The beautiful seaside town in Spain where Spanish people go to avoid British tourists
Less crowded than Seville or Marbella, this Spanish seaside town is a gem of Andalucía with stunning beaches, a charming town and views of Africa.
Tarifa is the meeting point of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean and the southernmost town in the entire European continent. It may not be the most famous or most visited by British tourists, but Tarifa is a beautiful and fascinating gem of the Spanish 'Coast of Light' which offers a more relaxed alternative to the busier cities of Seville or Malaga - and it's super popular with Spanish nationals for obvious reasons. As a world-class kitesurfing and windsurfing spot, Tarifa also has some of the best beaches in Spain.
Playa de Bolonia was named the second best beach in Spain by TimeOut in 2024, for its incredible dune, its soft white sands surrounded by crystal clear waters and a forest of majestic trees. But it's not just a dune and a beautiful beach. The massive dune also hides the ruins of an ancient town.
At the foot of the shifting Bolonia dune, which is one of Europe's tallest dunes, you'll find the Roman ruins of the Baelo Claudia which constitute some of the world's best-preserved Roman ruins in the world.
The ancient city dates back to 2nd Century BCE and at the site, visitors will be able to observe the ruins of a forum, a marketplace, thermal baths, aqueducs, theatre, and a basilica right by the beach.
Playa de Valdevaqueros is another natural beach known for its beautiful sand dunes and turquoise waters.
Over seven species of dolphins and whales are present in Tarifa's clear waters, making it an ideal spot for marine sightings as well as snorkeling.
Don't miss: Beautiful seaside town loved by Spanish tourists but you’ve never heard of it
Don't miss: Spanish holiday hotspots on alert after 'dangerous' sighting - tourists 'avoid'
Don't miss: Spain's new beach rule could cost British tourists up to £1,600
From the winding lanes, cobblestone streets, to the white coloured buildings adorned in green plants and flowers and the grand Puerta de Jerez, it's easy to get lost in the stunning streets of Tarifa's old town with a mix of Moorish and Spanish influences and architecture.
The Castle of Guzman El Bueno is a fascinating example of Tarifa's history as it was built in 960 by the Abd-ar-Rahman III, Caliph of Córdoba as a Moorish fortification which was then taken over by the Spanish and refortified under the reign of King Charles III.
One TripAdvisor user wrote about Tarifa: "Tarifa is a charming little town at the southern tip of Spain. If you are into parasailing and wind surfing, it seems to be one of the most popular places in Europe. However, the town also has plenty of history being on the north shor of the Straits of Gibraltar. While you are there it is also easy to take a day trip or overnight trip to Tangier, Morocco.
Another person said on Mumsnet: "Tarifa is fab apparently - one of my friends visited recently and raves on about it, another goes as often as she can and plans to retire there! Btw both have toddlers. We live on the Costa del Sol which is busy and touristy. I have heard that Tarifa is completely different and much nicer - maybe we should live there!"
