Tourist Information

A long ten kilometre coast of white sandy beaches, unspoilt countryside and the best windsurfing conditions in Europe have established Tarifa which is a true surfers paradise. Because of windy conditions, this isn't a first choice of destination for luxury loving sun-worshipers. It is uniquely un-built (there's no large tourist complexes), just great campsites, many unpretentious cafes and bars which come alive after a hard days surfing. Tarifa has excellent hotels, mainly located to the north of the town, so if you just want to relax, there's plenty of choice. There are plenty of little tapas bars in the old town just to the east of the Alameda. Outside the Jerez Gate on the main street called Batalla del Salado (leading north out of the town) you'll find the surf shops and trendy clothes shops. On the hills behind Tarifa are hundreds of wind turbines generating enough power for a small town. It is one of the largest wind farms in Europe.

Just 11 km across the Straits of Gibraltar at its narrowest point, this southern-most tip of Europe where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy the spectacular views of the mountains of Africa across the water. Tarifa's wild coastline attracts surfers and nature-lovers. Tarifa is famous for its bird watching as its surfing, there are endless opportunities to explore the rolling countryside.

History
This little fishing town was the first point of the Moorish invasion in AD711 of Southern Spain. In 1295 Guzman El Bueno defended the town against the invading Moors. According to the local legend, the Moors captured his son and threatened to kill him if Guzman didn't surrender the town. He refused and threw down his sword with which they killed his son. Local fishermen still use the method called Almadraba of fishing using a circle of boats and nets, a practice which has not changed since 13th Century. The Tuna fishing season generally starts at the end of March till the end of June.
The narrow cobbled streets, tumbling jasmine and beautiful wrought-iron rejas make Tarifa old town a charming place for a stroll. The original castellated city walls of this ancient town are tightly woven into the fabric of the whitewashed houses. However, much of what we see today was constructed in the 18th Century. The 8th Century Jerez Gate has been recently restored. There is a magnificent church of San Mateo in the centre and nearby in Calle de los Azogues the buildings date back to the 16th and 17th century.

The Arab Castle of Guzman El Bueno is open to visitors. It was built in 960 AD on the orders of Caliph Abderraman III. The irregular oblong architecture has Roman influence giving rise to the theory that it was built on the remains of a Roman castle. To the east two high towers protect the entrance from the Arab town.

The municipal museum is also well worth a visit. It is located near the town hall in the square officially named Plaza de Santa Maria but locally known as the square of the little frog. There is an impressive view of the shores of Morocco from the Miramar Gardens next to the Town Hall (the Ayuntamiento) at the top of the town. La Alameda a typical Andalucian paved garden where the old folk sit on wrought iron benches in the shade of the vast palm trees. Just across the road at the entrance of the castle is a magnificent statue of local hero Guzman el Bueno, saviour of the town.
Next to the Alameda is the old fishing port. It has never been developed but is interesting for a stroll. To the west walk or drive (take care the wind blown sand is sometimes deep) down the causeway called Muelle de Rivera towards the island, Isla de las Palomas.