Tarifa has two prevailing winds, the south easterly known as the Levante and the westerly known as the Poniente. This is because of the mountain ranges on either side of the straits which not only bends other winds but also acts as a funnel, intensifying it.
However strong winds are also the result of other conditions such as the temperature difference between the Atlantic and Mediterranean and the high and low pressure zones that place themselves on either side of it's coast. The wind, and the weather in general, can change very quickly here and even the most accurate weather forecasts are not always reliable.
In areas such as Casa de Porro it is further accelerated due to thermal differences between the sea and land. This also explains why the winds are strongest between 14:00 and 18:00hr.
Great for windsurfers who want to both sail and stay out late at night. (yeah!!!) Harder for the beginners who normally have to start their courses at 10:00. (sigh :-()
As a rule the Levante is stronger, blows night and day and can last for weeks. Because it blows from land, it is warmer and does not form waves. The Poniente blows from the Atlantic. It's colder and brings in waves, mostly in winter. Nevertheless the best wave seasons are spring and autumn, specially when the winds coincide with full moon. Tides are negligible for the average surfer, but if it's waves you are looking for, it's always best whilst the tide grows.
Thursday, 20 September 2007
El Balneario
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 Caños 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.
Caños 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 Caños 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)
(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 Caños 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.
Caños 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 Caños 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)
You can find great waves in winter
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 (Caños de Meca), which is approx. 40 minutes drive in direction Cádiz, than the experience will be unbelievable!!
Ten kilometres of white sandy beaches
Ten kilometres of white sandy beaches, unspoilt countryside and some of the best windsurfing conditions in Europe have established Tarifa as a true surfers paradise. Just 11 km across the Straits of Gibraltar at its narrowest point, this southern-most tip of Europe where the Med meets the Atlantic Ocean, enjoys spectacular views of the Rif mountains of Africa across the water.
Tarifa's wild coastline attracts surfers and nature-lovers alike. Just as famous for its birdwatching as its surfing, there are endless opportunities to explore the rolling countryside. Horse-riding, hang-gliding, kite-surfing, rock-climbing and diving to name but a few.
Tarifa's wild coastline attracts surfers and nature-lovers alike. Just as famous for its birdwatching as its surfing, there are endless opportunities to explore the rolling countryside. Horse-riding, hang-gliding, kite-surfing, rock-climbing and diving to name but a few.
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