FOR SALE: Plots 51, 108, 174 and 175 La Paloma de Manilva, Costa del Sol, Spain. Empty plots range from from €290k - €330k. For further information contact us.
The site of Tarifa was previously occupied by Carthaginians and Romans, when it was known as "Julia Traducta", however, the first Moorish invaders crossed the Straits in 710 and their Berber leader was Tarik Ben Malek from whose name comes Tarifa. This landing with a small army was to see the lie of the land, and he returned the following year with an armyof 12,000 men, which was the beginning of 8 centuries of Muslim rule over the peninsular.
Of outstanding interest is the 10th century Moorish Alcazar, built on the site of a Roman fort. This castle is where the Christianwarrior Guzman "EIBueno" (the good) sacrificed his own son to reconquer the besieged town. The pretty Plaza de Santa Maria just behind the castle houses the Town Hall where there is a small museum displaying pieces from the Neolithic, Romanand Moorish periods right up to the present day. There is a mirador to the east of this square from where you have wonderful views of Africa.
Tarifa's old city walls are crumbling in parts, but the town has a charm of its own, and you will certainly enjoy exploring the narrow streets and visiting some of the monuments, including the churches of San Francisco and San Mateo, both dating from the 16thcentury,where you can see paintings and multi coloured wood carvings. In a pine wood, about 2kms from the town, is the sanctuary of Nuestra Senora de la Luz, who was proclaimed patroness of the town in 1570.
Tarifa occupies the most south westerly point of the peninsular and the winds are extremely strong. It is only 14kms away from Morocco and the town has a very North African flavour, however, whilst the town is small enough to explore on foot, if the winds are too strong, then there is a taxi rank in AvdaAndalucia. Tel:95 6684241.
Tarifa certainly uses the wind to its advantage - and not only for windsurfing. All around the town's hilltops you will see windmills, which help provide power for the area. The beaches of Tarifa are beautiful, backed by enormous sand dunes and seem to stretch for miles - for this is now the Costa de la Luz and the gigantic rollers sweep in from the Atlantic and wash over the fine silver sand. One spot, called Ensenada de valdevaqueros, is known as the "paradise of windsurfing". Tarifais a prosperous and sometimes very crowded resort and according to those who know a thing or two about windsurfing, it ranks amongst the top three windsurfing beaches in the world. You can hire equipment almost anywhere and there are always competitions going on.
The Hotel Dos Mares, Tel:956684035, has a school and equipment for hire.
Daily excursions to track and watch these fascinating creatures in the waters close to Tarifa, where two oceans meet. This is where there is a high concentration of several species of whale and dolphin. Tel:95 662 7008. Office next to Cafe Central, booking necessary.
In the old town, on C/Colon, is the mudejar Puerta de Jerez with its Moorish arches. Here is located the daily indoor market -not to be missed!
For horse lovers, there are stables at CortijoLasPenas. Tel:95 6685136.Located at the back of the town in the hills. Horse riding also at Hotel Dos Mares. Tel:95 668 4035. Hurricane Hotel is another, Tel:956684919.
Cafe Continental, on paseo de la Alameda has internet access.
Other places that are well worth a visit:
FOR SALE: Plots 51, 108, 174 and 175 La Paloma de Manilva, Costa del Sol, Spain. Empty plots range from from €290k - €330k. For further information contact us.