New in Tarifa for 2022
After two strange years, Tarifa is emerging from the COVID Pandemic with an eye on the future and plans to create a full calendar of events for every type of visitor to the windy city. Yes, Tarifa is known for wind and kite-surfing, and hosts a variety of water-sport events during the summer but that’s not all the town has to offer.
In January 2022, the town’s mayor, Francisco Ruiz Giráldez announced the line up for the new year, and it features some ambitious plans including a new visitor centre on Tarifa’s island, La Isla de las Palomas, pedestrianization of the casco antiguo (old town) and a new bike route along the N340. While these plans are still in the works, there are plenty of other events to entertain visitors to Tarifa. Here’s a sneak peak at the line up, but for more detailed info, get in touch with Nina, info@tarifaadventure.com
Essence of Tarifa Tapas
For all you foodies out there, this event is for you, an opportunity to explore the traditional gastronomy of Tarifa in tapas. Over the course of the first weekend in April 1st to 3rd, the Ruta de las Tapas Tarifa Esencia takes place with up to 40 local bars and restaurants participating in the event. Each bar and restaurant will be serving a selection of traditional tapas made with local produce to showcase the best gastronomy of the region. For a list of participating bars and restaurant, visit the local tourist office on the Alameda. And this is not the only chance to sample the best of traditional Tarifa tapas. On the 1st to 5th of June, the Ruta del Atún offers a wide selection of gourmet and rustic tuna tapas. In December 3rd to 8th, the Ruta del Ibérico takes place, another tapas trail, this time featuring the best of local pork.
E-Paths Hiking Trails
E-Paths are the backbone of Europe’s hiking trails, long-distance hikes that connect regional trails across countries and provide inter-cultural experiences for hikers. E-Paths crisscross Europe from Bulgaria to Spain, and can be identified by a blue shield with yellow stars marking the routes. Tarifa is home to the start point of three of these E-Paths, E4, E9 and E12. Path E4 begins in Tarifa and moves through France and Hungary, and ends in Cyprus. Path E9 takes ramblers in the other direction, from Tarifa through Portugal, Holland, Poland and ends in Estonia. E12 leads up through central Europe, from Tarifa to Barcelona, onto France and Italy, and ends in Slovenia. For anyone who likes to ramble, Tarifa offers unique access to stunning trails.
La Isla de las Palomas
The island in Tarifa, known as La Isla de las Palomas is an attraction that’s completely unique to the town, a small landmass that juts out into the sea, marking the meeting points of the Atlantic and Mediterranean Oceans. As well as stunning views out to sea, the island is home to a diverse population of bird and sea-life, making it a nature lover’s haven, as well as a rare educational treat for kids. Tarifa’s town hall has built a visitor’s centre on the island and will be running exclusive tours throughout the year. The first one of 2022 takes place on the 27th of March, a two-hour tour that starts at 11.00am. Further tours will be announced. For more information, visit the Facebook page, Punto de Informacion Del Estrecho or contact Nina at info@tarifaadventure.com
Festival de Cine Africano
From the 27th of May to the 5th of June, the 19th Festival of African Cinema comes to Tarifa. This is an annual event showcasing the best of independent cinema from Africa, featuring a mix of short and feature-length films, documentary and drama. Films tackle tough topics such as migration and modern slavery, and offer a unique insight into the vision of African filmmakers. The festival aims to honour and strengthen the cultural links between Africa and Spain. As well as a packed schedule of movies, the festival includes literary events featuring poetry from various African writers and an awards ceremony for the best films. For more information, visit fcat.es.
New Kite School at Tumbao
Former world kite champion and long-time Tarifa resident, Liam Whaley, has opened a new kite Pro-centre at Tumbao, one of the best beach bars and kite spots on Valdevaqueros Beach, in between Tarifa and Punta Paloma. Liam recently signed with Duotone, so the centre will offer full Duotone kit for rental to its students. It also features a Porsche lounge with TV where students can review sessions on the water and discover where they need to improve. And a shop selling everything from kites and boards to shorts and sun cream, as Liam says, “everything you need for an epic day at the beach!” The Whaley Pro-centre will be open in April 2022. Check out Liam on the water on his YouTube channel, World of Whaley.
La Tribu de la Luz
For parents who want a place that keeps young kids (ages 1 to 5) busy and entertained in a fun educational environment, La Tribu de la Luz is a new addition to Tarifa’s activity calendar, a school for kids based on the Montessori philosophy. The school is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 2.30pm, and is open all year round except August. Additional activities are hosted in the afternoon for both kids and parents, as well as a schedule of dance classes, creative workshops and birthday parties. Located on Calle Braille, for more information, email Marta at tribuluztarifa@gmail.com.
Kite Competitions
Being Tarifa, there are of course a number of kite competitions scheduled for the year. In June both the Tarifa Kite Pro and National Wingfoil Championships take place, dates are to be confirmed. Dates that have been confirmed are the Junior World Cup, taking place on Valdevaqueros Beach, 1st to 4th of September, and the Spain Kite Boarding League, at the same place, 9th to 11th of September. Both of these events are hosted at Tumbao, sure to draw high flyers and big crowds. The Wingfall Tarifa Pro will be hosted in December.
Bird Watching
Due to its location on the migratory path from Europe to Africa, Tarifa offers a unique viewing point to avid bird watchers. There are two main migratory seasons in this region, the first from end of January / February (depending on the wind) right through to July, when the birds are making their way from south of the Sahara, heading north, back to their summer breeding spots in northern Europe. Tarifa offers 17 observatories from which to watch the passing, including Cazalla, open 11am to 6pm, N-340 Km 87, Valle de Santuario (Km 78.5), Punta de Bolonia (Km 70.2), and Punta de Facinas (Km 67.5). The only manned centre is Cazalla but all are open to the public and free to use all year round.
Want to know more about a specific event or organize an activity? Get in touch and us and we will be happy to help you, email contact@tarifadirect.com.