Tarifa is a small town on the southernmost part of Spain and of the European continent. It is part of the province of Cadiz, which in turn is part of the Andalucia region. Tarifa transformed from a strategic military fortress to a remote fishing town, and today tourism flourishes in this melting pot of cultures. Every population which either settled or passed by has left its imprint. This is evident from the traces of ancient Rome to the modern windsurfing culture although Tarifa's Moorish style is still predominant with its medina (old city centre). This modern transformation, which avoided the mistakes made by the much of the mass Spanish tourism of the 60’s, has reinvented itself by beautifully blending its hotels and other accommodation facilities both along its virgin coastline and within the old city walls.
Transportation in Tarifa
By Car: Coming from the East of France you reach Barcelona and then you have two main options:
the Zaragoza, Madrid, Cordoba, Malaga route. Or the Valencia, Alicante, Murcia, Granada, Malaga route.
The first way is straight and cheaper, as you only pay the motorway till Zaragoza: after which it's free. The second option is the coastal motorway. The route is a bit slower but a lot more panoramic and pleasant.
By Train/Bus: The closest train station is Algeciras some 20km away connected to tarifa by bus. Malaga is another option and has more frequent bus connections.
By Ferry: Tarifa port opperates 8 daily ferry crossings to Tangier with FRS, crossing duration is from 35 minutes.
The Castle of Guzmán el Buenowas was built in 960 AD. by the Caliph Abderramán III on the ruins of a possible Roman military camp. It was strategically sited for the control of the communication routes between Africa and Europe, being in the narrowest point of the Strait of Gibraltar. The facade, designed by the architect Torcuato Cayón in the 17th century, is neo-classical. The current walls that enclose Tarifa are the result of several construction phases and restorations, the most important accomplished in the 18th century, when the city was converted into a military base during Spains attempt to recapture Gibraltar. Tarifa is a paradise for the nature lover. The nearby Nature Park Los Alcornocales is the worlds biggest cork forest, from where you can enjoy unspoiled views to the African Continent, only about 14 km away. It offers opportunities for many outdoor activities, including: bird watching, biking, horse riding, or simply enjoying the beautiful landscape in Europe's most extensive Mediterranean woodlands. The 'Cueva del Moro' is without doubt the most important cave in Tarifa. The palaeolithic carvings of this cave, discovered in Spring 1995 by Lothar Bergmann, origin from the Solutrean civilisation which dates back more than 18,000 years. Large figures, mostly of equine animals are carved into the rock. The weather is one of the most famous product of Tarifa. The wind blows almost all year round making it one of most famous destinations for windsurfers in the entire world.
