Santa Catalina Castle, Tarifa (Spain).
Santa Catalina Castle is one of Tarifa’s most recognizable landmarks, proudly standing on a small hill overlooking both the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. Though it looks like a centuries-old fortress, this eye-catching structure was actually built in 1931 as an observation post, styled to resemble a 16th-century castle.
Its design blends fantasy with function. The large, somewhat exaggerated observation tower—with its distinctive mudejar-style arches and corner balconies—gives the building a unique, almost surreal appearance. Over time, this unusual silhouette has become a beloved symbol of the town.
The castle’s location is no accident. From its hilltop perch, it commands sweeping views over Playa Chica, the causeway to Isla de las Palomas, and the vast stretch of Playa de los Lances. For centuries, this spot has been of strategic importance, linking Europe and Africa, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.
While the site itself has an older history—including a 16th-century chapel, a quarantine station during a plague, and a Napoleonic-era fort—the current building was part of a 20th-century plan by the Spanish Navy. Originally intended to house an optical signaling system, it was completed but never equipped for that purpose. Later, it served as a military post and weather station before falling into disuse.
Today, although the interior is closed to the public, Santa Catalina Castle remains a striking presence. Locals and visitors alike are drawn to its timeless silhouette and the spectacular panoramic views just outside its gates.