Nature Tarifa : National parks, wild life, Parco Nacional Alcornocales, trekking trails

Tarifa's nature and wild life

Nature in Tarifa
How to find your ideal Nature in Tarifa...

With such a unique positioning, the intersection of two continents and two seas with such different characteristics it is not hard to understand why the territory is so particular and different to its surrounding territories to say the least. The local microclimate, mild throughout the year, the ever blowing winds, which reach incredible forces at times, have shaped the landscape for good.

Andalucia is mostly dry and hot, just ask people living in Algeciras a mere 20km away. Tarifa however, also thanks to its mountain ranges facing the Ocean, often causes cloud formation and frequent precipitation. It could be sunny at the beach and raining in the mountains and still be in Tarifa. Having said this I do not want to hide the chronic water shortage problem Tarifa shares with the rest of southern Spain but that Tarifa could be considered luckier than most of its neighbours. The ever growing population, specially the demographic explosion it endures each summer makes a considerate use of water vital.

Nevertheless to stay on a brighter tone these conditions leave the territory and its views breathtaking. Find out about the national park its natural habitat and animal life, and all the activities which may be carried out.

The marine currents are powerful and flow in and out of the Mediterranean. This enhances the interchange of living organisms, enriching both the fauna and the vegetation of the Cadiz waters. The same currents which differ in both temperature, salt contents, and hence the diversity of the sea beds off the coast, increases the variety of habitats and increase the number of its cetaceans and other fish.
Its geographic position, the coast around the strait, is a convergence zone of different migration routes, both of terrestrial and aerial. This, of course, applies to its marine life too, where abundant different fishes and cetaceans move seasonally from one sea to the other to spawn.

Trips are organised from Tarifa to see whales and other cetaceans all year round.

Anybody sailing or accessing the sea must take into account its currents, and although the tides are negligible in most periods the current strength and direction changes swiftly. This can be seen in clam days where the water appears to be bubbling in restricted areas.

Despite having strong currents many places remain protected and the rocky bed keeps the water extremely clear. Ideal for scuba divers nevertheless care should be taken
Nature in Tarifa complete list follows. On line reservation of Nature in Tarifa is possible where (R) is shown.
on the beach
Nature in Tarifa Acornocales National park
Nature in Tarifa close to the city centre
Nature in Tarifa in the mountains quiet and secluded
Nature in Tarifa with its oak trees and wild animals
Nature in Tarifa Natural Park
Nature in Tarifa ideal for trekking and mountain bike
Nature in Tarifa bird watching
Nature in Tarifa rock climbing

Nature in Tarifa National Geographic

Tarifa transformed from a strategic military fortress to a remote fishing town, and today tourism flourishes in this melting pot of cultures.
Every population which either settled or passed by has left its imprint. This is evident from the traces of ancient Rome to the modern windsurfing culture although Tarifa's Moorish style is still predominant with its medina (old city centre).
This modern transformation, which avoided the mistakes made by the much of the mass Spanish tourism of the 60’s, has reinvented itself by beautifully blending its Hotelss and other accommodation facilities both along its virgin coastline and within the old city walls.
These pages contain all the information you need to plan your visit. You will find advice on all the activities available. There's more to Tarifa than mesmerising on the beautiful beach!