TARIFA

Tarifa is known as the windsurfing capital of Europe – and you’ll see why the minute you step out of the car, as even on the hottest day a sharp breeze will send your hair flying in all directions.

There are two sides to Tarifa – everything in the old town within the ancient gate, and everything outside. Outside is the new town, dominated by the long, main road which houses shop after shop dedicated to windsurfing and all its accompanying accessories. Here you’ll see lots of shaggy-haired bleach-blond men in bright-coloured long shorts. There are also side roads of new (and pretty cheap) apartments on the other side of the road, leading out of town – though they are unlikely to be of great appeal to foreign buyers.

Instead, Tarifa’s real appeal lies within its historic gate which you walk through to enter another world of hilly cobbled backstreets, trendy Moroccan-style shops and cafes and the main Alameda which is where all nightlife is centred.

This is a tiny town with just 14,000 inhabitants. And although windsurfers are a hardy breed, in winter the place is pretty dead and the winds can seem more than just pleasantly refreshing. However, from April onwards, when temperatures rise again, this is a charming, relaxing retreat where everyone and everything is relaxed. Morocco is only 11km away across the Straits, and on clear days (of which there are many) you can pick out villages in the North African hills opposite.

Tarifa is surrounded by beautiful, wild countryside which provides a haven for all sorts of rare birds and plants. It’s also a great place for horse-riding, cycling and generally soaking up the warm, fresh air.

Apartments in Tarifa’s old town cost from around 180,000 euros, to 250,000 upwards for something which is larger, more modern and has a rooftop terrace with sea views. Townhouses cost from 400,000 euros. There are also some beautiful properties scattered around the surrounding hills.