Kampaoh Tarifa

Right on the tip of southern Europe, Tarifa sits in El Estrecho Natural Park, known for its birdwatching habitats (it’s on the migration route between Europe and Africa) and archaeological sites like the former Roman city of Baelo Claudia (20 minutes’ drive), where you can still see temple columns, gently crumbling statues and the remains of the forum. Thanks to the strong winds that blow in these parts, Tarifa is one of the world’s meccas of wind-powered water sports. If that’s not for you, join a whale-spotting cruise from Tarifa’s port (10 minutes) or leave Europe altogether by taking a day trip to Tangier (35 minutes by ferry) to tour the Grand Mosque and ancient Medina. Gibraltar (an hour) also rewards a day trip to spy Barbary apes in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, go underground to see the spectacular limestone formations in St Michael’s Cave or get lost in the labyrinthine 18th-century Great Siege Tunnels. Test your head for heights with a ride to the top of the Rock on the Gibraltar Cable Car, or take a stroll (if you dare) on the glass-floored Skywalk, 1,115 feet above the Mediterranean.