Last updated October 2025
Tarifa, the town that stole my heart years ago. I don’t know what it is about this place, but the minute my feet touch the sand here, I feel at home and like all of my worries have gone. If I could move here, I would do it in a heartbeat.
Situated in the south of Spain, about 40 minutes passed Gibraltar (about a 2hr drive from Marbella area). Well worth the drive if only for the views to Africa on the way down.
The View
Now if you’re wanting posh or fancy, then this isn’t the place for you. Think chilled surfery vibes and you’d be spot on. Great nightlife, great café culture and food and some amazing independent shops.
I’ve stayed in a few hotels in town in the winter and I’ve camped near the beach in the summer and I would highly recommend both.
Posada Vagamundos – great hotel right in the centre of town. I’ve stayed here a few times, the staff are lovely and the location is perfect.
Vaca Loca – I cannot recommend this place highly enough. If I get a chance, I will always eat here and it has never disappointed in over 20 years of going. Now a wee disclaimer here, I haven’t been on the last couple of trips (as we didn’t go into Tarifa town), so this may have changed but as it is so small, they don’t take bookings. Don’t worry though, it is 100% worth the wait to get a table.
Hotel Misiana – Again, this place is really centrally located. I’ve stayed here a couple of times and more recently been in for drinks and breakfast and is a lovely spot to people watch.
Casa Babel – I don’t go to Tarifa without heading in here for breakfast. Pan con Tomate (Spanish breakfast), freshly squeezed orange juice and a café con leche – best hangover cure ever (well apart from a hairy dog).
Cafe Central – Always, and I mean always busy! I’ve eaten in here a couple of times but last time we were there, we had to stop for a beer because lets face it, it would have been rude to pass this sign ……..
Cafe Central
Now this is a bit of a hard post for me to do, as I almost don’t want to share this beauty with anyone for fear of it becoming overrun, but it’s too good not to share it with you and I really, really hope you love it as much as I do!
Enjoy, Px
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