Kitesurfing in Tarifa

Tarifa has become a kitesurfing mecca in recent years, with the town’s long sandy beaches and the strong Atlantic sea breezes creating the perfect conditions for this exciting sport. The Costa de la Luz resort has hosted international kitesurfing competitions, and there are now around 20 kitesurfing schools in the area.

Although Tarifa is an all-year-round kitesurfing destination, the best time to learn is in spring or autumn as the beaches can be very crowded in July and August. During the summer the dominant wind is the Levante, which blows in from east. This tends to be stronger than the westerly Poniente wind, which is prevalent between spring and autumn. 

Kitesurfing Beaches

Playa Valdevaqueros
This wide expanse of fine sand is Tarifa’s top kitesurfing beach. There are some excellent facilities here, including the Club Mistral surf school (see below) and the trendy Tangana beach bar. Playa Valdevaqueros is located about 5 miles outside the town.

Playa dos Mares
Playa dos Mares is situated 3 miles outside Tarifa, and it’s split into separate sections for kitesurfers, windsurfers and beginners. There’s plenty of parking available alongside the beach.

Playa Punta Paloma
Situated near large sand dunes about 6 miles from Tarifa, this attractive beach is rated as one of the loveliest on the Costa de la Luz. Although kitesurfing is possible at Punta Paloma, there are better options in the area.

Playa Rio Jara
A popular beach for kitesurfing novices, with the large lagoon at the mouth of the River Jara providing a perfect practice spot. Playa Rio Jara is within easy reach of the town.

Playa los Lances
Although kitesurfing is officially prohibited on Playa los Lances during the summer, kitesurfers are generally tolerated here outside the high season.

For more information about Tarifa’s beaches, visit gotarifa.com.

Kitesurfing Schools

Below is a selection of kitesurfing schools in Tarifa. Many of these centres offer equipment rental, and some also provide windsurfing lessons.

Club Mistral
Club Mistral has two centres in Tarifa; one on Playa Valdevaqueros, the other at the Hurricane Hotel near Playa los Lances. The company offers kitesurfing tuition between March and November.

Kite Family Tarifa
This fully licensed school offers lessons for beginners, intermediate and advanced levels, including a 1-day introduction course for those who just want to ‘try’ kitesurfing.

Kite Progress Tarifa
Kite Progress offers group lessons, one-to-one tuition, children’s lessons, and mini courses of 1,2 or 3 days’ duration.

Soufiane Hamaini Kiteboarding School
The Soufiane Hamaini school, which is open all year round, provides free transport from the town to the beach for their lessons. A variety of courses are available.