Tarifa: an inviting coastal town in southern Spain with a unique microclimate

With an average temperature of 25C between July and September (around 15 degrees lower than many parts of Andalucía at this time of year), Tarifa in Cadiz province, at the southernmost end of mainland Spain, is an inviting destination for those looking for a short break, especially those interested in wind-powered sports.

Tarifa features a unique microclimate, where the summer months are moderated by the cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean, much more so than neighbouring locations along Spain's Mediterranean coast. Tarifa has become a popular destination for northern Europeans to spend their summers, due to unique wind conditions that make the beaches the most popular in Europe with windsurfers and kitesurfers.

However, Tarifa isn't just about wind, surfing and kites, as visitors will discover golden sand dunes and a stunning natural environment, majestic mountains calling out to be explored, along with activities like horse riding, rock climbing, hiking, whale watching and scuba diving, among other pastimes. There are numerous companies offering guided tours and day excursions that reveal the area's diverse landscape and wildlife.

Located on the Costa de la Luz, on the Atlantic end of the Strait of Gibraltar, Tarifa also boasts natural parks, and the 2,000-year-old Roman archaeological site of Baelo Claudia, located outside Tarifa, close to the beach of Bolonia.

There are dozens of rural trails through the mountains north of Tarifa, including the route up the La Peña mountain, which offers panoramic views across the Strait of Gibraltar and of Morocco.

A popular route is the Colada de la Costa on the Mediterranean coast, with its strange rock formations; and the Cape of Trafalgar on the Atlantic coast, famous for the historic battle of the same name. The San Bartolo range offers routes with glorious views of the Riff Mountains in North Africa that are favoured by seasoned rock climbers. Those with a fear of heights or those who are new to rock climbing can enjoy bouldering, a discipline of climbing on smaller rock formations without a rope and harness.

The Parque Natural del Estrecho, a maritime-terrestrial natural space located between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, is also extremely popular due to its wealth of unique natural resources. The diversity of its landscape is made up of reservoirs, forests, cliffs and rock formations and sandy beaches. At the western end of the park, the Camarinal lighthouse offers beautiful views of the sea and coastline, especially at night.

The old town of Tarifa is a maze of enchanting cobbled streets with remnants of the Roman and Moorish civilisations, and centuries-old buildings comingled with inviting taverns, bars and restaurants serving typical regional dishes with a touch of modernity. Obviously, seafood and fish dishes can be found in abundance, especially tuna, which is offered in a variety of recipes, from tuna in tomato sauce, to thinly sliced mojama (cured tuna loin) and bluefin tuna, highly prized for its exquisite flavour.

One of the most striking attractions in the old town is the castle of Tarifa (Castillo de Guzmán el Bueno), a tenth-century fortress that has played an important role in the history of the town.

Although its original purpose was to defend Tarifa during the reconquest of Spain, it was restored in the 17th century to serve as a defence against attacks by Barbary pirates. During the War of Independence, it was the centre of operations for Spanish troops in the Tarifa resistance.