Tarifa is one of those places that lives up to the hype and then blows your mind. This place is awesome, at the southern tip of Spain, where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic, there is wind, energy, and a vibe that pulls kiters from all over the world. I finally made the trip, and it was everything I hoped for and more.

I rode at both of the town’s most iconic spots: Balneario and Valdevaqueros. Each has its own flavor, and together they gave me the full Tarifa experience.

Balneario is where the magic happens when the Levante wind blows. It’s offshore yes, sketchy if you’re not confident, but if you know what you are doing it is unreal. The water is glassy and butter-flat, the kind of conditions you dream about when you’re trying to sleep during a windless week back home. The offshore breeze creates perfect ramps, and hitting them launches you sky-high. Every session felt like a video; huge boosts, clean landings, and all with the dramatic backdrop of Africa just across the Strait.

Then there’s Valdevaqueros, chaotic, packed, and full of life. The wind here is usually side-on, which makes it more beginner-friendly and safer, but also great for downwinders and freestyle. The beach is buzzing, riders, schools, sunbathers, and beach bars all packed into one kite spot. It’s not as clean or dreamy as Balneario, but the energy is wild. You meet people from everywhere, the sessions are rowdy, and the after-ride vibe is unbeatable.

Off the water, Tarifa still delivers. The food scene is packed with great tapas bars, fresh seafood spots, and cozy cafés. Whether you’re crushing a post-session burger or sipping a coffee before your first tack, there’s no shortage of good eats. And the nightlife? Next level. The town comes alive after dark with music, dancing, and parties that go till sunrise, all filled with kiters from around the world sharing stories, laughs, and maybe one too many beers.