Tarifa

History and Overview

The name "Tarifa" is derived from the Berber fighter Tarif ibn Malik.

Spreading out beyond its Moorish walls, was until the mid-1980s a quiet village, known in Spain, if at all, for its abnormally high suicide rate - a result of the unremitting winds that blow across the town and its environs. Today it's a prosperous, popular and at times very crowded resort, following its discovery as Europe's prime windsurfing spot. There are equipment rental shops along the length of the main street, and regular competitions held year-round. Development is moving ahead fast as a result of this new-found popularity, but for the time being it remains a fairly attractive place.

Its ecological value lies in the fact that on days when winds are unfavourable, huge quantities of birds of all kinds congregate here to wait for suitable wind conditions in which to cross the strip of water between the Straits of Gibraltar. The beach is open and covers 226 hectares, offering views of the Straits of Gibraltar and the African coast on one side, and of the coastal sierra of the Tarifa mountains on the other. Salado Stream and the Rivers La Verga and Jara flow into the sea here.

Tarifa is credited with being the origin of the word tariff since it was the first port in history to charge merchants for the use of their docks.

Places to Visit

- Vejer de la Frontera (One of the highest white hilltop towns)

- Gibraltar (British Territory and home of the famous Rock & Monkeys)

- Morocco (Tangiers day trip from Tarifa, see a different culture and haggle a bargain)