Tarifa, paradise of the wind
Come and challenge the best winds in Europe and discover the hidden secrets of Tarifa: a rich gastronomy, a flourishing nature and the gentle Andalusian hospitality.
Tarifa Where Winds and Worlds Meet
What brings you to Tarifa? Kitesurfing? Gastronomy? Nature?...
Whether it’s the wind, the atmosphere, or the vibrant lifestyle, one thing’s certain: you’ll come to Tarifa—and keep coming back for everything else. We’ve explored kitesurfing spots around the world, but few offer the consistent and varied wind conditions paired with such rich after-kite experiences.
Tarifa, perched at Europe’s southernmost tip, overlooks Morocco and lies between the Mediterranean and Atlantic. This unique location in the Strait of Gibraltar makes it a true European kitesurfing mecca, thanks to the famous Poniente and Levante winds—perfect for all skill levels.
Beyond the wind, Tarifa offers an irresistible mix of culture, hospitality, and energy. Whether you’re a traveler, yogi, athlete, foodie, or party lover, Tarifa welcomes all—and you’ll find your place here.
Tarifa Tarifa, land of winds and Mecca of kitesurfing in Europe
Will you join the Poniente team or the Levante team?
Tarifa is famous for its winds, which alternate between the Levante (east wind from the land) and the Poniente (west wind from the Atlantic). Each wind offers unique conditions, making Tarifa a haven for kitesurfers. Will you prefer Poniente or Levante?
No matter your choice, Tarifa is one of the best places in the world to learn and progress in kitesurfing, thanks to its 4-6 windy days a week, variety of winds, and diverse sea conditions. While Tarifa’s conditions can be challenging, there’s no better place to sharpen your kitesurfing skills and confidently answer the question: “How was kiteboarding today?”
LEVANTE: offshore wind, strong and gusty, flat sea
- Characteristics: The Levante is a warm easterly wind that blows from the land, making it strong and often gusty, typically between 18 and 35 knots. It can take a few days to stabilize, but it brings beautiful turquoise, usually flat water, with occasional waves between 50 cm and 2 m on windier days.
- Kitesurfing Practice: Though it may take some time to handle its gusts and lulls, the Levante offers excellent flat water for beginners practicing waterstarts, intermediates refining technique, and advanced riders working on freestyle. When waves appear, they’re perfect for big air jumps or strapless wave riding. Since it’s an offshore wind, always use the local rescue boat service—rescue vouchers and schedules are available with us.
- Recommended Spots: Best spots for Levante are Los Lances Norte (Rio Jara, Agua) and Valdevaqueros. Balneario is suitable only for very experienced riders. If the wind gets too strong, consider nearby fallback spots like Palmones, Getares (Algeciras), or Los Caños de Meca.
PONIENTE: onshore wind, light and stable, wavy or rough seas
- Characteristics: The Poniente is a westerly wind from the Atlantic—cool, lighter, and more stable than the Levante—blowing between 12 and 25 knots. While it brings more irregular waves and choppy conditions on strong wind days, it can benefit from a thermal boost on hot, sunny afternoons, turning light forecasts into perfect kiting conditions.
- Kitesurfing Practice: The Poniente offers stable wind, making it ideal for beginners to practice kite control. However, the swell and wave conditions can make riding trickier. For intermediate and advanced kiters, the Poniente provides fun wave riding and great lift for jumps with better hangtime.
- Recommended Spots: Out of season, you can kite along the entire Los Lances beach. From June to September, kiting is restricted to Los Lances Norte (Rio Jara, Agua, Arte Vida). Valdevaqueros is another good option, except when the wind turns northerly.
Best kitesurf spots, live webcams and wind forecasts in Tarifa
When and where are you going to kite in Tarifa today?
Tarifa offers plenty of windy days and a wide variety of kitesurfing spots to match every level—beginner to advanced—and every style, from jumps and tricks to wave riding. We’ve listed the spots from closest to town to furthest, so you can easily find one that suits your needs.
Before heading out, check live webcams for real-time conditions or see if others are already on the water. For upcoming sessions, Windguru and Windfinder provide the most accurate forecasts—though conditions can shift quickly, and thermal effects (especially with Poniente) may add a few knots not shown in the models.
Want to meet us? When the wind hits 10 knots or more, you’ll find us at Los Lances Norte, next to chiringuito Agua. Stop by for info or to book a lesson—we’re always happy to help!
Windless days in Tarifa: a flourishing nature and an exotic culture
Do you still have enough strength for other physical activities in Tarifa?
- Walks and Hikes Explore Tarifa’s scenic trails along the coast—on the Mediterranean side near La Caleta or the Atlantic side at Punta Paloma. For stunning views, hike up La Peña mountain; the popular Buddha Walk leads to a small hilltop sanctuary with panoramic vistas of both Los Lances and Valdevaqueros beaches.
- Mountain Bike Outings For a more intense adventure, try mountain biking around Tarifa’s hills and countryside, green and lush until June. The terrain varies in difficulty, and electric bikes are available for rent if you want to take it easier while still enjoying the views.
- Horseback Riding: Experience Tarifa’s beaches from a new perspective—on horseback. Early morning rides are especially magical, offering peaceful moments while the town is still quiet and the sun begins to rise.
- Whale Watching Don’t miss the chance to sail through the iconic Strait of Gibraltar, where massive container ships share the waters with dolphins and pilot whales—a unique and unforgettable wildlife experience.
- Surfing: Outside of summer, enjoy Tarifa’s waves at Los Lances (Balneario, Arte Vida) or head 45 minutes north to El Palmar, a laid-back surf spot lined with beach bars and a true surf vibe.
Do you want to escape for a few hours to the air of Tarifa?
- Vejer de la Frontera: Just 30 minutes north of Tarifa, Vejer is a stunning white village perched on a hill. Wander its shady streets and enjoy panoramic views from charming restaurants—it's a highlight of the "ruta de los pueblos blancos.
- Cádiz: An hour from Tarifa, Cádiz offers a blend of history and coastal charm. Visit landmarks like Torre Tavira and the cathedral, or simply stroll through its lively streets and picturesque plazas.
- Gibraltar: About an hour west of Tarifa, Gibraltar feels like a slice of England—with a twist. Cross the airport runway to explore the famous Rock, home to stunning views and its iconic population of wild monkeys.
- Morocco / Tangier: Tarifa’s unique location lets you hop continents in under an hour. A short ferry ride takes you to Tangier, where you can experience Moroccan culture, cuisine, and the vibrant atmosphere of North Africa.
Do you want to (re)gain strength before or after your kitesurfing session?
- La Garrocha (C. Guzmán el Bueno, 22) Tucked away in a quiet street of the old town, La Garrocha offers warm Andalusian hospitality and standout tapas. Don’t miss the beautifully presented ham plate, the tasty croquetas de choco, and their star dish—the famous tostada de atún.
- Raizes (C. Mariano Vinuesa, 9): Between the old town and Balneario, Raizes serves some of Tarifa’s most creative cuisine at fair prices. Highlights include the triple-cooked octopus and the tuna tartare on brioche—modern twists on Andalusian classics.
- Power House (N-340, km 82): Just five minutes from town, this hidden roadside spot is a go-to for kitesurfers fueling up pre-session. Arrive before 1 p.m. to beat the rush and enjoy hearty sweet or savory breakfast options.
- Bonjour (C. Colón, 8): Located in the old town, Bonjour is a cozy vegan café serving energizing, flavorful breakfasts—perfect for a healthy start to your day in Tarifa.
Do you want to celebrate your first waterstart in kitesurfing or your first kiteloop?
- Chiringuitos Agua and Waves (Los Lances Norte Nº1): A must after your kite session—grab a drink by the beach at Los Lances Sur and enjoy the sunset. Choose between Agua for a chill vibe (until the beats of Eric Prydz kick in) or Waves for a more upbeat, electro scene—both are perfect for meeting fellow kiters.
- Almedina (C. Almedina, 3): Set along a picturesque staircase, this intimate Andalusian venue offers flamenco nights every Thursday. Book ahead for the best seats close to the stage and soak up the authentic local atmosphere.
- Surf Bar Tomatito (C. Cervantes, 4): A local favorite at the entrance of Tarifa’s lively bar street. Come for the beers, stay for the post-kite chats, and join in on friendly bets about tomorrow’s wind forecast.
- Exit Bar (C. Inválidos, 1): End your night with great cocktails and great company—often local legends and pro riders. Impress enough, and you might earn a spot on the Exit Bar's wall of fame!