Tangier

Morocco's gateway between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, 14 km from Europe

Tangier is the Moroccan city closest to Europe: the Strait of Gibraltar is only 14 kilometres wide at its narrowest point. The medina and kasbah overlook the bay, the seafront has been fully redeveloped, and the Al Boraq high-speed train links the city to Rabat and Casablanca. Allow two to three days for the city and its surroundings before heading on to Tetouan and Chefchaouen.

Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
Best season: May – Oct
Budget per day: from 400 MAD
Region: Northern Morocco
Travel style: Culture, Food, Couple, Nightlife
Best for: A first taste of the north, a city break, or the start of a road trip to Tetouan and Chefchaouen

Why go

A city between two seas, with beaches on both the Mediterranean and Atlantic sides
A kasbah and medina rich in history, landmark cafés and an active art scene
Quick access by high-speed train from Casablanca and Rabat, and by ferry from Spain
The natural starting point for Asilah, Tetouan and Chefchaouen

Beaches

Tangier has the rare advantage of beaches on both sides: Atlantic to the west, Mediterranean to the east.

Achakar beaches
Long Atlantic beaches south of Cape Spartel, exposed to wind and waves.
Mediterranean coast toward Ksar Sghir
East of the city, more sheltered coves along the Strait road.

Things to see

Kasbah and Kasbah Museum
The former sultan's palace at the top of the medina. Nearby terraces look out over the Strait.
Grand Socco and the medina
Grand Socco square marks the entrance to the medina. Petit Socco, further down, keeps its historic cafés.
Cape Spartel
A lighthouse on the north-western tip of Africa, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean.
Caves of Hercules
A cave opening onto the ocean, a few minutes from Cape Spartel. Best visited early.

On the map

Things to do

Tea at Café Hafa
Tiered terraces facing the Strait, open since 1921. Best in the late afternoon.
Walk the corniche
The promenade follows the bay to the new marina, lined with cafés.
A day in Asilah
A small walled town with white walls and murals, south along the Atlantic coast.

Food

Fish and seafood, bissara (fava bean soup) for breakfast, Andalusian-influenced pastries and very sweet mint tea.

Where to eat

Petit Socco
Historic cafés for watching medina life.
Port and marina
Fish restaurants and newer terraces.

We point to neighbourhoods and types of places; verified partner venues will come later.

Where to stay

Kasbah and medina
Guesthouses with terraces over the Strait, reached on foot only.
Downtown and marina
Modern hotels near the station and the city beach.

Shopping & evenings

Shopping

Designer boutiques in the kasbah, spices and textiles in the medina.

Evenings

Historic downtown bars, rooftops and marina venues in summer.

Day trips

Asilah
Half day
Walled medina and murals on the Atlantic coast.
Tetouan
Full day
A UNESCO-listed medina, about an hour's drive.
Chefchaouen
Day or longer
Best with an overnight stay.

Getting around

Al Boraq links Tangier to Rabat and Casablanca. Ferries run to Tarifa and Algeciras. Ibn Battouta airport is close by. In town, use petits taxis or walk.