Things to see and do in Tangier
Famous for being a city that inspired great artists such as Delacroix, Paul Bowles or Matisse, Tangier is a Moroccan port of great beauty located on the Strait of Gibraltar, which throughout history has had an important strategic importance between Africa and Europe.
Very close to Spain, Tangier is a city that you will fall in love with from the first moment you set foot in it, that you can visit in three or four days and that has a great tourist, cultural and gastronomic diversity.
Perhaps not as renowned as Marrakech, Fez, Casablanca, or Rabat, today at FRS, we will share with you what to see in Tangier during your trip so that you don't miss out on anything. It's an easily navigable city as its main attractions are concentrated in a few neighborhoods that are within close proximity to each other.
If you plan to visit this wonderful Moroccan city, discover with FRS what to do in Tangier during your trip. You won't want to leave.
First of all, how to get to Tangier from Spain
The easiest way to visit Tangier from Spain is by ferry, which will also allow you to arrive from the sea and see the life of its huge port, which is one of the main points for the exchange of goods between Europe and Africa.
FRS has two ferries that go to Tangier from Tarifa and Algeciras:
Algeciras Ferry – Tangier Med:
With a pleasant crossing, the duration of the journey from Algeciras to Tangier by ferry is about 90 minutes. The distance is approximately 30 km.
Tarifa Ferry – Tangier Ville:
This is the shortest route between Spain and Morocco, and the ferry from tangier to tarifa spain takes approximately one hour.
Now, here are the best things to see in Tangier
1. The Kasbah
We begin our guide to Tangier with the Kasbah, the name given to this fortress built on one of the hills of the city, at the top of the Medina, and that offers one of the most iconic views of this port city.
Composed of a maze of narrow streets full of stores, there is a spectacular viewpoint, as well as other places of interest such as the ancient Dar-el-Makhzen palace, which houses a spectacular museum worth visiting and where you can see the characteristic Muslim architecture.
2. Stroll through the Medina souks
If we talk about tourism in Tangier, the Medina is acclaimed as one of the main tourist attractions. A neighborhood located in the historic center of the city that has a great hustle and bustle throughout the day, which has the advantage of not being open to traffic, making it ideal for walking.
You can find absolutely everything you need in its many alleys that do not follow any order. We recommend that you take your time, as because of its great beauty, it is worth visiting it without any rush and stopping to admire each of its iconic spots.
3. April 9th Square
Next to the Medina is the April 9th Square, another of the things you must see in Tangier. Also known as "Gran Zoco", it owes its name to the fact that it was the day Mohamed the Fifth visited it for the first time in 1947 to express Morocco's desire for independence.
It is possibly the most famous tourist spot in Tangier and, among the different places to visit, we recommend the Cinema Rif and the Sidi Bou Abib Mosque. Although the truth is that any corner of its surroundings is simply spectacular.
4. Grand Mosque of Tangier
Of course, you must also visit the Grand Mosque of Tangier, which stands out both for its colors and high minaret. Built in 1684, over the years it has been modified several times and today it has an Alawite aesthetic.
It is very easy to get there, as you can do so from the Zoco Chico. You will not be disappointed.
5. Central Market
One of our favorite places is Tangier's Central Market, which is an experience for the senses. It is easy to find as you will be drawn by the wonderful smell of spices, fruits, flowers and vegetables in the surrounding streets.
Divided into different sections, it has an infinity of simply irresistible stalls where you can compare products of the highest quality at very affordable prices.
6. Beach of Tangier
If you love the sea, take a day to relax on the Beach of Tangier, which offers fine golden sand and blue waters that will make you forget everything.
It is a very wide beach that is close to the city center and has a large promenade lined with bars and restaurants, ideal for a stroll at sunset.
And, if you prefer quieter beaches, you also have Sol beach which is located halfway between Cape Spartel and the Caves of Hercules.
7. Visit Cape Spartel and the Caves of Hercules
Finally, another of the most outstanding places to see in Tangier and surroundings are Cape Spartel and the Caves of Hercules, a place where relaxation is guaranteed, and where you can get some of the best views of the Strait of Gibraltar.
Cape Spartel is just at the entrance of the Strait, about 300 meters above sea level and about 14 km from Tangier, while the Caves of Hercules are below the cape, and have a great history full of curiosities.
These are, in our opinion, the places you cannot miss and must see in Tangier, among which we especially highlight the Kasbah and the April 9th Square.