From the kite surfers paradise of Tarifa, to the sherry loving Jerez

Leaving Gibraltar we went west 50kms around the coast to Tarifa. Just 11km across the Straits of Gibraltar at its narrowest point, Punta de Tarifa is the southernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula and continental Europe, and marks the geographical division between the Atlantic Ocean (to the west) and Mediterranean Sea (to the east).

Looking towards Punta de Tarifa, with views  across the Rif mountains of Africa across the water - Mel is searching for them through the haze!

It is a very windy corner of Spain and is the world's most popular destination for wind sports.  Walking across the causeway to the point we struggled to stay on our feet, as we got battered with the wind, sea spray and sand.

As far as you can walk out on the tip.   The island  (Isla de las Palomas) at the end is blocked off by a rusty iron gate with restricted access.

At the end of the Punta de Tarifa is Isla de las Palomas, once a military base. You can peer through rusty old gates and make out some of the military remains and a lighthouse.

Down at the beach where all the kite surfers congregate.

This Little fishing town was the first point of the Morrish invasion of Southern Spain in AD711,   It was lovely strolling around the narrow cobbled streets of this ancient old town, but unfortunately in parts it looked like it was lacking a bit of love and financial investment.

Castle of Guzman El Bueno (originally built as an alcaxar in 960AD to protect Tarifa against raids from Africa) and statue of King Sancho IV, who reconquered Tarifa from the Moors in 1292

Castillo de Santa Catalina built as an observation tower in 1931 with its Gothic/Islamic style arches and balconies -  with its WWII bunkers below.

Leaving Tarifa we headed north for Jerez- the sherry capital of Andalucía.

About 8kms west from Tarifa is a popular area for bird watchers, especially this time of year when flocks of birds return to Europe from Africa.  We noticed lots of motorhomers wildcamping around this area, for us though it was too windy for us to want to stay. Winds batter this area for nearly 300 days of the year – the Levante (easterly wind from Africa) and the Poniente (westerly wind from the Atlantic). 
The roadside most of the way from Tarifa to Jerez was lined with wind turbines as far as the eye can see, due to its unique wind conditions on this coastline.

The Aire (N36.71329 W6.10948) is about 5km from the town, next to a motorhome dealers.  We stopped here last year, and it’s the nearest place to stay overnight.  For €15 it has everything (electric, water, showers/toilets), there is also a well stocked motorhome shop and laundry. Plus, you even got a free sherry on arrival - perfet!   It was then time for a little bit of tapas 'Harrison style' in the motorhome before a walk into Jerez.  Scraping  the barrel a bit I know, but it was all we had in!

The Alcázar - an 11^th-12^th century fortress - a good spot to chill and for views across the city.

The cathedral, which dates back to 1264.  It’s €5 to go in, we went in last year so gave it a miss this time but it is well worth it to see all the paintings and artifacts.

Outside Jerez Cathedral

The ornate San Miguel church

Another worthwhile visit is to the Bodegas Tio Pepe, which we did last year. The tour lasts about 1 ½ hours and you hop on and off a train to take you round all the cellars. You can then do some sherry tasting and tapas.  For more info see my last year’s blog: Jerez de La Fronteria – Sherry Land! [link]

Statue of Tio Pepe

 Weather vane that can be seen from the Alcazar, which according the Guinness Book of Records is the biggest in the world

Plaza del Mamelon, with its bronzed horse statue

Time for a quick beer before getting the bus back to the Aire.

From Jerez it was back to Punta Umbría to drop off Adam’s Morrisons Gibraltar shopping!  We plan to stop with him and Melissa for a few days before heading back up into the mountains of Aracena.

Sally x