TARIFA AND ITS SURROUNDINGS
TARIFA AND ITS SURROUNDINGS
Tarifa, strategic city, is the southernmost point in Europe, between in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, it owes the name to Tarif Abu Zara, commander of Tarik, Berber General, who in 1711 landed in the Island of the Palomas for later defeat to the Visigoth in the Guadalete Battle, thus beginning the Arab occupation of Spain.
The 60% of the municipal district of Tarifa is protected by two Natural Parks, The Natural Park of the Alconocales and The Natural Park of the Estrecho, forest masses of Mediterranean Native Forest, among which numerous streams flow that provides Tarifa and its region with a very important natural wealth and that will serve the visitor as the background of their vacations, offering numerous excuses to travel both parks along hiking trails of a unique beauty.
But not only in the land does Tarifa have their wealths, The Strait of Gibraltar, for their submarine orography offer lodging and food to a large number of Dolphins and Calderones to which join in summer Killer Whales,
Tarifa has a historic quarter that invites you to get lost among its narrow streets with your camera in hand, with which you can immortalize the visit to the many corners, squares and alleys that evoke the city’s Arab past. The old town is topped by a medieval fortress with a unique legend, it is the Castle of Tarifa, ordered to be built by the Caliph of Cordoba Abderraman III in 930, is now historical heritage and of cultural interest, is very well preserved, offers beautiful views, all wrapped up in the legend of Alonso Pérez de Guzmán (Guzmán the Good) to whom his enemies threatened with the death of his captive son if he did not surrender the square.
Inevitable is to be in Tarifa and not think about Marruecos. Just 14 kms in a straight line, with its orography marked on the horizon by day and the lights of Tánger by night. There is the possibility of making excursions to the neighboring country to spend a day in Tánger, you can do within an excursion or on your own with daily ferries that depart from the port of Tarifa. Do not forget your passport!
In the evening all of Tarifa is a spectacle, after dinner in one of its restaurants (of different types and for all budgets), the old town of Tarifa is synonymous with celebration! Numerous bars, pubs, terraces are a temptation to enjoy your evening, have a few laughs, some dancing and have fun!
But if for something is known Tarifa nowadays it is for its watersports.
Discovered in the late 70s for the first Windsurfers, that was searching for new conditions to navigate with its boards and sails, began to arrive from all over the world. Tarifa fascinated for its wild environment and lifestyle, his fame skyrocketed. Many professional “riders” and a big part of the Surf Industry moved to Tarifa, setting its operations base throughout Europe.
Nowadays Tarifa is considered as the “Windsurf Paradise” and offers several possibilities for all levels, from taking initiation classes to those with a high level.
You can rent equipment for hours or days.
From the year 2000, a new disciple arrives a Tarifa, it’s the Kitesurf (a mix of Surf, Windsurf, Wakeboard, and Paragliding) for its practice is not necessary so much wind intensity and the materials are more manageable to transport and ride.
The view, the flight and pirouettes possibilities that Kite offers, makes every day get more followers and has found in the neighboring cove of Valdevaqueros, the perfect place for the practice, that gives to its beach an iconic and unmistakable image, it’s a show!
We won’t only enjoy the sea furrowing the waves in the zone there are several Diving schools. In them, depending on your level, you can have from your Baptism to spend a complete day diving and observe under the sea, a military camp, the submerged house with their belongings and merchant ships… All of it from the Roman Era, 2500 years old!
Also, we can dive into the Natural Park of The Island Of The Palomas and contemplate its bustling marine life: sunfish, gorgons, octopuse, manta rays, etc.
