Tangier Travel Guide: Medina, Kasbah, Cap Spartel & Cafe Hafa
Tangier stands at the meeting point of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, just 14 kilometres from Spain. For centuries it was a crossroads for Phoenicians, Romans, Portuguese and British, and the International Zone of the early 20th century attracted writers, artists and spies. Today it is a fast-changing port with a lively old town.
At a glance
- Location
- Strait of Gibraltar, northern Morocco
- Distance to Spain
- About 14 km
- Highlights
- Medina, Kasbah, Cap Spartel, Cafe Hafa
- Allow
- 1 to 2 days
- Train
- Al Boraq to Rabat and Casablanca
In this guide
The medina and Kasbah
Start at the Grand Socco square and walk through to the Petit Socco, the old town's central square, then up to the Kasbah. The Kasbah Museum is set in a former sultan's palace and tells the city's history, while the lanes offer views over the strait.
Cafe Hafa
Opened in 1921, this terraced cafe cascades down a cliff with sea views. Writers such as Paul Bowles and members of the Beat Generation came here for mint tea, and it remains a favourite for sunset.
Cap Spartel and the Caves of Hercules
About 14 kilometres west, Cap Spartel is the north-western tip of Africa, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean. Nearby, the Caves of Hercules have a sea-facing opening shaped like the map of Africa. Both can be done in half a day by taxi.
Literary and diplomatic history
Tangier has a long literary tradition, from Delacroix and Matisse to Paul Bowles, William Burroughs and Tennessee Williams. The American Legation Museum, in a building given to the United States by the Moroccan sultan, is the only US National Historic Landmark outside the country. See our history of Morocco for the early links between the two countries.
How to get to Tangier
- By train: the Al Boraq high-speed train links Tangier with Rabat and Casablanca in around 1 hour 20 minutes and 2 hours 10 minutes respectively.
- By ferry: ferries run from Tarifa and Algeciras in Spain to Tangier (ville or Tanger Med).
- By air: Tangier Ibn Battouta airport has flights from Europe and Moroccan cities.
See getting around Morocco for more details.
Day trips
Chefchaouen is about 2 to 2.5 hours by road, Asilah about 45 minutes, and Tetouan about an hour. Tangier is also a natural starting point for a north-to-south trip towards Rabat and Fes.
A one-day plan for Tangier
Begin in the Grand Socco, walk through the medina to the Kasbah and its museum, and have lunch near the Petit Socco. In the afternoon, take a taxi to Cap Spartel and the Caves of Hercules, then return for sunset at Cafe Hafa. Finish with dinner on the seafront or in the old town.
Staying overnight
Tangier has restored riads in the medina and Kasbah, seafront hotels and modern accommodation near the train station. If you are arriving by ferry or high-speed train, a night in the medina is a good way to start your trip.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see Spain from Tangier?
On a clear day, yes: the coast of Spain is visible across the Strait of Gibraltar from Tangier and Cap Spartel.
How long is the ferry from Spain to Tangier?
From Tarifa it takes about 1 hour, and from Algeciras to Tanger Med around 1 to 1.5 hours. Check current schedules.
Is Tangier worth a visit?
Yes, especially if you are arriving from Spain or heading to Chefchaouen. It is a good introduction to Morocco with a lively medina and sea views.