Tarifa's coastline stretches northwest from town along a series of long, white-sand beaches backed by dunes. Playa Chica, right next to the old town, is the sheltered swimming beach. Further out, Playa de Los Lances and the beaches beyond are the windsurfing and kitesurfing territory — on a windy day the sky is full of kites.
The beaches are beautiful but the wind is relentless in summer. If you are here to sunbathe rather than surf, aim for a day when the Poniente blows instead of the Levante — or stick to Playa Chica, which is more protected.