Tarifa

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For anyone who loves wind and water, Tarifa is not just a place at the southern tip of Europe, rather a dream come true. This little paradise, only about 14km from Africa, is one of the windiest places in Europe. The spot under the Andalusian sun doesn’t just give you awesome wind strength, but is also warm during the winter, thus, making Tarifa one of the only all-year-round locations in Europe!

Even during your arrival, you’ll be mesmerized by the indescribable view of the seemingly endless 12km long beach.

The little village in the south of Spain has been heavily influenced over the last few years by the kite and surfer scene. There are numerous small shops that specialize in kitesurfing merchandise and offer everything a kitesurfer’s heart could desire from t-shirts and wetsuits to handmade boards. Well-known brands like Airush, North, Naish and Best kite boarding have established their own stores here, as well.

In the summer, you can meet tan, relaxed kiters in the city or on the beach and head out to the bars at night and have a San Miguel or two. Tarifa at night is an experience in itself. The little bars pop out of their unique Andalusian atmosphere meshing with the casual kitesurfer and surfer lifestyle.

In cooperation with the Gisela Pulido Kitecenter, we have arranged a package of kitesurfing lessons and kitesurf guiding. In addition to this, there are three different accommodations—from the chic KiteWorldWide Apartment downtown to the Hacienda in a quieter location.

Also, there are four airports operated by different airlines around Tarifa in Malaga, Sevilla, Gibraltar and Jerez. This makes the little Andalusian city one of the best and most cost-effective kitesurfing spots.

Tarifa is located on the Strait of Gibraltar where the Atlantic and the Mediterranean meet and Europe and Africa are at some points only 14 km away from one another. Due to the strait and the ocean currents, this area is especially warm—which has a jet effect and increases the wind.

During the main summer season (from around July to the middle of September), the beaches are separated into swimming, sunbathing, kitesurfing and kitesurf beginner zones. Any other time, you can kite on any part of the beaches without restrictions. The conditions for a downwinder are perfect at this time of the year and a session or two could be arranged.

In Tarifa, on the Costa de la Luz, there are different classes of winds. The best known are the levante and the poniente.

The levante is a strong, warm wind from the east. It can work itself up to a wind speed of 8 Bft after a few days, but is usually around 6-7 Bft.

The poniente is the best wind for kitesurfers. It blows at a wind speed of about 6 Bft from the west onshore side to the city beach and is a little cooler than the levante. Thanks to this wind, the temperature in Tarifa stays pretty nice in the middle of the summer. A little farther out to sea, it carries small swells with it.

Here you find actual windreports and forecasts for Tarifa:

http://www.windguru.cz/de/index.php?sc=43

In Tarifa and the surrounding area, there are tons of spots with different conditions for all kitesurf levels. Of course, it’s also possible to kitesurf at places other than our main spot. The KiteWorldWide team is here for you and would love to give you some tips!

Los Lances

Our main spot in Tarifa is at the Los Lances beach. The beach is a little ways outside of the city, but quickly reachable by rental car. You’ll, of course, be picked up for your kitesurfing courses. The beach is one of the most beautiful in southern Spain. Here the sand is dazzlingly white and fine—as opposed to other beaches in the south. Two small rivers run parallel to the beach and make small lagoons for kitesurfing at high tide.

Gisela Pulido, the several-time world kitesurfing champion, started her own kite school here. It is located on the Los Lances beach — right next to the “Chiringuito Agua Tarifa”, a cool beach bar. After kiting, you can head there for a fresh, ice-cold San Miguel and take advantage of the ocean view.

The kite school is directly at the spot and has access to a private area for teaching. Lessons are conducted according to IKO guidelines and the teachers speak several languages.

The 250m² school building is located at the end of Tarifa, a few 100m from the spot, and has a kite shop including a trampoline with a bar simulator for practicing tricks along with a private fitness center. After kiting, you can check out the chill out area with TV and a Wii for games or go to the kitchen, of course, for something to drink. In addition, there are showers and changing rooms.

Alternatively we offer mountainbike tours and SUP tours. Both will be under supervision of a local guide and include sandwiches and some cool drinks.

We offer two different kinds of accommodations in Tarifa

KiteWorldWide Tarifa Townhouse

This is a giant townhouse in the middle of the historic district of Tarifa. It is built in an andalusian style. Its highlight is the atrium in the middle of the house and the beautiful open courtyard.

Before, people were only able to rent the upper part of the house in total (4 bedrooms, kitchen and rooftop terrace). Now we rent out the rooms individually and people can use the common areas.

You will find three studio on the ground floor with different sizes. Every studio comes with a bathroom and a little kitchenette.There are double rooms with king-sized beds (large double beds) and three rooms each with two double beds. Every room is decorated differently with attention to detail and has an individual bathroom. 

You`ll have access to the common room (kitchen and living room) and the breathtaking roof terrace with a great view over the whole town and the sea.

The “Master Bedroom” comes with its own balcony. (extra charge)

In a familiar atmosphere you can spent lots of nights chatting with other Kiters and enyoing the spanish flair while having a dinner together or a bbq on the roof terrace.

Please notice that our accommodation is located right in the centre of the old town with lots of cozy bars and restaurants, thus in the summer months (especially in August) it might get louder at night.

The largest studio, Studio 1, has a bathroom with bathtub and shower, a fully equipped kitchen, and direct access to the community courtyard.

Studio 2 is the smallest studio (somewhat cheaper) and can be accessed through the courtyard. It also has its own shower and fully equipped kitchen.

The third studio, Studio 3, along with its own kitchen and bathroom has a private courtyard with seats.

The house apartment has a total of four bedrooms each with its own bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, a rec room with a TV and video equipment and a large sun terrace with a complete view of Tarifa where you can enjoy a drink or two in the evening.

Estrella de Tarifa

The Estrella de Tarifa is located right in the center of the old town. Its build and furnished in a typical beautiful Moroccan style. Owned by a local the townhouse is only a two minute walk away from the harbor.

Right next to the Estrella de Tarifa you will find lots of pretty bars and restaurants that are perfect to spend a cozy evening there.

Due to the fact that this old townhouse provides a basis for the accommodation the rooms differ in their size and consequently in their prices. We offer you accommodation in higher to middle price range, thus we can promise you the best price performance ratio. 

If you liked to stay in hostels – but in this case with more comfort - while you`ve been travelling around, you will love this place. Beautiful rooms, lounge music and candle light in the hallway for the night create a romantic comfortable atmosphere. You will meet quickly international guest to spend the holiday with.

You have free Wi-Fi access in the whole building. (Please understand that the Wi-Fi connection is not the quickest one) Every room comes with an own bathroom and TV.

Tangier

Even if you can see the African coast some days, the 14km are a little far to swim. Its great to walk around the traditional markets and go shopping in typical small shops. For an excursion to the other continent, it’s better to take the ferries from Tarifa which cross the Strait of Gibraltar in 35 minutes.

Gibraltar

Gibraltar is easy accessible by rental car and really worth a visit. Under the sovereignty of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, this overseas territory is only 6.5km². Upon arrival, it is very important that you have valid ID cards!

From the European Point, the southernmost point of Gibraltar, you have an overwhelming view of the African and Spanish coastline, and of the strait of Gibraltar. At the Rock of Gibraltar are the only in natural enviroment living apes in Europe.

Wales & Dolphins

A real highlight is the wales and dolphins that you can see around the coast of Tarifa. On this tour, you’ll take a boat onto the water and check out the home of different dolphin species: common dolphin, striped dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, and porpoises. With a little luck, you’ll see some swordfish, sperm whales, or finbacks swimming their way between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea through the Strait of Gibraltar.

Paragliding

If kiteloops are not high enough for you, take a flight and enjoy the faszinating view over Tarifa to the African coast.

Horse riding

Tarifa is not only a kitesurfers paradise. Horse trails through the spectacular dunes of Punta Paloma, in the Natural Park of El Estrecho, with Africa on the horizon are phantastic. You will experience all the elements of nature: fauna, flora, sea, mountains, wind....

Stand up Paddle Surfing

Stand Up Paddle Surfing is an ancient way of surfing, where the surfer uses a paddle to move through the water, while standing on a bigger surfboard. You can try this new surfing directly at the beach of Los Lances.

Surfing

Enjoy the special feeling of surfing, with amazing views to Morocco. A little bit upside of Los Lances you find a natural reef with waves, where we offer courses for all levels.

The Spanish are famous for their zest and laid-back lifestyle. The spoken word is really important here and usually you can trust promises people make. Tarifa itself has a noticeably positive and relaxed atmosphere. The many water sports enthusiasts in the city come from all corners of Europe and usually speak English. Knowledge of Spanish, however, is always an advantage.

Some of the most important holidays in Spain is Easter in spring. The Easter processions last about a week and are very important to the Spanish. The “Semana Santa” is in April. During this time, most shops are closed and there are traditional parades throughout the city that attract many, mostly Spanish, tourists. Part of these parades are the musicians who play along the roads and in front of the church.

Tarifa is so easy to get to!

There are airports in Jerez, Malaga, Gibraltar and Seville to which many different airlines from all over Europe fly.

We would be glad to arrange transportation from any of these airports for you, but we suggest (due to high transportation prices) that you rent a car. This way you can stay flexible and check out the area.

During the off-season, you can rent a small car for upwards of €70 a week (!) and €150 a week during the busy season!

We would be glad to help you find a package applicable to your situation from our partner Holidayautos. All of their rental prices include all insurance costs (except the deductible).

You can reach Tarifa with cheap airlines like Ryan Air, Iberia, AirBerlin, Norwegian and EasyJet among others. For questions or advices, don't hesitate to contact us!

Airport: Malaga (AGP) or Jerez (XRY)

From Scandinavia:

Our closest destination lays ca. four hours flight time from Oslo. You can either fly to Jerez or Malaga.

Ryan Air flies from Oslo (Torp and Rygge), Haugesund, Billund, Aarhus, Gothenburg, Malmo and Stockholm (Skavsta and Vasteras) several times a week and is the cheapest alternative if booked early.

Norwegian, SAS and Air Berlin are other airlines with good offers.

From Stavanger, Bergen, Trondheim, Torp, Copenhagen, Stockholm and Gothenburg Norwegian takes you directly to Malaga several times a week.