Tarifa

KITESURFING HOLIDAYS - TARIFA

THE LURE:

Why come to Tarifa? Wind, wind, wind! And they do! This is the busiest kitesurfing destination in the world. Luckily the huge beaches can cope with the hundreds of kites that descend on Tarifa. A cheap, quick flight from anywhere in Europe, the spiritual home of European kitesurfing grew in massive popularity for many other reasons.

THE SET-UP:
Just 14 kilometres across the water from Africa, this vibrant venue in Andulucia lies at the meeting point of the Mediterranean and Atlantic seas. Strong, reliable year-round winds blow here and the beaches, such as Los Lances (2 km out of town) are wide, open, made of soft sand and are obstacle free. Well over 20 kite shops and 40 industry related businesses operate along the busy high street and many top PKRA riders actually live in Tarifa, so the standard of riding is very high, but there's very little attitude. July and August can see a thousand kiters on the water in the several kilometres of beach around Tarifa, so its important to observe the rules and respect each rider. If the wind gets too strong or offshore, then take a drive to another beach. There are many options from bump 'n' jump to classic cross-off down-the-line wave conditions.

WIND, WEATHER & WATER:

Two wind patterns operate in the area. The Poniente wind comes from the west, right to left cross-onshore. It's super-consistent, usually the summer wind and brings good weather. It doesn't usually get too strong apart from during a winter storm. The Levante wind comes from the east and is cross-off from the main beach, gusty and can get very, very strong. Poniente comes in for three to four day periods whereas the Levante will often blow day and night for more than 7 days. One of the reasons that Tarifa can cope with all this is because there are a lot of different beach options, so it's a very good idea to hire a car. If the wind gets too strong or offshore, then drive to another beach. And with so many different beach options comes a huge variety in conditions. Choose from onshore wave riding to classic cross-off down-the-line conditions. In Winter a huge lagoon forms in the dunes of the main beach and is perfect for flat water fun, although it does get very busy as it's so popular.  Due to the large variation in wind strengths - take all your kites.

Air temperatures can remain pleasant all year, but can dip to 14°C in January and get above 30°C in July. The water gets warm in the summer, requiring only boardies or a shortie wetsuit but can feel much cooler in the colder winds in the winter, when you will need a spring suit.

WEB CAMERA:

WEATHER FORECAST:

AIRPORTS:
There are many options for cheap flights to Malaga especially but also Gibraltar and Jerez. Malaga (AGP) is between a 90 minute and two hour drive from Tarifa. Jerez (XRY) is a much smaller airport but is only about a 60 minute drive from Tarifa. Gibraltar (GIB) is the closest airport to Tarifa, only 30 minutes drive. Make sure you collect your car from the Spanish side of the border.

GET AROUND:
Car hire is advisable as there are so many spots to choose from. If there's no wind you'll make the most of this activity-rich area with a car.

ACCOMMODATION:
Once a military fortress, Tarifa is now a remote fishing town, blending hotels and accommodation with virgin coastline and and old city walls. There's alot of choice in and beyond Tarifa old town's cobbled streets.

Tarifa Beach Resort provides luxury rental accommodation town houses and apartments in Tarifa. Each property is decorated around a charming theme in order to provide you with a unique experience during your stay. The properties are located next to Los Lances beach and offer all necessary facilities, such as supermarkets, shops, restaurants and bars, and are just 15 minutes walk from the historical town centre. Visit the website and see the range of properties on offer - www.tarifadirect.com/tarifa-beach-resort

Tarifa Direct has rental properties of all types from budget one bed apartments to luxury villas on the hills over looking the fabulous beaches. See the video below for a flavour of whats on offer from Tarifa Direct. Click here to see the properties.

If you are looking for a hotel try Hurricane Hotel which is located just outside Tarifa town towards Valdevaqueros and is directly on the beach, built in the Moorish style, set in subtropical gardens leading down to miles of unspoilt beaches with spectacular views across the Straits of Gibraltar to Morocco. The hotel has a fully equipped gym, sauna, massage and various sporting activities. With two swimming pools available, you can choose between the hotel pool, set amongst bougainvillaea and hibiscus or the quiet seclusion of the gym club pool.

FOOD & DRINK:
Losing none of its old Spanish charm and white washed walls, Tarifa really comes to life at night. From incredible authentic tapas to high class cuisine to cheap and cheerful pizzas. Choose from rammed dance clubs to laid back bars. There are also a few options on the way to the beaches if you dont want to venture into town.  At least once during your trip you must try the Hurricane Hotel. Booking may be necessary at weekends and in Summer.

SHOPS/SCHOOLS:

CLUB MISTRAL TARIFA
The centre is located at Valdevaqueros and offers both windsurfing and kitesurfing (the spot is divided into different zones). At the Club Mistral Hurricane they offer windsurfing rental & lessons and kitesurfing lessons. Storage facilities are available for your own equipment as well as lockers for your valuables. There is a small shop selling clothes and accessories as well as a bar serving you snacks and drinks.

Find out more about Club Mistral Tarifa in SHOP SHOWDOWN

 www.club-mistral.com
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 +49 881 925 4960

DRAGON KITE SCHOOL
Dragon Kite School teach all levels all year, rent out Best kiteboarding gear and sell new and used equipment. They also have a clothing store and can arrange your accommodation. A rescue boat service is provided on lessons in the summer. The kitesurf centre supplies all the equipment needed. The instructors speak fluent English, are qualified by IKO and VDWS and have years of experience in teaching kitesurf and windsurf. Each course runs along IKO guidelines.

Find out more about Dragon in SHOP SHOWDOWN

 www.dragonkiteschool.com
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 +34 660 882 710

HOTSTICK

Hotstick have shop fronts in Tarifa, one up near the old town and one on the way out of town in the slick retail cluster near the Mercadona supermarket. The Hotstick kite school has been operating since 2000 and their international team of instructors, using the latest gear provide easy, safe learning. The shop stocks everything for kiting, windsurfing, surfing, boogie boarding or SUPing, plus clothing and accessories.

Tilo is at the helm of the kite school, let's hear from him in SHOP SHOWDOWN

 www.hotsticktarifa.com
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 +34 647 155 516

KTS
KTS (Kite Tarifa School) offer a range of courses to suit all levels of rider experience whether you are a beginner or are looking for an advanced course to help you progress. They provide a rescue boat service in the months of June, July, August and September and provide transport to the beach for those without a vehicle. Instructors IKO qualified and they run IKO instructor courses. Shop stocks F-One, Best and Wainman and all your accessories. They also specialise in Stand up Paddleboarding.

 www.ktstarifa.com
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 +34 956 684 147

KITE OBSESSION
Kite Obsession have been running courses for 9 years and a range of courses are available to suit all levels and ages on Cabrinha kites.  All instructors are IKO certified and have extensive experience. The shop sells a wide range of kitesurfing equipment and accessories.

 www.kiteobsession.com
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 +34 956 680 940

KITE PROGRESS
Located along the N340, that goes from Tarifa towards Cadiz, at km 81. They are located opposite the beach of Los Lances right at the beginning of the kitesurfing zone. Kite Progress Tarifa has 8 years of experience in kitesurfing lessons, supervision and rental equipment. All instructors are IKO certified. They tailor the lessons based on the level and needs of the pupil. Kite Progress Kite School Tarifa offers professionalism, commitment, experience and excellent organisation.

 www.kiteprogresstarifa.com
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 +34 680 137 730/ +34 610 993 531

WET
Wet are not only the importers of North into Spain, they also have a stunning flagship store in Tarifa, stocking all North items of course, but also Nobile, Ion, Fanatic, Hurley and Quiksilver clothing.

 www.wet-tarifa.com
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 +34 956 681 668

NO WIND:
There is also lots to see and do outside Tarifa, from mountain biking in the hills to visiting ancient and picturesque towns along the coast. How about lerning to speak Spanish? Tarifa offers a great opportunity to learn some Spanish. The wind doesn't usually kick in until the afternoon, so the mornings give a chance for other activities. Escuela Hispalense offer a variety of courses that can include kitesurfing and accommodation as well. Contact them at www.hispalense.com / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / + 34 956 68 09 27

Mountain Biking: Pedal Freaks Tarifa offer tours from beginners to advanced, and plan every tour according to your level and needs. The area has a vast diversity and inexhaustible supply of mountain bike routes. Big cross country full days, technical single tracks and amazing coastal trails with views of Morocco. They offer half day, 1 and 2 day guided mountain bike routes for all levels. Contact Andy via the website or on the contact details below:

www.pedalfreakstarifa.com
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+34 618 457 895

TRAVEL AGENTS:

SPORTIF
 www.sportif.travel
 +44 (0) 1273 844919

USEFUL LINKS:

• Club Mistral Tarifa
• Dragon Kite School
• Hotstick
• KTS
• Kite Obsession
• Kite Progress
• Wet
• Sportif Travel
• Tarifa in Wikipedia
• Mountain Biking with Pedal Freaks Tarifa
• Learn Spanish with Escuela Hispalense

VIDEO ACTION:

Check out the action available in Tarifa:

Riders who have included Tarifa as one of their Top Places to Ride are Angela Peral, Erika Lindberg, Jo Ciastula, Mallory De la Villemarqué, Kim Albrecht, Nick Jacobsen, Sky Solbach, Youri Zoon

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