Hey, has anyone ever surfed or windsurfed in Tarifa, Southern Spain? Me and a bunch of my girlfriends want to go this summer and need some advice on what its like, if its actually real good for surfing and where to stay etc. x

You can find great waves in winter. Many enthusiasts of the "real" surf can surf in different spots in Tarifa and the surrounding areas. There are waves rising on good days from half a metre to two metres. When the conditions are favourable in Palmar (Ca?±os de Meca), which is approx. 40 minutes drive in direction C?°diz, than the experience will be unbelievable!!

El Balneario
(west of the port in Tarifa)

With strong south or northwesterly waves, this beach provides excellent conditions. You have to be very careful with the rocks on the beach and with the strong levante winds that can drag you away.


El Bunker
(at the end of the beach by the barracks, opposite Hotel Punta Sur).

You have to be very careful with the rocks.


El Spot Secreto
(at the end of the Dunes, passing Casa de Porros. You can reach it by taking the military road that directs you to the point between The Dunes and Bolonia.

With good south and southeasterly waves, this beach offers great surfing possibilities. Watch out for the rock that appears from under the wave. Conditions are excellent and so is the surrounding landscape.


Yerba Buena
(3 km past Barbate on the road towards Ca?±os de Meca)

Waves are particularly good when the wind blows in a south or southwesterly direction. Be careful with the rocks and with thieves gathering there.


Ca?±os de Meca
(Left turn straight after Vejer de la Frontera)

If you are lucky and you get good waves coming from the south or southeast, you may be in for the best surfing day of your life, with conditions similar to those in Hawai. But watch it and get out of the wave before you hit the reef.


El Palmar
(The same as Ca?±os de Meca, via the same road)

Waves from both right and left that are even better with slight winds from the west. This beach is faced westward and waves can reach heights of up to 3 metres. The waves are very strong, but they are the most consistent waves on the coast, and where you will almost always find enjoyment, even with bad conditions. On most of the beach, the seabed is mainly comprised of sand and very few rocks. Towards the left, be careful with the strong currents that can pull you inwards.

The best site is between the road and the stone tower.

La Barrosa-Roche
(Go westward after El Palmar and follow the signs until you reach Camping Roche)

A series of beaches with waves flowing from left to right and with an essentially sand seabed. Can be quite full in summer but it is worth a visit out of season.