TRAVEL JOURNAL: AT HOME IN TARIFA
TRAVEL JOURNAL: AT HOME IN TARIFA
Tarifa sits on the most southerly point of the Spanish mainland, where the Med meets the Atlantic, Europe almost meets Africa, and the wind blows for over 300 days of the year. Not only is it the ultimate European destination for watersports it’s also where North pro foiler Fabian Muhmenthaler was born.
We joined him for a weekend exploring Tarifa’s top foiling spots and hangouts, and discovering why he’s so proud to call this town home.
EXPLORING OLD TOWN AND HIKING AT LA PEÑA
“Tarifa Old Town is a must-visit if you ever come to Tarifa,” says Fabian. “It’s a really special place with beautiful little corners and streets and traditional Andalusian houses. It’s a great place to grab brunch, lunch and dinner and see some traditional markets.”
Away from Tarifa, Fabien recommends La Peña: “It’s a really nice countryside area right by the ocean with mountains and beautiful light. It’s a popular place for hiking, trail running, biking, etc. It’s worth a visit to enjoy the contrast between the ocean, beach and the mountains.”
SUNSET AT EL CHOZO AND FOILING AT GUADALMESI
Looking for the ideal spot for a sundowner? Here’s Fabian’s favourite: “El Chozo is the southernmost chiringuito (beach bar) in Europe — it sits at camping Torre de la Peña. Here, you can enjoy a sunset drink or meal just a few metres from the shore.”
No trip with Fabian would be complete without hitting the ocean. This is his go-to spot: “Guadalmesi is a little spot in the Mediterranean Sea that has very nice cliffs and rocky beaches. Just 15 minutes from Tarifa it’s a truly unique place because it feels like being in the very centre of the Strait of Gibraltar. The view of Africa from there is amazing, on clear days, you get a stunning view of Morocco.”
SKATING AT EL RANCHO
Packed with local tradition and history, El Rancho is also the perfect skating spot. “Just five minutes away from Tarifa town,” says Fabian, “El Rancho is an area with lots of farms, animals and countryside. Close to here you can find the Virgen de la Luz Sanctuary, which is the place where the Virgin (protector) of Tarifa lives, which is named the light virgin after our coastline, Costa de la Luz (the light coast). It’s a very traditional place with its original roots very present.”
Planning to visit Tarifa? Here’s a few more of Fabian’s must-see spots:
- Isla de las Palomas
- The spot where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean
- Los Lances beach
- Valdevaqueros beach
- Tarifa's traditional fish market
- Fishermen port
- Punta Paloma Sand Dunes
- Castle of Guzmán el Bueno
PHOTO CREDITS: MORGAN HAYLEY BLACKMORE
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12 October