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| Tarifa | ||
| region | Andalusia | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | 18.183 (2020) | |
| height | 7 m | |
no tourist info on Wikidata:  | ||
| location | ||
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Tarifa is a city in the Andalusian province Cadiz. It is located in the very south of Europe on the Strait of Gibraltar.
background
Tarifa is that southernmost place in Europe at the narrowest point of the Strait of Gibraltar. The Punta de Tarifa (the Horn of Tarifa) is the southernmost point of mainland Europe. The Strait of Gibraltar is only 14 km wide here.
The city has always been strategically important in the past, because the African continent is closer than anywhere else. To this day it is one of the most important connecting points between Europe and Africa. It is at the southern end of the Costa de la Luz. Tarifa is a very popular place for wind and kite surfers.
In a cave 15 km from Tarifa Gibraltar the skull of a Neanderthal man was found that could be 60,000 years old. Archaeologists believe that Tarifa was already at the beginning of the 1st millennium BC. Was settled by the Phoenicians. Settlement by the Romans from the 1st millennium BC Chr. Is occupied. Tarifa was then called Tingentera. The Roman village is about 25 km west of the coast Baelo Claudia found. It was excavated with the help of the European Union and can be visited. Access is free for residents of the EU (bring ID with you).
The Moors under the leadership of the Berber Tarifa ibn Malik (or Tarika ibn Malik) conquered the city in 710. The name Tarifa probably goes back to him. A year later, the Berber conquest of Al Andalus continued. The castle was built by Moorish rulers around 960. It was supposed to protect against the Fatimids from Morocco and the Vikings. By mastering the waterway, Tarifa was able to collect tariffs from the ships passing through. The word tariff is derived from Tarifa. The Moors ruled for almost 600 years. The Catholic King Sancho IV of Castile and León recaptured Tarifa from the Moors in 1292. However, it was fought over until 1344.
getting there
By plane
There is no airport in the immediate vicinity, the airport of Gibraltar is not served by German airlines, but sometimes by package tour operators. The two nearest airports are in:
- Malaga airport: via the A-7 or AP-7 and later the N-340 to Tarifa (160km). Of Málaga you can also take the bus (see there) to Tarifa.
- Jerez de la Frontera: via the AP-4 and then the A-381 to Algeciras and then the N-340 to Tarifa (120 km).
By train
Tarifa does not have its own rail connection. The closest connection options are in
- Algeciras. From there you can use the Renfe (Spanish national railway line) over Ronda to Antequera drive and there after Málaga change or to the railway junction Bobadilla drive. From there you have a connection to the whole Spain.
- San Fernando. The train station is on the main line Cadiz - Seville - Madrid.
By bus
The bus company Transportes Generales Comes (Tel. 34 956 684 038) maintains connections to Málaga, Jerez and the provincial capital Cádiz. From Malaga airport, take the airport bus to the Malaga bus station and change there to the bus to Tarifa. You can also use a taxi to get to the bus station.
In the area of the district of Campo de Gibraltar was a Transport network Installed. The M-160 line connects Tarifa with Algeciras twice a day (Mon-Fri, travel time about 1 hour). From there you can change to other connections in the direction of Los Barrios or Sao Roque. From June to September there is also the M-161 line, which runs once a day from Barbate to Tarifa and then further to Algeciras leads.
The 1 The bus station (tel. 34 956 684 038) is located on Calle Batalla del Río Salado
In the street
On the A-7 or AP-7 (partly still N-340) you come from Málaga or Cádiz 2 Tarifa over. The driving distance is around 160 km and from Jerez de la Frontera it is 120 km.
By boat
There are daily connections between Tarifa and Tanger-Ville in Morocco through the Strait of Gibraltar.
mobility
One can explore Tarifa on foot. Arriving in front of the Puerta de Jerez, it is best to turn right towards the port and look for one 3 Parking along the streets. The parking spaces in 4 The port area itself is reserved for ferry traffic.
Taxis are available at Puerta de Jerez, tel. 34 956 684 241.
Tourist Attractions
As in other places in the area, a walk through the Moorish-style streets of the old town of a white village is a sight in itself. The entire area was declared a national cultural asset in 2003. In Tarifa, this perspective is broadened by the flair of a port city that has remained a hub for international truck traffic to this day.
- The Strait of Gibraltar connects the Mediterranean with the Atlantic, creating strong currents and dangerous eddies. According to the ancient myth, the Pillars of Hercules have stood. According to Homer, there are two monsters on either side of the waterway Scylla and Charybdis sat. (There are also opinions that the two monsters were on the Strait of Messina). The Strait of Gibraltar is 14 to 44 km wide, about 60 km long and 300 to 900 m deep. With 300 ships a day, it is one of the busiest waterways in the world. The strong currents are caused by the different levels of the two seas. The Mediterranean is about 1.4 m lower than the Atlantic. The currents are intensified by the often prevailing westerly winds. That used to be a difficult obstacle for ships. In the depths, the more salty Mediterranean water flows back into the Atlantic, which leads to a countercurrent. In ancient times, ships from the Mediterranean could only sail into the Atlantic because they made use of the countercurrent with a sea anchor as a drive.
- The canal was and is used by Africans to illegally enter the states of the European Union. Because of the perils of the currents and whirlpools, these adventures often end fatally. Between 1999 and 2001, 3,300 bodies were washed up on the beaches.
- The Spanish government has set a speed limit of 13 knots (24 km / h) in the strait to protect marine mammals. Pilot whales, bottlenose and dolphins and striped dolphins frolic in the Strait of Gibraltar. Sperm whales migrate from April to June and in July / August, during the tuna migration period, two orca families can be found regularly. These orca families live off the African Atlantic coast and occasionally come to the Strait of Gibraltar at other times of the year. Occasionally fin whales can even be seen. Boat tours are available to observe the marine mammals.
- There is a beautiful view of the waterway from 1 Mirador El Estrecho (Parking lot and kiosk) on the N-340 between Algeciras and Tarifa. The viewpoint is "legally" only approachable from the direction of Tarifa. For safety reasons, it is forbidden to turn left there.
- 1 Castillo de Guzmán. The castle built by the Moors has seen many battles. In 1292 Merinids from North Africa besieged the city and kidnapped the son of the fortress commander. They threatened to kill his father if he did not hand over the castle. But the father, who later became known as Guzmán el Bueno (Guzmán the Good), refused and even threw a dagger at the attackers. He would rather be a man without a son than without honor. The castle has been named after him ever since. Guzmán el Bueno was named after the Reconquista (Recapture) rewarded with lands. The castle can be visited and is worthwhile mainly because of the beautiful views from the battlements over the harbor and strait as well as the old town. The interior of the castle complex has been restored, the castle church Iglesia de Santa Maria from the 14th century is already open again, but is used more as an exhibition for objects from earlier castle life. The family of Guzman el Bueno was later bestowed the title of Duke of Medina-Sidonia. Family home is in today Sanlucar de Barrameda.Open: 10 a.m.-4.30 p.m. (last admission 3.45 p.m.).Price: adults € 4, reduced € 1.50-2.50.
- 2 Above the castle (accessible from the old town), the urban Mirador del Estrecho(not to be confused with the mirador of the same name on the N-340, see above) also a wide view of the harbor and the strait.
- 2 Puerta de Jerez is the only remaining entrance gate to the old town. Coming from the N-340, the visitor drives directly towards it. It was built in the Mudejar style. On an inscription you can read when the city was retaken from the Moors: September 21, 1292.
- 3 Iglesia de San Mateo in the city center dates from the 15th century. The baroque exterior facade was added later.
- 4 Iglesia San Francisco with a beautiful, baroque facade on the tower
- 5 Santa Catalina Castle and Faro de Tarifa on the small upstream Isla de las Palomas, accessible via a street. Fishing is limited in the area. The fortress and lighthouse there was opened to the public in 1988, which is no longer the case today. The dilapidated prison was reactivated as a deportation center for up to 160 illegally entered African economic refugees.
- Baelo Claudia, The excavated Roman settlement near Bolonia is located 20km from the village in a north-westerly direction.
- 6 Santuario de Nostra Senhora de la Luz(outside, after about 4 km on the N-340 in the direction of Cádiz turn into the mountains). The monastery houses the patron saint of Tarifa and is often used as a picnic spot on weekends.
activities
On the water
The city beach 1 Playa Chica is protected on the western edge of the old town in front of the Isla de las Palomas, to the north it closes 2 Playa de los Lances at. The beaches of Torre de la Peña, Valdevaqueros and follow in the further course to Noden along the N-340 Bolonia.
- Water sports from swimming to windsurfing and kite surfing
- Kite school. Website for information, winch and kitesurfing spots.
- Kite surfing
- Diving
- Whale and dolphin watching, e.g. B. with
In the countryside
- Climbing in the rock of San Bartolo. Difficulty level between 3 and 8a. Climbing with a view of the sea.
- Cycling for bike fanatics or recreational cyclists around Tarifa.
- Horse riding on the beach too
- tennis
Local festivities
The religious festivals such as San Antonio, the Settimana Santa, Cruces de Mayo and the Christmas holidays that are celebrated throughout Andalusia are also celebrated here accordingly. The carnival also has a special meaning here near the famous Carnival in Cadiz.
Of local peculiarity are especially:
- Romería de la Virgen de la Luz. The pilgrimage and the subsequent one Feria Real in the first week of September.
- Feria de Ganado. With many riders in procession in October.
shop
Directly behind the Alameda Tarifa is the Mercado de Abastos, a food market. Supermarkets and larger shops can be found on the two main roads that lead into the city from the N340.
kitchen
As a ferry port, surfer meeting point and tourist attraction, Tarifa has all facets of gastronomy to offer, from fast food restaurants to tapas bars to classy restaurants and in every range of cuisine. The gastronomic offer is concentrated in the center of the old town around the Alameda and Calle Sancho IV El Bravo. Those who stay longer should also visit the country inns (Ventas) Do not ignore the environment.
Real recommendations in such a rapidly changing environment are difficult. For example, they have been steadfast and well rated in various media over the years
- 2 Chilimosa Comida Vegetariana (vegetarian / vegan), C / Peso, 6 (at the Puerta de Jerez). Tel.: 34 956 68 50 92.
- 3 Restaurante La Pescaderia, Paseo La Alameda S / N (at the main square). Tel.: 34 956 62 70 78. Lively fish restaurant.
nightlife
Suntanned surfers meet in the numerous pubs and tapa bars in the summer months in order to later move on to the discos on the beach.
accommodation
Hotels, campsites and apartment complexes are lined up like pearls on a string along the N-340, which runs northwards towards Cadiz. These are frequented by kite surfers, who will find one of the most famous areas in Europe for this sport, which can also be reflected in the prices during the high wind season. But there are also plenty of offers in every category in the village and in the rural surroundings.
Cheap
- Country house Mirador. House for 6 4 people.Feature: pension.Price: 125 €.
- 1 Hostal El Levante *, Crta. Nac. 340, km 81.6 (2 km north of Tarifa on the beach). Tel.: 34 956 68 17 75, Fax: 34 956 68 01 74, Email: [email protected]. On Playa Los Lances, near the surfing beaches.Feature: pension.
- 2 Pension Correo *, Calle General Moscardo, 8. Tel.: 34 956 68 02 06. In the old town in the former post office. Quiet rooms and roof terrace with a beautiful view.Feature: pension.
medium
- 3 Posada La Sacristia ***, C / San Donato 8. Tel.: 34 956 68 17 59, Fax: 34 956 685 182. Praised as a "boutique hotel" in the center of the old town in a dignified townhouse with a beautiful roof terrace, but often felt to be too loud.
- 4 Hotel Misiana *, Calle Sancho IV el Bravo, 16. Tel.: 34 956 62 70 83, Email: [email protected]. in the heart of the old town.
- 5 Hotel Koala Tarifa, Calle Castelar, 11. Tel.: 34 956 68 22 55. Modern furnished apartments in a renovated old building, quiet location near the Puerta Jerez.
- 6 Hostal Alborada, C / San José, 40 (between the old town and the beach). Tel.: 34 956 68 11 40, Fax: 34 956 68 19 35. comes off rather average in current reviews.Feature: pension.
Upscale
- 7 Hotel Hurricane ****, Ctra. Nac. 340, Km 78 (between Facinas and Tarifa). Tel.: 34 956 68 49 19, Fax: 956 68 03 29, Email: [email protected]. Nice complex with a good restaurant on the beach north of Tarifa. The owners also run an ecologically renovated farmhouse right on the beach, the Hostal Valdevaqueros.
Something special
- 8 Yurts Tarifa, Cañada de los Matatoros, Suerte Tierra (On the outskirts of Facinas, north of Tarifa). Tel.: 34 626 538 423, Email: [email protected]. Apartments as replicas of Mongolian yurts in beautiful gardens in the hilly hinterland.
Campsites
Arranged according to their proximity to the city center:
- 11 Torre de la Peña, CN 340 km 76. Tel.: 34 956 684 903, Email: [email protected]. with bungalows, WiFi and service for surfers.
- 12 Valdevaqueros, CN 340 km 75. Tel.: 34 956 684174. There are also holiday homes and apartments on offer.Open: all year round.
The inner-city caravan parking space between the swimming pool and the bus station does not offer any services.
security
The European emergency number 112 is also installed in Spain. The Civil Guard is under 062(on location: Av.Fuerzas Armadas, 956 68 50 43) to reach the local police at Policia Local 092(on site: Pl.Santa María 5, 56 68 41 86), the fire department (Bomberos) under 085.
The sea rescue service in Tarifa can be reached on tel. 900 202 202.
health
- Emergency room. Tel.: 34 956 02 77 00. The emergency station is located near the Puerta de Jerez.
- Clinica Playa, Avenida de las Fuerzas Armadas 5B. Tel.: 34 956 68 29 26. The clinic also has German-speaking doctors.
Practical advice
| Post Code | 11 380 |
|---|---|
- Laundromat EcoLavanderia, from the bus station on the right hand side, 50 m down the slope. Bring your own 1 euro coins and washing powder.Open: daily 7 a.m. - 10 p.m., staff only Mon - Fri 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
trips
Because of the good transport connections, at least with your own vehicle you can easily make excursions throughout the entire area Province of Cadiz, the neighboring Seville, to Ronda or Gibraltar carry out, by bus also after Cadiz or Málaga. A visit to the La Donana Natural Park At most, it is recommended via its southern end near Sanlucar, which can be reached quickly and easily with your own car.
Recommended in the vicinity
- Estrecho Natural Park. Along the entire coastline around Tarifa with hiking trails.
- the Natural park from Los Canos de Meca
- the old town of Medina Sidonia
- White villages and unspoiled nature in the Sierra de Alcornocales or the Sierra de Grazalema
- With the Jumbocat you can follow Tangier (Morocco) drive in about an hour. However, a travel time of 35 minutes is advertised. The German company FRS also offers day tours and round trips through Morocco. For a few years now, other ferry companies have occasionally been offering excursions. For guided day trips to Tangier, an identity card is sufficient for EU citizens, otherwise a passport is required. The necessary visa is issued quickly and unbureaucratically during the crossing.
literature
Web links
- http://www.aytotarifa.com/ - Official website of Tarifa
- Travel reports of a co-author
