Great sandy beaches with a hippie vibe
If you think of Tarifa as a sky full of kitesurfers gliding gracefully through the waves of the North Atlantic, you definitely won't be disappointed. Our highlights after four days in Tarifa #vanlifetour #tarifa travel day 27 to 30 / 56
When we finally drove towards Tarifa, my anticipation was huge. I had heard a lot about the miles of picturesque sandy beaches, the hundreds of kite surfers in the sky and the Mediterranean, slightly hippy lifestyle, especially on the Tarifa Beach stretch of coast. And what can I say, we were not disappointed. The vibrant kitesurfing scene pervades the cityscape, giving the whole place a dynamic and exciting energy. My fingers still tingle when I think back to our time in Tarifa.
But before we could find a campsite, we needed a new gas bottle. After 27 days of travel and a total of 3,570 kilometers driven, the gas level in our aluminum gas bottle was in the lower third. So for the remaining 30 days we definitely needed a second bottle. But that can be a small logistical challenge in Spain.
You can read here how we solved the problem with the gas bottle in Spain.
What makes kitesurfing in Tarifa so special
We were particularly impressed by the kitesurfing culture in Tarifa. Tarifa is a real paradise for kitesurfers due to its geographical position and the strong winds. Because it is on the southernmost tip of Europe, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. This location creates a unique geographical constellation that favors strong and constant winds. The so-called "Levante" wind, blowing from the east, meets the Atlantic and is channeled through the narrows of the Strait of Gibraltar. It can reach an average speed of between 20 and 40 knots.
We have made up our minds to come back to learn how to kite. The many kitsurfing schools on Tarifa Beach made a decent impression and some of them also had RV parking right on the beach - fantastic.
A stone's throw to Africa, Morocco
One of the most fascinating things about Tarifa is undoubtedly its proximity to the African continent. From the southernmost point of Europe you can look directly at the African mainland on a clear day. The sight of the Moroccan coast and the majestic Jebel Musa, a prominent mountain rising above the sea, is simply amazing. This geographical proximity to Africa means that Tarifa has a unique cultural mix of Arabic and African influences on Spanish culture, architecture, gastronomy and the way of life. You can feel that here anytime and anywhere.
There is even a direct ferry connection from Tarifa to Tangier in Morocco. Ferries run several times a day and the crossing usually takes around 35 to 45 minutes. So you can make a trip to a completely different continent within a short time - really fascinating! Unfortunately we didn't make it, but next time it's an absolute must on our tour.
We were in Tarifa for a total of 4 days and we're still certain it won't be the last time.
Short description of our spot
Name: Camping Tarifa
Address: N-340, Km. 78, 870, 11380 Tarifa, Cadiz, Spain
Cost: 25 euros / night (low season, end of May)
Our recommendation: 5/5 stars
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The location of the campsite is almost unbeatable. It is just a few meters from the beach, Los Lances. From here you have a perfect view of Tarifa Beach and you can enjoy a beautiful sunset every evening. The entire area is provided with tall pine trees, so that each plot is provided with sufficient shade.
With temperatures of up to 45 degrees in summer, this is a real luxury. The plots are of different sizes, so that tents, campers and larger mobile homes up to 9 meters have enough space without any problems. However, there are no opaque hedges or similar privacy protection measures between the plots.
There is a cafe/restaurant on site which offers good value for money food. There is no mini shop. Directly behind it is a large pool surrounded by a fence, where you can romp around (no standing height, so only suitable for very small children with swimming aids). The toilets and showers are clean, dishes are washed outside. There are also emptying stations for chemical toilets and waste water.
A really nice highlight here are the big tiendas - these are 3 meter high, spacious camping tents with a small, covered terrace, most of which are equipped with a double bed, tables and chairs. Simple but chic and cosy, almost glamping in Tarifa. Learn more at Kampaoh.com
Other than that, the staff is very nice and accommodating. We were greeted politely and were even allowed to choose our own seat. Which is likely to be more difficult in the high season. All in all a nice place for us, where you can spend a few days very relaxed.
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