Tarifa: Levante vs Poniente and Where to Ride in Each

Levante: east, strong, gusty

Levante blows from the east. It funnels through the Strait, gets stronger as it squeezes through, and can last several days in a row, normally 15–30 kn with higher peaks. It is the classic Tarifa wind for experienced riders, who go to Valdevaqueros, where it comes in side-shore to side-off and gusty beside the dune, so only go if you are comfortable riding upwind without thinking. At Los Lances the same Levante is even more side-off: leave it to confident riders.

Poniente: west, cleaner, friendlier

Poniente blows from the west. It is cooler, cleaner and usually lighter, around 8–20 kn, with fewer gusts. It suits intermediate riders and learners. At Los Lances it comes in side-onshore with a small wave to jump, which makes it the friendliest place in Tarifa, though the Atlantic swell also arrives bigger on this wind.

What is between them

Winds do not switch on and off. A flat day usually means the wind is in transition between the two. Check the forecast table on our spot pages: when all five models agree, the call is easy; when they disagree, look at the live stations before you drive to the beach.

Summer kite zones

From 15 June to 15 September Tarifa has summer kite zones, and Los Lances Sur is closed to kites in summer. Rules are enforced, so check the current local map and signs.

Which beach?

• Valdevaqueros: the classic, strong Levante, plenty of space.
• Los Lances: long, open beach for both winds and a lot of schools. In summer, check the zone.
• Everyone else: Tarifa is windy most days of the year, and if one side is off, the Canaries might not be.