Planning a trip to Tangier? Here's a few things I recommend you should add to your itinerary!
Tangier, Morocco.Tangier is located in the northwestern part of Morocco. It's known as Europes’ gateway to Africa. A classic port town with an international, cross-cultural influence unique in Morocco.It's even so close to Europe that you can see Spain from here on a good clear day! Tangier has an interesting mix of North African, Spanish, Portuguese and French influence. Many locals here speak multiple languages which is great. If you either speak Spanish or French you can easily communicate and navigate your way around here with no problem. Frequently overshadowed by other cities in Morocco, Tangier sometimes doesn’t get the recognition it deserves as a destination to visit. Hopefully this post will encourage to make a stop here during your Morocco trip!
I embarked on a solo travel journey around a few cities in Morocco for 11 days. This trip was a bit different from my other solo trips because this was the first time I was staying with a local family and I didn't have a set itinerary. It was also my first time visiting Morocco and I didn't know what to expect. I did all the research I could beforehand and also read up on other's experiences traveling through the country as a solo woman. I was a bit nervous flying in but let me tell you by the end of my trip I didn't want to leave. If you ever had worries about traveling here, let me tell you I have never met more welcoming, hospitable, helpful, and kind people everywhere I went.
My home base I guess you can say for my Morocco trip was in Tangier. I took day trips here and there to different cities, to read more about about those trips (click here Chefchaouen, Asilah, and Tetouan). As you can tell I only stayed in the northern parts of Morocco. Just the way things panned out during my time here, I didn't have time to visit the southern cities. That just means I have to make my back some day and see more of this beautiful country!
As mentioned early, usually travelers flock to Marrakech and stay around there for the reminder of their trip. But I found this city to be super charming, full of life, and a place more people should visit! Staying with a local family also made me connect with the country on a deeper level. Learning about their customs and culture, attempting to learn Arabic, taking public transportation, admiring the amazing architecture, eating where the locals eat, and learning more about their religion made the experience feel more authentic.
Getting Here.
By plane- I personally flew into Tangier. My route started by leaving NYC, then had a layover in Barcelona, then flew in to Tangiers airport. The Tangier airport (Ibn Battouta) handles over 1 million passengers a year. International flights arrive from Europe via airlines such as Ryanair, Air Arabia, Iberia, and TUI. Many major cities in Europe service Tangier including Paris, Brussels, Madrid and Amsterdam as well as smaller cities. Domestic flights also are frequent from cities such as Casablanca, Marrakech, and Ouarzazate.
By Ferry- One of the most popular ways to reach Tangier is by ferry. During high season it is advised to book your ferry tickets in advance. FRS ferries cross from Tarifa to Tangier and the fast crossing is around a 30 minute ride. Another route is from Algeciras to Tangier Med and that's available on FRS or Acciona Transmediterrean. This is around a 70 minute ride and the port is 30 km from the city of Tangier. Gibraltar to Tangier Med departing from Gibraltar on Fridays and tangier Med on Monday evening, this route takes about 80 minutes.
By Train- If you're already in Morocco, lets say in the southern area, trains are available to get to Tangier. It will be a long journey traveling this way, so just keep that in mind. One popular route is the overnight train from Marrakech to Tangier (or vice versa). If you want to be more comfortable it is recommended to get a first class ticket.
Getting Around.
The best way to get around Tangier is either on foot or in a petit taxi. I think I walked the most I ever had in a long time while my time in Tangier. It made for a good leg workout nonetheless! If you prefer to get around by taxi, make sure the driver uses the meter correctly. Grand taxis are much more expensive and you have to negotiate the rate in advance.
Malabata Beach.
My first day of exploring Tangier started off by walking along the main strip. Malabata Beach is the focal point of this area and gets pretty busy during the day and night! During the day you don't see as much people out because of the heat but as the sun goes down, everyone comes out! If you never been to Morocco in the summer, let me tell you it gets HOT! Because this is a port city you do get that breeze from the sea so it's no as intense as opposed to being in the desert. You can cool down by going for a swim here or just do some people watching. There are many shops and restaurants located along this area as well as hotels. I guess you can say this is the more touristy place to be at when visiting Tangier.
As I mentioned before during my stay in Tangier, I was hosted by a local family. I didn't actually stay at this hotel so I can speak much on it or give a review as I usually do on this blog. But I do recommend going for tea or eating at their restaurant. It's located right across the port and has gorgeous vistas. Someone I knew recommended me to check it out and let me tell you the colorful decor, amazing attention to detail throughout the hotel was spectacular, truly a Moroccan dream! I took countless photos here, I mean how couldn't I? I noticed many tour buses would drop people off here to get photos or to walked around. So I guess it's a popular place to visit.
Les Grottes d'Hercule is a popular to check out. The drive to get here is very picturesque. Fun fact just beside the Cave of Hercules, is where Mohammad VI's (the current King of Morocco) summer palace is located, which is huge! As you walk into the caves you'll find the history and stories on the origin of this cave. It's said that legends from Greek Mythology claim this was once the dwelling of Hercules. With his sword, he created the straight of Gibraltar which stretches north beyond the caves. It was also believed this cave was one end of a 24 km long tunnel that passed under the straight of Gibraltar, with St Michael's Cave in Gibraltar as it's other entrance. Whatever the history is whether real or mythological, it's worth the visit.
The cave is pretty big. The opening to the sea is cut in such a way that when looked at from the outside it resembles the shape of Africa. The silhouette looks even more stunning during sunset hour! You also find vendors there and few restaurants to check out as well.
Plage d'Achakar is located right next to the Cave of Hercules. So if you want to check out this beach, it's an easy walk right over. Although I found sunsets anywhere in Tangier to be magical, watching it go down at this beach took it to another level. There's also a spot on this beach where you're able to see or ride camels.So many locals come here with families or friends and have picnics, blast some music, work out on the beach, or just sit and talk while enjoying the view. The vibe here was so relaxing and I mean how could you not enjoy a view like this, right?
You may be wondering why am I telling you to visit a mall while on vacation? Well you see in the midst of a hot summer in Tangier, everyone goes to malls to beat the sun and hang out. There's a few malls around this city but this particular one was tucked away where more locals hangout. I came here and ended up having lunch with the nicest view ever. You wouldn't expect to have views like this from a mall but lo and behold you can enjoy a meal with a killer view here at Lux Mall!
Rmilat or aslo known as Perdicaris Park is an amazing place for picnics, long walks and hikes. This pristine spot covers 70 acres of land overlooking the sea; lovely sunset views are a given as well. The park can get quite busy in the summer months, but you can a great breeze while being here. There's a few restaurants located in the area which makes a perfect place to have lunch or dinner. If you're traveling with children this is a great place to bring them, there's playgrounds and trails where they can ride bikes/scooters and stay entertained!
Cafe Hafa.
This cafe is a must place to visit. It's perched on a cliff top which you get to enjoy breathtaking views. This cafe has been visited by famous writers, singers, painters and designers from around the world. It's a very laid back and has a chill vibe. Many locals love to come here around sunset hour and enjoy a mint tea, play games, or just go to converse with loved ones. I was invited to go to meet with a group of people one afternoon and it was fun time watching the sun go down from this cafe!
Walking Around.Getting lost in a new place is one of favorite things. Just walking around and discovering cute street corners, hidden food spots, shops, markets and seeing how a local lives day to day. Tangier is such a lively that captured my heart. I hope to visit again soon and explore some more!
Comment below,
Have you visited Tangier, Morocco before?
Tangier, Morocco is one of those places you hear the name and it sounds mysterious. I would love to visit someday.
ReplyDeleteIt's such a wonderful city to explore!
DeleteLooks like an incredible destination! �� I just added it to a list of places where I want to take my family. Our baby is too small for this trip for now, but when he's older, I'd love to show him some magical places like Tangier!
ReplyDeleteYour family will love it whenever you get the chance to visit!
DeleteThis is such a beautiful guide to Tangier Morocco. I've never been but I'd love to experience this beautiful location.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
DeleteThe caves are amazing,the mosaics are unique. This place is so stunning my grandpa went there and he always used to describe how beautiful it was.
ReplyDeleteHow amazing! Hope you get to experience it yourself some day.
DeleteI am at awe at the photos of the mosaics! Oh my goodness. Such beautiful artwork from floor to ceiling! I also love your sunset photo! Tangier is such a beautiful place. Adding this to my travel bucket list.
ReplyDeleteI know right, the mosaics are just STUNNING! I'm so glad you enjoyed this post :)
DeleteAh no, I haven't been here before! It's a good place, I hear, from a number of people who have been there before. I hope I can visit, one day.
ReplyDeleteYou will love it!
DeleteEuropes’ gateway to Africa looks incredible! Thanks for your insights here.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed this post!
DeleteI dont know what to say, this is so gorgeous!!! I've never been to Morocco, I would love to go there one day.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Tangier is just gorgeous!
DeleteThere is something about Morocco that has always intrigued me. I love the beautiful colors and culture!
ReplyDeleteIt's a gorgeous country, I hope you get to visit soon!
DeleteYou pictures are just worth 1000 words. Simply gorgeous. I felt like I was visiting with you.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, this means so much to me!
DeleteLooks like a beautiful place to visit. Such a great guide!! Cant wait to watch your video.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much :)
DeleteMorocco looks amazing. I will have to add it to my travel bucket list! :) Thanks for sharing so many awesome pictures!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to hear you enjoyed the photos!
DeleteI have always wanted to visit Morocco. It is such a beautiful and cultured country.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly is!
DeleteThis definitely looks like a beautiful place to visit! I would love to go there, thanks for the awesome guide!
ReplyDeleteI'm happy you enjoyed the guide!
Deletewow..just stunning. Morocco is such a colorful and beautiful city. It is definitely on my bucket list of places that I want to visit. Thanks for sharing such wonderful photos.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, I'm so glad you liked my photos!
DeleteMorocco is still on my travel list. Thank you for this beautiful guide to Tangier Morocco.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the guide!
DeleteI’ve always wanted to visit Morocco but hesitated because I would be going solo. Your post has inspired me to take another look. I would love to stay at The Continental Hotel or at least stop in to check it out. It looks beyond beautiful, with so much artistic detail, not to mention the views! And I love the legends of Hercules in the caves, being one who enjoys history and writing. A trip to Rmilat is picture perfect, too. Thank you for renewing my interest in a trip to Morocco! I must get planning…
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to hear this! I would recommend traveling solo up North. Hearing from past solo travelers who just stayed in Marakesh, they experienced more heckling and being ripped off. I didn't have that experience through the cities up North!
DeleteI have been to Morocco before but not to Tanigers. The city has never appealed to me as it looks like just a port city and a place to get on the ferry over to Spain. Looking at your guide and your photos, you have certinaley changed my thoughts about the city and made it look beautiful. And the Continental hotel I would defo stay at if I cant find a riad which appeals to me. :)
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear this, Tangier is a must see for sure!
DeleteWow Morocco is so beautiful! I want to design my home in some of these designs.
ReplyDeleteSame here!
DeleteThe cave looks amazing! The tiles remind me of the ones I saw in Portugal, but I know there was a lot of Moroccan influence there, too. So beautiful!
ReplyDeleteYes! Spain, Portugal and Morocco have similarities when it comes to tile work and influence in each country.
DeleteMorocco looks absolutely amazing!! Definitely bookmarking this for future reference, need to make a trip out someday!
ReplyDeleteKileen
You will love it!
DeleteI know you didn't stay there, but I'm glad you were able to photograph the hotel because it's truly beautiful! And that café looks like a dream. I'm also dying to visit the Hercules cave. That's amazing!! Morocco seems like such an incredible place to travel to!
ReplyDeleteThere so much to enjoy in Morocco- rich culture, food, and tradition!
DeleteWhat a thorough and helpful guide! I've always thought Morocco would be cool to visit for the cool markets and beautiful sights!
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to hear that you enjoyed the guide!
DeleteOkay, Morocco must be in the cards for me again this year! I have low key been seeing things all day subtly hinting at me returning to Morocco to visit. It's an absolutely wonderful place. This makes me want to go back like, yesterday!
ReplyDeleteI want to return as well and see more of the country!
DeleteMorocco looks absolutely beautiful and like such a fun place to visit.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great destination!
DeleteI can't believe we haven't made it to Morocco yet! From the stunning architecture, the food, and the history, there is so much to do and see there! The ceramic tiles in one of the rooms of the Continental Hotel is incredible! Trying to picture how long it must have taken to create this piece of art!
ReplyDeleteI know right, Moroccan architecture intrigues me so much! The attention to detail is insane.
DeleteI'm completely in love with all the tile work! The interior of the Hotel Continental is GORGEOUS!! I've also never heard that myth about Hercules and Gibraltar. I didn't even know Morocco HAD stories about Hercules - thought he really only belonged to the Greeks. Fascinating.
ReplyDeleteThe tile work is just GORGEOUS! I agree, I totally learned something new.
DeleteI've heard mixed reviews about traveling solo as a female in Morocco and am happy to read that you had no issues and had a fantastic time. I would most likely walk around instead of using taxis, but mentioned to make sure the taxi's meter is being used correctly. How would I go about doing this? Do you ask the taxi driver to turn it on? I'd love to visit Cave of Hercules. It looks so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThe stories I've heard that weren't the best while traveling as a solo female were mostly in Marrakesh when I was researching before my trip. I didn't have a chance to visit there myself to give my personal experience but the cities that I mentioned on my blog, I had no issues. For taxis, I would take one from a taxi center, usually it's the city center or near the train stations. Those I found to be very reliable instead of just finding one off the street.
DeleteTangiers is literally a boat ride from where i'm located and Iv been debating on if I should go or not. After reading this i'll definitely make the trip. It looks so wonderful!
ReplyDeleteYou would honestly love it, i highly recommend it!
DeleteThis looks incredible & there is so much to see & do around the city! The tile work is absolutely beautiful & the cave sounds so neat to explore. Glad you had an amazing trip!
ReplyDeleteI hope you get the chance to visit some day :)
DeleteI've been to Morocco a few years ago and LOVED it! I was in Fez mostly but I also have been to Marrakesh. I'd love to go to Tangiers sometime!
ReplyDeletexo Deborah
Coffee, Prose, and Pretty Clothes
I need to visit Fez whenever I go back, I heard its beautiful as well!
DeleteYou 11 days trip looks 11 years trip all the places you have mentioned like Malabata Beach, Ramlit Park, Cave of Hercules, Achakar Beach and Lux Mall are very much attractive and beautiful. I really enjoyed the article and your photos (Credit goes to photographer.....hehehe)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. i hope you get to visit Morocco some day!
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