At the tip of Southern Spain lies Tarifa, a hidden gem filled with sun-kissed sandy beaches, crumbling Roman ruins and a fascinating mix of Spanish and Moroccan influences.
Backpackers flock to Tarifa for a taste of its laid-back vibe, stunning beaches, and perfect conditions for kite-surfing. It’s a place where adventure meets chill, with the wind blowing in just the right way for water sports enthusiasts.
But it’s not just about the kiting; Tarifa’s quirky streets, great food, and chilled-out atmosphere make it a solid base for those looking to escape the usual tourist traps.
But with such a hidden gem, hunting for hostels in Tarifa can quickly feel like a mission. Lucky for you, I’ve done the hard yards, hunting down the best hostels in Tarifa so you don’t have to.
Book that hostel ASAP so you can get to the stuff that really matters—riding those sweet, sweet waves.
Let’s dive in.
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Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Tarifa
- Best Overall Hostel in Tarifa – Ohana Tarifa Hostel
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Tarifa – Tarifa Kite Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in Tarifa – Wild House Tarifa
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Tarifa – La Cocotera Boutique Hostel & Coworking
The 4 Best Hostels in Tarifa
Here it is—the ultimate roundup of Tarifa’s hostels, tailored to fit every travel style. Choosing your spot just got way simpler, so you can dive into beach adventures without wasting time.
1. Ohana Tarifa Hostel – Best Overall Hostel in Tarifa
- Dorm (mixed): From $21
- Address: Trafalgar 4, Tarifa, Tarifa, Spain
Putting you right by Plaza de Santa María and the Estrecho Natural Park, Ohana Tarifa Hostel is the best place in Tarifa for backpackers to base themselves! Not only does the location put you right by all the best sights, bars, and shops, but this youth hostel will also show you the time of your life! With an onsite bar and a cafe, you can kick back and hang out with other backpackers in Spain with a drink in hand!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Chill Vibes
- On-site Kite Surfing School
- Dorms With Privacy Curtains
You can’t fault them for the amenities here: The rooms are big and clean and the beds private and comfortable. The kitchen has everything you could possibly need as well as being pristine. The bathrooms are also spotless despite the central location to the beach. No sand pits here!
Want to hit the waves? Ohana Tarifa also has a kite surfing school and scuba diving facilities, so you can explore the Mediterranean any way you want! With a cheap breakfast served every morning in the cafe and laid-back vibes, there’s no better hostel to call home in Tarifa than the Ohana Tarifa Hostel!
2. Tarifa Kite Hostel – Best Hostel in Tarifa for Solo Travellers
- Dorm (mixed): From $124 (4 night-stay)
- Address: Amador de los Rios, 9, 11380 Tarifa, Spain
Tarifa Kite Hostel is the ultimate base for anyone rolling into town with kitesurfing on their mind or just looking for a laid-back, social vibe. Smack bang at the gateway to the old town, it’s in prime position for exploring Tarifa’s charming streets or hitting the beach. The team here keeps the place spotless, runs the show with zero fuss, and are always up for a laugh or to dish out insider tips.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Friendly Staff
- Clean and Modern Amenities
- Chill but Social Vibe
There’s a roof terrace where you can kick back with a drink, a kitchen that’s fully equipped to handle your best attempt at ‘hostel gourmet,’ and some seriously cosy shared spaces. The living areas are roomy enough for a group hang, the garden is a suntrap, and each dorm bed comes with curtains for a bit of privacy.
What makes this hostel next-level, though, is the people. It’s a magnet for kitesurfers, whether you’re a seasoned wave chaser or a newbie. The crew here makes it easy to connect, swap stories, and head out together to Tarifa’s epic kiting spots. Even if you’re not into the sport, the friendly, chilled-out vibe will have you feeling right at home. This is the kind of place where you come for the kitesurfing but stay for the vibe.
3. Wild House Tarifa – Best Cheap Hostel in Tarifa
- Dorm (mixed): From $23
- Address: Carretera Nacional 340, Km 77,5 Finca LA Herrumbrosa, Tarifa, Spain
We all know that travelling in Spain isn’t always cheap. So, let me help you help yourself by checking into Wild House Tarifa. This hotel may have the most affordable beds in town. They also pack quite a punch when it comes to all the extra perks! With an onsite bar and cafe, you can choose to dine in or out while exploring Tarifa.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Super Social
- Fully Equipped Kitchen
- Close to the Beach
Vivien is welcoming and will make you feel right at home, with some stellar tips. There’s a very nice kitchen and garden, the view is beautiful. Just a heads up that you need to get a cab to go to the town centre as the main road is not easily walkable but if you have a car or are travelling in a group it’s no biggie!
Complete with a lounge and an outdoor terrace, Wilde House Tarifa is one of the best places in town to kick back and chat with other travellers backpacking Europe. Putting you within walking distance of the beach, Wild House Tarifa will help you enjoy Spain to the fullest!
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View on Osprey View on REI4. La Cocotera Boutique Hostel & Coworking – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Tarifa
- Dorm (mixed): From $70 (4 night-stay)
- Address: San Rosendo, 12, 11380 Tarifa, Spain
Are you a digital nomad in Spain needing a hostel to crash at for a few days to catch up on some writing and editing? La Cocotera Boutique Hostel & Coworking was created with remote workers in mind! With ample room to spread out, you can get to work in the spacious lounge or on the roof terrace.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Friendly Staff
- Walking Distance of the Beach
The rooms are spotless, the beds are snug, and those privacy curtains? Absolute lifesavers when you need to recharge after a day of productivity (or procrastination). The location couldn’t be better—nestled right in the heart of the cosy, narrow streets of the old town and just a short stroll from the beach. The location is really safe and whilst parking might be a no-go, who needs a car when you’re this close to everything?
Once you’ve shut the laptop for the day, unwind on the rooftop terrace with stunning views of Tarifa, or let the team help you plan tailor-made tours to explore the area. La Cocotera Boutique Hostel & Coworking is a hub to connect with fellow digital nomads and backpackers, and maybe even find your next adventure buddy.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Tarifa Hostels
Deciding where to stay in Spain can be a real struggle. But when it comes to choosing between Tarifa and another destination, the decision is a no-brainer—there are just too many awesome spots here! If you haven’t found the right hostel for you yet, don’t worry, there are plenty more options waiting for you.
Tarifa Watersports Residence
- Dorm (mixed): From $42 (2-night stay)
- Private Room: From $99 (2-night stay)
- Address: Mar tirreno 28, 11380 Tarifa, Spain
This boutique hostel has a real home away from home vibe—you’ll feel as if you’re staying with a family in Tarifa rather than your average budget hotel. With a shared kitchen, lounge, and even a terrace, you’ll have the option to get some alone time with affordable private rooms or mix with the other guests!
It has a great location being within walking distance to the beach and all of the best restaurants in the town centre. There is a rental place nearby to rent whatever form of transport your heart desires. This place has all-around good vibes, there are always relaxed people around you can go kiting, surfing, for coffee or dinner with.
Wake Up In Tarifa Hostel & Restaurant Lounge
- Address: Plaza de San Hiscio Nº3, Tarifa, Spain
This boutique hostel in Tarifa is beautiful. With its minimalist white walls and pastel colours, you’ll feel like you’re staying in a stylish homestay rather than a run-of-the-mill backpacker’s hostel. The design is just the beginning; Wake Up In Tarifa also has a terrace and a lounge so you can soak up some rays or relax indoors while chatting with other travellers.
There’s a cafe serving meals throughout the day, and every night, you’ll have the choice of going out to eat at one of the many nearby restaurants or staying closer to home to grab a bite! With super chill vibes, Wake Up In Tarifa is one hostel where you can easily extend your stay night after night!
South Hostel Tarifa
For those looking to get a bit wild in Tarifa, look no further than South Hostel Tarifa. Not only will this hostel hook you up with tours of the surrounding countryside and kite surfing lessons, but they will also get the party started every night! You can grab a drink at the onsite bar before heading out to the terrace to catch some live music! Feeling a bit hungry? South Hostel Tarifa has its very own cafe serving up delicious meals every day! No matter if you’re looking to go scuba diving or rock climbing, the adventure starts from South Hostel Tarifa!
Rebels Tarifa Hostel
Picture this: you’re lounging on the rooftop terrace with a cold beer in hand, soaking up some of the best views in Spain. This unique backpacker’s hostel not only has some of the coolest places to kick back and hang out with other travellers, but the design will have you never wanting to leave!
Looking to go out to the beach or hit the waves? Rebels Tarifa Hostel has its very own kite school. Even if you have no experience kite surfing or scuba diving, the staff at Rebels will teach you how to get out there and see Tarifa from a new perspective!
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Tarifa
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Tarifa.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQs About Hostels in Tarifa
Here are some questions backpackers ask about Tarifa hostels.
What to Pack for Your Tarifa Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
Where can I stay in Tarifa for kite surfing?
If you’re hitting Tarifa for some kite-surfing, you’re going to want to stay somewhere that’s close to the action and surrounded by fellow kiters. Tarifa Kite Hostel is the go-to choice, right at the heart of the kite-surfing scene. The vibe is relaxed, and it’s packed with other travellers looking to hit the water.
How much does a hostel cost in Tarifa?
Dormitories in Tarifa costs from $17-$30 per bed. Private rooms aren’t common in hostels but those that have them start as low as $19, but a more exclusive stay costs around at $50.
What are the best hostels in Tarifa for couples?
Couples would surely love the vibes in Tarifa Watersports Residence. It’s a great place to stay with a great location, amazing facilities and you get the best of both worlds with your own private space in the social vibe of a hostel.
Final Thoughts on Tarifa’s Hostels
Step back in time while exploring the ancient castle, Castillo de Guzman el Bueno; find a breathtaking view of the town from Castillo de Santa Catalina, or just enjoy some wine while relaxing at a streetside cafe. This town has a way of making you feel like you’ve stumbled upon something special.
But what really sets the vibe for your Tarifa trip? The hostel you choose. Will you be partying till sunrise or up with the birds, chasing that perfect wave? If you’re still unsure then I’d book in at Ohana Tarifa Hostel. It’s got a little bit of something for everyone, whether you’re here to kite-surf, scuba dive or just live your best beach bum life.
Book your hostel, grab your gear, and dive into the wild adventure that is Tarifa. Enjoy the ride, my friends!
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Spain for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Spain covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Spain if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Spain before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for Spain to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Europe backpacking guide.
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