Tarifa Guidebook
Sightseeing
Vejer is a 'Pueblo Blanco' (white village) on top of a hill about 40mins drive to Tarifa, it has some nice shops and restaurants, we recommend 'El Jardin de Califa' for eating (book ahead!), they also have a nice roof terrace with amazing views of the countryside.
From Vejer you can also visit the beaches of Canos de Meca or Calas de Roche which are both really nice
287 locals recommend
Vejer de la Frontera
17 C. P.º de las CobijadasVejer is a 'Pueblo Blanco' (white village) on top of a hill about 40mins drive to Tarifa, it has some nice shops and restaurants, we recommend 'El Jardin de Califa' for eating (book ahead!), they also have a nice roof terrace with amazing views of the countryside.
From Vejer you can also visit the beaches of Canos de Meca or Calas de Roche which are both really nice
Only 1 hour drive from Tarifa, Cadiz is a great city to visit for the day with lots of interesting history, you can see the Cathedral and do a walking tour with a guide, it also has nice beaches in summer and fantastic seafood (great for Sushi too!)
This is a great place to visit when Levante blowing and you want to escape the wind in Tarifa!
237 locals recommend
Cádiz
S/N Pl. de SevillaOnly 1 hour drive from Tarifa, Cadiz is a great city to visit for the day with lots of interesting history, you can see the Cathedral and do a walking tour with a guide, it also has nice beaches in summer and fantastic seafood (great for Sushi too!)
This is a great place to visit when Levante blowing and you want to escape the wind in Tarifa!
Take a day trip to Bolonia beach, its about 20min drive from Tarifa and there are some Roman ruins with a really great archeology museum (Conjunto Arqueológico Baelo Claudia) if you’re feeling energetic you can walk to the top of the sand dunes at the end of the beach.
107 locals recommend
BOLONIA PLAYA
Take a day trip to Bolonia beach, its about 20min drive from Tarifa and there are some Roman ruins with a really great archeology museum (Conjunto Arqueológico Baelo Claudia) if you’re feeling energetic you can walk to the top of the sand dunes at the end of the beach.
Food scene
Only 1hr 40min drive from Tarifa, Jerez is famous for Sherry, you can take a tour of a bodega (where they make and store the wine) or do a tapas tour around the city centre, you can also see the 'dancing' Andalusian horses at https://www.realescuela.org/ which is really impressive.
137 locals recommend
Jerez de la Frontera
Only 1hr 40min drive from Tarifa, Jerez is famous for Sherry, you can take a tour of a bodega (where they make and store the wine) or do a tapas tour around the city centre, you can also see the 'dancing' Andalusian horses at https://www.realescuela.org/ which is really impressive.
Go for lunch at the Hurricane Hotel, its a 5min drive from Tarifa, they have a beautiful garden where you can sit outside and enjoy the buffet lunch (€13 for lots of food!)
13 locals recommend
Hotel Hurricane
KM 78 N-340Go for lunch at the Hurricane Hotel, its a 5min drive from Tarifa, they have a beautiful garden where you can sit outside and enjoy the buffet lunch (€13 for lots of food!)
Sports / Activities
If you like surfing you should 100% visit ‘El Palmar’ about 45min drive from Tarifa, there are lots of surf schools if you want to book lessons and great restaurants to check out along the beach.
19 locals recommend
El Palmar de Vejer
If you like surfing you should 100% visit ‘El Palmar’ about 45min drive from Tarifa, there are lots of surf schools if you want to book lessons and great restaurants to check out along the beach.
Visit ‘La Peña’ for a hike, this is the big hill that overlooks the beach, it is my favourite spot in the area, its a 10min drive from the town, you can park up at this point - https://goo.gl/maps/KV8iKsWxtmsAkoTz6
Follow the trails up the hill, if you are feeling energetic you can walk to the top of the mountain to see the wind turbines, otherwise just walk up halfway and enjoy the views.
La Peña
Visit ‘La Peña’ for a hike, this is the big hill that overlooks the beach, it is my favourite spot in the area, its a 10min drive from the town, you can park up at this point - https://goo.gl/maps/KV8iKsWxtmsAkoTz6
Follow the trails up the hill, if you are feeling energetic you can walk to the top of the mountain to see the wind turbines, otherwise just walk up halfway and enjoy the views.
Go horse riding on the beach, you can do a 1 hour horse ride along the beach, no experience required, the horses are very gentle and you will be with a guide. If you book it around sunset you will be rewarded with amazing views as the sun sets of the sea. You can go from ‘Hotel Dos Mares’ or ‘Hurricane Hotel’ I have used this company before - https://www.aventuraecuestre.com/riding-stables/
25 locals recommend
Playa Valdevaqueros Tangana
9B Arrabal Sector ValdevaquerosGo horse riding on the beach, you can do a 1 hour horse ride along the beach, no experience required, the horses are very gentle and you will be with a guide. If you book it around sunset you will be rewarded with amazing views as the sun sets of the sea. You can go from ‘Hotel Dos Mares’ or ‘Hurricane Hotel’ I have used this company before - https://www.aventuraecuestre.com/riding-stables/
City advice
Getting around
We recommend you hire a car but its not essential....
There are buses that go to Cadiz, Seville, Gibraltar and Malaga from the Bus Station close to the house (timetables are printed in the ticket office)
You can also take a Taxi from the bus station
Mountain Bikes can be hired from 'Repack' or 'Destem' bike shops near the house.
Don't miss
The fish market in the old town...
If you like to see what the fisherman have caught then head to the 'Mercado Publico de Tarifa' in the morning, if you are lucky during Tuna Season you might see a whole Tuna!
Don't miss
Breakfast or Brunch at 'Surla'
The best breakfast in Tarifa!
If you can get a table you will not be disappointed, our favourite is the 'Chiarlie Brown'
Don't miss
Go For Tapas In Old Town
Go for Tapas in the old town - This is an obvious one! There are many many restaurants to choose from, some are hidden away, my favourites are - El Lola, La Burla, Silos, Ola Ola, Restaurante Raizes…check TripAdvisor for the current favourites.