Things to Do in Tangier

A sea of startling blue buildings set against a backdrop of the rugged Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen (pronounced “shef-sha-wen”) is a real gem in Northern Morocco. There’s no mistaking where the “Blue City” gets its nickname—with its brightly painted walls, doors, and stairways and red-tiled roofs, it’s a city begging to be photographed.

The real highlight of Chefchaouen its UNESCO World Heritage–listed Old Medina, where the lively cafés, cobbled souks, and distinctive handicrafts stalls show off the town’s unique heritage—an intriguing blend of Spanish, Moroccan, and Riffian cultures. While there’s enough to see to warrant a multi-day visit, most travelers explore Chefchaouen on a day tour from either Tangier or Fez.

The easiest and most convenient way to get to Chefchaouen is on a guided small-group or private tour. Those who wish to visit independently can catch a bus from Fez, Tetouan, Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, Tangier, or Ceuta. The town’s main bus station is a 15-minute walk from the medina.

The best weather for exploring the medina and surrounding mountains is in the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). Since Chefchaouen is cooler than lower-elevation destinations in Morocco, it can get busy with Moroccan vacationers in summer.

While the main appeal of the Blue City is simply soaking in the atmosphere, there are a few points of interest worth checking out. A short hike leads from the medina’s eastern gate to the ruins of a Spanish Mosque, which is perched on a hilltop above town. For a little history and context, visit the Musée de Chefchaouen (Chefchaouen Museum), housed within a 15th-century kasbah in Outa el Hammam. This central square is also home to the town’s Grand Mosque.

A cultural melting pot and one of Morocco’s most unique cities, Tangier’s cosmopolitan roots date back to the post-WWII years, when the city was designated as an “International Zone” co-governed by France, Spain, Britain, and six other countries. Today, the European influence remains, from the elegant French architecture of the Ville Nouvelle (New Town) to the French and Spanish that are spoken alongside the native Arabic, and its strategic location on the Strait of Gibraltar draws a constant stream of cruise visitors and expatriates.

Few visitors fail to be enchanted by the White City of Tangier, so-called for the row upon row of whitewashed buildings that line its streets, as it’s a city that oozes character. With its buzzing port, sun-soaked beaches, colorful art galleries and cluster of hookah cafés, Tangier’s bohemian vibe is alive and well, and it’s easy to see why so many iconic figures have visited—Tennessee Williams, William S. Burroughs, Truman Capote and of course, the Rolling Stones have all been inspired by its magic. 

Located west of Tangier, Cape Spartel is the northwesternmost point of Africa, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. Rising 1,000 feet (305 meters) above sea level, Cape Spartel is known for its stunning views and dramatic coastal roads, and includes a lighthouse dating from 1864.

 

Known in antiquity as the Cape of Vines, this scenic promontory is famous for its breathtaking views over the Strait of Gibraltar. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the coast of Spain, from the Rock of Gibraltar to Cape Trafalgar. With numerous walking and hiking trails and sandy beaches nearby, visitors can easily spend a few hours here. Highlights include the Hercules Cave, located near the cape, and the Spartel Lighthouse. Bird watching is also a popular activity here.

 

Many guided tours stop at Cape Spartel and typically include nearby Hercules Cave and other top Tangier attractions, such as the Kasbah. It’s also possible to visit as part of a shore excursion from Tangier, or even on a day trip from southern Spain.

 

 

The easiest way to visit Cape Spartel is as part of a guided tour. To visit on your own from Tangier, it’s best to take a taxi. There is also one sightseeing bus from Tangier that stops near the cape.

 

Cape Spartel is a popular attraction. July and August are peak season and see the most visitors. During this time, arrive in the early morning on a weekday to avoid the crowds. Visit just before sunset for spectacular sunset views.

The north coast of Africa, and Cape Spartel in particular, was dangerous for ships to navigate. In 1864, the Sultan of Morocco built a lighthouse here, with international support. And in 1865, the governments of Austria, Belgium, France, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United States signed an agreement with Morocco to contribute funds toward the upkeep of the lighthouse, and received assurances that the lighthouse would remain neutral in times of war.

Located 7 miles (14 kilometers) west of Tangier, near Cape Spartel, Hercules Cave is one of the area’s top attractions. Discovered in 1906, the cave extends for 18.6 miles (30 kilometers) and is both natural and manmade. It features two openings, one to land and one to sea, with the latter known as the “Map of Africa” for its distinctive shape.

 

The cave system takes its name from the mythical hero Hercules, who allegedly slept in the cave before one of his 12 legendary labors. It’s been in use since prehistoric times, most recently by the Berbers to make millstones, which helped to enlarge the cave system. You can see still the indentations on the cave walls and ceiling. The “Map of Africa” is believed to have been created by the Phoenicians and is one of the most intriguing aspects of the cave. Don’t forget to take in the wonderful ocean views from inside the cave.

 

Hercules Cave features on many guided tours, whether half-day or full-day, which typically include nearby Cape Spartel and other top Tangier attractions such as the Kasbah. It’s also possible to visit as part of a shore excursion from Tangier, or even on a day trip from southern Spain.

 

 

The easiest way to visit Hercules Cave is as part of a guided tour. To visit on your own from Tangier, it’s best to take a taxi. There is also one sightseeing bus from Tangier that stops near the caves.

 

The cave system is open daily, year-round. July and August are the peak season and see the most visitors, including at the nearby beaches. Visit early morning on a weekday during peak season to avoid the crowds. Or visit in the late afternoon, then stay for the sunset at a nearby café.

 

Legend has it that Hercules rested in this cave before his 11th labor, to obtain golden apples from the garden of Hesperides, located in nearby Lixus. On his way to the garden Hercules had to cross the Atlas Mountains, but instead of doing so, he smashed through them and as a result created the Strait of Gibraltar.