Morocco · City guide
Tangier
Tangier is a port city in northern Morocco, at the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar. It lies on a bay between Cape Spartel and Cap Malabata, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean. The walled medina holds the Great Mosque, the kasbah a museum of Mediterranean cultures, and in the Cape Spartel massif the Caves of Hercules open onto the ocean.
What brings you to Tangier?
01
Museums and old buildings
Dar Niaba, the Kasbah Museum and Villa Harris, and the American Legation, the only National Historic Landmark in Morocco.
Things to do 02 Beaches
Cape Spartel Beach, Dalia Beach and Cap Malabata lie on the coast where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean.
Beaches near Tangier 03 Chefchaouen, Tétouan and Asilah
By car, Tétouan is 63.1 km and Chefchaouen 112.3 km away. Asilah lies about 40 km south-west on the Atlantic coast.
Day trips from Tangier 04 Ferries to Spain, France and Italy
From Tanger Med, ferries cross to Algeciras daily in about 1 h 30, and weekly to Barcelona, Sète, Marseille and Genoa.
Ferries to Tangier 05 By sea, air and rail
Ferries arrive at Tanger Med, flights at the city's airport, and Al Boraq trains run from Tanger Ville to Rabat and Casablanca.
Getting to Tangier 06 Where to stay
The medina, the new town and the coast each suit a different kind of stay in Tangier.
Where to stay in Tangier 07 Weather and when to go
Summers are dry, with a mean of 24.8°C in August. Most rain falls from October to January, most of all in December.
Weather in Tangier 08 Safety
Petty crime happens above all in medinas and on beaches. Official guides carry an ID, and taxi fares are agreed first or metered.
Safety in Tangier Three ways through Tangier
Medina Tangier's walled old town, with the Petit Socco, the American Legation and Dar Niaba, a museum of diplomatic history and travelling artists. Kasbah The fortress above Tangier's medina, with the Kasbah Museum of Mediterranean Cultures in the former palace and a contemporary art space in the old Kasbah prison. Cape Spartel Limestone caves on the Cape Spartel massif, 14 km from Tangier, lit by a passage that opens onto the Atlantic, with the remains of the Roman site of Cotta close by.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Tangier? +
Tangier lies in northern Morocco on the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Atlantic and the Mediterranean meet. Asilah is about 40 km south-west on the Atlantic coast, and Tétouan is 63.1 km away by car.
How do I get to Tangier? +
By sea, ferries from Spain, France and Italy arrive at Tanger Med, as set out under ferries. By air, you land at the airport, and by rail, ONCF trains include the Al Boraq. All three are covered under getting to Tangier.
How far is Tanger Med port from Tangier? +
About 40 km east of the city. Tanger Med handles the ferries from Algeciras and the weekly routes to Barcelona, Sète, Marseille and Genoa. Since 2010, only cruise ships and fast ferries have called at Tanger Ville in the city.
Do I need a visa for Tangier? +
With a British passport, you can stay up to 90 days without a visa. The passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your date of arrival and undamaged, and it is stamped on entry. More on entry under travel tips.