Renowned throughout Europe as the windsurfing capital of Spain, Tarifa boasts some of the best beaches in Andalucia. This is where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean in spectacular fashion, and this windy part of Cadiz province attracts holidaymakers and water-sports fans from all over the world.

Once ruled by the Moors, Tarifa is often credited with being the origin of the word, tariff, since it was the first port in history to charge merchants for the use of its docks, but other sources point to the Arabic word, ta’rïf, as the origin. The name ´Tarifa´ itself is derived from the name of the Berber warrior, Tarif ibn Malik. Every population which either settled in or passed by this fascinating town has left its imprint. This is evident from the traces of ancient Rome to the modern windsurfing culture. Although Tarifa’s Moorish style is still very much in evidence, the town has undergone a modern yet tasteful transformation, and has avoided the mistakes made by many other large tourist towns in Spain, and has re-invented itself by beautifully blending its hotels with some of the town´s original buildings and features.

Situated on the increasingly popular Costa de la Luz, Tarifa is only 80km West of Marbella and Puerto Banus, and is well worth a visit – even for a day trip. There is far more to this small town than its waves and its beaches, and Tarifa is also famous for its buzzing social scene. There are plenty of activities on hand for adults and kids alike, and there is no better place for a family holiday.

Also popular with bird watchers and nature lovers, there is no better place than Tarifa to watch the storks migrating across the Straits of Gibraltar, and visitors also flock to the coast here for dolphin and whale spotting.

I particularly love the casual and informal atmosphere of Tarifa, and it is as unpretentious as it is intriguing. The history of the town has always been wrapped in an aura of mystery, and ever since the first stories were told about the Pillars of Hercules- one of which is nearby Gibraltar – being the place where the world ended, visitors and sailors have always been fascinated by this particular part of the coastline.
The Church of San Mateo attracts hundreds of visitors every month.
The main building is of late Gothic style, dating back to the 16th century. The facade, designed by the architect Torcuato Cayón in the 17th century, is neo-classic.
The current walls that enclose Tarifa are the result of several construction phases and restorations, which were accomplished in the 18th century, when the city was converted into a military base during Spain’s attempt to recapture Gibraltar.

Two main sections of the wall can distinguished. The first one corresponds to the walls built during Islamic domination, which included the ancient Tarifa medina, located in the extreme south end of the town. Its remains can be seen in various parts of the Tarifa , including the steep frontal cliff facing the Straits.
In true Spanish style, Tarifa really comes alive after the sun goes down, and there are plenty of bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants around the centre of town which keep visitors entertained well into the small hours of the morning. Top clubs include Jungle Playa which is situated literally on the beach, and the alternative and loud La Jaima, in the centre of town. Disco pubs include the Soul Café, Explora and Cepillo, and the fabulous Moby Dick, which is a surfer´s paradise.

Eating out is as entertaining as it is a pleasure to the palate. The choice is so vast that going out with friends can cause problems if each has a different preference – your best bet is to try one of the many fab tapas bars dotted around the resort. You’ll be surprised by the number of restaurants and tapas bars they have managed to cram into such a small town. Most international restaurants are represented, from Moorish to Japanese to the usual pizza and Chinese. Local restaurants are superb, selling fresh fish and seafood fresh from the Med, and the prices are much cheaper than other resorts along the coast.

For excellent food and service, La Botega, the Mandragora and Suk are three of the best restaurants in Tarifa, and the atmosphere is fun and casual. Bearing in mind Tarifa´s proximity to the Moroccan coastline (the lights of Morocco can be seen from the shore here on a clear night), many restaurants offer delicious Arabic dishes combined with modern Spanish ingredients.

Being something of a mecca for kite and windsurfers, Tarifa also boasts some of the best surf shops in Europe, and whether you are a beginner or an experienced surfer, you will be able to get expert tips and advice from the experts on hand, and get fully kitted out into the bargain. Tarifa is a great place to be day and night, and although this is Spain´s windiest coastlines, the sun shines continually throughout the summer, and visitors continue to flock here year after year.

For more general information about Tarifa, take a look at www.tarifa.net