Playa Los Lances

A vast curving section of pale sand running for seven kilometres in length and with an average width of 120 metres, Playa Los Lances is one of the largest and most impressive beaches in the region. Starting within the city limits of Tarifa, where it is known as Los Lances Sur (or South), it continues west all the way to the protected landscape of Parque Natural del Estrecho. Here it takes the name Los Lances Norte (North). The two sections of the beach are separated by the Rio Jara.

The southern end of Playa Los Lances is reserved for bathing alone. At this end visitors will also find a promenade of roughly 300 metres in length that offers a range of bars, cafes, and chiringuitos to choose between for sustenance either before or after time on the beach.

The northern end of the beach is altogether more rugged, and interspersed with some rocks. Here there are designated zones laid out for both bathing and water sports, with kitesurfing one of the most popular pastimes. The beach’s position on Spain’s Atlantic coast mean conditions for kitesurfing are good pretty much all year round. There are several surf schools for those who want to give it a go for the first time, or fancy getting back into the harness after some time away.

The other main feature Playa Los Lances is known for is the gathering of birds here as they wait to cross the Strait of Gibraltar to Africa. The beach has views of both, and in turn attracts birds of prey including kites, eagles and Egyptian vultures.