Kitesurf at Tarifa

The region of Tarifa is one of the most renowned and well-known in Europe, due to the strength and consistency of the wind, the diversity of spots, and the kite industry that has developed there (many pro kiters are actually based there). Tarifa is located in the south of Spain, in Andalusia, just a few kilometers from Morocco.

Tarifa offers long beaches of golden sand, clear water, plenty of wind, a chic, surfy, and festive atmosphere. It’s great, even though it can get pretty crowded during peak season.

Getting there: you can either fly to Malaga or Seville and then rent a car to Tarifa (about a 2-hour drive), or do a road trip in a van, for example, with a good fifteen hours of driving from France.

The wind in Tarifa: two very specific types

• the poniente: a Northwest to West wind, it is usually very consistent and blows all year round. Rather steady, it’s an ideal wind for progression, coming from the ocean and capable of bringing nice swell trains. More Northwest-oriented in summer, where a thermal wind reinforces it, it blows regularly between 15 and 20 knots (even up to 25 knots on the very good days). In winter, the Poniente will be more influenced by storms coming from the Atlantic and blow strong: 25-35 knots.
• the levante: an East to Southeast wind, rather gusty. The levante, generally quite strong, is a wind coming from the Mediterranean, passing over the Spanish lands, which usually flattens the water surface. When coming from the east, it will be gusty and offshore oriented. However, the Levante from the southeast is much more appreciated as it will be more stable. Depending on the sea state, it’s a wind that can generate beautiful waves, especially at the Balnéario spot (the famous spot where many Big Air videos are seen on Instagram).

It’s important to check the wind conditions daily to adapt and change spots if needed.

In terms of water conditions, you will find everything, depending on the spots, wind direction, and conditions. The levante usually brings flat offshore conditions while the poniente can bring great waves.

The windy period is all year round, but when the good weather returns, the town of Tarifa is livelier, and it’s very pleasant. However, it can get quite crowded during the peak summer period.