ION CLUB TARIFA
The Best of Surfing Elements
Location : Tarifa, Spain
Season : 13th March 2024 until 11th January 2025
Opening hours: 10.30am – 7.30pm
July & August : 10.30am – 8.00pm
Tarifa is the wind capital of Europe and is well known amongst water sports enthusiasts. The Andalusian town is located in the heart of the Costa de la Luz, where the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean sea meet, and where Europe and Africa meet through the Strait of Gibraltar. Tarifa became known to european windsurfers in the early 90s. Thanks to its location, it offers wind and sun for almost 300 days a year, making it the best destination in the world for kitesurfing, wingfoil and windsurfing. It is a mecca for all water sports enthusiasts.
There are two prevailing winds in Tarifa, the Levante and the Poniente. The Levante is a warm, dry and strong wind from the east that can reach 30 to 40 knots. The Poniente, on the other hand, blows in the opposite direction, i.e. from the west and is a weaker, cooler, wetter wind that comes from the ocean, i.e. side-onshore wind. The combination of these two winds makes the city and its surroundings an ideal playground for those who want to enjoy wind and waves. As you can see, Tarifa is a paradise for kitesurfing, windsurfing and wingfoiling.
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A WORD FROM THE MANAGER
Whatever the month of the year, you will always find something to do around Tarifa, on the water or on land. The beauty of the landscape allows for beautiful walks, climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, or simply enjoying a day at the beach admiring the horizon, and even whale watching in spring-summer on a boat trip. In the evening there are many authentic restaurants and tapas bars open, but before that don’t miss the famous sunsets from one of the beaches between the town of Tarifa and Valdevaqueros. Good Spanish food and wine, the kindness of the locals, the ocean, the sun and the wind make Tarifa a must for every kitesurfer, windsurfer and wingfoiler.
We have two ION CLUB centers in Spain. One in the north of the country, in the Gulf of Rosas, and the ION CLUB Tarifa, which is located in the south of the Iberian Peninsula on the beautiful sandy beach of Valdevaqueros, only 10 kilometers from the town of Tarifa. It is the perfect place to sail with Levante or Poniente which are the two main winds of the region. At the end of the beach there is a sand dune which ensures great security for kite, windsurf and wingfoil enthusiasts. The Levante is a side-offshore wind, which comes slightly from the land.
Our international team is here to help you get started or to progress and become addicted to windsurfing, kitesurfing and wingfoiling. If the wind is not blowing you can use a stand up paddle from the club to take a ride on the water, or a surfboard if the waves pick up. Enjoy the calm before the wind comes back in force!
After your session, chill out in our little lounge area set up especially for our visitors, or enjoy a delicious dish with a cocktail in front of the sunset at Chef Dani Garcia’s 3✶ Michelin restaurant BIBO, right next to the ION CLUB Tarifa center.
MIRCO BERTARELLI
DISCOVER the best spots in tarifa
Tarifa is located at the southern tip of the European continent, where the Strait of Gibraltar and the African coast are so close that they almost touch. Only 14 kilometers separate them at the narrowest point. Due to the presence of the strait, the winds gain extra strength and acceleration, easily reaching 40 knots on the windiest days. Tarifa is without a doubt the best kitesurfing spot in Spain and one of the best spots in Europe for the sports we love such as windsurfing, wingfoil and kiteboarding, with a wind guarantee close to 100%.
VALDEVAQUEROS
The ION CLUB Tarifa center is located in front of the Valdevaqueros spot on a beautiful sandy beach. It is the windiest spot in the area. It is quite close to the huge sand dune and is surrounded by lush vegetation. ION CLUB Tarifa is a kitesurfing, windsurfing and wingfoil center, where all three activities are taught with ease since the shape of the bay makes it a safe and reassuring spot, no matter what your level of riding is. It is also a safe spot on Levante days because in case of difficulty returning to the beach you will drift towards the dune. On the other hand, the town hall has a rescue boat available to everyone and free of charge, always ready to bring you back in case of an incident. During the winter period, there is sometimes a shorebreak when the Poniente blows, and it is therefore more difficult to get into the water when you are a beginner. Beginner courses are obviously dependent on wind conditions and cannot be guaranteed. The safety of our students and those who rent our kite, wing and windsurf equipment is the priority at ION CLUB. Stand up paddle rental is also available.
Surfing in Tarifa is also possible at Punta Paloma, a little bit after the famous dune of the playa de Valdevaqueros. You need to wear slippers to go surfing because of the rocky slab at the bottom of the water.
MECA CAVES FOR WIND AND WAVES
Located at about 60 km from Tarifa, the spot of Los Caños de Meca offers the best conditions for surfing the waves on the Costa de la Luz, mainly in spring and summer. Our ION CLUB Tarifa center can organize transfers to Los Caños de Meca when the conditions are right and can take the rented club equipment there. The closest spot to the village is primarily a place for windsurfing, and the launch is on a rocky slab. Kitesurfers and wingfoilers rather sail on the beach towards the lighthouse of Trafalgar.
EL PALMAR FOR SURFING
The village of El Palmar, located a few kilometers after Los Caños de Meca, and thus an hour away from Tarifa, welcomes surfers. The spot offers many peaks and there are waves for everyone and for all levels. There is not much wind, but the waves are worth surfing!
BEST PERIODS
April, May, June, July, August, September, October
WIND
During the spring and summer months the prevailing wind is the Levante which comes from the east. It is an onshore/side-offshore wind blowing from the left when looking at the ocean. In autumn and winter the Poniente shows up a little more, and this wind comes from the west, so it is a side-onshore wind blowing from the right, and it increases the height and power of the waves.
WAVES
Small swell, chop and also flat water in summer, and a good swell in fall - winter thanks to the Poniente.
CURRENT WEATHER
HOW TO GET TO ION CLUB TARIFA?
From Tarifa to ION CLUB
Leave the town of Tarifa at the roundabout near the Mercadona and Dia supermarkets. To reach the N340, take the left turn, in the direction of Cadiz.
Stay on this road for about 10-12 minutes. You will pass a gas station on your right, and a little further on the Hurricane Hotel on your left. The mountains are still on your right and the ocean on your left.
Continue driving almost to the end of the coast, and just before the dune, just after the yellow restaurant and the black house "ZERO 9", turn left before the next bend. Continue to the beach parking lot of the ION CLUB Tarifa center and the BiBo Beach House in front of you.
From Jerez to Tarifa
Follow the A-381 towards the A-390 for about 24 km and take exit 24, then leave the A-381. Then take the A-396 towards the N-340/E5 for about 22 km, then finally turn left onto the N-340/E5 (follow the signs for "Tarifa/Algeciras") and continue driving for about 40 km. Once you have passed the village of Facinas, just before Tarifa, you will see signs for "Punta Paloma" on the right. Continue driving for another kilometer and just before the restaurant ZERO 9, turn right and continue to the beach parking. Our center is located right next to the BiBo Beach House bar and restaurant.
From Malaga to Tarifa
A rental car is highly recommended to get from the airport to Tarifa, and will come in handy during your trip.
Leaving the airport in Malaga, take the AP-7 highway to Algeciras/Cadiz as the fastest route. It shortens the trip considerably compared to the national road, which takes about 35 minutes longer.
After passing Algeciras, continue towards Cádiz on the N-340, passing through the village of Pelayo, in the mountains. After about 20 km you will see Tarifa.
To get to the center, pass the town of Tarifa, then a gas station 1 km further on your right hand side on the mountain side, a little further the Hurricane hotel on your left hand side on the ocean side, and finally, about 3 more km, you will see the Camping Valdevaqueros. Continue driving for 200 meters and just after the restaurant "ZERO 9", turn left and continue to the beach parking lot. Our center is located right next to the BiBo Beach House.
It is also possible to land in Seville, but it takes ½ hour longer to get to Tarifa, i.e. 2h15 instead of 1h45 from Malaga airport to Tarifa.
#WEMOVED
N-340, Km. 76, 6, 11380 Casas de Porro, Cádiz, Spain
WHAT TO DO AROUND TARIFA?
VISIT THE RUINS OF BOLONIA
Baelo Claudia is one of the best known and best preserved Roman archaeological sites in Andalusia. The extensive ruins are located on the Costa de la Luz, about 15 km north of Tarifa, near the village of Bolonia and its beautiful beach. This historical place was an ancient city on the trade routes between Europe and North Africa. Baelo Claudia has taken advantage of the proximity between the cities of Tarifa in Spain and Tangier in Morocco, as the Strait of Gibraltar is only 14 km wide between the two port cities. The remains of the impressive temple, the forum, the basilica, the baths, the aqueduct and the large fish salting plant in particular, are all visible today and give a glimpse of the former glory of the city and its region.
WHALE WATCHING : GIBRALTAR
A wonderful opportunity to get up close to whales, dolphins and other marine mammals in their natural habitat.
The Strait of Gibraltar has a very high concentration of marine mammals, especially offshore a few kilometers from the coast. You can observe the largest species here, such as the whale and sperm whale.
From mid-July to mid-September, orcas are more numerous in the Strait of Gibraltar because they hunt tuna which pass through there at this time of the year to reach the Atlantic Ocean. ION CLUB Tarifa can organize on request an excursion on board a sailboat or a stand up paddle across the strait. Don’t miss this opportunity to live an unforgettable experience!.
VEJER DE LA FRONTERA
“Pueblo blanco” is what the Andalusians call the typical white village of Vejer de la Frontera, located on top of a hill. Visiting it is almost a priority during your trip … you won’t be disappointed! The most spectacular arrival is through La Barca de Vejer, at the bottom of the hill. From there, take the steep road up and go straight to the Plaza de España, probably one of the prettiest town squares in Spain. Shaded by tall palm trees, it has a beautiful old fountain with traditional Andalusian ceramic frogs, projecting water upwards. If you are lucky, park the car in the square or nearby. If not, try the road that leads to this very square and then walk. From the square, walk under the arch into the old walled town. This beautiful village is a magical place to explore, discover, and enjoy its quiet cobblestone streets and secret corners full of hidden patios and charming Andalusian houses.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
International Customer Service Live Chat
Monday to Friday, 09.30 - 18.00
FAQ
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Tarifa Center
International Bookings
Monday to Friday, 09.30 - 14.00
+49(881) 9254960
bookings@ion-club.net
A story of pioneer since 1985
YEARS EXPERIENCE
Destinations
CENTERS
Sports
YEARS EXPERIENCE
Destinations
CENTERS
SPORTS
The story of the ION CLUB tells of people who have turned their passion for windsurfing and kitesurfing into a profession. Since its founding in 1985, customer orientation, team spirit, innovation and professionalism have been the top priorities of our corporate philosophy.
The ION CLUB / Club Mistral has gained a lot of experience in the 39 years of its existence and has developed more and more into a company that focuses on communicating with guests and fulfilling their needs and wishes.
With 16 water sports schools worldwide, we are one of the leading companies in this field. ION CLUB has a network of international partners in different countries. We strive to be international and multicultural and express this through the selection of our employees, who currently come from 24 different countries.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Courses
IS KITESURFING ACCESSIBLE TO EVERYONE ?
Yes, like all sports, you have to be in good shape. Children must be a minimum of 12 years old in order to take part.
HOW MANY LESSONS DO I NEED TO LEARN KITESURFING (TOTAL BEGINNER)?
On average 12 hours.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING FOR MY KITE / WINDSURF / WINGFOIL LESSONS?
Included in the course: wetsuit, harness, leash, vest and helmet.
WHAT LANGUAGES DO YOUR INSTRUCTORS SPEAK?
English, Spanish, Italian, French and German.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I PAY FOR THE LESSON IN ADVANCE BUT THERE IS NO WIND?
At the time of your departure, the center will take stock of the situation and you will be issued with an ION CLUB credit note corresponding to the number of hours not taken, valid for all ION CLUB destinations for 24 months.
CENTRE
IS IT POSSIBLE TO PAY BY CARD?
Yes
CAN WE WITHDRAW MONEY?
Yes, in town
Is there WIFI?
Yes
WHAT WINDLESS ACTIVITIES DO YOU PROPOSE ?
SURF & SUP.
DO YOU SUPERVISE THE CHILDREN ?
No.
IS THERE FOOD AND DRINK AVAILABLE NEAR THE CENTER?
Yes.
RENTAL
DO I NEED TO RESERVE EQUIPMENT IN ADVANCE?
It is recommended.
DO I NEED INSURANCE FOR THE EQUIPMENT?
It is recommended.
WHAT DOES A RENTAL INCLUDE?
Complete equipment + wetsuit, harness, leash, helmet, vest.
DO I NEED TO BRING MY OWN WETSUIT AND HARNESS?
It is recommended if you rent your equipment.
CAN I STORE MY OWN EQUIPMENT AT YOUR CENTER?
No.
CAN I RENT EQUIPMENT AND GO TO ANOTHER PLACE?
Yes.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I PAY THE RENTAL IN ADVANCE BUT THERE IS NO WIND?
You can use the SUP & SURF boards available at the center, without extra charge.
DO YOU HAVE A LIFEBOAT?
Yes
SPOT
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO KITE IN Tarifa?
Tarifa offers good conditions all year around, but from March to November the conditions are best.
WHERE CAN I CHECK THE WIND CONDITIONS?
On “Current Weather” on this page thanks to our webcam or weather station or via Windguru.
DO I NEED BOOTIES ON THE SPOT?
No
WHAT THICKNESS OF SUIT IS RECOMMENDED?
In winter, 4/3 or 5/4. In summer, 3/2 or shorty are sufficient.
EQUIPMENT
WHAT DOES THE EQUIPMENT BREAKAGE INSURANCE COVER ?
It protects your rental equipment against possible damage. However, it does not cover loss of equipment, or damage caused by any negligence on your part.
CAN I LEAVE MY PERSONAL BELONGINGS AT THE CENTER ALL DAY?
Yes, lockers are available.