About
Tangier
It is a vibrant city with a tremendous history, one of the oldest cities in North Africa and has seen a number of European powers come and go.
Tangier is an interesting city destination thanks to an eclectic mix of historic legacies and can be linked with other northerly destinations such as the beautiful mountain village of Chefchaouen and Fez to extend your holiday itinerary.
Tangier sits in a remarkable setting spread over seven hills overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar on the extreme north west tip of Morocco. This makes it an important entry point for tourists entering the country from Spain (including train and car travellers from the UK).
The history of Tangier is complex, but suffice to say that it is fascinating and is more associated with the arts. Its most cosmopolitan period; around 1952, when immigrants accounted for almost half the population attracted famous writers such as Paul Bowles, William Burroughs, and Tennessee Williams to live here. Tangier was also a magnet for talented artists such as Henri Matisse and various celebrities.
Since Mohammed VI's rule began in 1999, the city has seen a massive facelift: the old port now only serves passengers with a marina for yachts and cruise ships, while industrial traffic uses a new commercial port outside the city, Tanger Mediterranée (Tangier Med), and renovation of public spaces and building has taken place including a new railway station and a beach promenade. The café life of the city that made it one of the stylish resorts of the Mediterranean in the past is still evident.
Location
Tangier is the northern most city in Morocco, positioned on the Atlantic coast on the rocks overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar and, on a clear day, the southern tip of Spain.
Its ferry terminal is an easy point of access into Morocco for those travelling through Spain and that, together with its international airport give visitors easy access to the northern reaches of Morocco which are otherwise time consuming to reach from the south.
Tangier is connected to the national rail network and a good road network, but it is still a significant distance to other points of interest:
- Tetouan and Chefchaouen, the Rif mountain towns around 1 and 2 hours' drive south east;
- Meknes and Fez, the fascinating Imperial cities around 5 or 6 hours away; and
- Rabat, the Imperial city on the Atlantic coast around 5 hours south west.
In the City
- The principal site of interest, Dar El Makhzen, the old Sultan's palace, set in lovely gardens, houses a museum containing a significant collection of Moroccan arts and archaeological remains including some superb calligraphy, Roman mosaics and a fine collection of other crafts work.
- The small, delightful medina with rambling streets, where the former home of Woolworths heiress, the legendary Barbara Sutton is located, has shed its sleazy image in recent years.
- The American Legation museum, commemorating the relations between Morocco and the USA stemming from the period of the international zone in the first half of the 20thcentury, is a beautiful building containing some fascinating memorabilia.
- From the Kasbah some superb views may be enjoyed, including those painted by Matisse, in whose honour a trail has been laid.
- The Tanjazz festival takes place annually in June.
Outside the City
- Tetouan (Berber for 'open your eyes'), a bustling large town over 300,000 inhabitants with a lively souk, is one hour's drive to the south. Enjoying a spectacular position in the Rif mountains, it is best known for its largely undiscovered medina, which is a World Heritage Site. The architecture of its new town displays a significant Spanish influence.
- Chefchaouen, a very pretty little town of about 50,000 inhabitants in a spectacular setting in the Rif mountains about 2 hours' drive south of Tangier, is a ideal stopping off point en route to Fez or Meknes.
- To the west the scenic Atlantic coast offers a range of opportunities including visits to the attractive promontory of Cap Spartel, the photogenic Caves of Hercules with Neolithic remains, camel rides, the ruins of the Roman town of Cotta and a good but dangerous surf spot, all within about 10 miles.
- Asilah, a delightful, peaceful coastal town with a good beach and attractive Portuguese fortifications just 50 minutes by train from Tangier.
- Lixus, a short drive to the south of Asilah, is an important Roman site with a wonderful hilltop setting overlooking the estuary, saltpans and Larache.
Itinerary Inspiration featuring Tangier
12 Tour of the North
Call (+44) 01239 710814 or Email and let's discuss your perfect holiday today....
100% Tailor-made
- Your entire holiday is designed around your requirements
- Explore your interests at you own speed
- Select your prefered style of accommodation
- Create the perfect trip with the help of our specialists
Fully Protected
- All flight-inclusive trips are ATOL protected (6228)
- 24/7 emergency UK contact number while abroad
- Established for over 25 years
Expert Knowledge
- All our specialists have travelled extensively or lived in their specilaist regions
- You will have the same specialist throughout the planning process
- Make the most of your time and budget
