Discover Tarifa in Southern Spain

Combine a Beach Holiday with a Visit to the Oldest Town in Andalusia

Oct 3, 2008

Although famous for its wind surfing beaches, the historical part of Tarifa is a delightful maze of shops in narrow streets converging onto quirky plazas, or squares.

Holidays in Spain are good value and for a beach holiday with a difference, try Tarifa on the southernmost point of Andalusia.

Pick up a map at the Tarifa tourist office at the edge of Paseo de la Alameda. Head up to Calle Amagura lookout point for the best panoramic view of the straits of Gibraltar, about 7 miles across to the coastline of Africa The wind blows 300 days a year in this part of Spain, the waves are strong and the ferry from Africa can be seen wending its way across the straits into the harbour.

The Best Loved Square in Tarifa

Turning right, away from the lookout area, is an unusual square that typifies the quirky nature of Tarifa. The Plaza Santa Maria, is in the Moorish style, popular in Andalusia, with formal rose gardens, decoratively tiled benches and a star shaped, 8 pointed fountain. At each point is a green ceramic frog, spouting water from its mouth into the fountain.

On one side of the shady square is the old library, whilst opposite is an elegantly restored Arabic style building designated to become the new library and exhibition centre. The imposing Casa Constitorial building houses the police station and Tarifa town hall, with a gently chiming clock.

Shopping In Tarifa

Alongside the souvenir shops selling items found all over Andalusia, there are several surfwear and sportswear outlets. Perhaps the most unusual shop in Calle De La Luz is the Vibram shoe shop which also serves coffee, snacks and wine from different areas of Spain. They sell expensive shoes shaped to fit the toes like gloves, suitable for water sports or trekking. The shoes are not made in Spain, but imported from Italy.

Craft work from Marrakech in Morocco, can be found at Hand Made in Calle Coronel Moscardo. Ceramic bowls trimmed with beaten silver, leatherwork, and ethnic jewellery are on sale from 11am to 10pm.

Eating Out in Tarifa

In the tradition of Andalusia there are pavement cafes, tapas bars and restaurants on every corner all serving fresh fish and seafood. For a different experience, a tiny vegetarian restaurant can be found near the Puerta de Jerez. Chilimosa restaurant, in Calle Peso, has 2 small tables in the entrance area. Up a couple of stairs and there is a room approximately 6 foot square. Another 2 tables comfortably seat 4 to 6.

The food ranges from carrot cake and soy burgers to spinach pies topped with sesame seeds. Generous portions start at 4 euros (US$5.78) They do not take credit cards. Organic beer is served by the glass from 1.50 euros (US$2.17) whilst tea is served in tin teapots.

Guzman El Bueno Castle

After lunch, take a tour of the Guzman El Bueno Castle, easily spotted with its graceful high walls overlooking the Tarifa harbour. Dating from 960 AD it is believed to have been built on the foundations of a Roman Fort. Admission costs from 60 cents (US$ 0.83)

Wind Surfing in Tarifa

Miles of beaches and high winds make Tarifa one of the top kite surfing and wind surfing destinations. For a beach holiday, it offers glorious unspoilt golden sands and an exciting opportunity to learn a water sport . There is a variety of accomodation in Tarifa, from a backpacker's hostel to the famous luxury Hurricane Hotel.

The copyright of the article Discover Tarifa in Southern Spain in Spain Travel is owned by Elaine Walker. Permission to republish Discover Tarifa in Southern Spain in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.