Tarifa is situated between the best golfcourses of Europe, at the Atlantic side you find Dehesa Montenmedio and Benalup golf & country club. Both courses are set in a natural envoirement. At the Mediterranea side you find the only links course here in the south, Alcaidesa Golf club. The world famous Valedrrama en Sotogrande.
Even at peak times, Tarifa is an attractive, laid-back town. Relatively unknown until 15 years ago, it’s now a windsurfing and kitesurfing mecca, with some of the very best conditions in Europe for these sports. The beaches have clean, white sand, and inland the country is green and rolling.
The old town has narrow streets, whitewashed houses and cascading flowers. A hip, arty, international scene with an eclectic bunch of restaurants, bars and lodgings has grown up around the surf crowd. The only negative – though not for the surfers – is the wind; for much of the year, either the levante (easterly) or poniente (westerly) is blowing, which is ruinous for a relaxed sit on the beach and tiring if you’re simply wandering around. August, however, can be blessedly still.
Food is generally good in Tarifa- especially fish. Try going for the places filled with locals. They are generally easy to pick out from tourists (both Spanish and foreign). Some of the best places in Tarifa also happen to be the cheapest. Don't forget to try the local Tuna, swordfish and, especially, the "Tortillas de camarón", typical of the coast of Cadiz. "Ortigas" (sea nettles) are another local specialty.
The best restaurant in the old city is called Mandragora, located on Independencia (a small alleyway between the city wall and the Cathedral). It is not cheap, but the food was the best we had in Spain, and it is filled with locals.
There is a restaurant near a village Facinas, a few kilometres to the north from Tarifa. Just follow the road to Cadiz and in about 10-12 km there will be a right turn to Fasinas (which is in turn a beautiful one spread on a foothills in the form of a cross) with a hardly noticeable sign. This restaurant is located just before the village i.e. a kilometre or two away from the main road. It is a meat restaurant with extremely delicious dishes, especially meat ones, and very friendly waitstaff. The portions are rich and generous. Prices are about 25-30 euros with wine (35 tops to full you completely), for two persons. The place is sometimes (mainly at weekends) crowded with locals watching football matches on TV or having talks to each other. It si one of the best restaurant in this region. Nobody speaks English there, so be prepared.
The port of Tarifa attracts more and more passengers every year. Tanger is often seen as an extension of the Costa del Sol and one day trips to Tanger are very popular and many travel agents offer guided tours. Tarifa is a magical city, living the adventure feeling.
