Tangier, the current capital of the Tangier-Tetouan region, is not only a busy port city in Morocco that is located at the western entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar, but it is also a city with a rich history and a truly multicultural atmosphere that is sure to surprise you on your next trip to Tangier.
Tangier is the gateway to Africa for many travelers. Cruise ships often dock there on their way from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, and many people choose to travel to Tangier from Europe taking advantage of how easy it is to catch a fast ferry from Spain to the port of Tangier. Although most visitors to Tangier choose to spend just one day in the city, we recommend that you plan your next Tangier getaway for at least two nights so that you can see all that this North African port city has to offer.
There are some lovely boutique hotels in Tangier where you can stay, and we’re sure that once you figure out how to avoid some of the hustle and bustle of the city, you’ll appreciate much more of what a destination like Tangier has to offer beyond your initial impression or what you’ve read online. All in all, Tangier is a destination with so much to see and do that it deserves at least a two-night stay. Here are things you should know about Tangier to get you prepared for your Morocco tour.
Is Tangier worth a visit?
This is the million-dollar question and our opinion is that if it is a destination that is relatively close to you (2 to 3 hours flight), it is definitely worth a visit, as Tangier has a unique feeling that you will not find anywhere else in Morocco. Otherwise, if it is more than a 3 hours flight away, the decision is 100% up to you. They say that Tangier is like a magical city. But where do we find the charm and magic of Tangier, and is there a specific place that defines the city? Tangier is the location, that place of mythical geography, of geo-mythology between two seas, Atlantic and Mediterranean; between two continents, Africa and Europe… surrounded by many ancestral cultures: there are Hebrew sediments, from when they were expelled from the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon.
But we already tell you that Tangier is not a beautiful city and we could even say that it is a bit ugly. But in any case and although its history has already transcended and Tangier is now a very Moroccan city, it still retains some of the magic of its past, a magic mixture of politics and geographical location of this Moroccan city that has long been the object of desire of so many countries.
Is it safe to visit Tangier?
It is true that Tangier’s history has not been entirely good, although we have to admit that things have changed quite a bit in recent years. Wondering if it is safe to visit Tangier? The answer is that Tangier is no less safe than any other city in the country, or in the region. The Moroccan police have increased security forces throughout the country in light of world events and much has been done in recent years to clean up Tangier and its image.
You are bound to encounter a few overzealous salesmen, but that’s part of the experience, and as for the main crimes in the city, pickpocketing and petty theft/burglary are usually the most serious offenses to be observed. We have to recognize that, in general terms, Morocco is a very safe country and, as Tangier receives many tourists, the government’s attention to this destination is very special. As in any destination you visit, you have to be careful and do not do stupid things. Try to adapt to the culture and avoid accidents or dangerous neighborhoods.
A bit of history:
The history of Tangier begins before the 5th century BC with the native Amazigh (Berber) tribes and Phoenician traders coming ashore to trade. It has gone and continues to go by many names; Tanja, Tingi, Tingis, Tangier, and Tanger. Tingis is said to be derived from Tingis, the daughter of Atlas in Greek mythology. However, it is more likely that the word comes from the Semitic word Tigisis, or port. Moroccans sometimes refer to the city as Boughaz, “the bride of the north” or “the gateway to Africa” because of its strategic position.
Berber tribes have lived in the area for centuries, but the Carthaginians were the first outsiders to settle and colonize the area. The Romans and Byzantines later controlled the area for various periods of time. It was not until 702 that Tangier came under Muslim rule. During the fervor of European expansion and colonization, the city fell into the hands of the Portuguese and was ruled by them from 1471-1662. For a brief window, it was also held by the British who gave it as a gift to the king in exchange for the hand of their daughters in marriage.
After the independence of the United States – Morocco was the first country to recognize its independence – they built the first American consulate in Tangier. In 1821, the legation building in Tangier became the first property acquired abroad by the new country. It was a gift from Sultan Moulay Suliman.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Tangier was already a fairly multicultural city. An estimated 40,000 people lived in the city; 20,000 Muslims, 10,000 Jews, and 9,000 Europeans (mostly Spanish). While much of the country was divided from 1912 onwards between the French and the Spanish, Tangier was a slightly different story. In 1923 it became an international zone governed by the French, Spanish and British.
World War II was a very interesting time in Tangier because of its international status and the varied positions of the occupying countries. Spies, businessmen, writers, artists, intellectuals, and all sorts of people showed up on Tangier’s shores for its mix of opportunity and live-and-let-live politics that was found in few other places at the time. Tangier still has this appeal.
5 things to do and see in Tangier:
You have arrived in Tangier and now you are wondering what to do and see in Tangier during your weekend getaway. There are many things you can see and do in Tangier so you won’t get bored for a couple of days. You can do it on your own or you can choose a private tour of Tangier with an English speaking guide so you won’t miss anything. In any case, these are some of the main visits we recommend you to do, alone or with a guide, during your next weekend getaway to Tangier:
1. The Kasbah of Tangier:
One of the must-see places in Tangier is the Kasbah, one of the oldest parts of Tangier. The ancient walled city is the quintessential Tangier experience, with meandering walkways leading from one area to another. While it’s easy enough to get lost in the Kasbah, getting lost is really half the fun of wandering around this area of Tangier. And if you don’t want to get lost while visiting the Kasbah, there are always tours available so you don’t miss out on this wonderful experience.
There are so many amazing discoveries to be made, for one thing. You never know when you might turn the corner and find an amazing meal that you will dream about for years to come. Turn another corner and you’ll find the perfect bolo or rug that you’ll simply have to buy. And the views of the city, its surroundings, and the sea from the top of the Medina are simply spectacular.
And if you want to find accommodation in this area of the city, some buildings house small and charming hotels and riads owned by European owners.
2. Have a mint tea at the Café Hafa:
And while you’re strolling through the narrow streets of Tangier’s Kasbah, why not stop at the picturesque Cafe Hafa at the top of the Kasbah from where you’ll enjoy phenomenal views of the blue sea and the many ships sailing from Morocco to Spain. Don’t be scared when you arrive as, although this “cafe” doesn’t look like much from the outside, the different rows of terraces will change your mind once you enter. Tea, coffee, and small plates of local food are served at reasonable prices, and keep an eye on the time because you could spend several hours in this Tangier cafe without even knowing it!
Known for its delicious mint tea, it is even more famous for being a place where many singers and writers of the early 20th century have spent time. The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and writer William S. Burroughs (among many others), for example, are all known to have been patrons of this establishment. Although Café Hafa serves decent food (of course), visitors come primarily for the history and ambiance. From the 1920s-style décor to the breathtaking views and general sense of awe at who else has eaten there, Café Hafa is a popular tourist stop. It’s best to arrive early if you want to find a place to sit.
3. Visiting the Great Mosque of Tangier:
La Grande Mosquée Of Tangier stands on what was the site of a Roman temple during the 5th century. After the Portuguese conquest, the mosque became a cathedral and during the 8th century, its central location seemed suitable as a place of Muslim prayer and was converted into a mosque. Since then it has been converted back into a church and then back into a mosque. The series of conversions it has undergone during its time make it a fascinating example of Morocco’s rich and varied history, as well as a point of architectural interest.
4. Visiting the American Legacy Museum or American Legation:
Did you know that Morocco was the first country to recognize the United States as a new country and that they even signed a treaty? The Moroccan-American Friendship Treaty of 1786. And the American Legation is the first piece of American property to exist outside the United States. The beautiful building is created in Moorish-style stucco. It was presented to the United States by Sultan Moulay Sulliman in 1821 and was home to the American Legation and the U.S. Consulate for 140 years. At some point, it fell into disrepair, but today it is home to the Tangier American Legation Institute for Moroccan Studies and is also a popular tourist stop.
5. Visiting Cap Spartel and the Caves of Hercules:
One of the most popular spots outside of Tangier is the beautiful Cap Spartel and the Caves of Hercules, a must-see place to relax and enjoy the views of the strait. Just 14 kilometers/9 miles from Tangier, Cap Spartel is located at the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar, about 1000 feet/300 meters above sea level.
The Caves of Hercules lie beneath the cape and have a beautiful history full of intrigue. At one point, the caves were mined, which expanded them beyond their original size. There are indications that the caves were occupied in Neolithic times and, according to mythology, the Roman god Hercules once slept here. Regardless of who you believe, their beauty is well worth the trip to see them!
