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 wind- and kitesurfers.

Wind and waves
During summer time the dominating wind is the Levante blowing from the east (cross offshore from the left), 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. 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.

At the center situated directly at the Hurricane Hotel we offer windsurfing rental and tuition and since last summer also kitesurfing tuition. Depending on conditions, we either teach kitesurfing at the beach "Dos Mares", on the left side of the Hurricane Hotel, or at the beach of "Valdevaqueros". Our students get there with a free shuttle transfer. Also storage of kitesurf equipment is possible at our Hurricane center. 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). Close to the shore is small wind shadow but once you´ve crossed it, the Levante (cross offshore) can be surfed nicely. As there are stones on the beach and in the water, we recommend wearing surf shoes.
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