Some of my favourite posts are these ones, passing along ideas to future travellers. When ever I google about a destination, I invariably get the handful of the most popular things, but I’m curious about the hidden gems. This is what I am determined to show you. Here are 5 free things to do in Tarifa Spain that I discovered on my walk-a-bout towns.
Street Art
I love it and photograph it in every destination I travel to. Partly to preserve these fleeting images but also to show them to the world. There is one particular spot in Tarifa that has some extraordinary pieces.
Walk down to the beginning of the promenade that parallels the large and beautiful Playa de Los Lances, or Tarifa Beach. Head west (or turn right) and keep walking. In just a short while you will be beside a concrete wall that is covered in the most vibrant and lively street art. Enjoy this stretch, then duck behind to where the school is. There are a few more amazing pieces to see there.
Towers
I love ancient fortifications, and Tarifa has its original walls, almost completely intact. At regular intervals are the towers and each one is named and a description given as to its purpose. These are fascinating. The one that stands out the most is the Guzman Tower right near the ferry port. This is where, in 1294, Guzman el Bueno sacrificed his son in order to save the town of Tarifa.
Others include the Miramar Tower, that has 2,000 year old pieces of the ancient roman settlement built right into it. And yet others have remnants of 500 year old paint still attached to the exterior. There are so many towers to find and they are especially beautiful as the sun rises and warms their limestone facade.
The Divider
A trip to Tarifa wouldn’t be complete without visiting the official divider between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
Find this spot on the isthmus or land bridge that connects the mainland with the Isla de Las Palomas. Because of this bridge, the little island is now considered to be the most southern place in continental Europe. Stand at the signs, look to the left and see the Med and to the right for the Atlantic.
The Marina
Such an interesting place to explore here in Tarifa. Firstly, there are two long piers that visitors can walk out on. One is located on the east side and the other on the west. The Eastern one is longer and you end up at the Sacred Heart of Jesus statue that welcomes all visitors to Tarifa. All along this pier, early in the mornings, local fishermen will be here, trying to catch their breakfast.
The pier on the west side has a view of the island and Chica Beach and is a lovely walk too. At the end of this pier, duck into the doorway on your left, and head down onto the marina. A very interesting place, filled with the local fishing boats. Did you know that these fishermen have been catching tuna since the 16th century from this very port?
Battleship Cannon
Possibly the oddest thing here is the battery cannon from the old Spanish battleship, Jamie I. Hikers will leave town on the east side, and follow a trail to the cannon. The coastal walk will take approximately 45 minutes and there is a myriad of smaller trails to take.
You may be meeting some cows up and close along the way. And I can guarantee, you will have some amazing views of the coast of Africa and the Spanish countryside. Don’t forget to spot the hidden military bunkers that are scattered all over this hilly coastline.
I could probably write another post with more ideas, there is that much to see and do here. Tarifa is one of my favourite destinations of all time. I have felt at home here, the people are lovely and warm, the countryside is gorgeous and the history is fascinating. I would highly recommend this area to anyone and everyone.
