Winter sun in Tarifa, Southern Spain | a few days to relax and enjoy the winter sunshine

This wasn't a sightseeing break, or a busy walking holiday, it was simply an opportunity to see family who were staying nearby, escape the grey skies here and get some warmth on our skin, some brightness in our eyes and relax in the sunshine.  We booked three nights (wish it had been longer) to fit in around work commitments, we packed only cabin bags (unheard of for me), and booked an Airbnb with a sea view!  And it was fabulous, here is my mini guide to Tarifa on the Costa de la Luz in Southern Spain, including what I wore for our winter break.

The terrace of our apartment in Tarifa, a fabulous winter sun break in Europe!

Tarifa in Southern Spain

We flew from LHR with BA early on Friday morning to Gibraltar, then it is about a 45 minute transfer by car to Tarifa.  It was easy, we were picked up (although worth noting you go through British customs in Gibraltar, then need to walk across the road to go through Spanish passport control, where we were meeting our family).

Tarifa is a vibrant coastal town located at the southernmost tip of Spain, where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic. It is a short drive from Gibraltar or around 2 hours from Málaga, it's easily accessible from most major airports in the winter months,

During our visit the temperature during the day was around 16-17 degrees and although Tarifa is known for strong winds, we didn't find it too bad!  It is very popular for windsurfing all year round.  The vibe is laid back and bohemian, with beautiful beaches, a pretty and historic old town and a relaxed café culture. 

Our Airbnb was part of a larger development of apartments and small houses, very much where the locals live, the sunny terrace was stunning and I loved the view, the beach is breathtaking, it is very unspoilt and stretches for miles along the Atlantic coast.  The golden sandy beaches are wide and open and perfect for families, walkers and windsurfers/kitesurfers.  It is an area busy with small camper vans and there were plenty of large parking areas.

A walk along the seafront offers more stunning views across the Strait of Gibraltar, and on a clear day you can see Morocco.  It is easy to take a day ferry from Tarifa to Tangier, there are plenty of guided tours available to book.  One to go back and do!

Tarifa beach late afternoon in February

What to wear, what to do in Tarifa

To travel out to Tarifa, I wore a pre-loved blouse (similar cotton blouse here), my straight leg jeans, a pufferweight jacket from Uniqlo, white trainers from Coco Rose London and cream cross-body bag.  The jacket kept me warm in the UK and for a later afternoon walk on the beach in Spain, but it was light and easy to carry when I didn't need it on.  I also carried my Longchamp Le Pliage Original Tote and had a 55 cm cabin bag (not the smallest)!

​We had a lovely relaxing afternoon, we arrived in Tarifa in time for lunch in the sun (and a glass of wine) and after checking into our Airbnb - you can see where we stayed in Tarifa here - we had a walk along the beach - to the beach bar!

Saturday morning was a little rainy and cloudy which I didn't worry about too much, the view from the apartment was still beautiful and we were in no rush, this was all about a weekend of relaxing and catching up with our family.  By lunchtime the rain had cleared and although still a bit overcast, we headed into the old town for a wander around the shops, the castle and port area.  By late afternoon, the sky had brightened up and we were able to enjoy a drink outside.

I wore a pair of dark indigo girlfriend jeans, a silk scarf and my new La Bohéme navy jumper from Wardrobe 44, I was plenty warm enough - definitely a windier day though!  I am very pleased with these new jeans, Marks & Spencer, are getting their denim so right, this pair have lyocell in them so felt very soft and comfortable with a nice amount of stretch.

A walk along the seafront in Tarifa to the old town, castle and port

Sunday morning the sun was back and although I hesitated about what to wear (I was worried I'd be cold) I didn't need to stress, it felt beautiful and warm so I wore my wide leg jeans (I had them shortened to a wide leg crop length), with a white vest t-shirt, a stripe knit around my shoulders (as an accessory and emergency layer)! 

Tarifa beach and a walk to the lighthouse island

Tarifa enjoys views of the Strait of Gibraltar

We walked along the sandy beach to the lighthouse island, unfortunately you can only get close to the lighthouse with a private tour but it was still an enjoyable walk, and we had lunch at Waikiki in Tarifa a beach club restaurant which had fabulous views, good food and a fun vibe.

The rest of the afternoon, I sunbathed on our apartment terrace!  And frustratingly I hadn't packed shorts or a bikini but that's okay, I improvised, yes I just removed my jeans (I had my best pants on)!

It was a beautiful afternoon and we relaxed until the sun went down and it got chilly, we were regretting only booking three nights!
​
I also took this new Boden jersey top (polka dots are back), but decided not to wear it in the end!  But it's such a gorgeous colour, I am looking forward to wearing this at home soon - hopefully with ecru jeans!

Monday morning we had to pack up and leave by 9 am to get to the airport for our flight home, the earlier start did mean we were back by mid-afternoon which was useful for unpacking and getting organised for work the next day but I'd have happily stayed longer.

​We loved Tarifa, yes it is windy but we didn't find it too restrictive although some friends have said it can get a lot worse, we were lucky!  It was the perfect, affordable destination for a winter sun break in Europe.

And I managed with just cabin bags!!

Love from
Michelle xx


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Don't miss my other travel posts ....

Italy
France
Cadiz
Sri Lanka
Isle of Wight

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View from Tarifa lighthouse island

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