In Tarifa you can surf practically anywhere along its coast when the waves are favourable. But in our experience, the swell works best in four spots:
- Playa de Balneario
- Río Jara
- Arte y Vida
- Punta Paloma – Benavides
The first two sites are in Tarifa town, very close to the centre and you can walk to them if you want with your board and we give all the details of the pros and cons. The last two are at a relatively short distance. Specifically 5 and 8 kilometres respectively, so you will probably need a vehicle to get around.
Balneario: Perhaps because of the size of the wave, it is the most popular and crowded. It is located in the Atlantic Ocean area. Don’t forget that Isla de las Palomas separates the Mediterranean from the Atlantic.
So in the area on the right looking towards the island you have this central spot that is the most famous. For ease and safety we prefer the sandbank of the Jara River that allows us a fantastic wave and unlimited fun.
Arte y Vida is epic in terms of beauty and tranquility although its rocky bottom makes it more dangerous. Benavides is more remote to get to and you have to know it.
PROS AND CONS OF EACH SURF SPOT IN TARIFA
BALNEARIO
This is the star spot in Tarifa, as it is where the best waves are due to the funnel effect with respect to Isla de las Palomas.
And because of its proximity to the town, as getting to this beach is very easy. Without a doubt, the place where you can breathe the most surfing atmosphere is in this place, as local surfers and surf schools meet to teach their classes every day.
The atmosphere is therefore spectacular. However, this can sometimes be overwhelming if you are a beginner and require space and to be at your own pace, and on the other hand, if you like to disconnect.
You should know that between Easter and the November Bank Holiday (High Season) it will be quite busy, which is normally the busiest time of year in Tarifa.
I would also like to point out that you should be careful with the rocks that you can find on the seabed. For your safety, stay away from them as much as possible so as not to fall into the ditch that connects the Island and the Port. And on the other hand, from a couple of rows of rocks that are on the same beach. If you are careful, they are not a problem, but keep them in mind.
It is a suitable spot for intermediate surfers and also beginners, although be careful in winter with the size of the wave if you are just starting out. It works quite well at high and medium tide. It has a pretty good right-hand wave. Keep in mind that during the beach plan from June 15 to September 15 there is a specific and marked area for surfing.
In high season and at peak times in Tarifa such as Easter, May Bank Holidays and August.
You will find it somewhat difficult to find a parking space due to its proximity to the centre and the port. At other times, when you can experience the authentic Tarifa and when it is a pleasure to be more relaxed in our paradise such as September or October, you will not have such a problem.
However, coming to Tarifa whatever the time is always a pleasure as the atmosphere during high season is spectacular.
We usually travel to Río Jara to ensure safety and tranquility in our classes and rentals. But do not hesitate to ask us for another location such as Balneario where we will be happy to bring you the surfing equipment you need or we will be happy to teach you.
You should also know that Tarifa City Council has marked off the surfing area during the high season in Balneario, just in front of the Chiringuito. And that during the high season months, surfing is prohibited in the entire Lances Sur area, so pay close attention to the markings.
In the area of the River and towards the Lances Norte you will not have any problems either.
As for the technical aspects of the wave, we explained in another blog post when the best wave season in Tarifa occurs and you already know that in Autumn and Winter there are spectacular moments.
However, in Summer and Spring there are many spectacular days. With a longboard and your desire to enjoy, you will have a great time with the waves and surfing in Tarifa.
Jara River
If you enter through the main entrance of Tarifa, closer to the beach, and on your right you will find the Chiringuito Gaia. You will arrive at a car park that is mostly uncrowded and a three-minute walk to the seashore. This is where the mouth of the Jara River is located and where the weather conditions of sea, wind and waves are obviously the most favourable.
This spot has a sandy bottom, is very safe and calm, is easily accessible and many other reasons why we made it our home spot.
It is true that the waves are sometimes a little smaller than in Balneario, but that is more than enough for us. Because for our level and for beginners, a very big wave is as bad as a completely calm sea. As we usually say, not even 20 centimetres, not even 2 metres. The wave is suitable for all levels and right-hand waves normally work with full or medium tides.
Another reason is the beauty of the area, located in the middle of the Estrecho Natural Park. The vast majority of people who visit it are amazed by the beauty of the surroundings and the respect for the environment, which we are grateful for every day, as it remains so, green land and blue sea.
Arte y Vida Spot
At the height of the Hotel Arte y Vida you will find this idyllic spot with the most surfing atmosphere. The Arte y Vida area is located to the north of Playa de los Lances with waves for all levels.
The waves usually break from the right and left and the bottom is rock and sand. Therefore, you should be careful if you are just starting out in surfing. It works very well with swell and medium tides. And for intermediate and advanced levels.
The great advantage of this spot is that with an easterly wind off shore you are protected from the wind by the placement of the land and this will help you in your surfing sessions.
However, surfing here is a unique experience if you are an advanced surfer that combines surfing with immersion in the local culture and lifestyle.
Punta Paloma - Benavides
Near the Punta Paloma Dune, in the Ensenada de Valdevaqueros, there is this hidden spot that only local surfers know about. To get there, we’ll leave you the location. In this place there are places where the bottom is more rocky but with the possibility of entering through safer sandy areas.
It is undoubtedly our favorite spot for the quality of the waves, but only if you are an advanced surfer because it has a rocky bottom. The wave is right-handed and with the right conditions it is very long.
During the autumn and winter months it is a delight to be able to surf in this beautiful and quiet spot, far from the crowds and in pure contact with nature. Remember that this spot works well with medium and high tides, so be aware of the height, the period and the tide.
Don’t hesitate to rent a board and your wetsuit to enjoy the best surfing at any time of the year. You should know that this spot doesn’t usually work with easterly winds, as the side or off shore winds break up the wave.
It usually works on days when the wind changes from east to west. And on days when there is no wind, or winds from the south.
For more information about surfing in Tarifa, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Juan Fernández
+34 615683051