For more information and to book please visit www.mrandmrssmith.com or let us arrange your whole trip, by calling +44 (0)20 8987 4312 or from the USA dial 1 866 610 3867.
With an itinerant population catching up on the number of natives, this Moorish-tinged town makes outsiders feel welcome the minute they enter the cobbled centre, one of its tiny tapas bars – or the wind-whipped surf. If you hear people round here talking about the levante or poniente, they’re talking serious sea breezes; it was the fierce winds that transformed Tarifa from sleepy port to cool destination. This surfers’ paradise embodies the chilled vibe of the Costa de la Luz, Andalucía’s unspoilt, beach-crammed seaboard. By day, you can join the gust-worshippers on the beach or colonise a sunny plaza; by night, the social scene runs from brightly painted bars and hip-hop hang-outs to trad tapas joints.
Whale-watching and dolphin-spotting in the strait with ecologically sound, comfortingly uncommercial FIRMM (Foundation for Information and Research on Marine Mammals), 4 Calle Pedro Cortés (+34 956 627 008; www.firmm.org), from €27 for a trip. Windsurfing, kitesurfing, kiting, surfing with Club Mistral, Carretera N340 (+34 956 684 919).
Our round-up of the hippest hideaways and romantic boutique hotels in Tarifa
The unexpected minimalism of La Sacristía, the quiet, and the feeling of being hidden away down a narrow street is as luxurious as most surf bunnies could ask for.
Planes, trains, automobiles, or maybe even helicopter – we tell you the best way to go.
For tapas, you can’t go wrong with this place on Calle Guzman el Bueno in the old town.
On Calle Guzman el Bueno in the old town, try this place for excellent tapas.
This tapas bar on Calle Guzman el Bueno in the old town is popular with locals and tourists alike.
The jamón Iberico is among good things to be had at this popular bodega at 9 Calle Sancho IV el Bravo.
This restaurant at 3 Calle Independencia serves delicious, healthy tagines, couscous and salads with a Moorish slant.
Located on Calle Huerta del Rey, this restaurant is good for Mediterranean cuisine.
For Argentinian-style steaks, try this steakhouse at 4 Calle Coronel Moscardo in front of the Post Office.
The Costa de la Luz is famed for its excellent fresh tuna – you’ll eat a fine piece overlooking the sea at this restaurant at the Hotel Arte Vida, Carretera N340.
Among Italian eateries in the old town is this trattoria on Paseo de la Alameda which does a mean pizza in its wood-fired oven.
Committed carnivores will revel in the pork experience at this restaurant at 15 Calle San Francisco. If you follow signs for Bollonia ruins and then bear left when you get to the sea, you’ll find beach-shack restaurants that are pure holiday; don’t be in a hurry.
©2009 Mr & Mrs Smith
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