Tarifa has a charming old centre, consisting of a maze of whitewashed alleyways enclosed by 13th century walls. The main gate to the town, the Puerta de Jerez, was built after the Christian reconquest. One of the Tarifa's biggest attractions is the Castle of Guzman El Bueno, which is at the centre of a fascinating, yet gruesome tale. During the siege of 1292 the Moors captured the young son of the Christian commander Alonso Perez de Guzman, and threatened to kill the boy if his father didn't surrender the keys to the castle. Guzman refused but then had to look on helplessly as his enemy murdered his child. After making this extreme personal sacrifice, Guzman managed to defend Tarifa and the Moors were forced to retreat. Other attractions in the old town include the church of San Mateo which dates from the 15th century, and the Mirador de Miramar which offers great views of the Moroccan Rif mountains.

To the west of the town centre is Tarifa's main beach, the Playa de los Lances, which stretches for over 10km towards the huge sand dunes at Punta Paloma. The beach is a magnet for gulls and waders during the winter months, but it’s better known as a prime spot for many windsurfers and kite surfers. Due to the strong sea breezes which are common on this stretch of coast, Playa de los Lances is not well-suited to sunbathers, although there are more sheltered beaches, such as the small Playa Chicitita. Another water sport that's popular in Tarifa is scuba diving. Although there are some strong currents, the visibility is good and there is a wealth of marine life to enjoy, including rays, eels, lobsters and spider crabs.

Tarifa is also a good base for whale and dolphin-watching trips, with several companies offering these rewarding excursions. Because of the town's proximity to Africa, which is only about 8 miles away, there is a fast catamaran service from Tarifa to the Moroccan city of Tangiers.

One of the most popular hangouts in Tarifa is the Cafe Central, which usually attracts a young crowd during the evening. There are several other fine bars in this part of the old town. Tarifa has a thriving restaurant scene offering a wide variety of menus, with everything from Greek and Italian to Mexican and African. Fiestas are an important part of the Tarifa calendar; notable celebrations include the February carnival and the Fiesta de la Virgen de Luz in September, which culminates in a traditional procession of horses through the town.

Tarifa's bus station is situated in calle Batalla del Salado, and there are services from here to Madrid and Algeciras. The town is extremely popular during July and August, so if you are planning to stay here during those months, it is advisable to book your accommodation in advance.