Top Exciting Activities in Tarifa Beyond Kiteboarding
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Tarifa is a vibrant and diverse destination that offers so much more than just world-class kitesurfing. From charming villages to stunning beaches, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this enchanting town.
1. Tarifa City (... and restaurant) Guide
To start with Tarifa itself, there is plenty to keep you entertained. When I first came to Tarifa, without having really dug into my trip, I was amazed while approaching to discover it was actually a charming Andalusian white village with its old medieval entrance door, La Puerta Jerez. The town is home to a number of historic sights, including the well-preserved Guzman Castle and the Church of San Mateo. Stroll through the charming old town, with its colorful buildings and lively cafes, or browse the stalls at the bustling market. The old town market is opened every day until 3pm except for Sundays. If you plan to go buy some top quality tuna, please note that the fish stalls are also closed on Mondays.
For a taste of the local cuisine, be sure to try some of the region's famous tuna dishes. Tarifa is worldwide famous for its Red Tuna. From April to June, these tuna migrate from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea to spawn. This migration brings large numbers of tuna close to the coast of Tarifa, making it a popular destination for fishermen and seafood enthusiasts. The red tuna caught in these waters is known for its high quality and intense flavor, making it a prized delicacy all over the world.
The concentration of good and affordable restaurants in Tarifa is quite exceptional. Lately I would say that my top go-to restaurants would be:
- Silos 19 and el Frances. Same Chef for these two places. One probably more refined than the other, but there are some similarities in the menus. I can actually eat everything there, they serve the best pulpo in town! Eva is the nicest, she manages to keep smiley and take the time to drop a few nice words and joke around, while being incredibly efficient !
- Cocina N°6, seated on high chairs on this creative tapas cosy restaurant. Also a pretty savorous option.
- Vaca Loca, I go there when I crave beef or marinated chicken cooked on the wooden grill inside this tiny space!
- Chillimosa, best vegan option, with also super nice staff
- La Pescadería, tuna discovery here we go, or the famous Arroz, the local Rice stew which you won't be able to finish and will have to ask for a doggy bag
- Los Mellis, the vibe there as well as the food is seducing, a place to spend a nice moment in the lovely street Guzman el Bueno, a few steps away from the castle
No visit to Tarifa would be complete without sampling the town's famous Chiringuitos, beach bars serving up fresh seafood and ice-cold drinks. There again I will share my favourite ones of the moment:
- Waikiki, close from the old town, with options to lay in the sand, the dream!
- Tangana, in Valdevaqueros you will enjoy the great playlist, the nicest spot, and the backterass to be protected from the wind with its little shop
- Gaïa, went there a few times and ended up chilling and dancing while watching the sundown. An enchantment.
- El chiringuito. The first one on the beach. Great spot to witness exceptional kiting, as Balneario (the name of this kite spot) is where the most experienced kiters come to have fun and offer a great show!
2. Discover the Charm of Nearby Villages
One of the best ways to explore the area around Tarifa is by taking a day trip to one of the nearby villages. Zahara de los Atunes, just a short drive away, is a picturesque seaside village known for its beautiful beaches and delicious seafood. Or head to Vejer de la Frontera, a stunning hilltop village with whitewashed houses and narrow cobblestone streets. The closest option however is Bolonia and its beautiful archeological museum and roman ruins by the sea.
3. Explore the wonders of the Natural Parks
If you're looking to get back to nature, Tarifa has plenty to offer. The surrounding countryside is home to a number of beautiful natural parks, such as the Estrecho Nature Park and the Los Alcornocales Natural Park. Here, you can hike through stunning landscapes, spot a variety of wildlife, and take in breathtaking views of the Strait of Gibraltar. The Buddha walk is a famous easy start, but all hikes are worth it, there is only beauty to explore all around. Just check Komoot and pick a path! For more sportive options, Betis, and the mountain of San Bartolo, offers also very nice climbing routes for all levels.
Another kind of riding in the area is horse-riding, of few centers offer these possibilities, from a tiny discovery walk to longer more experienced riding. I'm not horse-riding myself so I haven't tried these personally but the Two that come to mind are Hurricane Hipica linked to the Hurricane Hotel, and Aventura Ecuestre.
Whether you're a thrill-seeker looking to catch some waves, a foodie eager to sample the local cuisine, or a nature lover in search of beautiful landscapes, Tarifa has something for everyone. So don't wait any longer – book your trip to this amazing destination today and discover all that this hidden gem has to offer.
Best,
Alice