Tarifa has ideal conditions for kite surfing, windsurfing, and sailing, and you can try your hand at other aquatic activities like surfing, scuba diving and whale watching. For those more comfortable on land, there are opportunities for horseback riding, bird watching, and visiting historic buildings and ruins. Tarifa also has cheap and convenient ferries to Tangier for those who want to experience the Moroccan souks.

Spanish is the official language, but English is widely understood in areas frequented by tourists. Catalan, Galician and Basque are spoken in the relevant areas.

Spain's official currency is the Euro (EUR). One Euro is divided into 100 cents. Money can be exchanged at bureaux de change and major hotels, but banks give the best rates. All major credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are widespread and are generally the cheapest and most convenient method of obtaining money.

Tarifa is a very windy holiday resort, perfect for kite surfing and windsurfing, but not ideal for those looking for relaxing days on the beach.

Tarifa's nightlife is constantly buzzing. The city's bars are busy with the after-dinner crowd from 9am until 3am when they are forced to close by law. Popular options include Bar Almedina, which is set into the historic city wall, and the stylish Cafe del Mar Tarifa. The clubs take over where the bars leave off, carrying on until around 8am. These include the youth-oriented house venue Club New Rif, the historic La Ruina, and the stylish Carpe Diem. Tarifa attracts great live music as well, including Flamenco, samba, jazz, and its own particular brand of hip hop. Many of the hotel bars host live music performances.

Eating out in Tarifa is an adventure of Andalusian food, as the city has a mix of traditional restaurants, tapas bars, and cafes in addition to more cosmopolitan options like Italian, Moroccan, and French eateries. For the most authentic experience, simply wander through the old town and enjoy the local tapas and jerez (sherry). Cafe Azul, Cafe Mogador, Casa Juan Luis and La Trattoria are a few of Tarifa's most recommended eateries for holiday visitors, or try the hidden gem of Quattro Esquinas.

When it's time for shopping in Tarifa there are a fair amount of many options to choose from, but many of the shops lack variety. The old town has a number of small boutiques and a multitude of surf shops selling all the latest name brands. The old town also has an indoor market where you can by fresh produce and other food including the catch, or catches, of the day in the outdoor area. The modern market on Tuesday mornings, it stocks tourist souvenirs, artwork, handicrafts and ceramics. You'll find many Tarifa souvenirs echo the region's Moorish heritage, with Moroccan lamps, pillows, shoes and linens all being popular gifts.

Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October). The Canary Islands: GMT (GMT +1 in summer).