The Best Breakfast and Brunch Spots in Tarifa, Spain

As its name suggests, late breakfasts are Andrea Brunch’s speciality, with everything from crepes and sandwiches to bowls of fruit and cereals to choose from. Or, for something a bit different, try hummus with dippable fresh vegetables or one of the best cheesecakes in Tarifa. Travellers with lactose and gluten intolerances are especially well catered for at Andrea’s, a popular café in the old town.

Tarifa’s best pastry shop will be irresistible for sweet-toothed travellers visiting Tarifa. Attractively arrayed in the window display is a vast selection of homemade treats, from sumptuous cakes to palmeras – the heart-shaped pastries topped with chocolate that are so popular in Spain. Pizza slices also provide a savoury breakfast or brunch option. Except for a bench outside, it’s take-out only.

To set yourself up for a day on one of Tarifa’s beautiful beaches, head to Café Azul, a vintage-style joint in the heart of the old town. Out of an improbably small kitchen comes everything from tostadas and sandwiches to freshly-squeezed fruit juices and milkshakes. Azul is most famous, though, for its enormous crepes: available with a variety of toppings, they make for a perfect breakfast or brunch.

Situated on a pretty square in the old town, Restaurante Geko serves up a fusion menu of ‘Italian-Tarifeña’ dishes. Its outside terrace is directly in front of the beautiful San Mateo church, providing a great spot to start a day’s sightseeing. Breakfast or brunch options consist of croissants and sweet pastries, both of which can be accompanied by a cup of Geko’s superb coffee.

Banana Republic Café is one of the most cheerful places in Tarifa for breakfast or brunch. In a funky, tropical-themed interior or out on the terrace, you can start your day with a scrumptious tostada of avocado, cream cheese and nutmeg, or a plate of spinach-infused scrambled egg. Customers here also love the selection of freshly-baked bread, as well as the coffee, juices and milkshakes.

Popular beachfront hangout Surla is said to do the best breakfast in Tarifa. Its menu offers a huge range of options for the day’s first meal, from the classic Spanish tostada to an English fry-up. Those wanting a lighter brekkie or brunch can choose from fruit, cereals, fresh juices and smoothies or pancakes. Make sure you’ve worked up an appetite before ordering, as the portions are generous.

For one of the best-value breakfasts or brunches in Tarifa, head to Café 10, where you can enjoy a coffee, tostada and fresh orange juice for just €3.50 before midday. Other popular options here are the crepes and the muesli with fresh fruit and yoghurt. Whatever you choose, enjoy it on a sunny terrace or – on one of Tarifa’s rare sun-free days – a small but welcoming interior.