Windsurfing Holiday Tarifa

Tarifa is great for windsurfing, it is perched on the southern tip of Spain, looking towards Africa just a few miles across the Straits of Gibraltar, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean.

The town itself is clustered around the narrow streets and has spread outside the old walls. Surf shops line the road into town from the beach and it is clear that most of the visitors are windsurfers. It is a destination that is most suitable for intermediate sailors or for those wishing to combine windsurfing and kitesurfing.

The wind:-
Tarifa is famous for two prevailing winds that blow through the Straits of Gibraltar. The levante from the south-east is most common in summer when it can blow for weeks, day and night. It is generally stronger, warmer and produces flatter conditions. The westerly poniente, most prevalent in autumn and spring, comes in from the Atlantic, is cooler and can bring waves.

The mountainous terrain and other elements such as the temperature difference between the Atlantic and Mediterranean, high and low pressure, are the cause of winds in Tarifa. As well there is a thermal effect that usually means the wind is strongest in the afternoon. Ideal for party animals. Beginners' courses start at 10 a.m.! Conditions can change rapidly and a gentle force 3/4 can be a 6 to 7 within half an hour.

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Itinerary / Highlights

The Spot:-
In Tarifa we partner with Club Mistral windsurfing. They offer 2 centres at 2 different spots on the main large bay area:

Club Mistral center Hurricane: At the Club Mistral centre Hurricane, the water is flat to choppy in summer; biggish waves (2 meters) only occur from autumn to spring. There is a shorebreak only when the wind is onshore (poniente). At the Hurricane Hotel venue, the shore area is somewhat protected from the wind, but after that, surfing in the levante (side-offshore) is superb. Depending on the tide, there may be some rocks when you are launching and exiting.

Club Mistral center Las Dunas: The most popular and best spot is the center Las Dunas in Valdevaqueros. The center is surrounded by a park, with the fabulous, wide sandy beach, which traces the gentle curve of the bay and extends as far as the dunes, in front of them. Depending on the wind force, the protected bay provides optimum instruction conditions for all skills levels. The shorebreak may be slightly stronger only in autumn, if the wind is onshore (poniente). Beginners' instruction depends on wind conditions and may not always be possible.

Other spots: Tarifa does offer a variety of other spots all along this coast line if you have a car (which most people do). There are also some excellent wave spots such as Bologna and Canos da Mecca - please ask at the center for more details on this.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Hurricane Hotel:-
The most popular hotel in Tarifa, the Hurricane Hotel is set in sub tropical gardens, right on the unspoilt beach of Valdevaqueros. The restaurant is famous for its high quality Mediterranean cuisine set in a Moorish ambience. They use herbs and salads from their own vegetable garden while meat and fresh fish is grilled on a charcoal-burning barbecue. In summer the candlelight-tables are set outside in the gardens overlooking the pool with spectacular views across the Straits of Gibraltar to Morocco. Built in the typical Moorish style of the area this place has a special magic so if you want to stay at the Hurricane between May and October then book several months ahead or you won't get in!

Tarifa Boutique:-
A new style of luxury accommodation based in the heart of the Old City of Tarifa

Hotel Dos Mares:-
The Dos Mares hotel is in our opinion the best hotel in Tarifa for those looking for a high standard of beach front accommodation with good hotel facilities. The hotel has a superb lively but pleasant atmosphere with excellent service.

Tarifa Surf House:-
Perfectly located right on the main windsurf and kitesurf spot, this is a great little property.

Casa Padre Felix:-
Clean, comfortable apartments right in the heart of Tarifa old town.

Punta Sur:-
Punta Sur is a really beautiful hotel and highest standard currently available in the area. Highly recommended for those looking for a bit more comfort.

Las Canas:-
The extremely spacious and well placed apartments offer the great combination of beach front accommodation with easy parking and walking distance to town. Great choice and very popular in high season so book early !

Departure Dates, Options & Prices

All holidays are bespoke and can leave on any date (subject to availability). The price quoted above will vary dependent on departure date, hotel & selected course.

+ 44 (0) 870 749 1959