An articolo from dott.ssa Daniela Francesca in Bruxelles ....
http://www.thebrusselsconnection.be/tbc/?page=detail&id=179&root=63
Tarifa - The perfect mix for summer fun
For water sports fanatics or nature lovers looking for a warm vacation or just an escape from the Brussels' dreary climate, Tarifa is just a short two hour flight away.
-By Daniela Coleman
Located in Andalucia, at the Southernmost tip of Europe in Spain, where the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic meet, it is just 11 km across the Straits of Gibraltar at its narrowest point. Moreover, Africa lies only 14 kilometres away and can be reached by ferries that depart daily.
This little fishing town was the first point of the Moorish invasion of Southern Spain in AD711. In 1295, Guzman El Bueno defended the town against the invading Moors. Although the original city walls of this ancient town are tightly woven in with the more modern whitewashed houses, much of what tourists see was constructed in the 18th Century.
Today, Tarifa is home to some of the best kite and windsurfing in Europe, with numerous schools lining the beaches. (See www.tarifa.net for a list of schools). However, if windsurfing is not your thing, there are still other sites to see, besides the beaches. The fifteenth-century, Baroque-fronted church of San Mateo has a beautiful late Gothic interior. The Arab Castle of Guzman the Bueno, dating back to 960 AD, is also open to visitors. Also, outside the Jerez Gate on the main street called Batalla del Salado, there are many trendy surf and clothing shops
In addition to a little sightseeing whale and dolphin spotting excursions to the Strait of Gibraltar have become a popular attraction in Tarifa, with trips leaving daily from the harbour.
On a side note, visitors will also be interested in knowing that in the best selling book 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coehlo, the little shepherd boy visits Tarifa on his way to Morocco.
To summarize: for a relaxing, sporty and not too expensive escape, Tarifa offers just the right mix of fun. A word of advice, though-- the sun is strong ( I managed to get burned while wearing 40+ UVA) and the roaring winds take some getting used to!
-Daniela Coleman
Daniela,
You've re-ignited my desire to visit Andalucia. Vamos a ver.
Jacqui
Posted by: jacqueline Sergio | January 14, 2007 at 08:22 AM