Welcome to the

This independent guide has been
written by people who have lived in Tarifa
for the last 15 years with a view to
sharing the best spots with you.
We have decided to cut out the bull
and give you the straight facts about
places to go, be it restaurants, beaches,
bars, etc.

Basic advice when holidaying in the area
(Things to watch out for)

When poniente wind blows (westerly) it is one of
the BEST locations for kitesurfing in Europe. You
can kite just about anywhere in the winter, but in
July, August and at busy weekends it is best to
keep to either one of the 2 kiting zones (Dos Mares
and Valdevaqueros) .Watch out for the Guardia Civil                      
as they sometimes confiscate your kit if caught
launching outside the zone.

Levante wind (easterly), is not the best for kiting, as
it is almost always gusty and  a pain in the neck.
If you are really desperate,  go to Valdevaqueros,
which is the only place where you won't lose your
kite if it falls in the water and you can't re-launch.
If the Levante wind is really strong, you can also kite
at Getares beach in Algeciras, or Palmones
(behind Carrefour hipermarket) but not as nice as
kiting in Tarifa.

Do not drink the tap water (it is OK but will give you
the runs because of the chlorine). Bottled water is OK.

Noise : Spain is officially the second noisiest country
in the world after Japan !
What might sound like "neighbours from hell" in any
other country is quite normal in Spain, so arm
yourself with a large dose of patience or bring foam
ear plugs.
                               

Car break-ins (robberies).
This is not a major problem but  can happen
especially during the summer months.
In general try not to leave anything visible inside the
car.
There are 2 places particularly prone to this:
- one is in the car park at the far end of the dunes
next to the camping "Punta Paloma"
- The other is on the stretch of dirt road along the
beach between hotel Dos Mares and Rio Jara (river).
Also watch out in your apartment, especially in
August, and particularly if there is a "apartment for
rent "sign outside your front door (this might attract
thieves).        

 Recently seen in Tarifa

Traffic accidents: Unfortunately there are plenty of
these in the summer. If you are unfortunate enough
to be involved in one (hopefully minor), and the other
party happens to be a local, you might have a
problem (Houston).
There's a good chance that one or both policemen
that will show up at the scene will either be the
brother-in-law or at the very least a distant cousin of
the person involved, which means that basically the
accident is your fault, even if the other bloke has
driven through a red light and is staggering
suspiciously. There is not much you can do except
grin and bear it. If you can, try and find some
witnesses.
                                   

This  picture was not taken in Tarifa (don't panic)

Don't forget to enjoy yourself!!

More tips coming soon !

Windsurfing

Again with poniente, you can windsurf just about anywhere along
the beach, just watch out for reserved bathing areas during the
summer and busy weekends (usually marked with yellow buoys).

With levante wind, avoid the area between Dos Mares
Hotel-Hurricane Hotel and Camping La Peña, as you will be
severely underpowered on the inside and overpowered on the
outside.

If it gets too windy in Tarifa, try Bolonia or Caños de Meca (in Caños,
watch out for rocks at low tide).

Don't know where this is, but it looks really nice (actually I think it's called Bonaire)         

How to carry your gear in style !

Estate agents: still the most hated profession in the world,
Tarifa no exception. We don't like pointing fingers, but we
have heard horror stories, particularly regarding English owned and run agencies  , so just because they speak english doesn't mean they are Kosher. Watch out!

Surfing

    Not much surfing going on to speak of, except in winter.
    Generally  speaking Tarifa is definetly not a big wave location, but some good days have been had in the winter
    months. Surfing spots are Los Lances beach or  El palmar, a 50 km drive in the Cadiz direction.
    Much more consistent surfing spots can be driven to in northern Morocco or Portugal.

¿¿  Pero esto que eees ??

Head surfing

Restaurants

                                         Click on our No Bull Guide buttons for
                                         more unbiased inside information on:

                                                   Kitesurfing and windsurfing kit for rent, etc...

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