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What are the best kitesurfing spots in Tarifa and surroundings?
Here is an efficient guide to choose the right kitesurfing spot and enjoy the conditions of the day according to your wishes and your kitesurfing level.
Find here all the practical information about the best kitesurfing spots in Tarifa and its surroundings according to the wind conditions, the season and the level of practice required.
At the very end of Andalusia and at the tip of continental Europe, Tarifa is the place where the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea meet.
This particular configuration makes Tarifa a world class kitesurfing spot for those who want to learn kitesurfing as well as for professionals of this fantastic sport!
The Levante is the prevailing wind, often very strong and coming from the east. It is an exhalation of the Mediterranean, dry and warm, the Levante is the wind for which Tarifa is famous.
The Poniente from the west is a steadier wind, while the Poniente from the Atlantic is a cooler wind, often accompanied by a thermal effect in summer, much to our delight.
The proximity to the Mediterranean Sea offers a very pleasant temperature in Tarifa and its surroundings even in winter. From an average of 17° in winter to 24° in the middle of summer, it is ideal to wear a 3/4 or 5/4 wetsuit for the winter and spring periods. In midsummer, when the wind is up, you are more comfortable with a 2/2 or 3/2 shorty.
Balneario is the famous kitesurfing spot in Tarifa.
It is located in front of the old town and stretches from the breakwater of the island of Las Palomas to the small group of rocks a bit further west.
Beyond the small group of rocks, we find ourselves under the shadow of the wind because of the buildings of the city, so be careful not to exceed this zone.
The spot is very small about 150m and its notoriety is enormous, it is a high place of Freestyle and Big Air Kitesurfing.
Some of the most beautiful kitesurfing pictures and videos are taken on this spot, because the seawall offers a proximity and a superb angle of view on the pro kitesurfers.
Note that this spot by Levante (Off-Shore wind) requires an excellent level of kite. (Advanced to Expert)
This is a very popular spot for Tarifa Freestyle, Big Air & Freestyle Strapless kitesurfers and it is also a place where competitions are held.
The spot is closed to kitesurfing from June 15th to September 15th.
No rescue boat service
Wind directions in Balneario
By Levante the spot is completely Off-Shore, the body of water perfectly flat with a small perfectly clean wave which arrives regularly and which offers a perfect kicker to orbit in the air.
By Poniente, it’s usually the site but when a good swell is present beautiful waves can arise, it goes rather well to afford a beautiful session of Strapless kite or simply surf.
The northern part of Lances beach is dedicated to kitesurfing all year round! It is the beach dedicated to learning to kitesurf.
It is a large fine sandy beach over 4km long which extends from Rio Jara to Arte Vida (the tip of the Peña).
Los Lances Norte is divided into two areas, school part, and free kite. The separation is in front of the chiringuito Agua.
Works perfectly with Levante and Poniente.
During the summer, when the wind comes from the West, a thermal adds up regularly for our greatest happiness.
Several chiringuitos on the beach to relax after sailing.
Large Parking
Recommended levels: All levels.
By Levante the rescue boats are present on the Lances Norte side:
March to May from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
June to September from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
October from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
November and December from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wind directions in Los Lances
By Levante the orientation is Side / Side-Off-Shore, Flat. The ideal is to rig your equipment on the left of the area where the kitesurfing schools install their flags or to go up a little towards the Rio Jara to obtain a more regular and sustained wind.
Do not forget your rescue card in case of problems.
Perfect Side-On Orientation, sometimes nice waves. Also, in summer, the wind regularly adds an additional thermal for our greatest happiness.
The southern part of Los Lances beach extends from Balnéario in front of Tarifa and up to Rio Jara.
It is the popular beach for relaxation and idleness during the summer period.
Free kitesurfing is authorized there from September 15 to June 15.
We advise you to enjoy it on Poniente days, by Levante the proximity to the buildings of the city destabilizes the wind.
It is preferable in this case to go to the car park located next to the football field to get out of the lee shade created by the buildings of the city.
Recommended levels: All levels.
Wind directions in Los Lances
By Levante the orientation is side Off-Shore, generally in large flat. Be sure to have your rescue card with you in case of trouble.
Perfect in westerly winds, several car parks, the beach is large, versatile kitesurfing spot or you can get there on foot from the center of Tarifa.
Valdevaqueros is one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.
It is located less than 10 minutes by car from the center of Tarifa.
Very popular with kitesurfers and windsurfers as well as the public who come to sunbathe there in summer, the beach is relatively narrow.
Be careful in choosing your take-off area, because the wind can be gusty near the beach by Levante (East wind).
Kitesurfing is allowed there all year round. However, from June 15 to September 15 there are demarcated areas for kiteboarding, windsurfing and a swimming area.
There are several car parks and chiringuitos established along Valdevaqueros.
Recommended level: all levels.
By Levante the rescue boats are present in Valdevaqueros:
From March to May from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
From June to September from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
October from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
November and December from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wind directions in Valdevaqueros
The wind is generally a bit stronger over Levante at Valdevaqueros than over Los Lances. Flat to slightly choppy water in summer. One of Tarifa’s most popular kitesurfing spots during the summer.
Nice sessions are to be done by Poniente in Valdevaqueros, following the direction of the swell there can be a shore-break. However, if the wind is a little too northwest, it may that it fits badly because of the relief of the Punta Paloma dune..
Arte Vida is a nice wave spot located at the end of Los Lances Norte beach.
The beach is narrower. So be careful when taking off your wing.
The bottom is generally sand, but also rocks towards the northern part.
Kitesurfing is allowed there all year round, but only works in Poniente West winds.
Spot clearly oriented for kitesurfers looking for waves.
Large car park near the Hotel of the same name – Arte Vida
Recommended levels: confirmed autonomous, strapless.
Wind directions in Arte Vida
Arte Vida is additionally windy and unstable by Levante to be avoided for takeoff, however, starting from Lances Norte and going upwind, it is playable
Wind direction Side-On / Side.
The seabed generates pretty waves.
Caños de Meca is an excellent fallback spot when the Levante is too strong in Tarifa.
The spot is located 45 minutes from Tarifa towards Cadiz.
The bottom at Caños de Meca is rocky, but there is a sandy beach for launching. It is therefore a great wave spot offering nice kickers to jump and score the waves in strapless.
There are also several bars and restaurants right next to the spot.
Kitesurfing is authorized there all year round, but the spot is only valid in Fort Levante, in general the wind blows 5 to 10 knots less than in Tarifa and it is also more regular there.
Recommended levels: autonomous and experienced
Be careful downwind of the Caños spot a large band of rocks is present, so you need to know how to climb perfectly in all conditions.
Wind directions in Caños de Meca
Perfect by strong Levante, stable and beautiful waves following the tides.
The spot is windy and inconstant by Poniente, to be avoided.
Kitesurf spot located 20 minutes away, Palmones is an excellent choice when the wind is too strong in Tarifa
In the direction of Algeciras is the kitesurfing spot of Palmones, view of the Rock of Gibraltar, but also the large boats that stop in Gibraltar.
The spot works when the wind is too strong in Tarifa (over 30 knots), in general there are 10 to 15 knots less on Palmones with a side-On orientation.
Long, but narrow sandy beach, two areas available for parking vehicles and bars on site.
The Spot is prohibited from kitesurfing from June 15 to September 15.
Recommended levels: all levels
Wind directions in Palmones
Even if the spot is less pretty than the perfect beaches of Tarifa, it is a good fallback when the Levante blows too hard in Tarifa.
Does not work in westerly winds.
Tarifa is one of the few places where Off-Shore wind kitesurfing is allowed thanks to the services of sea rescue companies present every day from Levante.
Matos Tarifa works in collaboration with the salvage company New Angels, during your kitesurfing lessons, rescue services are included in the price of the kitesurfing lessons.
If you are an experienced autonomous kitesurfer, don’t forget to get your rescue card.
Valid all season, the card slips under your suit and will be requested in the event of a rescue.
The service is present on the kitesurf spots of Tarifa de Los Lances Norte and Valdevaqueros every day of Levante.
From March to May from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
From June to September from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
October from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
November and December from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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