Worth getting out of bed for
Highlights the best Tarifa has to offer, from art and culture to fun-packed activities; we've even found the most inspiring place to enjoy the views from.
- Viewpoint
- The ramparts of the 10th-century invasion-repelling Castillo de Guzmán el Bueno; on a clear day you’ll get a dusky impression of Morocco’s Rif mountains. Open daily 11h–14h and 18h–20h/17h–19h in winter.
- Arts and culture
- Iglesia de San Mateo’s baroque façade hides a much older exterior. Out of town, relics of the region’s Roman past can be seen at Bolonia (closed Mondays), aka the ancient city of Baelo Claudio, with its baths, theatre and temples to Jupiter and Minerva. Spain’s own soul music, flamenco, thrives in pockets: Peña Flamenca Tarifena, Plaza Santa Maria, is a high-season weekend venue. To guarantee an authentic fix, turn up in August for the recently established festival, which matches celebrated performers with evocative venues (www.flamencotarifa.com).
- Something for nothing
- Check out the contemporary art shows in the converted grain cellars of Silos Gallery, 19 Calle de los Silos.
- Shopping
- Mala Mujer, 32 Batalla del Salado, sells womenswear that can only be described as funky and original. 100% Flowers, in the old town, sells pretty tops and dresses. Deco, 17 Calle Nuestra Señora de la Luz, sells appealing homewares and hats. Shop for Moroccan leather goods at the Bazar Hispano Arabe on Avenida de Andalucía.
- And...
- Playa de los Lances, a walk west of the centre, is the main town beach; for a little less wind-chaff factor, drive a few miles west of town, turn off at the sign for Punta Paloma, and seek shelter/seclusion among the hidden coves or in the shadow of the enormous sand dune, at Playa de Valdevaqueros. There are good beaches at Bolonia, too.
Diary
- February Pre-Lenten masquerades and dancing for Carnival. April Processions for Semana Santa: the best days are Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Saturday; the fervour is pretty much spent by Easter Sunday itself. 24 June At Facinas, bonfires on the beach mark the fiesta of San Juan; it’s traditional to paddle at midnight. 16 July Fiestas de la Virgen del Carmen, when statues of the patron saint of seamen are taken out in adorned fishing boat to bless the waters, to the accompaniment of horns and fireworks. July/August Flamenco en el Castillo festival (www.flamencotarifa.com), with genuine gypsy and flamenco musicians in town. Mid-August Fiestas de la Patrona de Facinas, a local feria. Early September The fair and festival dedicated to the Virgen de la Luz, the patron saint of Tarifa.
