If you’re looking for an exotic and exciting vacation destination, look no further than Tangier, Morocco. Situated on the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier has a rich and colorful history that is waiting to be explored. From its ancient mosques and medinas to its stunning coastal views, there is something for everyone in Tangier.
Here are some of the best things to do in Tangier.
Discover Tangier’s Medina
The Medina of Tangier is a walled city dating back to the 7th century. The original purpose of the Medina was to protect the city from potential invaders. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination.
What can you see?
Medina contains a number of interesting historical sites, including the Kasbah, which is located on a hill overlooking the city. The Kasbah is home to the Royal Palace, as well as several museums and art galleries. The Grand Mosque is also worth a visit, as is the American Legation Museum.
Why should you visit it?
The Medina of Tangier is a fascinating place to explore, and there are plenty of things to see and do there. It’s also a great place to experience traditional Moroccan culture and architecture.
Café Hop in Tangiers Ville Nouvelle
Tangier is very famous for its cafes and bars, but Café Hop is definitely one of the best places located in the Ville Nouvelle. It’s a great place to have a delicious breakfast or enjoy some ice cream after a long walk through the crowded streets of Tangier!
What does it offer?
Café Hop offers all kinds of cuisines. If you’re not hungry, you can just order an exotic juice or try one of their special cocktails. They are so large that everyone will find something suitable for themselves! The prices are also really affordable which means even students could come here without worrying about their budget too much!
Why should you visit it?
If there’s any reason why this location should be visited by everyone, then that would be its interior. This is not a statement, but a fact! You will love it as soon as you step inside and see how the waiters are dressed. It makes everyone become more cheerful and merry about their choice!
Take in the views at Cap Spartel
The Cap Spartel is located just next to the city and it’s easily reachable by any means of transport. You can come here in your car or take a bus, but walking is also possible! What would be a better way to see all of Tangier than enjoying its panorama along with the water and 20 km wide Strait in the background.
What can you do there?
As it was already mentioned, you can admire all the views at Cap Spartel quite easily! To stay in good spirits after that, you can go for a walk in one of many parks located in this area. This will not only refresh you in general but also help you relax in order to start the day full of energy!
Why should you visit it?
This is a place that offers everything for free! All you have to do is find some time, come here and spend an hour or two enjoying the best that Tangier has to offer. It’s definitely worth your time!
Day Trip to Lixus & Larache
Located only an hour’s drive from Tangier, Larache is a city with a rich history that has several monuments worth visiting. The city has recently opened the Ancient City-Lixus Museum which features artifacts unearthed in Lixus as well as those brought over from nearby Volubilis and Chellah.
Between the museum and other excavations remains of walls, ramparts and buildings can be seen throughout the area. A short distance away two Roman tombs have been uncovered near the town cemetery. Larache was first inhabited by Berbers and an encampment named Lixus was built there by Carthaginians around 800 BC, but this version of events remains to be proved (the name ‘Lixus’ meaning “luxury” in Punic).
Lixus is also home to a Jewish community that dates back to the time of the expulsion from Spain. The community was given refuge by the sultan Abd-al-Haqq II and was offered the protection of a fortress that still stands today.
What you’ll find here:
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located on the Atlantic coast, north of Larache. It’s one of Morocco’s most important archaeological sites and was once an important Phoenician port. The site has been occupied since the Early Bronze Age and has seen Carthaginian, Roman, Vandal, and Byzantine rule. Today you can see remains of fortifications, a colonnaded street, temples, an amphitheater, and a Christian church.
Volubilis is a very attractive site that combines Roman ruins with a Berber village and its majestic surrounding mountains. Features that you will be able to see include an extensive forum, triumphal arch, basilica, temples, and theatres. One of its main attractions though is the detailed carvings on the faces of the temple columns which remain clearly visible despite being 2000 years old!
Why should you visit them?
If ever you find yourself in Tangier again feel free to pay these cities another visit (but make sure to come back)! You won’t regret it when you get to admire all their best features once again! It’s like seeing your house anew after many many years… But even if it’s your first time in Tangier, you should definitely visit these places!
Enjoy the Sea Air on Tangier Beach
After exploring the ancient sites of Tangier, it’s only natural to want to take a break and relax on its wonderful beaches! The most famous and busiest one is Tangier Beach located in the heart of the city.
The beach stretches for kilometers and has a wide range of activities on offer such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, jet skiing, sailing, and swimming. It can get pretty busy during the summer so if you’re looking for some peace and quiet head to Caves Beach which is further north.
What you’ll find here?
The beach itself is a wonderful place to go to, but the area surrounding it is equally beautiful! It has plenty of shops that sell all kinds of things from clothes and traditional handicrafts to food and drinks. There are also some great bars where you can get a cold beer or cocktail while enjoying the sea breeze!
Why should you visit the Beach?
If you’re looking for some chillaxing time in Tangier with your friends and family then head on over to one (or more) of its beaches! You’ve got nothing to worry about when there are so many fun things going on around you and the fresh, Mediterranean air is guaranteed to leave you with an everlasting impression of this lovely city!
Day Trip to Asilah
Asilah is a small town located on the Atlantic coast, south of Tangier. It’s known for its fortified walls and colorful houses. The town was founded by the Portuguese in 1471 and became a major center for trading with Europe. Asilah was captured by the Spanish in 1589 but regained its independence after the Moroccan War of Independence in 1956.
What you’ll find here:
This walled town is known for its brightly painted houses and buildings. The whitewashed houses contrast with the blue doors, windows, and shutters, making it a photographer’s paradise! You’ll also find some interesting museums and art galleries as well as a few mosques and churches.
Why should I visit them?
If you’re looking for an alternative to Tangier then Asilah is the place for you! It’s a little less hectic than Tangier so if you’re not in the mood for big cities, this is the place to go! And of course, it has some amazing sites to show off too so why would you miss out on that?
Visit St. Andrew’s Church
Constructed in the year 1900, St. Andrew’s Church is a beautiful place to visit that will make you feel at peace. Its name comes from the fact that it was built on the spot where St. Andrew’s body was found after his execution by crucifixion. What makes this church unique is its architecture which fuses both European and Moorish designs together.
The inside of the church is just as stunning as the outside with its large stained-glass windows, marble pillars, and high ceilings. It also contains a small museum that houses some religious artifacts and artworks.
What you’ll find here:
This Anglican Church is located in Tangier and serves as the cathedral for the Diocese of Gibraltar in Europe. It was built between 1879 and 1884 by the English architect William Henry Dunn who had previously designed similar churches in Egypt. It’s an intricate building with Moorish influences including horseshoe arches, geometric patterns, and floral carvings. The stained-glass windows are particularly worth admiring both their beauty and symbolism.
Why should you visit it?
If ever you find yourself in Tangier again feel free to pay this church another visit (but make sure to come back)! You won’t regret it when you get to admire all its best features once again! It’s like seeing your house anew after many many years… But even if it’s your first time in Tangier, you should definitely visit this place!
Hercules Cave
This cave is located about 35 km away from Tangier and is a very popular tourist destination. The cave has two entrances, one on the seashore and the other inland. The interior of the cave features beautiful stalactites and stalagmites as well as paintings that are around 6000 years old!
What you’ll find here:
This cave was once inhabited by Neanderthals and is named after Hercules who is said to have rested here after completing his 12 labors. The cave contains large chambers and a lake that can be reached by boat.
Why should you visit?
For a view of the Atlantic coast and for some sightseeing. However, the cave is quite popular with scuba divers who frequently come here to explore its underwater world!
Visit Dalia Beach
This beach is a must-visit for those who love swimming, sunbathing, or simply enjoying the view. What’s special about this beach is that it offers all of that while being surrounded by mountains, making it an idyllic spot. The white sand and crystal clear waters make it a perfect place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Location:
The beach is located in the suburb of Sidi Kacem, around 20 km from Tangier.
What you’ll find here:
The beach is surrounded by the beautiful mountains of the Rif and offers lots of outdoor activities such as horseback riding and quad biking. The area’s rich with Berber history and culture, there are many exquisite Kasbahs that you can tour and enjoy some delicious food in its restaurants.
Why should you visit it?
This place not only provides a great view but also an opportunity to bond with your friends and family! So gather your gang together for this trip – bring your swimsuits, sunscreen, water bottle (to keep hydrated), and most importantly: energy! After all these activities you’ll need them… And make sure to take plenty of photos when you get back; they’re bound to turn out amazing!
Go Shopping at Ibn Batouta Mall
If you’re looking for a place to go shopping, Ibn Batouta Mall is the perfect destination. It’s one of the largest malls in all of Africa and covers an area of 120,000 square meters! The mall has over 400 stores, a food court, a play area for children, and a 12-screen cinema. There’s something for everyone at Ibn Batouta Mall!
Why visit the mall?
The mall is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening if you’re looking for some retail therapy. With so many stores to choose from, you’re sure to find something that catches your eye! The food court is also a great place to eat, with a variety of restaurants to choose from. And if you have children, they’ll have a blast playing in the play area!
Mall Hours:
The mall is open from 9 AM to midnight on Sundays through Wednesdays and from 9 AM to 1 AM Thursdays through Saturdays. It’s closed every Thursday morning until 2 PM for maintenance.
Terrasse des Paresseux
This place is a must for those who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its name, which means ‘The Terrace of the Lazy Ones’ in English, comes from the fact that it offers an amazing view over the city and the Strait of Gibraltar. The terrace can be found on Boulevard Mohamed V, near the Place de France.
What you’ll find here:
This terrace is one of the most popular places in Tangier and is perfect for watching the world go by while enjoying a drink or a bite to eat. You’ll find plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars here so you can really make the most of it!
Why should you visit it?
While the terrace itself is beautiful and relaxing, what should really convince you to visit it are the views of Tangier! From up here, you can see the waves crashing against the shore as well as Gibraltar’s impressive outline. You also get a great view of the Medina so this spot is truly irreplaceable!
Ba Kacem Beach
Ba Kacem is a beach located about 20 kilometers south of Tangier. The beach is known for its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and serene atmosphere. It’s one of the few places in Morocco where you can find both sand and rocks on the beach and has become a popular destination for surfers, windsurfers, and kitesurfers.
What you’ll find here:
This kilometer-long beach is known for its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and serene atmosphere. It’s one of the few places in Morocco where you can find both sand and rocks on the beach and has become a popular destination for surfers, windsurfers, and kitesurfers.
Why should you visit it?
If you’re looking for a beautiful and peaceful beach to relax on, Ba Kacem is definitely the place for you! It’s also great for swimming, surfing, and windsurfing. Just make sure to take some sunscreen with you, as the sun can be quite strong here!
Punta Malabata
As the sun sets, this is one of the best places in Tangier to relax and watch the world go by. With its dramatic location overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar, it’s easy to see why this spot has been popular for centuries with everyone from fishermen to pirates! You can enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the stunning views, and if you’re lucky you might even get to see some dolphins swimming by.
What you’ll find here:
This promontory is located on the Atlantic coast, southwest of Tangier. It’s known for its lighthouse which was built in 1864 and is one of the tallest in Africa. The area is also home to a number of restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood and a number of activities such as surfing, fishing, and climbing.
Why should you visit it?
Punta Malabata offers great views over the Strait of Gibraltar, but its main attraction is just being there! It’s a place where Tangier residents often spend holidays with family and friends to relax in the sun. Come here on a sunny day for a good time guaranteed!
Gran Teatro Cervantes
Opened in 1917, the Gran Teatro Cervantes is the oldest theater in Tangier. It was originally built by the Spanish and has been refurbished a number of times over the years. The theater has a horseshoe-shaped auditorium with a capacity of 1,000 people and features an impressive marble foyer.
What you’ll find here:
This beautiful theater is located in the heart of Tangier and offers visitors a chance to see some traditional Moroccan performing arts. Shows that are typically staged here include music performances, shadow plays, storytelling, and poetry readings.
Why should you visit it?
If you want to experience some traditional Moroccan culture then be sure to check out what’s happening at the Gran Teatro Cervantes during your stay in Tangier. It’s a wonderful way to get a glimpse into the country’s performing arts scene and will leave you with some unforgettable memories.
Traditional Art Gallery
If you’re looking for a break from all the history and want to see some art, Tangier has a traditional art gallery that is definitely worth a visit. The Tangerine Gallery is located in the heart of the medina and features artwork by Moroccan artists. It was founded in 2001 by two artists, Mohammed Mrabet and Youssef el Mesri, and showcases an ever-changing collection of paintings, sculptures, and traditional crafts.
What you’ll find here:
This museum is dedicated to traditional arts and crafts from Morocco. It’s housed in a beautiful old palace that has been restored to its former glory. You can see exhibits of woodwork, metalwork, jewelry, textiles, and pottery from all over the country.
Why should you visit it?
If you’re interested in traditional Moroccan art and crafts, then this is definitely the place for you. It’s a great opportunity to see some beautiful pieces that are usually hidden away in people’s homes. Plus, the gallery is run by artists so you can be sure of an interesting and informative experience!
Take a Desert Tour to Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)
If you are a desert wanderlust you may be interested to visit the Merzouga Desert and its awe-inspiring golden sand dunes of Erg Chebbi on a desert tour from Tangier ending in Marrakech or elsewhere.
Conclusion
Tangier, Morocco is a great place to visit if you love the Mediterranean coast. This city offers plenty of good restaurants and bars for tourists to explore as well as fantastic beaches where locals can take advantage of their day off from work. If you’re looking for an adventure in the sun, this Moroccan town has got it all – make sure your next destination is Tangier!
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