Find the beach you’re looking for, depending on the wind.

Tarifa is the European mecca for windsurfing and kitesurfing thanks to the winds that blow almost every day from various directions.

The levante is a warm easterly wind, almost always strong and blowing from the east across the sea.

The Poniente is the coolest wind from the west; it blows diagonally towards the shore and is almost always accompanied by small waves. So, depending on their needs and preferences, everyone can enjoy their favourite water sport or find a spot sheltered from the wind.

Playa Chica

The small stretch of Mediterranean coastline at Tarifa, with its vibrant waters, is the perfect place for children to play.

It’s highly recommended when there’s a westerly wind, as it’s fairly sheltered from the wind and there are very few waves. It’s just a 5-minute walk from ‘La Residencia’.

Arte Vida

This beach, with the pine trees behind it, is a great spot for a picnic in the shade. On the lawn in front of the Arte Vida hotel, you’ll also find a chill-out area with a great atmosphere.

In spring and autumn, it’s the best place to go surfing, and when the wind is blowing from the west, the waves are perfect. When the wind is blowing from the east, it’s more sheltered from the wind.

Los Lances y Río Jara

This 8-kilometre-long beach is ideal for long walks. With its fine white sand, it’s perfect for sunbathing on windless days or when there’s a gentle easterly breeze. It’s a lovely spot for horse riding at sunrise or sunset. This stretch of beach is a favourite with kitesurfers and kitesurfing schools. Kitesurfing is only permitted in the designated areas.

Valdevaqueros

A 4-kilometre-long stretch of beach with a few rocks. Closer to the dune, it becomes a wonderful beach for all kinds of water sports all year round.

The conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing are perfect when the wind is from the west, but they can be even better when it’s from the east. The bay protects surfers from the danger of being swept out to sea by the current or strong winds.

The Mistral Club runs a professional windsurfing and kitesurfing school here, a surf shop and a beach bar with an unrivalled atmosphere.

Punta Paloma

Starting from this beach, it’s well worth climbing up the large dune behind it to take in the stunning view from there.

At the “Spin Out” windsurfing school, you can hire equipment or take lessons – even for children aged 4 and over.

Here you’ll also find the beach bar ‘Tangana Beach Bar’, which is renowned for its delicious food and great atmosphere. You can almost always find a spot to relax on the bar’s lawn.

Bolonia

This unspoilt beach is in the next bay to the west of Punta Paloma, heading from Tarifa towards Cádiz.

It’s a paradise for windsurfers and tourists. The turquoise waters and wildlife will take your breath away.

If you carry on to the left until the end, you’ll reach the windsurfing area, which is perfect for this sport when the Levante wind is blowing.

As well as water sports, Bologna is well worth a visit to relax in the sun, climb the giant dune or explore the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia.