Potrebbe non essere il primo posto a cui pensi quando pianifichi un viaggio in Marocco, ma la città portuale di Tangeri è la porta perfetta per il Nord Africa per i viaggiatori che arrivano dall’Europa. Affacciata sullo Stretto di Gibilterra, Tangeri offre ai visitatori un’adeguata introduzione a ciò che possono aspettarsi dal paese. Per nulla vicina ad una destinazione turistica raffinata come, ad esempio, Marrakesh, Tangeri ti offre un’autentica sensazione grintosa della vita cittadina in Marocco, difetti e tutto il resto.
- The perfect 1-day itinerary in Tangier
- Tangier Medina
- The Kasbah Museum
- The American Legation Museum
- Tangier Corniche
- Cap Spartel
- Hercules Caves
- Phoenician Tombs for sunset
- Do you have more than 24 hours in Tangier? Here’s what to see nearby
- 1. Traditional Hammam
- 2. Tétouan
- 3. Asilah
- Best time to visit Tangier
- How to get around Tangier
- Where to Stay in Tangier
Esplorando tutti i posti migliori da visitare a Tangeri, non solo avrai una visione a tutto tondo della città, ma troverai anche i tuoi piedi, che renderanno molto più semplice esplorare il resto del Marocco. Per sfruttare al meglio il tuo tempo lì, è meglio seguire il nostro itinerario a Tangeri. In questo modo saprai esattamente cosa fare a Tangeri in 1 giorno.
The perfect 1-day itinerary in Tangier
Although it is the first port of call in Morocco for many people, Tangier is not a destination that requires much time. Rather than being a city full of must-see attractions, Tangier is the perfect place to get used to what Morocco is like. With one day there, you should have no trouble covering all the best things to do in Tangier and returning with beautiful memories.
To cover the best spots in the city in just one day, it’s best to start with a plan, which is exactly what this travel itinerary in Tangier is. Along the way, you’ll be able to admire not only Tangier’s old town but also some of the most beautiful coastal spots overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar.
However, before starting our Tangier itinerary, we just wanted to remind you to purchase travel insurance. You never know what will happen and, trust us, you don’t want to be stuck with thousands of euros in medical bills. As a wise man once said: “If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.” So don’t leave home without it.
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After taking care of this useful reminder, let’s dive into how to spend 1 day in Tangier. After reading this guide, you’ll be ready to experience the absolute best of Tangier.
Tangier Medina
The natural place to start your visit is with the Tangier Medina. If this is your first time visiting a medina in Morocco, it will give you an idea of what the fortified old town center of Moroccan cities is like. A maze of narrow streets leading from the port to the Grand Socco market square, there’s a high chance you’ll get lost many times while exploring this part of the city.
Wandering the Medina, you will surely find many shops selling all kinds of crafts. Don’t be surprised if locals approach you while you wander, asking if you are lost. They will offer to help you find your way, only to insist on payment or to take you to their shop instead. If you get tired of walking and shopping, head to Place Petit Socco where you can find ideal cafes for people watching.
The Kasbah Museum
For tourists, the undisputed main attraction near the Medina is the Kasbah Museum inside the old sultan’s palace Dar El Makhzen. Although most of the information inside is in French and Arabic, you can see this restored palace in all its glory. The museum’s collection of detailed maps is a big hit, as are the beautiful courtyards and tiles throughout the palace.
The American Legation Museum
Probably not the kind of museum you would expect to find in Morocco, the American Legation Museum focuses on the fact that Morocco was the first country to recognize an independent America in 1821. Being the first American diplomatic mission, the building was the first property outside the United States and now exhibits on the relations between the two countries. American visitors will likely get the most out of this museum, but there are aspects of the museum, like the colonial art and architecture, that will interest everyone.
Tangier Corniche
As a port city, you can’t avoid exploring the Tangier waterfront. While you might expect the harbor docks, the view of the city beach and the Tangier Corniche behind it is probably more unexpected. Escaping the medina’s confines, it will feel like you can breathe again as you stroll along the Corniche. With Ville Nouvelle, the new part of Tangier, on one side and the city beach on the other, it’s a refreshing view of what Tangier is like. While you can relax on the sand, it’s also possible to take a camel ride along the beach, which is a great option if you can’t make it to the Sahara.
Cap Spartel
Watching over the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar and the northwestern corner of Africa, Cap Spartel is a popular attraction for tourists outside Tangier. A short drive from the city, it’s hard to resist the incredible ocean views obtained from this point. The coastal scenery is only enhanced by the view that includes the Phare Cap Spartel lighthouse and its Arabic design. If you feel the need to get away from the hustle and bustle of Tangier, this is the place to escape.
Hercules Caves
A bit further downstream from the coast at Cap Spartel, between two beaches, is the other popular spot in the area, the Hercules Caves. According to legend, the famous hero Hercules slept in the caves during his journey to steal the apples from the Garden of the Hesperides, one of the 12 labors of Hercules. Open to the public, you can actually descend into the caves and see the fascinating rock formations inside. It is said that the opening facing the sea was carved by the Phoenicians and resembles the shape of the African continent, hence it is nicknamed the “Map of Africa.”
Phoenician Tombs for sunset
To conclude your day in Tangier, there is really no better spot than the Phoenician Tombs atop the hill where you can admire the sunset. Labeled on maps in French as Tombeaux Phéniciens, the tombs are located near Café Hafa and overlook the northern coast of the city. Tangier was founded by the Phoenicians and here you will see countless tombs carved into the rock that were unearthed about a century ago.
Despite the historical significance of the rocks, you’ll see people walking and climbing on them. This is because the spot is a popular place among locals to watch the sunset, from young couples to families. It’s a fantastic place with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, something you probably haven’t experienced in the city so far.
Do you have more than 24 hours in Tangier? Here’s what to see nearby
Even though you can see a lot in Tangier in 24 hours, it never hurts to give a destination a little more time. There are other activities to do in Tangier, not to mention nearby destinations in northern Morocco that you can visit on day trips. So, if you have time, here are some day trips and other activities from Tangier that you might consider.
1. Traditional Hammam
Part of what makes Morocco such an interesting country is that there are many opportunities to experience aspects of its culture. One of the most popular cultural experiences travelers love to partake in is visiting a traditional Moroccan steam bath. Hammam in Arabic, these public baths are an essential part of life in Morocco and thus represent a fantastic local experience.
There are two paths to take when looking for a hammam experience in Morocco. You can do as the locals do and visit a regular public hammam, or opt for a more international hammam that will be more like a spa resort. If it is your first time trying a hammam, navigating the process can be difficult, so choosing a hammam at a hotel or spa is a good way to relax.
2. Tétouan
Tangier is not the only destination in northern Morocco that tourists should visit, the city of Tétouan is really worth a trip. Located at the foot of the Rif mountains, the city is often nicknamed the “White Dove” due to its sparkling white buildings that have a strong Spanish influence. This makes it a nice contrast to many other Moroccan cities that have a more French background.
Sightseeing in Tetouan focuses mainly on the medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you will be transported back centuries. With its high fortified walls surrounding it and the stunning Andalusian architecture inside, it will surely captivate visitors.
Once you are satisfied with having explored the medina thoroughly, head to the Tétouan Archaeological Museum. The museum displays artifacts dating from different eras of the city’s history, including the Roman, Berber, Punic, and Islamic periods.
3. Asilah
For a short seaside day trip, look no further than the charming city of Asilah, on the Atlantic coast. A former Portuguese colony, Asilah exudes historical character, largely due to the 15th-century walls and gates surrounding it. If you want to see waves crashing against ancient stone fortifications, this is the place to be.
Although visiting another medina might not sound that exciting, Asilah’s medina is decorated with fantastic murals, turning the historic center into a large art gallery. Even the buildings without murals have the same whitewashed exterior, giving the town exactly the kind of look you might imagine when you think of Morocco.
There is also plenty to do in Asilah beyond the medina walls. For starters, there is the town beach located just outside the city walls to the north, while other beaches such as Paradise Beach are a bit further away. Just outside the Bab El-Homar medina gate, you can visit a local farmers’ market and experience what local life is like there.
Best time to visit Tangier
To make the most of your visit to Tangier, you should consider the time of year. You might be surprised to learn that the climate in Morocco is not warm all year round, so choosing the right season is important. However, Tangier is not a large tourist destination, so it does not suffer from too many tourists like other cities in Morocco.
The weather will be the main thing to consider when deciding the best time to visit Tangier. As expected, Tangier and the rest of Morocco are very hot in the summer, making sightseeing unpleasant and the city relatively quiet until after sunset. Winter, on the other hand, can be cold, damp, and windy, making it far from ideal. All this to say that the best periods to go are from March to May and from September to October. During these times of year, you will benefit from the pleasant spring and autumn weather and also avoid Morocco’s peak season.
How to get around Tangier
During your visit to Tangier, you will get around the city moving from one place to another. This means you will need to know the best ways to get around the city. In places like the Medina, you will have no choice but to walk because the streets are too narrow. In fact, you can see much of Tangier on foot, but definitely carry a map with you because it can be easy to get lost.
However, there will be times when walking won’t work, such as when you visit Cap Spartel. Since there is no public transport network here to rely on, the alternative is to get around by taxi. Tangier has two types of taxis, the petit taxi and the grand taxi. As the name suggests, petit taxis are smaller and can only accommodate three passengers, while grand taxis hold six. Another difference between the two types is that small taxis use a meter and are generally not shared, whereas grand taxis are mostly shared and tend to follow a specific route.
You will probably arrive in Tangier by ferry or plane. The Tangier ferry terminal is right next to the Medina, so you can simply walk or take a taxi to your accommodation, but beware of scalpers claiming to be from the tourist office saying they will give you a tour. Coming from Tangier airport to the city, which is 30 minutes away, the only real option is a grand taxi. The price for a grand taxi should be posted on a board at the airport.
Where to Stay in Tangier
Whenever you are unfamiliar with a place, trying to figure out where you should stay can be a challenge. After all, you don’t know the layout of the city, so finding a place to stay near the main attractions and restaurants will be difficult. That’s why we’ll tell you where to stay in Tangier, so it won’t be a problem.
The best places to stay in Tangier are those that give you easy access to the city’s medina. Many people choose to stay in the Medina for the atmosphere and convenience, but it is not the only option. The Marshan neighborhood on the hill and west of the Medina is another good choice, while parts of the Ville Nouvelle near the beach are also nice.
If you’re looking to treat yourself while in Tangier, the El Minzah Hotel is the way to go. Just a short walk from the Medina and the beach, this classic five-star hotel offers its guests rooms with true Moroccan charm, as well as access to an outdoor pool and bay views.
As an affordable destination, you can often find quality accommodation with an authentic touch like at Dar Sami that won’t break the bank. This riad on the edge of the Medina offers travelers an authentic Moroccan experience, with beautiful terrace views and a delicious, hearty breakfast.
For backpackers looking for a budget place to stay, the Riad Hostel Tangier has what you are looking for. Whether in dorms or private rooms, guests will find clean rooms, private bathrooms, and great staff.
It’s fair to say that you won’t be bored seeing Tangier in 1 day thanks to all the excellent places we’ve mentioned here. Visiting and starting your trip in Morocco will surely be an exciting success.
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