Exploring Tarifa: 5 things you must see when staying on Costa del sol with Rentals in Marbella.

Do you know which is the southernmost city in Spain and continental Europe? That’s right; it’s the small city of Tarifa with its 18.000 inhabitants, famous for the wonderful sandy beaches but also for its windy weather, which makes it one of the most popular destinations for wind sports in the world.

Do you know which is the southernmost city in Spain and continental Europe? That’s right; it’s the small city of Tarifa with its 18.000 inhabitants, famous for the wonderful sandy beaches but also for its windy weather, which makes it one of the most popular destinations for wind sports in the world.

Being the southernmost point also means being quite far from the main cities, but you can reach Tarifa from the nearest airports of Gibraltar, Malaga, or Seville. The city is located in the province of Cadiz, and it is just 14 km away from Morocco, clearly visible from the coast. The southernmost point is called Punta de Tarifa, and it is located on a small island, the Isla de las Palomas, which is washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea (to the east) and those of the Atlantic Ocean (to the west).

Tarifa boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage. Initially founded by the Greeks, it became the first Roman colony in Spain, but its name was taken from the Berber leader Tarīf b. Malik who conquered it for the Arabs.

You can find plenty of things to do in Tarifa; enjoy walking on the sand dunes and taking the sun on the long-stretched beaches, learn how to kitesurf, visit the castles, the ruins and discover the city’s history, relax at one of the many cafes and restaurants and much more.

Visit Castillo de Santa Catalina and Castillo de Guzmán el Bueno

In Tarifa, you can find not one but two fortresses! The most famous one is probably Castillo de Guzmán el Bueno, one of the most beautiful and well-known monuments in the city, which stands in the southernmost part of the city. You should also not miss Castillo de Santa Catalina, less known than the Guzmán castle but still worth checking out for the Renaissance architecture and the natural viewpoint.

Castillo de Guzmán El Bueno was named after Alonso Perez de Guzmán, who was a leader in the military. He was successful while defending the town in 1294 from a Moorish siege, refusing to surrender in exchange for his son’s life. North African, Nasrid, Castilian, and even British troops passed through the castle during the Reconquista.

Have a walk through the streets of Tarifa

Walking around the castle, you will arrive in the city center. Wander through the narrow streets and the charming corners, stop at small squares and look around for the remaining Arabic decorations. Also, you can find out how Plaza de la Ranita (Litte Frog Square) was named, and finally, don’t miss Iglesia de San Mateo, which was built on the remains of an old mosque.

Learn to Kite Surf

Tarifa is a kitesurfing paradise thanks to the strong winds that blow and shape its climate. From Playa de los Lances to Punta Paloma, you can find schools and companies that let you rent or buy gear. If you want to learn how to kitesurf, more than 60 schools offer different education programs such as private lessons or full courses.

Chill on Playa de Los Lances

On the long stretching coastline of Tarifa, take some time to relax and drink at cafés or have some snacks at the chiringuitos (beach restaurants). Playa de Los Lances is one of Andalusia’s most beautiful beaches, and it is divided into two sections: the Southern section where tourists can sunbathe, walking away from Tarifa, in the Northern section, the beach becomes wilder, and you will arrive at the Alcornocales National Park. This area is also the best place for water sports.

Pass under Puerta de Jerez

Puerta de Jerez is one of the biggest tourist attractions. There used to be four different medieval gateways leading to Tarifa, but this is the only one that still exsist. This gate was built in the 13th century when the walled enclosure was extended towards the suburbs during the Marinid Sultanate. Take a moment to read what is written on the plaque above the Moorish-style central arch.