Tangier is one of Morocco’s most fascinating cities and the most logical entry point for travellers arriving from Spain or Europe by ferry or low-cost flight. Located at the northernmost point of Africa, just 14 kilometres from the Spanish coast across the Strait of Gibraltar, this city has been a meeting place of continents and cultures throughout history. Its decades as the International Zone in the 20th century made it a magnet for writers, artists, spies, and exiles, and that cosmopolitan reputation persists today. For travellers approaching Morocco from the north, Tangier is a remarkable opening chapter.
The international history of Tangier
From 1923 to 1956, Tangier was the International Zone, administered jointly by France, Spain, the United Kingdom, and other European powers. There were no alcohol restrictions, minimal taxes, and almost no enforcement of laws regarding finance or personal conduct, which attracted a remarkable expatriate community. Paul Bowles lived in Tangier for 52 years and made it the setting for his most celebrated novel. Jack Kerouac and William Burroughs wrote here. Henri Matisse painted the extraordinary Moroccan light. The historic cafes and hotels of this period (the Café de Paris, the Hotel El Minzah) still exist and carry the weight of this extraordinary literary history.
The medina and Kasbah of Tangier
The medina of Tangier is smaller and more navigable than those of Fes and Marrakech, which makes it ideal for independent exploration. The alleyways climb steeply from the Grand Socco, the main square outside the medina walls, through the small Petit Socco at the heart of the medina, and up to the Kasbah at the highest point of the city. The Kasbah, a fortified enclosure built over a Phoenician settlement, commands extraordinary views of the Strait of Gibraltar to the Spanish coast and houses the Dar el-Makhzen museum, an 18th-century palace with collections of Moroccan arts and crafts.
The Caves of Hercules
A half-day excursion from Tangier leads to Cape Spartel, the northwesternmost point of the African continent where the Atlantic and Mediterranean meet. The lighthouse here has been operating since 1865. Just below, the Caves of Hercules are a system of coastal sea caves that have been used by humans since Neolithic times. One of the cave openings has eroded to resemble the outline of Africa in reverse, which has made it one of Morocco’s most photographed natural features.
Tangier as a tour gateway
Tangier is the natural starting point for tours that approach Morocco from the north and progressively move southward. Our Tours from Ouarzazate departs from Tangier and includes Chefchaouen, the imperial cities, the Middle Atlas, and the Sahara before arriving in Marrakech, covering the full north-south traverse of the country. The Tours from Marrakech is a more focused option that combines Tangier with Chefchaouen and the Sahara. See all our options on the tours from Tangier page.
Practical information for visiting Tangier
Tangier is well-connected with the rest of Morocco by high-speed train (Al Boraq TGV reaches Casablanca in 2h10), regular train to Marrakech, and frequent buses. The ferries from Algeciras and Tarifa to Tangier Med port (40 km east of the city) operate multiple times daily, with a 35-minute crossing on the fast ferry. Tangier’s own port in the city centre handles ferries from Gibraltar and the Canary Islands. Our tours always include hotel pickup at your Tangier accommodation. Visit Morocco Official has additional resources for Tangier visitors. The blog has articles about northern Morocco.
