Tarifa, Spain

Tarifa, Spain is known as the windy capital of Europe, with windsurfing and kitesurfing between mid March and mid November.  Holidays are available with the choice of budget and luxury hotels and the windsurfing and kitesurfing centre located directly on the spot. Situated on the most southern tip of Spain, projecting into the Straits of Gibraltar that separate Spain and Morocco, With a wide choice of flights, airports and short travelling times, this venue is suitable for either a long weekend trip or a longer stay. Tarifa provides a lively beach holiday, with the summer months being the most busy and buzzing.
 

Sailing Spot and Conditions 
Tarifa stands on the exposed eastern cusp of an open bay of 11kms of white sand. Located on a curved, sandy beach around 10 minutes west of Tarifa old town, Valdevaqueros Beach is our recommended windsurfing and kitesurfing area because of its vast expanse of open water. This spot is ideal for intermediates and above as at the height of summer it can get very busy on the water and have strong wind conditions up to 8bft on big days with some of the very best wind stats in Europe. The sheltered bay area at Las Dunas on the western side of Valdevaqueros, provides more suitable learning conditions for beginners. With the strong winds during summer months the water is usually flat, during autumn and winter waves can get up to 2 meters.  In autumn and spring, the Poniente blows from the west, with side shore to cross onshore winds) bringing more choppy waters. During the summer months, the dominant Levante wind blows cross off-shore from the east (left) to side shore and can ready 30 knots or more. With the jet effect in the Straits, the prevailing winds get additional force and acceleration, making Tarifa one of the best spots in Europe for high wind.
 

Culture and Activities 
Just minutes away from the spot there is a choice of traditional and luxury boutique hotels with excellent restaurants, pools, spas and the choice of activities such as cycling, horse riding and trekking. Book early though as rooms go quickly for the summer season. Tarifa Town is approximately 9km to the east, around 10 minute by car, where you wll find a collection of Moorish buildings and cobbled streets with shops, restaurants, bars and clubs. The town is a mecca for windsurfers and kitesurfers with shops selling the latest kit and accessories. Around Tarifa there are many preserved Andalusian ‘white villages’, where you can experience local festivals, Flamenco and Sevillana dancing. From Tarifa you can easily tour the area in a hire car and visit Seville, Jerez, Cadiz and Rhoda. Other excursions include Gibraltar and the famous monkeys, boat trips from Tarifa for dolphin and whale watching or Tangier ferry over to the Morocco souk markets.