Three Days in Tangier, Morocco

On a whim, a few friends from my study abroad trip in Spain and I decided to take the ferry from Tarifa, Spain to Tangier, Morocco, a port town in northern Africa just across the Gibraltar Strait. From the start, we were awestruck by all of the beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The culture in Tangier was also so vastly different than what we were used to in America and Europe. It was so much fun to take in the sights, sounds, and colors of the souk and medina, where I bought two beautiful, authentic Moroccan teapots for my mom’s birthday (they’re still displayed in her kitchen!).

Planning Guide

• Where to stay: Kenzi Solazur
• Flight details: Fly into Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport (TNG) or take the ferry from Spain
• Time of year visited: Summer
• Time in Tangier: 3 days
• Morocco itinerary: Weekend trip during trip to Spain, including Cádiz, Granada, Madrid, and Sevilla

Save this map to use on your trip:

1. Click the star to the right of the map title
2. Open the Google Maps app on your smartphone
3. Click on the three lines in the upper left corner and select “Your Places”
4. Select “Maps” and the map will be saved there for you to use on your trip. Have fun!

Favorite Moments

The Views of the Sea

My fellow travelers and I opted to do a one-day guided tour to get the lay of the land. You can really see a lot in just a few days, and we went to Cape Spartel, the Kasbah (including the Sultan’s former Palace, which is now a museum), the caves of Hercules, the medina, and the souk. It was a perfect introduction to the city for our limited time since it brought us to all of the major cultural sites. The best aspect of this tour for me by far was Cape Spartel, the lookout where you can see the Mediterranean Sea meet the Atlantic Ocean.

“Morocco” and “sea views” don’t typically go together in our minds, but Tangier offers some amazing sweeping views over the sea and ocean. If you look closely, you can actually see a line in the water where the cold Atlantic Ocean and warmer, saltier Mediterranean Sea combine. Because of the differences in the water composition, the sea and the ocean don’t mix together but just meet. The inner science nerd in me found this fascinating!

Don’t Miss: Further south along the Cape Spartel is Hercules Caves, featuring an opening in the cave that exactly resembles the outline Africa. It is thought to have been carved by the Phoenicians , and it’s really an amazing sight!

Logistics: Cape Spartel is a little ways outside of the main town, so you’ll need to have a car to get there. I recommend hiring an English speaking guide. The national languages of Morocco are French and Arabic, so it isn’t easy to read the signs on your own if you don’t know either.

Cultural Traditions

After taking in the sweeping sea/ocean views, we had the opportunity to walk the crowded streets of the souk and medina. This was another time that I loved having a guide with us. He was able to help us navigate through the winding alleyways. The souk and medina are so full of life! Locals and tourists alike are out haggling for all kinds of goods (some times literally screaming!). The colors of the pottery and the aroma of the spices are a feast for the senses.

We were also treated to a traditional Moroccan meal at Restaurant Hamadi, complete with a quartet of musicians. Since I only spent a long weekend there, I opted for traditional Moroccan food for almost every meal. The Kenzi Solazur‘s restaurant, Al Jawhara, was also a perfect spot for a Moroccan meal.

To end our tour, we had the opportunity to play with camels, which was one of the most fun things I’ve ever done. I love any opportunity to interact with the local wildlife.

Don’t Miss: If you’ve never had Moroccan food before, you are in for a huge treat. Moroccan food is delicious, full of new flavor combinations and spices. Make sure to try pastilla, a sweet and savory Moroccan pie.

Logistics: If you’re not into crowds, I would skip the souk and medina. As mentioned, the streets are extremely narrow and crowded. People both buying and selling goods can be a little on the aggressive side. If you’re not comfortable with lots of people, it might be a tough experience for you.

Demure dress is a cultural guideline when traveling in Morocco. Women should have their shoulders and knees covered. Tangier is also quite hot because of its location near the equator, so plan to wear light, breathable fabrics.

Tangier by Sea

After you’ve had a crazy day or two seeing Tangier by land, I highly recommend getting out on the water. Tangier is right on the Strait of Gibraltar, and there’s a lovely ferry that goes directly from Tangier to Spain (Tarifa, Algeciras, and Gibraltar) and back. Along the ride, you’ll not only catch the sweeping views of the city. You’ll also see all kinds of sea life frolicking in the boat’s wake, including pilot whales, which look like dolphins. As you pull into Spain, you’ll also go right past Gibraltar, getting a stunning view of the rock.

If you don’t have time for a ferry ride, Tangier also has a beautiful and large beach right in town. Keep in mind that it’s not traditional for women to sunbathe on beaches, so plan to take a stroll and breathe in the sea air.