The road leading to the beach and car park at Tarifa

The road leading to the beach and car park at Tarifa

As you pass through the wrought Iron gate called ‘Valdevaqueros’ the road twists and turns its way into another world; the world of the Surfer. Tarifa is a hot spot for kite surfers in particular, with some enthusiasts considering it to be the best destination in Europe for the sport.

At the end of the twists and turns of the meandering road you’ll see sand dunes and a small parking area. In a secluded area, sheltered away from the wind, is the main car park where the vehicles are well protected from all the sand blowing in the air.

The conditions for surfing and kiting are perfect almost throughout the year and from the waters edge you can watch surfers and kite surfers riding the waves and taking to the air with the tricks and jumps.

For surfers, there is an enormous choice of different beaches, whether you’re a beginner or advanced pro, summer through to winter, there is something for everyone.

Tarifa became the European ’surfer capital’ due to two winds which meet here, the levante and the poniente, keeping conditions ideal almost throughout the year. With the wind blowing through the straits of Gibraltar works like a gigantic funnel, accelerating the wind around the coastline improving the surf and kiting conditions.

Kitesurfers enjoying the conditions at Tarifa

Kitesurfers enjoying the conditions at Tarifa


Tarifa and the surrounding beaches are regarded to be at the top of the list for surfing locations within Europe and hardly a day goes past without winds of a strength of force 4.

Although Tarifa is considered to be the ‘capital’, there are other places in Spain which come up in conversation between surfers in the surfing community such as Almeria, in the southeast.

For those interested in kite surfing, the British Kite Surfing Assocation has an extensive list of clubs, events and training schools for you to attend and give the sport a try.

Sixt have a strong presence throughout the south of Spain including branches in Estepona, Marbella and Malaga.

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