Menu
Tangier is one of the most interesting cities in the north of Morocco and in the whole country in general. It combines tradition and modernity, largely due to its privileged location: bathed by the ocean, is the southern shore of the Strait of Gibraltar. For this reason, it is also a strategic point in terms of transportation. Here is everything you need to know if you are considering integrating Tangier into your trip to Morocco.
Tangier is a city of approximately one million inhabitants located in the extreme north of Morocco, specifically on the southern shore of the Strait of Gibraltar, bathed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It is part of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, of which it is the capital. It sits on the slopes of several hills and elevations, taking advantage of the natural ‘amphitheater’ provided by the terrain.
Here are some distances you can take into consideration if you are planning to travel to Tangier from other destinations:
One of the great advantages of Tangier for any tourist is that it is very well connected to other destinations, both Moroccan and international, by land, sea and air. These are its main access routes, which are also major gateways to the country:
To appreciate the charm of Tangier, it is necessary to know briefly its history and context, which is largely related to its unique geographical location: at the northern tip of Africa, at the gates of Europe, where the Atlantic and the Mediterranean meet.
This has always made it a place of interest for all civilizations of the past, since the Neolithic period, when Berber groups settled here. Much more mark was left by the inhabitants of classical antiquity: Phoenicians, Punics, Greeks and Romans. It is no coincidence, therefore, that the famous Caves of Hercules have been identified here. After that came the Vandals and Byzantines, who succeeded the Romans after the fall of their Empire… until the Arab conquest in 706.
Its strategic location made it the center of disputes between the main Muslim powers of medieval times: Idrisids, Spanish Umayyads, Almoravids, Almohads, Hafsids, Marinids… This did not prevent Tangier from flourishing as a very active port, trading with the most important ports of the Mediterranean, such as Venice, Genoa, Marseille or Barcelona. Since the end of the 15th century, it was the object of dispute and domination by the Spanish and Portuguese, but in 1684 it was reconquered by Sultan Moulay Ismail, the Alaouite sovereign.
A very important episode to understand today’s Tangier is its situation since the late nineteenth century, in the era of European colonialism: it was the object of desire of the major powers, but ended up remaining as Tangier International Zone, a kind of multilateral protectorate, managed by England, Germany and the two countries that divided Morocco: France and Spain.
The United States also became part of this management at the end of World War II, in 1945, but a decade later it became part of the state of Morocco, independent since 1956. However, before and after that time, Tangier has always positioned itself as a cosmopolitan city, which has attracted numerous artists and writers from different foreign countries.
Are you hesitating to choose Tangier as one of the destinations of your trip to Morocco? Take a look at the following reasons that will help you make your decision… it will surely be in the affirmative:
Tangier is a city that has grown a lot and has been greatly renovated in recent years. And the most interesting thing for the tourist is that it has not lost its essence. To get to know this destination properly, we can talk about three distinct areas: the medina, the Ville Nouvelle and its coast, to which must be added the surroundings of the city.
It is, as in most Moroccan cities, its historic center. That is to say, a neighborhood of narrow and lively streets, which was formerly surrounded by walls, of which important vestiges remain. This is where you will find bazaars, craft stores, charming restaurants, riads… and in short, the most popular life in Tangier. Here there are also, of course, monuments and historical buildings, which are worth seeing. This is a list of things to see in the medina of Tangier or in its immediate surroundings:
At the beginning of the 20th century, the so-called Ville Nouvelle emerged in Tangier, a neighborhood inspired by European urban extensions, in a style that blends modernism and traditional Arab architecture, resulting in an area of wider streets and squares, where the exotic is not at odds with order. In this new city you can get to know:
One of the great improvements that Tangier has experienced in recent times is its relationship with the sea, also from a tourist point of view. The so-called Corniche or Promenade has been remodeled, with ample space for pedestrians, including gardens. In addition, the sandy beaches are also becoming more and more welcoming. And all this with the imposing presence of the port, not only commercial but also sporting. This is a list of places to visit here or nearby:
In addition to the beaches located on the outskirts of Tangier, there are other places of interest for tourists around the city, especially from a natural point of view. Here is a list of suggestions:
Travelers more interested in premium tourism have in Tangier one of the most interesting destinations in Morocco, for being a host city of great personalities in the twentieth century and for the new establishments of leisure, gastronomy and accommodation that have emerged more recently. These are some tips that you can take into account for your trip:
In any case, if you need a hand to organize your premium trip to Tangier, do not hesitate to contact Chic Morocco: our agency is specialized in exclusive experiences and we will know how to advise you on the best services in this city.
Fill out the form below to receive a free, no-obligation, tailor-made quote from an agency specialized in Morocco.
Travel agency and DMC specialized in private and tailor-made trips to Morocco.
Mandala Tours, S.L, NIF: B51037471
License: C.I.AN-187782-3
