Kiteboarding Spain and Europe's #1 kiteboarding destination: Tarifa

Kiteboarding Spain is probably the place where kiting has grown the most. Tarifa especially is the home and top destination of kiteboarding in Europe.

For most kiteboarding Spain is two locations: Tarifa and The Canary Islands off the coast of Africa. These two destinations are well visited by travelling kiters and the PKRA tour throughout the year.

Kiteboarding Tarifa

Tarifa is the most populated kitespot in Europe and the world, with hundreds of kites around in the summer - it can get busy but generally the vibe is mellow so be respectful of those around you and obey the kiteboarding rules kite in designated areas. They are there for your safety and others.

Tarifa: KiteFacts
Best winds: All year
Wind Conditions:17 - 20knots to 50knots sometimes
Water Temp: boardshorts/bikini in summer to wetsuit in winter windchill
Water Type: flat, chop,Waves
Weather: Sunny - hot summers, moderate winter 15degressC
Nightlife: Yes - restaurants and clubs

Current Wind Conditions at Tarifa:

Tarifa is great for all levels of kiteboarding - although quite crowded it is a good place to learn and still great for intermediate and professional kiteboarders alike. Many pros make Tarifa a home base too with all it has to offer from really consistent winds for kiting and great social life in the town.

The Kiteboarding setup
There are plenty of different beaches and different conditions so if the wind gets too strong or changes direction, it is easy to find another beach or another option is to head for the lagoon which forms in the dunes.

Because of Tarifa's closeness to Africa, about 10 kms south. The wind funnels through Tarifa either from the east(very strongly - upto 50 knots) or westerly as a thermal in the 20knot region. It makes for the best all year winds that kiteboarding Spain and Europe can offer.

Other Kiting Beaches
During the summer June 15 to September 15 some beaches are banned including Conil and Cadiz. This leaves the 2 beaches Los Lances and Valdevaueros for kiting. There are other beach options for kiteboarding Tarifa if you are prepared to drive about an hour out of Tarifa and these are easy enough to find out about when you are there.

What makes Tarifa such a gem is that it has the great nightlife to go with it - if that's what you are into, or if you are bringing your family you will find the charming cobbled streets the perfect kiteboarding getaway too. So the social side to Tarifa is one you are going to love.

Getting to Tarifa
Fly to Malaga and drive to Tarifa (about 2 hours) other airport options are Gibralta and Jerez each about an hour away.

Accommodation is offered to suite any taste or budget - be sure to check where you want to be or getting to the beach can become difficult - hiring a car is the best way to get around in Tarifa.

Been there, done that, got a question? Tell other kiters about your experience at this kiting destination.

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