This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Tarifa.
Tarifa, in the province of Cadiz, in Andalusia, Spain, is the southernmost town of Spain and the whole of Europe. While Tarifa is the southernmost town, Punta de Tarifa is technically the southernmost part of Spain and Europe. Punta de Tarifa is also called Isla de Tarifa or Isla de las Palomas. Punta de Tarifa is a small island beyond the town of Tarifa. The small town of Tarifa is part of the Costa de la Luz, or the Coast of Light, and faces the continent of Africa through Morocco, just across the Strait of Gibraltar. As part of Costa de la Luz, Tarifa is a popular holiday destination for vacationers and tourists.
Because of its location by the Strait of Gibraltar, Tarifa has been conquered and settled by various people including the the Phoenicians, Romans, Visigoths, Muslims, Christians, Jews, and various kingdoms of Southern Spain. Tarifa provided a strategic naval checkpoint during various wars including the Napoleonic Wars and two World Wars. Aside from the geological feature of Isla de Las Palomas, Tarifa is also known for its fishing port and the Castle of Guzman. Guzman Castle, or Castle of Guzman de Bueno, is a Moorish castle that a fortification throughout the centuries. Tarifa is also famous for the Gothic Church of St. Matthew.
The name of Tarifa has been wrongly attributed to the word “tariff.” Despite its favorable location for commerce and trade, the name has nothing to do with commerce. The name of Tarifa is originated from Tarif ibn Malik, a Muslim commander who led the conquest of Iberian Peninsula. Tarif ibn Malik conquest eventually led to the establishment of Moors settlement of Al-Andalus or Muslim Spain during the Middle Ages, which retains much of its influence up to the present day.
Tarifa is the only town in Spain that overlooks both Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Because of this unique feature, Tarifa enjoys the arrival of numerous tourists each year, most of which prefer the Atlantic part of the town because of its beaches and sunsets. Aside from the water and seaside activities like sailing and sunbathing, Tarifa is also famous for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Tarifa enjoys a curious convergence of wind from three different places -- the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and from the continent of Africa. Because of the winds, Tarifa is dotted with a number of wind turbines. There are hundreds of hostels in Tarifa, providing lodging and convenience to visitors, tourists, and vacationers. Hostels in Tarifa vary from luxurious resorts to simple single rooms.
Written by local enthusiast for Tarifa hostels
Angelica Burrage
