Tarifa is the southernmost point of continental Europe, and on a clear day you can see Morocco across the Strait of Gibraltar. Surrounded by crumbling Moorish walls, the old town is compact and atmospheric — narrow lanes, a Baroque church, and the Castillo de Guzmán el Bueno looking out over the strait.
The town has become one of the most popular windsurfing and kitesurfing destinations in Europe. The Levante wind blows hard and reliably, especially in summer, and rental shops line the main road out to the long beaches northwest of town. If wind sports are not your thing, the beaches are still beautiful — though lying on them can be a sandy ordeal when the wind is up.
Tarifa is also a jumping-off point for day trips to Tangier. Ferries cross the strait in about an hour. The crossing is more expensive than from Algeciras but considerably less chaotic.