Kitesurfing Holiday in Tarifa, Spain

Trip Highlights

Tarifa is great for kitesurfing; it is perched on the southern tip of Spain, looking towards Africa just a few miles across the Straits of Gibraltar, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean. The town itself is clustered around the narrow streets and has spread outside the old walls. Surf shops line the road into town from the beach and it is clear that most of the visitors are windsurfers and kiters. The beach starts in town and extends about 6km to the Club Mistral centre at the Hurricane and extends around the small headland past Las Dunas to another 8km of sandy beach. The large beaches in Tarifa make it good for learning to fly the kite. On the water it is best during a poniente when the wind is blowing cross onshore. Conditions in Tarifa can vary considerably so you need to be prepared to be flexible, especially if you are beginner. It is a destination that is most suitable for improvers or for those wishing to combine windsurfing and kitesurfing. Due to the limited amount of good accommodation, it is imperative to book at least four months ahead if you are planning to travel between May and October. You have been warned!

Price Details

Price

From: GBP650 per person (7 Nights)

Price Includes

• Flights
• Accommodation

Price Excludes

• Travel Insurance

Departure Dates

All holidays are bespoke and can leave on any date (subject to availability). The price quoted above will vary dependent on departure date, hotel & selected course.

Itinerary

The Wind:
Tarifa is famous for two prevailing winds that blow through the Straits of Gibraltar. The levante from the south-east is most common in summer when it can blow for weeks, day and night. It is generally stronger, warmer and produces flatter conditions. The westerly poniente, most prevalent in autumn and spring, comes in from the Atlantic, is cooler and can bring waves.

The mountainous terrain and other elements such as the temperature difference between the Atlantic and Mediterranean, high and low pressure, are the cause of winds in Tarifa. As well there is a thermal effect that usually means the wind is strongest in the afternoon. Ideal for party animals. Beginners' courses start at 10am! Conditions can change rapidly and a gentle force 3/4 can be a 6 to 7 within half an hour.

The Kitesurfing:-
The best time for kitesurfing lessons in Tarifa is in the summer, especially for beginners. The huge space, sandy beach, and flat water make this a great spot for learning to kitesurf. In spring/autumn the onshore winds are more frequent, creating more waves, so it is best for advanced levels.

Conditions in Tarifa can vary considerably so you need to be prepared to be flexible, especially if you are a beginner. It is a destination that is most suitable for improvers or for those wishing to combine windsurfing and kitesurfing.

The other activities:
There are plenty of excursions and tours in Tarifa for those rare light wind days; the mountains behind can be explored on horseback or by bike. Also there is a good dive centre, climbing, surfing and hang gliding. If you want to visit another continent then try a day trip to Morocco.

A definite must is a whale-watching trip in the Straits of Gibraltar. There are several boats that depart from Tarifa, and sightings of dolphins and pilot whales are guaranteed or you are offered a repeat trip! Other marine visitors to these rich feeding grounds are sperm whales, fin whales and orcas. Don't forget your camera!

Other Info

Accommodation Details

When selecting hotel accommodation in Tarifa, the main thing to consider is whether to be in town and close to the bars or close to the beach and the wind and kitesurfing. If you stay in Tarifa town (Canas Apartments & Casa Amarilla) you will not need to drive (or take taxis) in the evenings. During the day you will need to drive to the beach. If you stay at Hotel 100% Fun, you can walk to the beach and Club Mistral at Las Dunas. It is 8km to town and so transport is needed to get there. In July and August there is a regular bus into Tarifa that stops at all the hotels and camp sites.

We offer a wide range of hotels and accommodation in the region:

Las Canas
The extremely spacious and well placed apartments offer the great combination of beach front accommodation with easy parking and walking distance to town. Great choice and very popular in high season so book early !

PUNTA SUR
Punta Sur is a really beautiful hotel and highest standard currently available in the area. Highly recommended for those looking for a bit more comfort.

CASA PADRE FELIX
Clean, comfortable apartments right in the heart of Tarifa old town.

TARIFA SURF HOUSE
Perfectly located right on the main windsurf and kitesurf spot, this is a great little property.

HOTEL DOS MARES
The Dos Mares hotel is in our opinion the best hotel in Tarifa for those looking for a high standard of beach front accommodation with good hotel facilities. The hotel has a superb lively but pleasant atmosphere with excellent service.

TARIFA BOUTIQUE
A new style of luxury accommodation based in the heart of the Old City of Tarifa

HURRICANE HOTEL
The most popular hotel in Tarifa, the Hurricane Hotel is set in sub tropical gardens, right on the unspoilt beach of Valdevaqueros. The restaurant is famous for its high quality Mediterranean cuisine set in a Moorish ambience. They use herbs and salads from their own vegetable garden while meat and fresh fish is grilled on a charcoal-burning barbecue.

The nightlife:-

Tarifa offers the best combination of Spanish and European nightlife. It starts late and ends late, but the choice is yours. There are different bars and restaurants to satisfy everyone and all good value. If you want to party, remember it doesn't get going until 1am! At least you don't have to get up early in the morning to catch the wind!

The entry requirement:
UK / EU passport holders: A full 10 year passport valid until at least 6 months after date of return. No visa required.

The health requirement:
There are no compulsory inoculations if travelling from the UK but several are recommended. Please check with your GP or local travel health clinic for the latest advice.