Summary
- From Malaga to Morocco via Tarifa
- Tarifa to Malaga by Bus and Train
- Tarifa to Malaga by Car
- Number of Days to Spend in Tarifa
- Things to Do in Tarifa
- Windsurfing in Tarifa
- Whale & Dolphin Watching from Tarifa
- What NOT to Do in Tarifa
- How to Get to Tarifa From Elsewhere (& Where to Go Next)
- First Impressions of Tarifa
Surfing, whale watching, and ferries to Morocco await you in Tarifa.
Tarifa is a popular destination for watersports, and it serves as a gateway from Spain to Morocco. In this article, we’ll explore how to travel from Malaga to Tarifa by bus, train, and car.
From Malaga to Morocco via Tarifa
Just 14 km of water separates Tarifa from Tangiers in Morocco. If your primary reason for visiting Tarifa is to take the Ferry to Morocco, consider taking a guided tour, especially if you want to explore Morocco on a day trip.
Moreover, Tarifa offers more than just ferry access. It is a perfect meeting point where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic, making it an ideal location to learn water sports, particularly kite surfing.
- Compare Prices on Accommodation in Tarifa
- Tarifa Tourist Guide
Tarifa to Malaga by Bus and Train
You can take the bus from Cadiz to Malaga, which also serves Tarifa. The service is operated by TG Comes, with typically four buses traveling in either direction. Alternatively, you can connect to Algeciras.
Avanzabus offers bus services from Malaga to Tarifa; however, these may not be operational at the moment.
Please note that there are no direct trains from Tarifa to Malaga. If you possess a Eurail Pass for Spain, you’ll need to travel to Algeciras, switch in Antequera, then catch a bus to your destination.
Tarifa to Malaga by Car
The 160 km drive from Malaga to Tarifa typically takes about two hours. The A-7/AP-7 route will let you enjoy scenic views along the entire Costa del Sol, including Marbella and Gibraltar. Be aware that tolls apply on this road. Compare Prices on Car Rental in Spain
Number of Days to Spend in Tarifa
While you could easily spend an entire summer mastering windsurfing, if time is limited, one action-packed day can provide a satisfying sneak peek into what Tarifa has to offer.
Things to Do in Tarifa
In Tarifa, there are three primary activities to enjoy: windsurfing (including various modern forms like kitesurfing), whale & dolphin watching, and trips to Morocco. The details on getting to Africa are given above; below, we expand on the other two attractions.
Windsurfing in Tarifa
Windsurfing has transformed this quaint coastal town into a haven for watersport enthusiasts. If you are a beginner, don’t worry; numerous courses are available. Strolling along c/Batalla de Salado, the main street, will help you check out various pricing options. On average, sail & board rentals cost about 50€ per day, with lessons budgeted similarly. The largest windsurfing school in Tarifa is Tarifa Spin Out, which also offers kitesurfing courses.
Whale & Dolphin Watching from Tarifa
Numerous tour companies provide three-hour boat trips to encounter whales and dolphins in their natural habitats. Explore the old town near the end of c/Batalla de Salado to find several options for watching these magnificent creatures.
What NOT to Do in Tarifa
Many travelers assume that watersports are synonymous with beautiful beach vacations, but where there is windsurfing, there is wind. Excessive wind can diminish the experience for those hoping to sunbathe without encountering sand everywhere.
How to Get to Tarifa From Elsewhere (& Where to Go Next)
Tarifa serves as an excellent stopover between Cadiz and Ronda. Since Tarifa lacks a train station, your options are bus travel or car rental. A direct bus from Cadiz takes between 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours via TG Comes. To reach Ronda, take a bus to Algeciras and transition to a train. Travel from Seville is also feasible, though the convoluted route makes a stop in Cadiz – which shares the same travel time but allows for an additional city visit – more appealing.
First Impressions of Tarifa
The bus ‘station’ is essentially a car park with a modest shelter and a rarely-manned ticket office, located on c/Batalla de Salado, Tarifa’s main strip. It’s just a short walk from the numerous surf shops that welcome you upon arrival. Proceeding to the end of the street, you’ll encounter a grand archway that leads into the old town. The old town comprises charming, winding streets reminiscent of a medina. Unfortunately, the commercialization of the windsurfing community has stripped away much of its charm. Beyond the archway lies Plaza San Martin, where you can veer right to access the beach (home to the windsurfing) and port (for trips to Morocco).
