"Wind & Nature" Tarifa (Cadiz) by Beach_dog

Tarifa (Cadiz) Travel Guide: 202 reviews and 413 photos

Tarifa is Europes southernmost city. It has a reputation probably derserved of also being the windiest city. For this reason many water sports such as windsurfing, surfing, kite surfing and paracending take place along this section of coast.

Tarifa was originally a walled city, well fortified against the many sieges that shaped it's history. Many of the walls and fortifications can still be seen today.

The city itself has A very arabic flavour, not surprising as it was occupied by the moors for over 500 years. The city was named after Tarif Ben Malluk, a Berber who occupied it in July 710 AD. It was used as a port for access for the muslim armies that followed into El Andalus, being only 14 kilometers from the African coast. It's history though probably goes back much further, maybe as for back as King Tago, who is thought to have established it in 2118 BC.

After 500 years of rule by the Moors, the city was captured on a few occassions, by Alphonso IV in 1083, Alphonso VIII and Fernando II in the twelth century and finally in 1291 captured by Sancho IV of Castille, after a dispute with it's occupier Abu Ya'qub Yusuf. Many attempts were made to recapture it by the Moors, but all were unsuccessful. In 1294 it was defended by Alonso Pérez de Guzmán (Guzman the Good).

It was also garrisoned when the British took Gibraltar in the 18th century.

Today, apart from the water sports, its still an important port for transport to Tangiers. A high speed ferry operates the route. I'm told the the nightlife during the summer months can be good.

Last visit to Tarifa (Cadiz): Oct 2003
Intro Updated Oct 14, 2003
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Reviews (23)

Gatos Locos Things to Do (3)

Another strange thing to see on a day out... a group of formation dancing cats :0) These cats were hanging around a... more travel advice

Punta Paloma Beach 2: Dunes Off The Beaten Path (5)

The dunes at Punta Paloma stretch for miles. Sculpted by the wind there are a great place for photography, and worth... more travel advice

Vaca loca Things to Do (3)

'Vaca loca' translates as 'Mad Cow'. How do I know this cow was mad... well it must be drinking from a pink bath :0) I... more travel advice

Narrow streets and patios Things to Do (3)

One of the things I really love in Andalucia, in the whole of Spain actually, exploring the old town and city centers.... more travel advice

Transportation (1)
Tangier for a day
Sports & Outdoors (4)
See All Dune surfing

Favorites (10)
See All Muelle de Rivera
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Travelogues (1)

Written Oct 13, 2003

3 photos

Bolonia Roman ruins "Baelo Claudia "

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Comments (7)

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Katmosphere Mar 22, 2006 at 6:40 AM

Whats on Beachdogs agenda for the day?
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Janny63 Feb 20, 2005 at 1:20 PM

OK I´m adding Tarifva to my list too.
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deeper_blue Feb 18, 2005 at 5:15 PM

Nice pages on Tarifa, brings back the memories
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Carmela71 Oct 5, 2004 at 10:06 AM

Great page Stace of the Windy Tarifa, when are we coming back????
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Hosell Sep 21, 2004 at 9:52 AM

Great page! I can see that you're traveling in Andalucia a lot lately!.Very funny photo about the Vaca Loca!!!!!
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Gili_S Nov 6, 2003 at 1:37 PM

Ha ha, OK, you have Tarifa of the day and “she” have the Tarifa of the night. GREAT.
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Geisha_Girl Oct 15, 2003 at 2:51 PM

My memories of Spain are still clear in my head Stace! (despite that brief bout with *Amnesia!*) Perhaps my pages will be done just in time for your housewarming?? ;-)) Great page on Tarifa!!