A little gift for your bucket list: Kitesurfing in Tarifa
- Jill Witteman
- May 6, 2017
- 3 min read
As the end of the year is approaching, the time has come to evaluate what the hell we did in 2016 and how the hell we are going to do it bigger and better in 2017. It’s the most wonderful time of the year to grab a pen (or a smartphone nowadays) and to write down those desires for the new year. As a (bucket)list-lover, I am happy to help you with at least one empty checkbox on yours:
Learn how to kitesurf

Thats how my wishlist looked a while ago and I am very happy to announce that that box is now perfectly filled with black ink, checked of! So if you are a beachbum who’s happy to do more than just lounge around on the sand, read along, I’m gonna tell you exactly where to have the most awesome kite experience this continent has to offer!
Tarifa Of course there are two essential elements that you can’t kite without: wind and water. What better place to go then where the Mediterranean touches the Atlantic ocean and the wind streams are beautifully called ‘ Levante’ and ‘ Poniente’? Tarifa in the most southern tip of Spain, also known as kite capital of Europe, is the perfect place to start riding those waves. The easiest (and usually cheapest) way to get there is to fly to Malaga and grab a bus to Tarifa. It’s a 4 hour drive, some spectacular views included (as well as a number of senior citizens making their way for retirement heaves like Torremelinos and Marbella ;-) ).
The old city of Tarifa is a walled kingdom of little winding streets, cute shops and some of the most amazing tapas restaurants I have ever had the chance to eat. This is the town where ‘ being in a rush’ does not exist, where you start your day in one of the many cozy coffeeshops (+ cakes), stroll around the narrow streets, indulge in delicious paella and end the day sipping a cocktail (seriously, the Ginebrina at bar Taco Way is to die for!). Tarifa is also just 14 km from Morocco, a regular ferry is ready to take you to Tanger if you are up for a bit of Africa.
Learning to kite
But hey let’s get back to business, because the main reason you have to go to Tarifa is of course for the boards and the kites. To really get the hang of this ridiculously difficult sport, I advise to book a full course (just one lesson won’t even get you in the water). Be careful, this not for the lazy ones among us. I did a 5-day stint, 4 hours of lessons each day. Heavy duty!

There are many schools but I recommend Tarifa Max Kitesurfing School. With small groups, great gear and super experienced teachers you can’t go wrong. You kick off with learning to control the kite on land and letting it drag you through the water before adding the board. Sounds intensive? It was! In the burning sun, huge salt water waves, heavy winds and a heavier kite, you need practice practice practice and perhaps a bit of talent (which I lacked). but if you are a doer, not afraid of some hard work and crave for adrenaline, this is your sport! Oh and did I mention it’s also very good for your muscles, shape and overall fitness? Winning!
Malaga
If your plane did land in Malaga, I totally advise to give the city a few of your days as well. After 5 days of hardcore kiting and working out, this sunny ciudad is a great place to unwind with lots of wine, perfect shopping and some architectural highlights. From the old castle to the hyper modern beach promenade, you won’t be bored!
Whats on your bucket list for the coming year? If you have any tips, let me know as I’m writing my list as we speak. And if you decide to add kitesurfing in Tarifa, trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

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