Tarifa and the Strait Natural Park: wind, beaches and the closest view of Africa from Europe. A campervan trip to the southernmost tip.
Key Points
- Tarifa, the capital of wind and water sports
- Views of Africa from Europe's southernmost tip
- Long beaches: Bolonia, Valdevaqueros, Los Lances
- Plenty of overnight areas nearby
The southernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula — and of all continental Europe — is Punta de Tarifa. Located in the province of Cádiz, it holds a small treasure for the visitor: the Strait Natural Park, which surprises us with its wonderful beaches and sand dunes, its sea views and its natural richness. To this you must add the charm of the seaside villages and the archaeological remains of the ancient Roman city of Baelo Claudia.
Setting off with our Vanyou campervan from Málaga, once past Algeciras, the landscape begins to change. A winding road (N-340) runs parallel to the coast offering spectacular views over North Africa and the meeting point of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Several viewpoints along the road let us pull over with the van and enjoy the surroundings.
Tarifa keeps the traditional look of an Andalusian coastal village of Moorish origin, now combined with a cosmopolitan air thanks to being one of Europe's capitals of windsurfing and kitesurfing. We can park our van on the outskirts of town for a walk through the historic centre and enjoy the gastronomy and quirky shops.
West of Tarifa stretch beaches of fine sand polished by the Atlantic swell and the strong wind that often hits this area. The pine forests bordering the coast are great spots to spend a day with our van. Los Lances, Valdevaqueros or Punta Paloma are the main beaches, with plenty of campsites in their surroundings.
As for activities, this campervan trip offers many and varied: from bird watching or spotting marine animals (there are scheduled excursions from Tarifa's port), to horseback riding, and of course water sports.
A few kilometres away you can visit the town of Bolonia with the van, known for its magnificent beach, an impressive dune declared a Natural Monument, and the archaeological remains of the Roman city of Baelo Claudia.
For overnight stays you'll find campsites all along the way from Málaga to Tarifa, such as Camping Torre de la Peña, Camping Río Jara, Camping Tarifa, Camping Valdevaqueros, Camping Paloma.
The Tarifa area is within the Strait Natural Park, so wild overnight stays are not allowed.
On our Google map you'll be able to find the campsites in the area. Don't think twice — grab a Vanyou and explore this wonderful spot, from Málaga or from Valencia.
