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Charming white Andalusian town has only been mildly spoiled by the mass tourist developments that have ravaged the coasts of most of Spain. Much of the surrounding coastline is still protected by law and a few kilometres to the west of the town are two of Spain's most beautiful beaches.
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By plane
The nearest airports are, [wiki=c555476e638103c16dca6675fc73d814]Malaga[/wiki] 1,5 hour drive, [wiki=672566a43483aa8212cb365658600b99]Gibraltar[/wiki], at 35 minutes, [wiki=b520448791180cb69b9c1221d7f33cc8]Jerez de la Frontera[/wiki] at 1 hour drive and the airport of [wiki=3d5a7deaa9855d6ed198e99341eda49f]Tangier[/wiki], [wiki=4d4a1722d8e85909a576da2c42878ff0]Morocco[/wiki] 1 hour (includes crossing time with ferry).
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By bus
Take Calle Batallo del Salado in the direction away from old town to find the bus station behind the petrol station. There are several buses a day to [wiki=ab6121f3435fa072b675cf26c42ad809]Cadiz[/wiki] (10 euro), [wiki=b2118d2ca0171a63e07fa6218f88b073]Sevilla[/wiki], [wiki=000c0cd4f7fedd4ed15c6fb149b0b74b]Algeciras[/wiki] and other cities.
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By boat
From the port a fast FRS ferry leaves several times a day for the port of [wiki=3d5a7deaa9855d6ed198e99341eda49f]Tangier[/wiki], [wiki=4d4a1722d8e85909a576da2c42878ff0]Morocco[/wiki]. Cruise time - 35 minutes.
Ferry tickets, port information and Tangier accommodation [http://portoftarifa.com].
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The views to Africa.
*The famous surf beach Los Lances.
Wide and white sand. The immense beach Los lances is world-famous for being the best kite and windsurf beach in Europe.
*Puerta de Jerez.
Main entrance to the old town of Tarifa, part of the medieval wall, is the only gate that survived of the three existing gates to the old town. When you stand under the gate, have a look up... interesting architecture.
Above the entrance is written: Very Noble, Very Loyal and Heroic city of Tarifa, Won from the moors Reigning Sancho IV el Bravo 21 September 1292.
*Castle El Guzman el Bueno.
Probably one of the best maintain medieval building in Spain, build in 960 by Abd ar-Rahman. From the tower you have beautiful 360 degrees views over Tarifa and the fascinating strait of Gibraltar.
Can you imagine that your son is at the bottom of the tower captured and in the hands of the Moors who speak the following requirements; Andalucia or we kill your son! Without thinking Guzman takes his knife and throws it right in the heart of his son. The end of 800 year occupation. Whether it is true ... No one will ever know.
Opening times: 10.30 - 14.00 / 17.00 - 20.00 (paid visits)info: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castillo_de_Guzman]
*Church San Mateo.
Right in the center. The Gothic church was built in the 16th century. The facade is rebuild in 1774 by La vega and stands in good relation with the original style.
The door of the church is always open.
Plaza de los Ocho Ranitas (eight frogs)
Also called Plaza de Santa Maria. The main buildings are the La Alcazaba, neoclasic style.,the city hall of Tarifa and the local Library.
*El camino de la isla de las Palomas.
The road that leads to the island dividing the Mediterranea sea and the Atlantic ocean. Beautiful and inspirating views over the strait and to Africa (16.4 km), watch the surfers or fill the lungs with fresh sea air.
The little castle is called Castillo Santa Catalina, build in 1929.
*Baelo Claudia in Bolonia (20 km from the old town)
Roman ruines right on the beach. Remains of temples, baths, houses and a Roman theater, the most representative of a Roman city. A nice round of culture meanwhile enjoying magnificent views over the beach, the Atlantic ocean and the African continent. info:
*Beautiful nature to enjoy all kind of outdoor sports activities.
*Go for a whale-watching tour from the port of Tarifa.
The strait of Gibraltar to observe dolphins and enjoy the beautiful impressive views to both continents from the boat.
Resident species can be seen all year include the Common dolphin, Striped dolphin, Bottlenose dolphin and Pilot Whale.
Semi-resident species presence related to feed periods include the Killer whale - Orca (between July and September), Sperm whale (mostly between March and July).
Migratory species cross the strait in their migratory routes include the Fin whale (mostly between May and July).
*Abandoned Military buildings
The Strait of Gibraltar was this time guarded by large, heavy guns from various military batteries here on the coast of Tarifa. In those days the soldiers on duty had a lot of fun in Tarifa and their green uniforms were a nice contrast to the vibrant colors of the first windsurfers.
Today these military batteries are overgrown with plants and trees, the walls decorated with graffiti, broken windows, roofs far from waterproof, sun playing with the shadow and a lot of mystery. The work noises have been replaced by silence (except the wind) but if you listen carefully they will tell you their story.
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The main activities are:
*Windsurf - High Wind Area
Tarifa owes its fame to the windsurfing, the bay is ideal with fresh winds from the Atlantic, the so-called Poniente wind and the warm strong Levante wind from the Mediterranea.
The place is fascinating to sail, the views are incredible and the conditions great. The most famous spots are, Valdevaqueros, Los Lances, Balneario, Playa chica and Bolonia.
The windsurfschools are open all year around and offer the best and latest equipment.
If you come with your own windsurf equipment, the hotels offer storage room and most of the villas have enough space. There are a few campsites right on the beach with all amenities.
*Kitesurf
For sure the best spot in Europe to practice kitesurfing, the mix of good winds, kilometers of perfect white sandy beaches and a full service of professional schools[url=http://www.kitefuntarifa.com],]instructors, night life and rental centers makes Tarifa special. Ideal for all kind of level sailors. There are restricted kite areas along the coast during the summer months. There are a few official IKO [url=http://www.kiteschuletarifa.ch[/url]](International Kiteboarding Organization) centers, where all level courses are offered and professional kite instructors' training sessions are available every year [url=http://www.ktstarifa.com/en/formation-iko[/url].]
*Stand up paddle board
The bay of Tarifa is safe and challenging for those who like to make a nice tour in the strait of Gibraltar. Most of the windsurf and kite schools rent SUP[url=http://www.paddlefuntarifa.com[/url]]boards and give classes. Stand up paddle surf is easy to learn in one go. When wind does not blow, this innovative and relaxing sport becomes the perfect option for those who want to experience water sports in a different way.
*Mountainbike
An absolute mountain bike paradise hidden in the inland of Tarifa with many trails for all kind of levels where you can ride all year. Long up hills, challenging down hills, easy and rough trails, beautiful nature and incredible views over the Atlantic ocean and the strait of Gibraltar. Within easy reach of Tarifa there are many more trails to explore in the extensive nature reserve of Los Alcornocales. Guided mountain bike tours is possible [http://www.mtbtarifa.com[/url]
*Horseback riding
This is freedom, feeling the light breeze in the face and riding on the beautiful Andalusian horse on to the white sandy beaches with great views. The hills and paths...Discover.
*Surfski
A new sport in Tarifa. Paddling between two continents “The Strait of Gibraltar”. Like Oscar Chalupsky (11 x time winner of the Molakai)said . Tarifa is probably the best downwind spot in the world.
*Surf
Hotspot Balneario near the town, also many surf schools in town [http://www.surffuntarifa.com].
*Scuba Diving
Learn to dive in the clear waters around the isla de las palomas under professional supervision.
*Swim
In both the Atlantic and Mediterranean.
*Windsurfing classes
Along the coast you will find many windsurfing schools.
*Spanish Lesson and sports
With other travellers[http://www.hispalense.com/index.html]
New in Tarifa the Special youth bilingual summer camps.
*Golf. Tarifa is situated between the best golf courses of Europe, at the Atlantic side you find Dehesa Montenmedio and Benalup golf & country club. Both courses are set in a beautiful natural envoirement.
At the Mediterranea side you find the only links course here in the south of Spain, Alcaidesa Golf club at San Roque and nearby the world famous Valderrama Golf course in Sotogrande.
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Food is generally good in Tarifa - especially fish. Try going for the places filled with locals. They are generally easy to pick out from tourists (both Spanish and foreign). Some of the best places in Tarifa also happen to be the cheapest. Don't forget to try the local Tuna, swordfish and, especially, the "Tortillas de camarón", typical of the coast of Cadiz. "Ortigas" (sea nettles) are another local specialty.
* A nice restaurant in the old city is called Mandragora, located on Independencia (a small alleyway between the city wall and the Church of San Mateo). It is not cheap, but the food was the best we had in Spain, and it is filled with locals.
* There is a restaurant near a village Facinas, a few kilometres to the north from Tarifa. Just follow the road to [wiki=ab6121f3435fa072b675cf26c42ad809]Cadiz[/wiki] and in about 10-12 km there will be a right turn to Fasinas (which is in turn a beautiful one spread on a foothills in the form of a cross) with a hardly noticeable sign. This restaurant is located just before the village i.e. a kilometre or two away from the main road. It is a meat restaurant with extremely delicious dishes, especially meat ones, and very friendly waitstaff. The portions are rich and generous. Prices are about €25-30 with wine (35 tops to full you completely), for two persons. The place is sometimes (mainly at weekends) crowded with locals watching football matches on TV or having talks to each other. One of the best restaurant in this region. Nobody speaks English there, so be prepared.
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Places
La Plaza de Los Lances
Is situated at the Paseo Marítimo in Tarifa West. Some nice bars and restaurants serving all kind of food and cocktails. Every afternoon sunset celebrations with live music. From the terraces great views over the beach and Atlantic Ocean.
*Mirador el Balneario
Probably the best spot in Tarifa to enjoy the impressive famous views over the strait and sunset.
*Chiringuitos y terraces
The best place to be in Spain is on the beach. The chiringuitos of Tarifa are well known for their lively ambience. Surfers and girls run up and down showing off; this is Tarifa. Some of the best known beach clubs are Tangana Beach at Casas de Porros, Punta Paloma and Waves at Los Lances Norte.
*Tapas in the old town
They taste good and are served at many little, family-owned bars, serving typical Spanish dishes as well as fried fish.
*Mojitos
The world's #1 summer drink. The best Mojitos you'll find are at the Beach Club of Hotel Arte Vida.
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Hotels, Hostals, Pension, Apartments, Villas with sea view and campsites right on the beach.
*Camping
The campsites are outside the town along the coast. During the summer months the city halls offers a free of use shuttle service.
* Hostal Alameda [url=http://www.hostalalameda.com],]situated in the centre, this comfortable cosy hostal offers all services you expect from an hostal.
* Hotel La Mirada [url=http://www.hotel-lamirada.com[/url]] Nice English-speaking staff, new construction, decent location. €40 a night for a single room with a good en suite bathroom and flat-screen TV. Calle San Sebastian 41.
* Dos Mares Apartment [http://www.tarifaholiday.com[/url] A stylish two bedroom apartment with balcony views, swimming pool, storage for equipment, close to town and windsurf/ kitesurf beaches. English owned and managed.
*Situated at the beach Los Lances. Great views over the Strait of Gibraltar. The restaurant of Arte Vida is well known for the fresh fish and the ambient. Don`t mis the sunset celebration parties at the beach club.
*Great hostel to accommodate backpackers and travellers on a budget. €20/night for a bed in the dorm or more for a nice private room (14/07/10). The hostel cares for hygiene and maintains cooking facilities and free internet for travellers. Staff has problems speaking English.
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[[WikiPedia:Tarifa]]
[wiki=85fe35389c28c5908a79b3e87ecfa86c]nl:Tarifa[/wiki]
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