The Best Things to Do in Tarifa in One Day

Everything you need to know about things do in Tarifa in one day. It is an ideal place to visit in a short time if you are coming from Cádiz or the Costa del Sol.

Things to do in Tarifa in one day

The pretty little town of Tarifa is located at the point in mainland Europe where the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet. Here you can see the confluence of the two bodies of water, enjoy the beaches, see Africa from the lookout point and explore the charm of the historic centre.

Things to do in Tarifa, the Island of the Pigeons

It is linked to the mainland by an isthmus, and is the southernmost point of continental Europe (not forgetting that the Canaries are much further south).

The particularity of the place is that from this isthmus, you can see the Mediterranean Sea on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other.

You can also see Africa from the coast, which is only about 16 kilometres away – in fact, Tarifa is closer to Tangier than to any other city in Spain. There is a nice terrace with views of the Mediterranean and the African coast.

Tarifa Port

Although the harbour is not a major attraction, the best thing about the place is the large number of restaurants where you can eat fresh fish. The port is right next to the historic city centre, so it is very easy to get there. Ferries to Africa also leave from here.

La Calzada and the historic centre

La Calzada is another of the things to do in Tarifa. It’s a street a couple of blocks long, with plenty of places to eat and drink. Very busy, especially after a day at the beach.

Around the Calzada is the old town, which is mostly pedestrianised. It is surrounded by a wall. The centre of the old town is accessed through the Puerta de Jerez.

Walking through the little streets of the old town is a must, you will come across many little squares where you can have a drink. It’s great.

📷 Book the free tour of Tarifa. With a specialised guide you will get to know the most important places in the centre of Tarifa.

Things to do in Tarifa, Guzmán el Bueno Castle

The Castle of Guzmán el Bueno is another of the places to see in Tarifa in one day. For a long time it functioned as a military fortress and today stands out in the middle of the historic centre.

The story goes that Alonso Pérez de Guzmán lived here and that he sacrificed his own son in order not to surrender the fortress to the Muslims in the 13th century. This feat earned him his remembrance and in honour of this the castle bears his name.

Inside the enclosure, in addition to the views, you can visit the Castilian-Nazari interpretation centre.

What to see and do in Tarifa, Playa Chica beach

Although, as its name suggests, the beach is small, the advantage is that it is located in the centre of Tarifa, right next to the large breakwater that separates the Mediterranean Sea from the Atlantic Ocean.

This beach faces the Mediterranean Sea, so its waves are much gentler than other beaches facing the ocean, ideal for sunbathing and enjoying a swim in the clear water.

Los Lances Beach

In the centre of the city and bathed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Los Lances beach is very wide, with waves ideal for surfers and the perfect place to watch the sunset. It is not advisable to go on windy days because a lot of sand can blow away.

Things to do around Tarifa

Bolonia Beach

Half an hour from Tarifa is this stunning beach of fine sand and crystal clear water. It has a huge expanse of sand, so no matter how crowded it gets, you can still enjoy the place. Undoubtedly, one of the great attractions of Tarifa.

Next to the beach of Bolonia, you can visit the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia and the impressive dune of Bolonia, about 30 metres high, from where you have a spectacular view of the sea.

Valdevaqueros Beach

Situated on the outskirts of Tarifa, it is a huge beach favoured by windsurfers and kitesurfers, due to the powerful wind that blows in this area.

When the wind is from the west, the ocean is rougher and this is favourable for water sports, the downside is that the beaches attract more algae and the sea is rough. Although it is possible to go sunbathing, it is too windy for me. There is also the alternative of having a drink at one of the beach bars overlooking the beach.

📷 Do you want to kitesurf? Book a two-day kitesurfing course and feel the adrenaline of this sport. Kitesurfing equipment included.

Whale and dolphin watching in Tarifa

One of the activities to do in Tarifa is whale watching. This spot in the Strait of Gibraltar is perfect for watching dolphins and sperm whales, pilot whales and fin whales. The important thing is that the observation is done from the boat, without disturbing the natural habitat of the species.

📷Book the Strait of Gibraltar sailing trip including whale watching.

Panoramic Point

If you visit Tarifa by car, on the road going north to Algeciras, there is a panoramic viewpoint from where you can see the coast of Africa more fully and from the heights.

📷 Do you want to get to know one of the most beautiful cities in the north of Morocco? Book the ferry excursion from Tarifa to Tangier. Including guide, entrance fees and lunch.

Virgen de la Luz Chapel

The patron saint of the city is the Virgen de la Luz, whose hermitage or sanctuary is located on the outskirts of the city, some 10 kilometres away. On the day of the Virgin, a procession takes place from the Sanctuary to the Church of San Mateo at the end of the Calzada.

Activities to do in Tarifa

♣ Tarifa is a strategic point for the sighting of short and long migration birds. The city’s beaches are often full of black storks, for example. Great for birdwatching tourism.

♣ Dolphin, whale and killer whale watching is also possible. There are many dedicated companies close to the port.

What to eat in Tarifa?

Typical food is tuna, which is caught in the area by local fishermen. Puntillas, a small squid, is a cheaper alternative to eat. The whole port area, and preferably Calle Calzada, is where most of the restaurants and bars are concentrated.

Where to stay in Tarifa?

There are many hotels in Tarifa, it is not an expensive town, but you have to take into account that in high season it gets very crowded and it is very difficult to find a place to sleep. We recommend three options:

• Hostal Tarifa: very good value for money in the centre of Tarifa and only a few metres from the beach. The rooms are not so spacious, but the service is excellent and everything is very clean.
• La Casa de la Favorita: in the heart of the historic centre and surrounded by bars and restaurants, the Andalusian-style hotel is housed in a renovated old mansion facing a square.
• Chillout Hotel Tres Mares: close to Valdevaqueros beach and away from the centre of Tarifa, it is an excellent alternative if you have a car. Large garden for relaxation and very peaceful surroundings.

🏨 Do you want to look for other options? Find here the best hotels in Tarifa.

How to get to Tarifa?

If you plan to fly, the best option is to fly to Malaga and then hire a car to drive along the Costa del Sol, passing through towns such as Marbella and Fuengirola, and on to Tarifa.

✈️ Search here for cheap flights to Malaga.

By car from Madrid it is almost 700 kms, which is quite a tiring journey to make in one day. From Seville it is about 200 kms, in this case you can even go and come back in the same day, as it could be the case of Cadiz as well.

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