Tarifa

Day 1: First winds and finding your rhythm

Arrive, tune into Tarifa’s wind-funnel energy, and keep plans flexible around the forecast. Use the morning to orient yourself; the best wind typically builds late morning into the afternoon.

• Morning: Coffee in the old town, then a quick wind check on Windguru/Windy and a look at the water. Hire a car if you haven’t already (spot-hopping is much easier), and buy a rescue bono at a reputable school on Los Lances Norte.
• Midday: If it’s Poniente, start with a kitesurf or wing-foil lesson on Los Lances (outside 15 Jun–15 Sep you can use Los Lances Sur; in summer, schools operate in Los Lances Norte only). If Levante is blowing, get a safety briefing, choose smaller kit, and stay within the patrolled school zones.
• Afternoon: Head to Valdevaqueros for stronger, accelerated wind and a lively scene; arrive early as car parks fill fast in July–August. If Levante is very strong, consider stepping down in size or switching to wing foiling; on extreme days, Bolonia can be a knot or two lighter.
• Evening: Sunset and a cold drink at a beach chiringuito like Tangana or Tumbao; watch the silhouette of Morocco across the strait. Tapas crawl in the old town and an early night to bank energy for tomorrow’s sessions.

Day 2: Dunes, ruins, and lighter-wind alternatives

Today you’ll chase the best window and mix culture with water time. West of town offers options that shine in strong Levante or mellow Poniente.

• Morning: Drive to Punta Paloma for a dune walk before the heat and crowds. In Poniente, it’s a classic windsurf spot; in Levante, launching is tighter—only go out if you’re confident and conditions suit your level.
• Midday: Continue to Bolonia for Baelo Claudia’s Roman ruins and lunch by the turquoise bay. No-wind window? Go for a relaxed SUP along the shore.
• Afternoon: Session in Bolonia; it’s often a touch lighter and less hectic than Tarifa proper on nuking Levante days. If a SW Vendaval shows and tide is high, advanced freestyle riders can target butter-flat Palmones—check tide tables and local advice first.
• Evening: Return via the Mirador del Estrecho for golden-hour views. Dine back in Tarifa; if an event stop (GKA/GWA) is in town, catch the pros’ heats or a rider talk.

Day 3: Surf, foil, or wildlife—your flexible finale

Use your last day to follow the forecast: waves in winter, light-wind foiling in shoulder seasons, or a wildlife encounter when the wind eases. Keep an eye on beach zoning (15 Jun–15 Sep) and rescue cover times.

• Morning: Winter swell? Surf Balneario (advanced only; rocks/harbour wall nearby). Otherwise, book a kite-foil or wing-foil progression session to make the most of light morning breezes; in cooler months a 4/3–5/4 mm wetsuit is comfortable.
• Midday: Wander Tarifa’s lanes for lunch and a gear browse; pop by a pro centre (e.g., Gisela Pulido’s) for kit advice. If it’s a calm day in spring–autumn, consider a dolphin/whale-watching boat to experience the strait’s marine life.
• Afternoon: Final water window: Los Lances for steady Poniente practice, Valdevaqueros for punchier wind, or a last SUP spin if it’s glassy. Respect right‑of‑way (starboard tack has priority; upwind kite high, downwind kite low) and avoid bathing zones in summer.
• Evening: Aprés‑session sunset at Agua on Los Lances Norte, sharing the day’s highs and inevitable “walk of shame” stories. Pack dry, check airport drive times (Gibraltar ~45 min; Málaga/Jerez ~1.5–2 hrs), and promise yourself a longer return trip.

By Air

• Gibraltar (GIB) – 45–60 min drive to Tarifa (border crossing can add time).
• Jerez (XRY) – about 1 h 30 min drive.
• Málaga (AGP) – 1 h 45–2 h drive; widest choice of flights.
• Seville (SVQ) – about 2–2 h 30 min drive.
• Tangier Ibn Battuta (TNG), Morocco – 30 min to Tangier Ville port + ~1 h ferry to Tarifa.

By Train

• No rail station in Tarifa. Nearest: Algeciras (30–40 min to Tarifa by bus/taxi).
• From Madrid: AVE/Avlo to Antequera-Santa Ana or Málaga María Zambrano, then Media Distancia to Algeciras; total 5–7 h, then bus/taxi to Tarifa.
• From Málaga: Media Distancia to Algeciras (2–2.5 h), then bus/taxi.
• From Seville/Cádiz: rail options via Jerez/Antequera to Algeciras are slower; coaches are often quicker.

By Bus

• Tarifa Bus Station (Estación de Autobuses de Tarifa) serves regional/long-distance routes.
• Algeciras–Tarifa: frequent services, ~35–45 min.
• Cádiz–Tarifa: ~1 h 45–2 h; Seville (Prado de San Sebastián)–Tarifa: ~3–3.5 h. Main operator: TG Comes.
• Málaga–Tarifa: usually via Algeciras; ~3–4 h total (check TG Comes/ALSA).

By Car

• Most flexible for beach access.
• Typical drives: Algeciras 30–40 min (A-7/N-340); Gibraltar/La Línea 45–60 min; Málaga Airport 1 h 45–2 h (AP-7/A-7 → N-340); Jerez Airport ~1 h 30 min (A-381 → N-340); Seville 2–2 h 30 min (AP-4/A-381).
• Routes: From Málaga/Costa del Sol use A-7 (free) or AP-7 (tolled) to Algeciras, then N-340. From Seville/Cádiz/Jerez take A-381 to Los Barrios, then N-340.
• Summer beach parking is limited and often paid.

By Ferry

• High-speed passenger ferries link Tangier Ville (Morocco) and Tarifa in ~1 h (operators: FRS, Inter Shipping).
• Multiple daily sailings (weather dependent); Moroccan immigration is usually done on board.
• Tarifa port is a 5–10 min walk from the old town.