add Spain to my bucket list. The photographs of the beaches and surrounding areas are magnificent. While I am not a water sport kind of guy – the horseback riding, touring the coastlines, and partying would suit me just fine. I especially like the restaurant breakdown.
Brazil is definitely a bucket list item. Especially if you like the beach. Of course there is so much more!
Hi Leahrae,
I have never been to this part of Spain. This review is an eye opener for me. This place looks perfect for a vacation and your highlights are well explained in the article. The beaches here look amazing! Your article provides all the information I need about the best hotels, restaurants and attractions in Tarifa, which I like. Along with information on where to stay near some of the most popular beaches like Playa de los Lances or Las Salinas beach! I will add Tarifa to my Buck List for sure.
Cheers!
Robin
You are welcome Robin, I am glad I could help you see how wonderful Tarifa is !
How gorgeous, what a dream vacation this would be. Especially after such a taxing pandemic this last year. I have not been to Spain yet, but It is on the top of my getaway list. I especially love bohemian style and since this is a bohemian getaway, I am curious if you know which of the hotels has the most Bohemian type decor? I would love to get some decorating ideas from a gorgeous destination like this from real Bohemians!!
Gosh, that water looks so refreshing. Time to start saving my pennies NOW!
Tarifa is wonderful. I have an Aunt there and have traveled to visit her. The culture is wonderful, as is the food. You would enjoy a visit to Tarifa Spain. Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
This place is not just a great place to visit, but to also live! The temperatures are perfect, the beaches are beautiful, and the hotel rooms are wonderful. I am interested in what you mean by “bathers”? Is it another word for swimmers, or do people actually bath in the waters? All of these places are absolutely gorgeous and they are going on my list of places to definitely visit.
Bathers means sunbathers, those who lay on the beach to get a tan 😀 And it is a great place to visit!
Hey, Leahrae,
Great stuff as always! I didn’t know that whale watching was a thing in Spain. I’ve done it in various parts of Mexico and I love it!
I’m not a big fan of water sports, but I would love to go horseback riding along the beach. I’ve never done that.
How much time would you recommend for this destination? I might include it on my next trip to Europe.
Thanks for sharing.
Oh, I absolutely love horseback riding on the beach. I have done that many times, especially in Cabo. I am glad you enjoyed Enrique. Thanks for visiting my guide on the best beachfront hotels in Tarifa Spain.
It looks like you are very good at gathering all the elements needed to have an amazing trip in all the locations that you suggest. I have never been out of the country, or I mean off of this North American continent, but having these great suggestions and everything to explore there is a great resource. I am in love with any coastline that has its own personality. Oh wow, there is wind to kiteboard, I am into kiteboarding so it’s always nice to have locations in line to check out. Have you done a lot of traveling in Spain or mostly you have done your research? Thank you for the information.
I have traveled to Spain as I have family there. Most of my family is European which makes it nice 😀 I could easily live in Spain. So beautiful!
It looks like you are very good at gathering all the elements needed to have an amazing trip in all the locations that you suggest. I have never been out of the country, or I mean off of this North American continent, but having these great suggestions and everything to explore there is a great resource. I am in love with any coastline that has its own personality. Oh wow, there is wind to kiteboard, I am into kiteboarding so it’s always nice to have locations in line to check out. Have you done a lot of traveling in Spain or mostly you have done your research? Thank you for the information.
I have traveled to Tarifa Spain 🙂 I actually have family there. I think you will fall in love once you go. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave comments.
All the information you provide is really helpful and I’m happy I found this site, all the information here is mainly for a traveler like me, I love how you put everything in order, there is no question I can raise for your site overall great work thanks for sharing.
Thanks Ricky and I am glad you enjoyed your visit to beach travel destinations.