We present the four main beaches, nestled between the village and the tip of Punta Paloma.
Each has its own character and extends over several kilometers, with distinct names for each section.
Playa Chica
Looking for a beach sheltered from the wind in Tarifa? Look no further than Playa Chica.
Nestled to the left of the pier on Las Palomas Island, this small wonder offers picturesque views of the port of Tarifa and is slightly sheltered from the wind by Levante, unlike the famous Los Lances beach on the Atlantic side.
Playa Chica is presented as a family and friendly option, perfect for a relaxed atmosphere in the company of children. As a bonus, it is accessible to people with reduced mobility.
This small gem is located at the tip of the village, just before the peninsula on the left side, on the side of the Mediterranean Sea.
Imagine yourself: you are on the southernmost beach in Europe!
You can admire the coming and going of boats passing in front of the protective statue of sailors.
Sometimes, with the right wind conditions, you can even see windsurfing or wingfoiling, but be careful, this is still a spot reserved for professionals, because in case of a glitch, the rocks await you.
Beautiful sunrise in winter
FAQ
How do I get to Playa Chica?
By car there is enough parking space in the area. The blue bands are normally chargeable, but during Cov-19 the town hall removed the parking meters and has not put them back on since. So it's free for now. Also watch out for the so-called agents in yellow vests who ask you for money. There is nothing legal or mandatory about this. Feel free to help.
On foot, it is 5 minutes from the historic center of Tarifa. Walk along the port, direction the peninsula.
Can navigation equipment be rented there?
No There is a small cabin between Balneario and Chiringuito, but it is rarely open. Surf and paddle rental only.
Balneario beach
Balneario Beach is a kite spot near the peninsula reserved for top level kiters by Levante
Cross the path leading to the peninsula to find yourself on Balnéario Beach, Atlantic side.
Although this beach is forbidden to kite schools and free practice from mid-June to mid-September until 8 pm, the days of strong wind offer a breathtaking show with professional kitesurfers.
A few steps from the center of Tarifa, it is the ideal place to learn to surf during wave days or simply to relax and swim.
Beach bars-restaurants, chiringuitos, le Waikiki and the Balnéario are popular for after the session, to sip an aperitif during the sunset or to celebrate a fiesta there.
A wave spot in winter
Spectacular high jump sessions
A large accessible beach
FAQ
How do I get to Playa Balneario?
Same as for Playa Chica. By car there is enough parking space in the area. The blue bands are normally chargeable, but during Cov-19 the town hall removed the parking meters and has not put them back on since. So it's free for now.
On foot, it is 5 minutes from the historic center of Tarifa. Walk along the port, direction the peninsula.
Can navigation equipment be rented there?
No There is a small cabin between Balneario and Chiringuito, but it is rarely open. Surf and paddle rental only.
Los Lances beach
Los Lances South Beach by Levante Fort, usually offshore
Los Lances Beach, which extends for almost 10 km on the Atlantic side, is a true paradise for sailing sports thanks to its ideal wind conditions.
It is also here that Tarifa became famous for its incredible spots thanks to the Venturi effect: the wind intensifies as it passes through the Strait of Gibraltar between the surrounding mountains.
The beach is divided into two parts that are divided by the Rio Jara, a river that flows into the sea. The southern part, at the entrance to Tarifa, is a superb place for swimming or for water sports because the mixture with fresh water offers very clear water, but be careful! In front of the Rio Jara, when there has been heavy rain, it is a potentially dangerous area because the power of the river can make a deadly surf there.
This beach has plenty of amenities and services for your comfort, such as watchtowers, Red Cross warning flags, an ambulance, lifeboats, toilets, and showers. You will also find various places where you can have breakfast, sip a cocktail, or simply hang out with friends.
From April to the end of October, several beach bars, called “chiringuitos”, allow you to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere before or after your kitesurfing session. The practice of kitesurfing, windsurfing and wingsurfing is forbidden to schools and to free practice from mid-June to mid-September.
Los Lances North is one of the main kitesurfing and Wingfoil spots in Tarifa. The schools are mainly concentrated in front of the Chiringuito Agua.
The beach works well with Levante or Poniente wind, offering stable conditions for kitesurfing or wingfoiling enthusiasts.
The two “chiringuitos”, the Agua and the Waves, are the perfect places to relax after a kitesurfing session while admiring the sunset, a frenzied DJ-set in your ears.
A swim in the clear water in front of the Rio Jara
Los Lances North Beach is ideal for learning kitesurfing and wingfoiling.
FAQ
How do I get to Los Lances Beach?
Regarding Los Lances Sud, closest to the entrance of the village, it is possible to park your vehicle in a seaside car park behind the fire station (bomberos)
For Los Lances North, take the N-340. A first alternative is to park in front of Pachamama. The problem is that you have to cross the N-340, which is very dangerous, and then walk a few kilometers. This is a solution in high season when the following car parks are full.
Further on the N-340, you have two entrances to a long free car park in the pine forest, along the dunes that border the beach. Further on, you have the Arte Vida car park, at the end of the beach. It is chargeable in high season.
Can navigation equipment be rented there?
Yes. Behind Arte Vida there is a cabin on the beach where you can rent quality equipment.
Punta Paloma and Valdevaqueros beach
Valdevaqueros is a must-see in Tarifa and one of the most popular beaches on the Cadiz coast.
It is a paradise for windsurfing, kitesurfing and wingfoiling thanks to the strong winds. Count 1 to 2 Beauforts more than in Los Lances by Levante.
But that's not all, the landscape is breathtaking, with its large dunes of fine sand that look like mountains. If you're ready to climb it, the view is spectacular and you can watch the sea, sand, forest, and mountains meet.
The beach is nearly 4 km long, with a few rocky ledges on the shore, but don't worry, they're safe. During the months of July and August it can be difficult to park or find a quiet spot on the beach, but if you arrive early in the morning, you can avoid the crowds. This is not the case the rest of the year when we can sometimes enjoy the whole beach for ourselves!
In addition, know that this beach was voted the best beach in Spain in 2021.
Are you looking for a nice spot for a day at the beach? Look no further, Punta Paloma at the northern end of Valdevaqueros is there for you! With their large central dune, the two beaches sometimes merge, but don't worry, both are perfect for having a good time with your feet in the sand. The popular travel guide publisher ”Lonely Planet” published a standings of most beautiful beaches in the world . Of the 100 candidates, only 20 were considered paradisiacal beaches, and, as we already knew, Punta Paloma is part of the top 20!!
Kitesurfing enthusiasts will enjoy Valdevaqueros on the west side, while those seeking tranquility will prefer to explore the small coves before or after Punta Paloma to Bolonia. These wild beaches stretch over about 2.5 km of coastline and offer a breathtaking natural spectacle: huge dunes, lush vegetation... Just behind the dune is the San Bartolomé mountain, known for being one of the 200 best climbing routes in Spain.
And the best part of it all? No supervision, no toilets, no showers, just you, nature and the beach. If you are looking for a place where you can really disconnect, Punta Paloma is for you. And if you are a fan of nudism, these coves near Bolonia are perfect for a discreet swim... or not...
The Tangana beach, a must in Punta Paloma
FAQ
How do I get to Valdevaqueros Beach?
On the N-340, you can't miss the entrance, a large gate shows you the way. The parking lot is huge. Paying in season, 5€ including a drink at Tumbao, the bar above the beach, very fashionable. When the car park is full in high season, there is little alternative because it is forbidden to park along the national road.
Also, 100 meters away, is the Tangana car park. Same price.
Is it possible to rent sailing equipment at Valdevaqueros beach?
Yes. There is an Ion center on site with Wingfoil, Windsurfing, and Kitesurfing equipment. Also right next to Tangana is Spin-out, which has existed for many, many years.
How do I get to Punta Paloma Beach?
A few kilometers further on, you can turn left when coming from Tarifa, towards the dunes. On this same small road, take the first left. You will find a small free car park except in high season.
