What to visit in Tarifa?

MONUMENTAL RATE

Tarifa transports you to another world from the moment you cross the famous Puerta de Jerez that will lead you to its historic center, and without a doubt, your visit must start here, where its old buildings, the beauty of its white houses, shops and markets will leave you wanting to return one and a thousand times more.

Roman city Baelo Claudia

The Roman city of Baelo Claudia appeared at the end of the 2nd century BC.. and its existence is mainly linked to trade with North Africa. Fishing, the salting industry and the “garum” (a fish sauce prepared from the fermented entrails of fish that the inhabitants of ancient Rome considered an aphrodisiac food, consumed only by the upper classes of society) they were the main sources of wealth. Here you can see all the typical elements of a Roman city: from driveways, forums or courts. Its theater is very important since it can host up to 2000 people, further, the newly built Interpretation Center is a modern building attached to the ruins.

Prices:

  • Citizens of the European Union: free (ID or passport required).
  • Other countries:1,50 euros.

Address: Bologna cove, s/n.

Phone: 956 10 67 96.

Pigeon island

The island of Las Palomas or the island of Tarifa, currently grounded by a road, It is the existing island in front of the city of Tarifa and whose southern end, the tip of Tarifa, It represents the southernmost point of the Iberian Peninsula and continental Europe and is the union of the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean..

Address: Pigeon island

Necropolis of the Algarbes

The Algarbes Necropolis is an archaeological site located in the Spanish municipality of Tarifa (Cádiz). It represents one of the most important archaeological complexes in the province. The ensemble is made up of fifty funeral structures and artificial caves in the shape of a circular chamber with entrances at various levels. It also highlights a large megalithic construction with a wide corridor carved out of sandstone rock. Ceramic vessels abound in them, bronze pieces, ivory and gold, as well as lithic industry, and ornaments.

From later times the presence of other cultures has been recorded in the site, such as Phoenician, roman and muslim. The caves even served as housing for farmers during the 20th century.

Address: Necropolis of the Algarbes

Viewpoint of the Strait

From an exceptional watchtower, the Strait Lookout, located northeast of Tarifa, allows you to see part of the rugged coast of Cádiz and after a small arm of water, at the bottom, the first mountains of Africa appear. This is a mandatory stop, a privilege to get here and feel between two continents, two cultures, two worlds so different at a tiny distance, from Punta de Oliveros in Spain to Punta Cires in Morocco there is only 7.2 nautical miles, 14.4 kilometers between the European and the African continent.

Address: N-340a, Km. 91, 11380 Tarifa, Cádiz

Castillo de Santa Catalina

The Santa Catalina castle was built at the end of the 20th century and its name is due to an old hermitage that was there and that was dedicated to Santa Catalina de Siena (century XVI). As it was located in a remote place, was used as a sanatorium during the 17th century plague epidemic. But soon, due to its high position and strategic control, began to be used for military purposes. The chapel was converted into a powder store and then demolished. In 1928, a castle was built to complement the island's lighthouse. The building works were completed in 1933 in a Renaissance and palatial style.

Address: Cerro de Santa Catalina

Natural Park of the Strait

The Natural Park of the Strait is located at the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula and protects the maritime-terrestrial space of the coastline from the Getares cove (Algeciras) to Cabo de Gracia (Tarifa). It was declared a natural park in the year 2003 and has a protected surface of 18 910 ha. It is the southernmost protected area on the European continent and unites ecological values, landscaping, historical and cultural characteristics. It is part of the Intercontinental Biosphere Reserve of the Mediterranean.

Address: Tarifa, Cádiz

Church of San Mateo Apóstol

The church of San Mateo is the main church in Tarifa and its construction is supposed to have taken place around 1506. The original plan of the church corresponds to this period, with three ships, and the elaborate gothic rib vaults. As for the main facade, it is a monumental baroque door, embedded in the center of the wall, at the bottom of which is the entrance door. The bell tower, square base, very robust and practically smooth in all its axis, ends in a body of bells topped by a dome with braids.

Schedule: Everyday. From 9:00 a 13:00 and of 18:00 a 21:00.

Address: c / Sancho IV el Bravo, 8.

Phone: 956 68 44 03.

Guzmán El Bueno Castle

This castle owes its name to the feat of Alonso Pérez de Guzmán, then guardian of the fortress. In 1294 Muslims besieged the castle and, having in his power the son of this, they urged him to return it, otherwise your son would die. Don Alonso Pérez de Guzmán preferred to sacrifice his son rather than hand over the town. In the 18th century, part of the walls were adapted for the installation of artillery and, during the War of Independence, It served as a barracks for the Spanish-British troops defending Tarifa. This imposing castle is undoubtedly one of the most emblematic monuments of Tarifa.

Schedule:

  • Summer:Monday to Saturday from 11:00 a 14:00 (last entry at 13:30) and of 18:00 a 20:00 (last entry at 19:30). Sunday 11:00 a 16:00.
  • Winter:From Monday to Saturday: from 11:00 a 14:00 (last entry to the 1:30) and of 16:00 a 18:00 (last entry at 5:30). Sunday of 11:00 a.m. a 4:00 p.m.

Address: c / Guzmán El Bueno, s/n.

Phone: 956 68 46 89 / 956 68 09 93.

Price: 2 euros.

Tarifa port

In recent years, passenger and vehicle traffic has increased from the Port of Tarifa to the Port of Tangier Ville.. Given the proximity to the city of Tangier and the improvement in its facilities, the Port of Tarifa is a perfect location for quick access to Morocco and, therefore, it is a very important maritime station for all travelers. The passenger terminal of the Tarifa maritime station consists of two floors and houses all customer service services, as ticket sales, tourist information stands, restoration, etc., in addition to police control offices and customs area.

Address: Avenida Armed Forces s / n

Jerez Gate

Originally the walls of Tarifa surrounded the entire old town and served as protection. After a period of restoration, most of them are in good condition and are considered one of the main monuments of the city.

In ancient times, the walls had three gates: to the east the Puerta del Retiro, which was destroyed in the late 19th century, to the south the Puerta del Mar and to the north the Puerta de Jerez. The Puerta de Jerez, built in the 13th century, it consists of a section of three successive arches and flanked by two broad crenellated towers, it's the only door that has survived.

Address: Andalusia Avenue (c / Battle of Salado).

TARIFA BEACHES

If you have proposed to enjoy the sun on the coast of Cádiz, on your route through Cádiz you cannot miss a stop in Tarifa, unique locality in our geography for two reasons: a, it is the southernmost point of Europe and, so, closest to Africa; and two, its beaches are considered the surf capital of the Peninsula. In it we can find some of the best beaches in Andalusia. Do you want to know them?

  • Bolonia beach: There is no list that selects the best sandy areas in the country that does not include the Bolonia beach.. Wild, paradisiac, with the natural monument of the Dune of Bologna, and the ruins of the Roman city of Baelo Claudia very close. Bologna falls in love just seeing her and her 3.800 meters long they catch you in a few minutes.
  • Punta Paloma: this is without a doubt one of the most spectacular beaches in Tarifa. It is located between the sandy areas of Bolonia and Valdevaqueros, and captivates its visitors by the tranquility, its wild aspect and the courage of surfers who dare to jump into the water, which are not many, since riding the waves at this point is complicated.
  • Valdevaqueros Beach: it is, together with Bologna, one of the last virgin sands to survive on the Peninsula. It presents more than 4 kilometers of golden sand where in addition to enjoying the sun, you can attend the show that windsurf fans offer almost every day. If you do not have your own equipment or want to start this sport, it is possible to rent it.
  • Los Lances Beach: from the promenade that leads to Punta de Tarifa, The Lances, with their 7,2 kilometers long and its gusts of wind, it is undoubtedly the paradise for athletes. In the months of July and August it is an area reserved for bathers, so you can't practice windsurfing or kitesurfing. The arenal, further, it is in a natural setting, protected space, and it has numerous hospitality services.
  • Playa Chica: It is the local beach of Tarifa, a small corner of sand located next to the port of the town, and the refuge that families usually go to enjoy a quiet day in the sun. Its crystal clear waters make it, on the other hand, in an essential destination for diving lovers.
  • Río Jara Beach: in this area of ​​Tarifa there are usually no bathers, making it perfect for windsurfing or kitersurfing. For those who are beginning in this sport, the ideal is to go at high tide, since a perfect lagoon is formed. It has parking, showers and beach bar (only open in the summer months).
  • Dos Mares Beach: a perfect sandy area for lovers of water sports for various reasons: can be accessed by car until very close to the sea, because there is a lot of space so there are no problems with bathers and because it has an area reserved for windsurfing.
  • Beach Art Life: an undeveloped beach where windsurfing is possible, kitersurf y surf. It has parking and a nearby pine forest with barbecue area, so it is usually very busy in summer, especially on weekends. further, right next to it is what is considered one of the best chill out in Tarifa. That is why it is the ideal place to relax after an afternoon riding among the waves..
  • Playa Atlanterra: en the southern part has a mountainous area behind it so it is protected in this area from the east wind. On the subject of services you can find toilets, showers and several beach bars to have a drink with sea views. At the end of this beach and before reaching that of Los Alemanes we find the Cabo de Plata
  • German Beach: between Cabo de la Plata and Cabo de Gracia we find this fantastic beach with fine golden sand. If you are looking for a place away from the crowds, here you will find it. Yes indeed, There are no beach bars here so you better take a sandwich or have your own picnic to spend the day.
  • El Cañuelo Beach: El Cañuelo is a sandy area that has managed to remain practically virgin thanks to being far from civilization. To get to this beach you have to walk half an hour but the destination is well worth it. Crystalline waters, tranquility, forests, fine sand… it has it all! 800 meters of beach where textiles and nudists coexist without problem in this natural paradise. If you are looking for virgin beaches, you run away from the crowds and want to enjoy the sun in a unique natural environment, this is your beach.