Tarifa, Costa de la Luz - South, Andalucia, Spain

Tarifa has a bohemian feel thanks to the large number of windsurfers and artistic types which helps create a relaxed atmosphere. First impressions of the town from the outskirts are not good but venture into the centre and you will find an interesting town with many attractive buildings and scenic spots. Tarifa’s shops reveal an charming mix of traditional Spanish and Moroccan arts & crafts shops with the best surf wear and locally produced kite/windsurfing equipment.

Tarifa, facing the Northern coast of Africa, surrounded by natural parks,to the west endless unspoilt beaches, is a very versatile town where you will find everything in the numerous interesting shops, bars and restaurants with international and local dishes and wine. There are an attractive market hall, supermarkets, banks, medical centre, classes for guitar and flamenco and a renowned school for Spanish language.

Wherever you go in the ancient town centre you also feel the predominant Moorish history and the centuries of the Reconquista and encounter prehistoric residuals as well as signs of the Phoenician and Roman civilizations.

Tarifa is the starting point for many excursions into the cultural and historical heritage of Western Andalucia (eg. Phoenician Cadiz - the Silver Plate, incomparable Seville, Phoenician/Roman port of Algeciras, Jerez, noble capital of Sherry and horses, Puerto de Santa Maria and Sanlucar, which are said to offer the best seafood of Andalucia - besides: Columbus started from here his discoveries). Tarifa is also the starting point for excursions to grandiose natural parks (Sierra de Grazalema with its hill top white villages, Sierra de Ronda, fascinating Coto Donana).

Another highlight of Tarifa is the exceptionally broad choice of sporting activities (hiking, climbing, cycling and mountain biking, horse riding, swimming, diving, sailing, windsurfing and kiting). You can take a boat to watch the dolphins and whales within the Straits. Important bird migration between Europe and Africa visible from the property.

Tarifa also caters for a wide range of tastes by night, from quiet tapas to all-night partying, all with a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The food, especially locally caught seafood, is excellent and reasonably priced.

Ferries to Tangier take place several times daily (1-3 days guided tours to Northern Morocco and its picturesque markets)