You’re standing at the southernmost point of continental Europe. To your left is the Med. To your right: the Atlantic. Across the former military base Isla de las Palomas, beyond the Straits of Gibraltar, you can see the coast of Morocco. No one needs a history lesson to understand both the importance of this port town and how rich the cultural influences are. This is Tarifa. We didn’t stay long enough, but our quick “viaje” from Torremolinos was a highlight – with the most attention seeking element being the wind. Definitely a “blowhard”.
Locals kept complaining of the “viento peligroso” almost as if it were an anomaly just coinciding with our arrival. A quick Google search claims “in Tarifa, the wind blows more than 300 days per year, earning it the nickname ‘wind capital of Europe’.” We don’t know that either of us have had enough experience with windy climates to recognise any difference in severity (hurricanes not withstanding) – only that IT WAS WINDY! and the winds were strong enough to run one of the most unique sporting events we’ve ever seen: the Full Power Tarifa Kite Fest 2024. We’ve been spectators at live surf events in Australia and that’s the closest comparison we can make. Thrilling, unique, cool vibe and EXTREME. Definitely memorable. And the skin exfoliation from the blowing sand was an added bonus!
Tarifa in 24 hours is barely enough time to have a coppa de cerveza and a plate of local tapas. We gave it a go, wandering the Moorish fortress the Castle of Guzmán el Bueno, getting lost around the winding cobblestone and tiled streets passing Baroque, Neoclassic, and white-washed-contemporary-cool facades. Our last minute deal, overnight accommodation The Riad Tarifa is a memory jog, taking us back to a 2019 trip to Morocco.
It is perfectly styled, with a warm welcoming staff and a great respite – despite the blowing canvas on the roof top from the viento peligroso. An added bonus was the yummy breakfast, a huge healthy spread – the perfect fuel for a two-hour drive back to Malaga to drop off our little rented Fiat and train back to Torremolinos.
Side Note: wanting a piece of the rock
On our drive down, in the far-off distance from the Autovia del Mediterraneo, we spot the Rock of Gibraltar. Quick conversation promises a stop for a photo opp on the way back, as there is no time for a full visit. We identify the closest Spanish town, La Linea, and make our way down secondary roads and exits. What we didn’t know was La Linea is literally surrounded by apartment blocks and businesses with no clear viewing point for the rock. This is not a tourist town. We drive bumper to bumper with what looks like many people doing the same circle through and finally give up. Chance took control. On the drive out of town, we saw a sign for “El Mirador el Higueron”. Spanish association light bulb moment – mirador – lookout! Maybe, just maybe we can . . . and we did. Here’s pics of the rock and the map location in case you ever find yourself driving to the end of the Costa del Sol and want a piece of the rock. IYKYK.
24 hours in Tarifa? Not enough time. Kite surfing as a spectator sport? Definitely. Road tripping in a little FIAT? Mas o menos. Continued adventures in Spain? Absolutely.
Comentarios