Tarifa, Spain » spot info

The spot in Tarifa
Tarifa is located on the southernmost tip of the European continent, where the Strait of Gibraltar and the African coast are so close that they almost touch. Due to the jet effect of the Strait the winds get additional force and acceleration so that they easily reach up to 8 Beaufort on top days. No doubt Tarifa is one of the best spots in Europe with almost 100% wind guarantee. However, you are never alone here, in July and August the beaches are packed with windsurfers and kiters.

Wind and waves
During summer the dominating wind is the Levante blowing from the east (cross offshore), in autumn and spring it is the Poniente blowing from the west (sideshore to cross onshore).

The Centers
With our two Club Mistral centrers, we cater for all windsurfing skill levels and all windforces:
The center at “Valdevaqueros” is located at the small hotel “Rancho Valdevaqueros” amidst lush vegetation and on a beautiful sandy beach surrounding the bay in a slight bow as far as the dune directly in front of it. Due to the protected bay, all levels can be taught depending upon the wind force. The shorebreak can be stronger in autumn at onshore wind (Poniente). Beginners tuition depends upon the wind conditions and cannot be guaranteed. The Club Mistral center Valdevaqueros offers windsurfing and kitesurfing. The kite spot is directly upwind of the windsurfing spot. There is no disputing the fact that our Club Mistral centre Las Dunas in the Valdevaqueros Hotel is the best windsurfing spot at Tarifa.

The center situated directly at the Hurricane Hotel is entirely dedicated to windsurfing. The water is flat or choppy during summer, bigger waves (2 m) can be found in autumn and spring. Shorebreak is only possible with onshore wind (Poniente). The shore area has a light wind protection, behind that the Levante (cross offshore) can be surfed nicely. Depending on the tides there can be stones in the launching area. Both centers offers tapas bars with ample space to relax. During low season you can switch between the two centres whenever you like.

Kids
We do offer kids instructions in Club Mistral Hurricane when the conditions are suitable