1 Day Itinerary of Tangier - The Gateway to Africa

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With great excitement during our Andalusian road trip earlier this year, Kiu eagerly suggested a visit to Cadiz, hoping to catch a glimpse of the African continent from Europe. However, as Cadiz wasn't on our itinerary, he felt a bit disappointed. Fortunately, when he learned about our upcoming road trip through Morocco, landing in Tangier—the gateway to Africa—he was overjoyed. This time it was the other way around. The prospect of witnessing the European continent from the African shores, just across the horizon, was a good adrenaline boost for him!

How to reach Tangier

First things first, you can visit Tangier from Spain on a boat (Tarifa Ferry to Tangier, about 20 Euros). If ferrying people between continents is a prominent activity, you can expect the vibrant and lively atmosphere of Tangier upon arrival, filled with the hustle and bustle of daily commerce and tourism driven by the locals. However we were arriving from the Netherlands via Ryan Air airlines directly landing at Tangier Ibn Battuta Airport. From here, we rented our car via Booking.com.

Where to Stay

We stayed Dar al Tanja boutique hotel, a bit off the main Medina to enjoy the peace and tranquil of the city. Also, because the hotel was immaculately done. Our accommodation was a 15 minute drive to the Medina and it guaranteed free parking so that was most important to us. Our stay was elevated by the deluxe suite featuring an attached jacuzzi, which became the highlight of our experience. Additionally, the room was elegantly designed with luxurious off-white linen bedding complementing the cream walls, red tiled floor, and rustic wood furniture. The balcony offered picturesque views of Tangier's white-washed houses and lush greenery, adding to the delight. Indulging in breakfast in the hall overlooking the pool was a treat, with a delightful spread of Moroccan bread, breakfast staples, and refreshing mint tea, accompanied by exceptional hospitality. If you want to stay closer to the Medina there are many options as well.

Another highly recommended place would be Riad Tingis. It is known for its authentic Moroccan charm and warm hospitality.

For accommodation bookings, you may book via this link.

Things to See

A single day in Tangier is sufficient. Begin your exploration by visitng Cap Spartel for views of Cadiz and Chiclana across the ocean. Then drive to the Kasbah to visit the Kasbah Museum and Medina. A short 10-minute walk from there will take you to the Grand Socco souk, home to the 9 April 1947 Square, a significant historical site symbolizing Moroccan independence. Just a 5-minute walk away stands the Grande Mosquee of Tangier.

Cap Spartel

Like I said earlier, we were here to see Cadiz in Spain from Tangier in Morocco with our naked eye and Cap Spartel offered stunning views of the Straits of Gibraltar. It was a 15 minute drive from our hotel. Once we reached this point, we entered a huge parking lot, where we had to pay a minimal entry fee and parked our car. We walked 100 metres from there to the viewing deck to view the continent of Europe from where we stood in Africa. It wasn't that impressive I say, because you would need a telescope to view better. But the location had a beautiful garden for which you pay 20 Dhs entry and you get marvelous views of the strait of Gibraltar from here apparently.

Just a few hundred meters ahead, is the Signpost of Atlantic & Mediterranean where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean ocean. The view is breathtaking and here is a must stop.

Note: Don't miss indulging in delicious local cuisine in the charming cafes in Cap Spartel. They serve pastries and coffee with local spices here and that's a real treat.

Kasbah (fortress)

While you can choose to skip other tourist attractions in Tangier, the Kasbah and Medina are absolute must-visit destinations. The Kasbah, situated in the northwestern-most corner of the old city, is a picturesque location steeped in history. Following the evacuation of Tangier by the English in 1684 and its subsequent reclamation by Morocco, the Kasbah, or citadel, was commissioned to be rebuilt by the sultan of Morocco, Moulay Ismail. We drove to the nearest parking point to the Kasbah to explore the narrow alleyways. It was a truly magical experience! Within the Kasbah, we discovered so many small squares, fortifications, gates, colourful houses, and cats! One of the highlights of the Kasbah is the Dar-el-Makhzen palace. This stunning architectural gem which once served as the royal residence is breathtakingly beautiful! It was constructed by Sultan Moulay Ismail which houses The Kasbah Museum of Mediterranean Cultures. It has intricate tile work and delicate carvings and is a sight to behold!

Helpful advice: For a comfortable visit, I recommend sturdy walking shoes, as the narrow, steep roads involve a lot of walking, twists, turns, and numerous steps. Keep in mind that this experience is not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies.

Medina

The Medina is basically an old-world Arab market. So picture the. A busy hustling and bustling market with colorful stalls lining up its sidewalks housing a treasure trove of silver, bronze, wood, ceramics, and world-famous Moroccan rugs. The vendors excitedly inviting tourists into their stalls in an attempt to make a sale. In another section of the Medina is the vibrant dry spice market emanating exotic scents, while the vegetable and food markets cater to diverse tastes. It's madness but beautiful madness I say! Please indulge yourself in this pure joy as it gets even better as you explore the interior lanes of the Medina. Fresh bread, strawberries, chebakia (crisp, sweet, twisted fried snack) and dates are particularly noteworthy.

Helpful advice: Tangier's Medina can get quite crowded, and you may encounter persistent guides and sellers. To avoid this scenario, book your guided tour of Tangier on this link.

Grand Socco and Petit souks

The Grand Socco souk is the historic heart of Tangier. The Grand Socco, also known as the Big Market, serves as the gateway to the medina (old town) through the Bab Al Fahs keyhole gate. This main old town captivated us with its winding streets and bustling Moroccan markets, infused with a blend of French and Spanish influences. For an authentic taste of Tangier life, exploring this vibrant area is a must! Here, you'll discover a bustling atmosphere filled with an array of Moroccan delights, including spices (with saffron being a standout), traditional slippers, teapots, pottery, and Arabic sweets. The lively ambiance is enhanced by the friendly assistance offered by locals, and you'll often find families and tourists relaxing around the large marble fountain.

The other popular souk is the Petit souk. Just like its name says, the Petit Socco is smaller than the Grand Socco. It's in the medina and has lots of cute little cafes to enjoy.

Pro tip: Thursdays and Sundays are ideal days for shopping in Tangier's souks.

Some helpful advice: Carry small change for tips, as everyone from trinket sellers to restaurant musicians may seek a tip.

9 April 1947 Square

The name of this square may pique your curiosity, leaving you wondering about its significance. On April 9, 1947, Mohammed V (the grandfather of the current king) declared the independence of the northern provinces and the reunification of the Kingdom of Morocco, an event that earned this square its prominent place in Tangier's history. Now this square attracts locals and tourists for a leisure sit out with palm trees towering above and a large beautiful fountain in the center while musicians play soothing tunes through the evening.

Grande Mosquee of Tangier

Just a 5-minute walk away from the square stands the Grande Mosquee of Tangier on Rue de la Marina. It is accessible to Muslims for entry, while non-Muslims are permitted to capture photographs of the exterior only.

What To Eat

Asilah is the most popular seaside Medina, instagrammable and known for its white-washed buildings and blue doors. It is particularly vibrant on weekends with its tempting offerings of fish and calamari. You must definitely delight yourself in the flavors of ground kefta grilled over charcoal. For dessert, relish the creamy milk-based pudding m'halibi, and indulge in the serpentine pastry filled with almond paste, known as m'hancha.

Final Thoughts

I started off my journey in Tangier in Morocco only to head south and explore more of this vibrant country. However, should your travels confine you solely to Tangier, you aren't missing out on anything! This city offers a tantalizing taste of Morocco's rich culture, traditions, and culinary delights, not to mention its breathtaking shorelines.

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