14.08.2025 
Why Tarifa is considered the wind capital
The city lies at the narrowest point of the Strait of Gibraltar where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean Two steady winds — Levante (eastern) and Poniente (western) — create almost year round conditions for kitesurfing The average annual air temperature is about 20 °C and the water temperature is 18 °C
Main financial questions for a beginner
How much do kitesurfing lessons cost
A group course of 9 hours costs 360-540 USD An intensive private course reaches 1080 USD Schools often sell course + equipment packages saving 10-15 % of the budget
Buying or renting equipment
A new set costs 1800-2500 EUR A used set costs 900-1200 EUR Renting is cost effective for up to three weeks:
- Day — 70-90 EUR
- Week — 300-350 EUR
- Month — 700-900 EUR
Everyday living budget
Food and dining
- Supermarket per person — 320-380 EUR/month
- Lunch at a cafe — 15-20 EUR
- Dinner at a restaurant — 40-55 EUR
Renting and buying housing
- Studio in the center — 650-850 EUR
- Two bedroom apartment — 1000-1300 EUR
- Room — 200-270 EUR
- Purchase per square meter in 2025 — 4000-4100 EUR
Utilities and transport
- Electricity + water + internet for 60 m² — 110-140 EUR
- Provincial bus pass — 45 EUR
- Car rental in summer — 35-50 EUR/day
Lifestyle and infrastructure
The population is just under 19 000 people 10 % are foreigners In summer surfers digital nomads and family tourists join increasing the population threefold The city has two coworking spaces a municipal hospital private clinics English and Spanish schools Nightlife is focused in the old town bars open after 22:00 clubs at midnight From April to September a series of events takes place — from the kitesurfing championship to the gastronomic festival Ruta del Atún
Climate and best months to visit
The peak wind season is April–September October and March offer moderate wind fewer people and up to 30 % discounts on accommodation
How to get there
- By air: Malaga — 150 km Gibraltar — 45 km
- By train: AVE to Algeciras then 20 km by bus
- By car: highway N-340 connects Tarifa with the Costa de la Luz
Top attractions in Tarifa
- Castillo de Guzmán el Bueno — 10th century fortress
- Ruins of Baelo Claudia — Roman town with forum and amphitheater
- Punta de Tarifa — southernmost point of Europe
- Bolonia dune — natural monument and best beach in Spain 2023
- Punta Paloma dune and Valdevaqueros beach — iconic kitesurfing spots
- Mirador del Estrecho — viewpoint with views of Africa
- Old town — white houses Puerta de Jerez gate and San Mateo church
- Las Palomas island — divides sea and ocean accessible by causeway
- Tarifa Museum — exhibition from Phoenicians to the present
- Los Alcornocales Natural Park — cork oaks trails bird watching
Real estate investments
Tarifa remains a niche but growing market Demand is driven by the surf community and tourist flow to year round winds Despite price dynamics short term rental profitability (65-75 % occupancy) stays above that of neighboring resorts The main risk is seasonal income fluctuations November–February occupancy drops to 40 %
Final monthly budget for a kitesurfer
- Studio rent — 750 EUR
- Utilities — 120 EUR
- Food and cafes — 350 EUR
- Transport and communications — 60 EUR
- Equipment rental — 800 EUR (or purchase for 3000 EUR for several seasons)
- Kitesurfing lessons — 450 EUR (one off)
Total 2030 EUR with rented equipment and 1230 EUR with own kit These figures provide a realistic starting point for planning a season or relocating to the windiest spot in Europe
