In Tarifa we have wind almost daily accompanied by warm temperatures, which makes it probably the best destination in Europe for practicing wind-related watersports. In Tarifa 2 types of wind predominate:
Poniente (west): Poniente is a wind that comes from the sea, normally it is constant and side or side-on, of low or medium intensity and that usually brings waves (bigger or smaller depending on the day).
Levante (east): Levante is a wind that is off or side-off, most of the time it is at least somewhat gusty, of medium or high intensity and usually brings flat water.
To go into detail about winds and forecasts in Tarifa, you can take a look at our guide on how to read windguru like a local, here .
In Tarifa and near Tarifa there are several spots that, depending on the wind, waves and level conditions, could be your ideal spot to practice wing foiling. Here you have our list:
Playa Chica is one of the main spots in Tarifa for winging. It is directly in the town, right next to the mythical spot of Balneario. It works with levante or strong poniente (off in that spot) and the sea with levante is usually chopy or medium-sized waves and fully flat with poniente.
The good thing about this spot is that all the kites are on the other side, so it is quite comfortable to ride there since you will only share the spot with wings and windsurfers.
It is a small spot and it is only recommended for experienced riders, not suitable for beginners.
The spot of Playa Chica is located directly at the entrance to the port and parking is somewhat limited. During the summer season, the practice of sports is not allowed in this spot.
Right on the other side of Playa Chica, Playa de los lances begins where there are multiple accesses to the beach and wing practice is possible. The main spots in the southern area of Playa de los Lances are Balneario and the soccer field.
With a west wind, there are usually waves and it is not the easiest place to practice , but it is possible. With Levante, the entire beach becomes a great spot.
To take into account is that Balneario usually has many kiters, but a little downwind, between Balneario and campo de futbol the conditions are usually very good! There is parking next to the beach and it makes it very convenient to wing.
Important info for beginners, even when sea conditions are usually ideal, having off or side-off wind can make it difficult for the first sessions. Never go winging without one rescue card!
There are multiple accesses with different parking spaces throughout the town. The most common are at Balneario and next to the soccer field. During the summer season there are usually no problems riding in this spots with levante, but it will depend on beach users.
In the area of los Lances norte there are several spots, the most convenient being the dirt road outside town, where you can leave your car on the beach.
With poniente, there are usually waves and depending on the day, accessing the water can be somewhat complicated. With Levante, it is one of the main spots in Tarifa. The closer to Tarifa, the more wind you will find and on the contrary, the closer you get in the direction of Valdevaqueros, the less wind (and more gusty) you will find it.
This is our favourite spot for our wingfoil lessons.
The Waves beach bar area is the ideal spot for wing-foil beginners, with little wind and flatness. Don't forget the rescue card, just in case!
The easiest access is in the car park of dirt road. It can be practiced throughout the year without restrictions.
Valdevaqueros is the most frequented spot in Tarifa for watersports.. kites, windsurfing and, of course, wings!
Parking directly on the beach, beach bars and good conditions with both poniente and levante! It is the spot chosen by both beginners and wing professionals to train. Valdevaqueros offers conditions for all tastes, from 7-8 knots to days with more than 40, this is the definitive spot for wingfoiling!
Bonus: On days when you see some swell in the forecast, Benavides, in Punta Paloma, has a very fun wave that can be reached in 5 minutes riding.
Bolonia is an incredible place to ride with a wing. The spot is completely to the left (towards Tarifa) of the beach, where you have direct access to the beach, beach bars and spectacular conditions for practicing wingfoil. Normally, levante is the wind that works best, with a side wind and turquoise waters!
Bonus: Bolonia is the ideal destination for the best wingfoil downwinds with levante that you can do in Tarifa. Starting from Balneario or Los Lances and ending in Bolonia can be one of the best sessions to have in Tarifa! Only recommended for very experienced riders.
Winging in Caños is a good alternative when there is a lot of levante in Tarifa. It is harder spot because it has rocks at the bottom, so you have to be very careful when getting in and out of the water. There is an access inside the town where there is sand at the bottom, but it does not work if the tide is too low.
With the right conditions, Caños de Meca offer very fun waves to surf with your wing!
A spot not highly recommended for beginners!
Palmones is another of those spots that are very good when levante wind is very strong in Tarifa. Wind in Palmones is side or side-on and there are not usually many waves, so which makes it a highly recommended and safe spot for beginners. Perhaps it is not the most fun spot for advanced riders, although if you are into freestyle, Palmones is a good option as it has a good chopy.
You have to take into account when there are conditions in Palmones, there are usually many kiters and kitesurfing schools in the spot!
Km 90 is a secret spot only recommended for riders with a high level. It only works with levante and there is usually less wind than in Tarifa. The entrance to the water is quite complex due rocks but once you are in, the spot is wonderful.
As we have said, it is a very fun spot but with a lot of risk, if your level is not very high, you can find other more accessible and safer spots with levante, like Palmones!
And this is our list of spots to wing foil in and around Tarifa. Don't waste any more time and get on the water!
Carla and Rodri, combined experience flying kites of more than 30 years. And a Kitesurf World Championship...🔥