Today we head over to the southeastern part of Spain, and specifically moving to Tarifa. This is the latest article from Matthew Hirtes. If there are areas of Spain that you would like us to feature… drop us an email to info@spainbuddy.com or leave a comment below
Tarifa – Spain's windy city
Ups
If you've ever looked at Wikipedia, you'll realize that Chicago was dubbed the Windy City because of the hot air blowing out of the mouth of its politicians rather than any actual gusts. But Andalucia's Tarifa is genuinely the beneficiary of not-such-a-gentle breeze. Making it a favourite with surfers and windsurfers alike, along with people happy to part with cash for "Tafira does blow" T-shirts.
Downs
The levante can get to you. Which makes Tarifa's greatest strength its greatest weakness too.
In and out
This stretch of the Costa de la Luz is best reached from Gibraltar, Jerez, and Seville airports. Gibraltar (GIB) is a 45-minute drive whilst Jerez (XRY) is roughly double that. Seville (SVQ), meanwhile, is the furthest away, the AP-4 and A-381 combo taking you just over two hours.
Education
You're more likely to find a local international kitesurfing school in Tarifa than private school catering for the offspring of expats. Which should give you some indication regardubg the number of expats living in the area. Although, it's an well-established tourist destination, particularly with German travellers.
Shop until you drop…
Check out the old town's Zero Gravity for dedicated followers of fashion with a budget. For hippy chic chicas and chicos, head to ZAS Tarifa. And if you want to look the part as a surfer, make sure you visit the main street of Batalla del Salado where the majority of the surf shops are located.
Property types
Most people have heard of Tarifa. So, properties here tend to be more expensive than more anonymous locations nearby. Nevertheless, there's no danger, you'd feel, of them ever reaching Marbella price tags.
Market watch
Apartments, €60.000+. Villas, up to €2,000.000.000.
In Praise Of
"Tarifa's the last stop on continental Europe and that's made it a hideaway for many. Although the busy season is just that, you can be quiet here. The wide open space of the Strait and the views of the African coast make it feel like living on the page of an atlas." Robin Graham ( a lot of wind )
• Are you an expat in Tarifa? What do you like/dislike about it? Let us know below.
