TangierMorocco · Ferry Destinations

All About Tangier

Morocco’s most eccentric city, Tangier (or Tanger in French), has had several avatars over the decades, from being a winter getaway of the rich to acting as a muse for the beatnik generation. It has since metamorphosed into an uber-chic destination that attracts travelers searching for an exotic escape. Taking a ferry to Tangier is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare companies and book ferry tickets.

Tangier’s real charm, though, is in its open-mindedness that you will witness in the local architecture, food, and attitude, all of which have had multi-cultural European and African influences. In addition to its somewhat infamous bohemian persona, Tangier’s perfect location in the Strait of Gibraltar and at the cusp of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean makes it the ideal holiday spot for both an unhurried long vacation or a weekend break from cities across the sea.
 

Routes and Ferries to Tangier

If you want to take a breathtakingly scenic route to Tangier, the ferry is your best option. Boats from different ports in Spain and Italy arrive at this north-western Moroccan city almost daily. Africa Morocco Link ferries voyage between Tangier and Algeciras regularly, a trip that takes just over 90 minutes one way. Using Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices and book ferry tickets to Tangier. At a travel time of 30 minutes, Tarifa is much closer with FRS ferries linking both cities. Tangier also has weekly connections with Barcelona, Genoa, and Sète in France.

Tangier is an all-year-round destination that welcomes low-budget and established airlines at its city airport. The Ibn Battouta Airport is only 15-minutes away from the center and is ideal for overseas passengers.

You can also reach Tangier from other cities in Morocco. For instance, a two-hour fast train runs from Casablanca. There is also a six-hour multi-transfer route from Marrakech. Remember to book a first-class ticket when traveling via train as the second class can get really congested.
 

Ports of Tangier

When Tangier Med opened in 2007, all cargo ships arriving in Tangier were diverted to this port situated 40km away from the city. It is at present the largest port in Africa. However, passenger ferries from Algeciras still dock here. From Tangier Med, you can either take a bus to the city center or a taxi directly to your hotel, costing around 20 euros.

Tangier Ville is also known as Medina Port or the Old Port. It is within city limits and exclusively used for passenger traffic, including ferries from Tarifa, cruise ships, and private yachts. On Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices or ferry companies and book cheap ferry tickets to Tangier.
 

Best Beaches of Tangier

Tangier has mildly warm weather throughout the year, with an extended summer from late April to early November, during which period the temperature stays above 20 °C (68 °F). With clear skies and a few rainy days, spending time on the beach is a much-cherished activity enjoyed by locals and tourists.

Tangier Beach

The Municipal Beach is, without a doubt, the most happening spot in Tangier. Unfortunately, it isn’t the best beach for swimming, but you can still splash around in the water and enjoy the overabundance of amenities and activities in the area. Locals come here daily to walk on the wide promenade, but especially on weekends to have a picnic and play soccer or volleyball on the sand. The beachside cafes are a favorite with visitors, and the hotels near Tangier Beach are unsurprisingly always in demand.

Dalia Beach

Although it takes about an hour from Tangier to reach Plage Dalia, the trip is definitely worth it. The beach is just north of Tangier Med port, so you can see ferries and cargo ships go by in the distance while lounging on the sand. Situated near a fishing village, Dalia beach is quite energetic, with small eateries, play areas for children, a short promenade, and plenty of water sports options. Dalia is also one of the best beaches for swimming in Tangier, especially since the water has that classic and inviting Mediterranean azure color.

Playa Blanca

Expect an overload of cuteness at Playa Blanca, a cozy little bay with a gentle sea breeze, lush hills in the background, and calm and clean waters ideal for swimming. Due to its small size, the beach does get crowded during summer. You can, however, rent a lounger and an umbrella for the day if by reaching early.

Achakar Beach

Achakar is a family-friendly Blue Flag beach, popular for its soft sandy expanse, shallow water, cafes, amenities, glorious sunsets, and plenty of fun daytime activities, including camel rides. Another reason to spend the day here is the famous Hercules Caves. The caves are a must-visit tourist spot in Tangier and feature natural caverns as well as man-made ones. It is said that Hercules rested in these caves while performing his 12 labors. The sea-facing opening of the caves is especially noteworthy as it is said to look like the map of Africa.

Sidi Kacem Beach

A gorgeous and vast stretch of golden sand neighboring the Atlantic Ocean, Sidi Kacem is located in the west of the city, near Tangier airport. While the water here is clear, the currents can be strong, making it dangerous to swim for novices. Sidi Kacem remains almost deserted during the winters, coming alive during peak tourist season. It’s still a lovely place to go with the kids who can run around freely. There is a spot at the beach end where you can observe planes flying really low as they touchdown at the airport.
 

Neighborhoods of Tangier

The various neighborhoods of Tangier merge seamlessly, combining the old with the new. As a result, traversing through the city is an exciting adventure where hidden gems pop up unexpectedly around quaint corners and cute streets.

Marshan

Primarily a residential neighborhood near the old Tangier, Marshan’s hilly disposition makes it a quiet and thus idyllic detour during a city sightseeing tour. When roaming about, head to Marshan Park, a vast green space with a playground for kids, a walking track, and open areas to sit and relax. The most iconic stop in Marshan is the cliffside Café Hafa, known for its Moroccan mint tea and spectacular views of the Mediterranean. The café has limited food, but you can pick up a snack on the way to complement the tasty tea.

Grand Socco

If you need proof that Tangier is on a path to attracting its European neighbors, look at the transformation of Grand Socco. An authentic local market at one time, it is now a grand space with palm trees, benches, gardens, and a beautiful central fountain. As exotic as it might sound, the traffic and waiting taxis take away a part of its appeal. Still, the bordering cafes, Bab Fass – the gate leading into Medina, and Cinema Rif – an art-house cinema that plays diverse films, carry forth the old-world charm, adding to the quirky personality of Tangier.

Medina

Old-world, colorful streets create an atmospheric ambiance in Medina, Tangier’s old town packed with authentic character and vintage allure. As the city’s top tourist destination, it stays permanently crowded, be it with day-trippers from Spain or due to commercial activities that include souvenir-selling hawkers, food stalls, and handicraft stores. Three kilometers from the train station, the neighborhood has in recent times become a hotspot with budget travels with its alleys playing host to several hostels. As for cultural tourists, there is the tomb of Ibn Batoutta, the Kasbah Museum, and the retro magnificence of Petit Socco to explore and appreciate.

Ville Nouvelle

This trendy neighborhood might be bustling with shops and contemporary restaurants, but Ville Nouvelle still manages to conjure memories of Tangier’s flamboyant past. It is here, between Rue d’Angleterre and Boulevard Pasteur, that you will find Art Deco buildings, antique shops, and the almost century-old Grand Café De Paris. Considered a legendary eatery, it was a literary hotspot in the ’50s as well as the film location for Bourne Ultimatum in 2007.
 

Transportation Around Tangier

Tangier is quite hilly, and no matter what type of transportation you use, eventually, there will be walking involved when sightseeing around the city. Considering that Tangier is safe and has wide street paths, it’s advisable to explore as much as you can on foot. Moreover, to be a flaneur in this magnificent city is an opportunity not to be missed as it allows you to appreciate its people, design aesthetics, and hidden gems in a dawdling fashion.

If time is of importance, go with a ‘petit taxi’. These small cabs scurry around Tangier, often picking up passengers from roadsides, provided there is space in the car. So, don’t worry if you end up sitting next to a stranger. However, do check if the taxi is metered, and if not, agree on a fare before getting in.

Another option is the bus, which is relatively cheap. Tangier now has a new bus station that started operations in late 2019. Most people use the bus to travel to nearby cities, but the station is 9km away from the center, and the only way to reach there without having a car is via a petit taxi.