The best beaches
- Playa de Los Lances
Tarifa's most popular beach, just a short walk from our accommodation. Over 10 km long all the way to Punta Paloma, perfect for watersports, sunbathing and swimming. Quiet in the north, lively in the south near town.
- Playa Chica
A small, charming beach between the old town and the harbour, with views of the Moroccan coast, clear water and far fewer people than Los Lances.
- Playa Valdevaqueros
A paradise for watersports: wide sandy stretches, clear water and a mountain backdrop. The spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
- Punta Paloma
For peace and quiet: fine golden sand, turquoise water and dunes about 10 km west of Tarifa, reached through a pine forest.
- Playa de Bolonia
A natural paradise 20 minutes from Tarifa with a huge sand dune, clear water and the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia. Hike, surf or just soak up the sun.
Breakfast & cafés
- Surla
Homemade breakfast: the açaí bowl and the Italiano scrambled eggs are must-tries, and all smoothies and juices are made fresh.
- Helena's Kitchen
Everything made fresh in front of you: smoothies, bowls, sourdough bread and sandwiches. Do not miss the Truffini sandwich.
- Café Azul
The brunch classic in the heart of Tarifa: great coffee, fresh juices, bowls and crêpes in a colourful, cosy setting.
- Wanaka
Casual vibes, great coffee, healthy food and refreshing drinks. One of our go-to places to meet friends.
- Power House Café
Fresh and healthy: specialty coffee, fresh juices, organic bowls and sandwiches with plenty of vegan options. Perfect before or after the beach.
Beach bars (chiringuitos)
- Carbones 13
Pure beach vibes, known for paella, grilled food and a good drinks list. Great for lunch by the sea or evening cocktails.
- Papaya Tarifa
Bar right on the beachfront promenade, ideal for a cocktail or a cold drink at sunset.
- Waikiki Tarifa
One of Tarifa's most iconic beach spots: good food, cocktails and beach-club vibes on the sand, often with a DJ at sunset.
- Chiringuito Agua
Laid-back beach bar on Los Lances with great sea views. Ideal for a break or a drink after your kite session.
- BORA Tarifa
Cold drinks, good tunes and golden-hour views: the beach lounge to unwind after kiting.
- Tumbao x Bibo
Top food meets relaxed beach culture in Valdevaqueros, with a lively afternoon-to-sunset atmosphere.
Dinner & tapas
Tarifa's food scene is diverse and full of flavour. The best way to explore is a stroll through the old town alleys. To get you started, here are our personal favourites:
- Lia.Me
Between the beach and the old town: local specialities like fresh tuna, secreto ibérico and beef tenderloin, plus homemade Italian dishes.
- Brasería Vaca Loca
Grilled steaks and an open-air atmosphere in the old town streets. Relaxed, tasty and sociable.
- Bar Anca Curro
Authentic Andalusian tapas bar in the old town, famous for ibérico, cold beer and a local atmosphere.
- Pueblo Nómada
Wood-fired pizza, good drinks and boho style on a beachfront terrace.
- Silos 19
History meets modern gourmet food: excellent dishes, a curated wine list and a lovely courtyard.
- Bar Los Mellis
One of Tarifa's most authentic tapas bars: fresh fish, local cheese and a bustling crowd.
- Restaurante La Pescadería
The finest fish in Tarifa: very fresh seafood, tuna starters and grilled fish with good white wine.
Shopping: market, supermarkets & bakeries
- Mercado Público de Tarifa
The traditional market for fresh fish, meat, fruit, vegetables and flowers. Authentic and lively.
Mon–Fri mornings, until around 2 pm - Mercadona
Large supermarket with everything for daily life, from fresh food and bakery items to drinks and household supplies.
- Supermercados Dia
Two smaller supermarkets nearby. One is open daily in the low season too, handy if you arrive on a Sunday.
- Pastelito
French bakery: croissants, pains au chocolat, baguettes, specialty coffee and matcha lattes.
- La Tarifeña Playa
Classic Spanish bakery near the sea with lots of sweet treats, savoury snacks and cakes, to eat in or take away.
- Biomio
Small organic shop with fresh organic vegetables, local produce and everyday organic essentials, plus a Kangen water refill station.
Kiting, surfing & shop
- Tarifa Surf Club
Our kite school with lessons in English, German and Spanish, Help 2 Kite, equipment rental and the Tarifa Surf Club & VÆRIAL Flagship Store. For beginners and advanced riders.
- The Flow Surf School
Catch your first wave or refine your technique: surf lessons for all levels with a passionate team.
Check tomorrow's wind on our live wind & forecast page. For a detailed forecast, see Windguru. In Tarifa the forecast can change daily.
Day trips & hikes
- Rock of Gibraltar
Barbary macaques, the Skywalk, the nature reserve and panoramic views across the Strait to Africa.
- Cádiz
One of Western Europe's oldest cities on an Atlantic peninsula: the golden-domed cathedral, the seafront promenade, the old town and fresh seafood at the central market.
- Baelo Claudia & Bolonia
Remarkably well-preserved Roman ruins by the sea, next to the huge Bolonia dune with sweeping views.
- Vejer de la Frontera
A picture-perfect white hilltop village: maze-like alleys, a Moorish castle, Plaza de España and excellent Andalusian-Arabic food.
- Tangier (Morocco)
Take the fast ferry from Tarifa port and reach another continent in just under an hour: medina, souks, mint tea and the kasbah.
Do not forget your passport! - Sendero Río de la Miel
Family-friendly hike in Los Alcornocales Natural Park, about 5–6 km return, 2–3 hours, ending at a waterfall with a natural pool.
Sturdy shoes, swimwear and water; go early or on a weekday. - Sendero del Buda
Loop trail in the Sierra de Enmedio, about 10 minutes from Tarifa: a small rock cave with a Buddha shrine and prayer flags, and panoramic views over the Strait, Los Lances and Valdevaqueros. About 8–9.5 km, 3–3.5 hours, shorter option available.
Park at the nature park information point on the N-340. No drinking water on the trail.
Health, sport & wellness
- La Farmacia del Viento
Pharmacy near our guest house, about a 2-minute walk.
- Fisioterapia y Osteopatía Laura Conesa
Sports physiotherapy and osteopathy, ideal for kite-related tension. English-speaking therapists.
- Centro de Salud Tarifa
Tarifa's health centre. In an emergency, call 112 anywhere in Spain.
- CYMBAS Wellness
A calm massage practice with holistic, deep-tissue and relaxation treatments.
- Aura Sport Club
New sports club with day passes.
