Punta de Tarifa: The southernmost point of mainland Europe

Tarifa was one of the main destinations of my roadtrip in Spain and Portugal, along with Gibraltar. Simply because it’s the southernmost mainland point of Europe, which is the kind of place I just can’t miss. I wasn’t expecting anything extra or special from Tarifa, but I ended up staying a couple of days longer than the original (one-day) plan because the town and its surroundings have a very nice, relaxing and surfer vibe.

Punta de Tarifa / Isla de las Palomas

Punta de Tarifa is a geographically significant point in Spain – the southernmost point of mainland Europe, which is close to the centre of Tarifa. This point is located on the small island of Isla de las Palomas, connected to the mainland by an artificial causeway. This was formerly a military base and is now a largely protected area, and cannot normally be entered. There is a lighthouse on the islet which helps navigate ships through the Strait of Gibraltar.

Punta de Tarifa also lies exactly on the border between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, creating unique conditions for marine life and currents.

The southernmost point is not as attractive as the westernmost point of mainland Europe, Cabo da Roca in Portugal. There, after all, it’s a lighthouse high on a cliff, nothing around it and it has that end-of-the-world feel. In Tarifa, however, it’s nice to look out over Africa (which makes it obvious that it’s not the end of the world).

What to see in Tarifa

People come here primarily for Punta de Tarifa and also for the beaches in the area. There are, of course, views of the canal and Africa. There’s a lot of wind off the ocean, so you’ll see surfers. But when you’re in the city itself, there’s plenty to see here too.

Castillo de Guzmán el Bueno

The medieval castle in Tarifa was built in 960, when the area was under the rule of the Arab Caliphate. The castle is strategically located overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar and thus served to defend the city from naval attacks. In 1292, it became a symbol of heroism when Alonzo Pérez de Guzmán (nicknamed “el Bueno”) refused to capitulate to the Moors despite the sacrifice of his own son.

The castle has well-preserved walls, towers and courtyard, from where you can enjoy a magnificent view of Africa and the Strait of Gibraltar.

Puerta de Jerez

The historic city gate, which once served as the main entrance to the walled city. It is one of the last surviving parts of the original city walls that protected Tarifa during Arab rule. The Puerta de Jerez is a product of Andalusian and Arab architecture. It is on the outskirts of the old town as a kind of entrance to the historic centre.

Streets of the old town

The old town, Casco Antiguo, is a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets that retain a typical Andalusian character. Around the streets are houses with white facades, and in the squares are traditional restaurants where you can enjoy the local cuisine and atmosphere.

The old town is surrounded by the remains of the city walls, which were built during the Arab rule.

Church of St. Matthias

Iglesia de San Mateo is the most important church in Tarifa, right in the heart of the old town. It was built in the 16th century in Gothic-Renaissance style on the site of an older church from the Reconquista period. Its façade mixes Gothic and Baroque elements. The Church of St Matthias is dedicated to the Apostle Matthias, the patron saint of the town, and inside there are beautiful altars, statues and works of art. Don’t be fooled by the rather unassuming façade, the interior is richly decorated.

Beaches in Tarifa and surroundings

The area around Tarifa is famous for its beautiful beaches and nice beach atmosphere. The beaches are on the west side of the continent, towards the ocean, so it’s quite windy and the waves are quite strong.

• Playa de Los Lances – the most famous and longest local beach stretches north of the town, about 10 kilometres long. The southern part (closer to Tarifa) is quite popular with tourists, the northern part is more natural. The constant windy conditions make it an ideal place for kitesurfing and windsurfing and attracts athletes from all over the world.
• Playa de Valdevaqueros – about 10 kilometres further north is Valdevaqueros beach, where there are beach bars called “chiringuitos” and also wooden tiki totems inspired by Polynesian culture. It’s popular for kitesurfing here too.

• Playa de Bolonia – is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole of Andalusia. It has fine golden sand, crystal clear waters and impressive dunes(Duna de Bolonia) which are a nature reserve. Bolonia is also of archaeological importance thanks to the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia, which are right on the beach.
• Playa Chica – a small beach just off Tarifa, where the oceans meet, so it’s interesting for wildlife watching and snorkeling.

Parque Natural del Estrecho

Parque Natural del Estrecho is a natural park that covers the coastline around Tarifa and protects the unique ecosystems of the Strait of Gibraltar. Designated in 2003, the park covers more than 18,000 hectares of land and sea and is known for its rich biodiversity. Its geographical location makes the park a key zone for bird migration between Europe and Africa, making it a paradise for ornithology enthusiasts. Hundreds of thousands of birds, including raptors and storks, migrate through the park every year.

There are several hiking trails through both the coastal and inland areas of the park that you can follow.

Where is Tarifa

Tarifa is on the Costa de Luz in the south of Spain, specifically in Andalusia. Less than 50 kilometres away, to the east, is Gibraltar. And just 14 kilometres away, across the Strait of Gibraltar, is the coast of North Africa. There are ferries from here to Tangier in Morocco.

How to get to Tarifa

Tarifa is more of a destination for road travel. The nearest airport is Gibraltar, but there are no flights from the Czech Republic or even Spain. However, you can have a way around if you travel by car in Andalusia, you’ll probably fly into Málaga or Seville.

There are no trains, so it is possible to get here by bus from Málaga, Cadiz or Seville, but it is quite long.