The Strait of Gibraltar is the gateway from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean and is formed by the most south-westerly point of Spain to the north. It is home to the most famous spot in the country, if not the world. With the lively town of Tarifa, the view towards Morocco and the meeting of the rough Atlantic and the gentle Mediterranean, it offers a special flair that has been popular for ages, and not just with water sports enthusiasts.
From the southernmost point, the Isla de Tarifa, stretches an approx. 7-kilometre-long sandy beach, which forms a popular spot due to its special location and can be divided into several entrances. Depending on the time of year, this beach can be used for kitesurfing in its entirety or only in the north-western part from the Ria Java.
Two winds, the Poniente (W) and Levante (E), provide the ideal conditions for kitesurfing, wingfoiling and windsurfing. They offer a relatively wind-safe spot all year round with around 300 windy days. The best time is in spring and fall in terms of wind, weather, restrictions and crowds.
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At one glance
| Location | Cádiz, Andalusia |
|---|---|
| Kitesurfing area | Flat water, choppy, small to medium waves |
| Standing area | yes, depending on the waves |
| skill level | all skill levels |
| Kitestation | Yes many mobile |
| Wind direction | Poniente (W), Levante (E) |
|---|---|
| Best time | All year round, ideally May and September |
| Special | The European kite mecca |
| Stay overnight | Pitch, campsite, accommodation |
| Freestanding | Difficult to inconspicuous depending on location |
The Kitespot
On the approximately 7-kilometre-long Playa de Los Lances, which starts at the Isla de Tarifa and gets wilder and wilder towards the northwest, you can go into the water anywhere from mid-September to mid-June, as long as there are no buoys in the water. The beach is very wide, consists of fine sand and lies for about 2.5 kilometers before the town of Tarifa. After that, the hinterland is overgrown and there are only a few access roads. At Tarifa and the airstrip, wooden walkways lead you to the beach and there are beach bars. At the height of Arte Vida, the beach gradually becomes narrower. It then becomes steeper and there are rocks in the water, so this part is not suitable for kitesurfers.
Depending on the wind direction, there may be seaweed on and in the water, especially in the southern part of the beach. There is plenty of space out on the water, especially in the low season, so everyone should be able to find a spot. The two main winds are best at Playa de Los Lances, with the Levante (E) being offshore and turning more and more side-offshore towards the north. The Poniente (W) provides good waves, which usually break on the coast and make it more difficult to get in. The municipality divides the beach into two areas, Playa Lances Norte and Playa Lances Sur.
Playa Lances Sur (Isla de Tarfia to Rio Java)
In summer, from mid-June to mid-September, when the buoys are laid, kitesurfing is prohibited on the entire Playa Lances Sur. It is often divided into three spots. There is the Balneario ( 36.006994, -5.609477), which is only suitable for professionals. The Levante shows what it can do there and forms super flat water or, after a change from Poniente to Levante, ideal kickers for high jumps. But beware, the Levante is offshore and there are strong currents at Poniente. Be sure to ask the locals in advance about rules of conduct, dangers and procedures. If in doubt, only watch the spectacular jumps of the pros. Windsurfing and surfing are permitted in summer, otherwise the rest of the beach is a swimming zone. The pro spot actually merges seamlessly into the Tarifa town beach ( 36.007884, -5.608658) and then La Jaima ( 36.024653, -5.619394) follows at the height of the soccer field at the northern end of Tarifa. With both, the Levante is offshore and gusty. The Poniente is more constant, but has waves.
Playa Lances Norte (north of Rio Java to La Peña)
Playa Lances Norte is often divided into several spots. There is Rio Java Camping ( 36.038474, -5.632371), the airstrip ( 36.047686, -5.642874), which occupies the largest area, Dos Mares ( 36.049586, -5.645679) and Arte Vida ( 36.051530, -5.648603). From mid-June to mid-September, the beach is divided into different zones, which also include a wider kite zone. You will find this roughly between the Hotel Dos Mares and the Waves Beach Bar by the runway. This is followed by a boat channel and then comes the training zone. This roughly starts at the Aqua Beach Bar and goes all the way to Rio Java Camping. There is a swimming zone in front of the Arte Vida.
At Playa Lances Norte you will also find a strong, gusty sideoffshore Levante and a strong, constant Poniente with waves.
NOTE Sometimes the Rio Jara has more water and a lagoon forms behind the beach. This is often used by kiters. However, it is prohibited because the area is a nature park.
The wind
There are two main winds on the long sandy beach. The very strong, gusty Levante (E), which comes from the Mediterranean and is strengthened by the Venturi effect near Gibraltar. In the southern part it is offshore and turns more and more side-offshore due to the position of the coast to the north. You should always keep an eye on the wind forecast, as it can get stronger during the course of the day. Registering with the Rescue Service can be an advantage.
NOTE If the Levante is strong and gusty, it is best to start with the kite at the water’s edge, do not let it fly at 12 o’clock and enter the water quickly with a deep kite. This should make it easier to get started. Further out, the Levante is no longer as gusty, but still offshore.
The counterpart is the Poniente (W). It is usually a little lighter than the Levante, but much more constant. It comes from the Atlantic and has waves of different sizes depending on the time of year. The waves are only bigger and good for surfing from October to March. From May to October, the winds are too frequent and the waves remain smaller. This can be interesting for beginners.
Both winds blow all year round and alternate at different intervals. The Levante blows more often in summer and the Poniente more often during the rest of the year. In winter, the wind is more southerly. Both are good along the entire Playa de Los Lances, although the Levante is not as strong offshore towards the north and becomes somewhat weaker.
Suitable for
In summer there is a training zone for the many kite schools. It’s not the most ideal spot for beginners, but it offers relatively good conditions, especially in the gentler Poniente. The Levante can be too strong and gusty. Your kite instructor will brief you accordingly.
Kite schools in Tarifa
There are many kite schools in the area. Many of them are based in Tarifa or in the hinterland and they travel to the beach on a mobile basis. The southern part of the runway is used for training in summer. There is another training zone in Valdevaqueros. Some are only open from spring to fall, others are open all year round. That’s why you’re spoiled for choice. Most schools, especially the larger ones, offer a rental service, so you can compare prices and choose the right equipment. We have listed the larger schools with stations on the beach or in the hinterland below.
Kitestation
- Surf Center Tarifa / Arte Vida
Kiteschulen
- Kite and Roll Tarifa
- Kite Fun Tarifa Kite
- Maloha Kite School
- Alex Pastor Kite Club
- Radi Kite Tarifa
- Matos Tarifa Kite
Kiteschulen
- Tarifa Max Kite School
- Kite Local School Tarifa
- Subcielo Kiteschool
- Mysfit Kite School Tarifa
- Kitesurf School Freeride Tarifa
- Rebels Tarifa Kite School
- Ocean Kite School Tarifa
- Kite Passion Tarifa
- Free Your Mind Tarifa
Kiteschulen
- Atlantic Tarifa Kite
- Bull Kiteschool Tarifa
- KPT Kite Progress Tarifa
- Lost Elementos
- KBC Kiteboarding Club Tarifa
- Capitan Kite Tarifa
- Addict Kite
- Tarifa Surf Club
- Lazykite School Tarifa
Behavior at the spot
The buoys are set from around June 15 to September 15, the zones marked on the map count and kitesurfing is prohibited at Playa Lances Sur. At the Balneario spot, windsurfing and surfing is permitted between the black and white checkered flags. There is an unguarded section of beach between the La Jaima spot and the Rio Java spot. But to get on the water safely, it is best to use the zones in summer. Beware, the zones are poorly marked in reality, there are no flags. It’s best to memorize them well in advance. There is a sign on the beach. Otherwise, the familiar rules of right of way and conduct, friendly cooperation and mutual consideration apply all year round. Leave the beach clean, pay attention to plants, animals and people in and around the water.
Best time
You can go to Tarifa all year round and there is good wind at least 300 days a year. However, you should avoid the months of July and August due to large crowds, very hot weather and more expensive prices. The best times are in spring and fall, but especially in May or September when there are no major restrictions. Winter can also be good, but it can rain more often and the winds are usually even stronger and stormier.
Parking and overnight stays
At Arte Vida, you will find yourself on a winding gravel parking lot, partly with spaces under the pine trees. The runway consists of an 850 m long and wide gravel road, along which you can park on the left and right. It extends north to Dos Mares, where you can only park as a guest. Then comes Rio Java Camping, where you can check in and opposite the entrance are stores and restaurants with a few parking spaces. After that, Tarifa is another option for parking, although all parking spaces directly on the beach promenade are prohibited for campers. At all the above-mentioned spots along Playa los Lances, you won’t have your camper in sight because there is a long dune in between. At Arte Vida, you can partially see it in the first row because the parking lot is slightly elevated. You have to walk a good distance to the water’s edge from all the pitches. At the airstrip and in Tarifa there are wooden footbridges that take you over the dune. At the campsite, a tarred path leads you across the river, which turns into a fenced-off sandy path. This is partly under water.
The parking lots near the runway and the Arte Vida are located in a nature reserve, which is why overnight stays are prohibited. There are regular checks and charges. More so in the high season, but also in the low season. Otherwise, from 2025, parking for motorhomes should be possible everywhere where parking spaces are designated and you fit into the markings. This also applies to Tarifa if there is no prohibition sign.
There are several different parking and camping sites in Tarifa and the surrounding area. There is a large gravel parking lot with camper service right in town. It’s not nice, but it’s practical. Otherwise there are the other campsites, listed in ascending order of distance. In Tarifa and the surrounding area there is a wide range of accommodation from hotels to complete apartments. So everyone should find something suitable for themselves.
Surroundings
Only around 2.5 km of the long beach stretches in front of Tarifa, the rest is secluded. The beach and the small town of Tarifa are particularly busy in summer. That’s why we would describe the spot and the area as local. There is plenty of space for children to build sandcastles on the beach and the town has lots of playgrounds, a skate park, a public swimming pool and a small fun park with bouncy castles and stalls in the town center during the season. There are beautiful walking routes, cycle paths and horse riding on the beach. You can do all kinds of water sports on and in the water and the area is family-friendly. Dogs can go on the beach in the unguarded part if you don’t leave anything behind. But avoid July and August for the sake of your dog. Tarifa and its surroundings offer many bars and parties to party into the night. The nearest towns are further away, but you’ll find everything you need in Tarifa.
There are garbage cans, showers, toilets and beach bars at the airstrip and on the outskirts of Tarifa. At Arte Vida there are showers, toilets, picnic and barbecue areas (not in summer) under the pine trees. There are no facilities on the beach at Rio Jara, only at the campsite. Keep the beach and parking lot clean and leave no traces.
No Wind Action
The beautiful, long and wide sandy beach is ideal for a nice day at the beach or with the family when there is no wind and invites you to explore. Depending on the time of year and your ability, the waves are perfect for surfing and you can explore the bay on a SUP. There is usually wind, so you should have wind protection with you. At Levante it is often very unpleasant on the beach when the sand flies, so it is worth heading to Valdevaqueros because the Levante is a little weaker there.
There are beautiful diving and snorkeling areas in the area, so you can choose from several diving spots. Dolphin and whale watching and horse riding tours along the beach are also on offer. You will also find wellness, yoga centers and fitness facilities in Tarifa.
My tip
Tarifa is known to every wind sports enthusiast and you should have visited this beautiful spot once. But preferably not in July or August, but in September, which according to many is one of the best months. On the long beach, you have several opportunities to get out on the water and you will always meet like-minded people to exchange ideas or have fun together.
If there is no wind, which is relatively rare, you can go on excursions to the surrounding area or to other continents and simply discover the beautiful beach and the small, cozy town. Tarifa has a special flair that is sure to capture you and perhaps never let go.
The particularly stormy spot near Levante (O) is not one of the best beginner spots in Europe, but it offers you many different kite schools and a good service for a safe feeling in the water. This can be a great advantage for your future kitesurfing career, as you will also feel more confident at more difficult spots. In addition, the kitespot has a high wind probability, which gives you plenty of water hours and you can reach it relatively easily via three international airports.
The description is an excerpt from our kitespot descriptions in the kitesurfing travel guide: Kitesurfing in Spain, which will be published in mid-2025. For even more detailed information on the spot, many more kitespots and useful tips on the island and how to get there, you can pre-order our kitesurfing travel guide in our kiteshop now.
