Tarifa, Spain is my kind of town!
While it started out as a sleepy fishing village, it has become a favorite of Northern European vacationers because it offers a wide variety of all water sports. It’s good that they are there in force during the summer months because that means that late April, May, September and early October are perfect for travelers that want “tranquila” time. Things are much quieter everywhere, the wind has dissipated, and the visitors can enjoy the slower pace of life offered there.
We arrived on the last day of their annual Feria. It is celebrated with parades of their beautifully groomed Andalusian horses and in honor of their Virgen de la Luz. The “float” that carries her through the streets weigh a t least a ton. It is adorned with Our Lady in precious garb surrounded by lit candles and a multitude of fresh flowers.
This year it was carried on the shoulders of women for the first time. They are all volunteers and they practiced for three weeks to help them realize the obvious pain associated with it. It was still an immense burden and they had to rest at 15 minutes intervals. A local band, ladies in mantillas and other devoted people form the procession and the whole town turns out to watch. The Feria itself is a dress-up event and many of the local women wear flamenco type dresses in order to enjoy the music and dancing. The food and Spanish wine runs freely.
The Puerta de Jerez leading to old downtown Tarifa is an ancient gate built in the 13th century and one of the few remains of the original wall. Downtown you’ll find the narrow streets so typical of the towns built before cars. Probably because they thrive on tourism, there are all kinds of great places to eat and the tapa bars are a favorite. Their are miles of beautiful beach and you can also find good food at the beach bars. Finding lodging should not be a problem if you are there in the off-season.
Tarifa is located on the very most southern tip of Spain on the Atlantic end of the Straits of Gibraltar. The Moroccan hills are always in the background of the view of the beach and their Moorish history is strongly apparent in their music and dance. Ferries leave Tarifa at least daily for trips to Morocco.
If you go there, keep in mind that Gibraltar is only a 20 minute drive from Tarifa and you may want to include a visit there on your trip.
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