Tarifa

## The spot Tarifa sits at the southernmost point of continental Europe where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean. It is famous for wind and kitesurfing but also produces surfable waves on its Atlantic-facing beaches. The consistent Levante and Poniente winds create challenging conditions for surfing but also shape waves on the exposed beaches. Valdevaqueros and Bolonia are the main surf beaches. ## When it works Needs westerly (Poniente) swell with an easterly (Levante) wind offshore, or a period of calm between wind systems. The best surfing windows are brief and come between the dominant wind patterns. Winter provides the most swell. The beaches face south to southwest. Consistency is low for surfing; this is primarily a wind sports destination. ## Where to sit Valdevaqueros beach faces west and picks up Atlantic swell on windless days. Bolonia is more sheltered. Look for the rare calm windows when the swell is running but the wind has not yet arrived. ## Hazards Wind is the dominant force here and can make surfing impossible. Strong currents near the Strait of Gibraltar. Kitesurfers and windsurfers sharing the water. The wind can pick up suddenly and turn conditions dangerous. ## Parking and access Free parking at the various beach access points. Well-signposted from the main road. Full facilities in Tarifa town (a vibrant, windsport-oriented place). ## The crowd For surfing, almost empty because conditions are rarely suitable. Kitesurfers and windsurfers dominate the water. If you find a surfable window, you will likely have the waves to yourself. ## Local tips Tarifa is worth including on a surf trip for the experience rather than the waves. The town has incredible energy, the food is superb (North African influence), and on the rare calm days the surf can be fun with nobody around. Morocco is visible across the strait and a day trip by ferry is easy. Come for the culture and kite watching; surf when the rare window appears.