Located just about ten miles away from the Spanish coast, and overlooking the Mediterranean Sea with incomparable views, lies the charming city of Tangier strategically nestled between the European and the African world. Tangier is a city remarkably rich in history, being conquered by the Phoenicians, the Carthaginians, the Romans, the Arabs, the Portuguese, the Spaniards and the English.
There are many amenities you should not miss when visiting Tangier.
The Medina
Medina, also known as the ”Old Town of Tangier”, is characterized by typically narrow winding streets and hawkers stalls. It is located in the north-western part of the city at the foothills, right next to the harbor. A charming and evocative atmosphere surrounds visitors as they make their way through an intriguing maze of narrow passages and tunnels, where the real life of the people of Tangier is portrayed.
Cafe Hafa
What makes Cafe Hafa so fascinating is its strategic position on a cliff giving visitors the chance to enjoy a relaxing moment in one of his incredible terraces. The views are breathtaking.
Kasbah
Perched on top of Medina, you can enjoy splendid views of the Strait of Gibraltar. Within the area, worth visiting is the Palace of the Sultan Dar El Makhzen, home to masterpieces portraying the evocative Moroccan art and the beautiful gardens of the sultan boasting a Moroccan-Andalusian style.
Place de France
At the heart of the Ville Nouvelle is this beautiful square, which, as the name implies, is built in French style. Several clubs and bars surround the square.
Grand Socco
The Grand Socco is a permanent market located just adjacent to the entrance of the Medina. Handcrafts, vegetables, antiques and used items are located within the many vendor stands that characterize this market. Here you can mingle with the locals and understand their real lifestyle.
Museums
There are many museums worth a visit in Tangier. You can start with the Museum of Antiquities, located near the Sultan’s Palace, which is home to beautiful mosaics and bronze statues.
The American Legation Museum, housed in a stone palace in the Medina, is famous for its beautiful art specimens dating back to the 17th century and for its large window located on the top floor which allows a fantastic view of Tangier.
The Forbes Museum was founded by billionaire Malcolm Forbes as the name implies. After his death in 1990, the museum went to the Moroccan government. The museum was built to honor the military battles of the past. Inside, you will find a collection of 115,000 tin soldiers; also, some battles have been rebuilt with light effects and sounds. In the garden there are over 600 statues that pay tribute to the Battle of the Three Kingdoms.
Last but not least, the Museum of Moroccan Arts, located inside the Medina, exhibits textiles, jewelry, leather goods, brass and copper.
New Town
The modern part of Tangier is called ”New Town” Here you will find modern buildings and panoramic views over the bay and harbor. Boulevard Pasteur is the main street of New Town and boasts luxury boutiques, along with famous hotels and buildings featuring stylish European architecture.
The Caves of Hercules
A few kilometers away from Tangier is an archaeological site of immense value known as the “Caves of Hercules”. The caves are located in Cap Spartel.
The Petit Socco
At the south entrance of the Old Town, nearby the mosque, lies Petit Socco, a lovely square surrounded by hotels, restaurants, cafes and more. In Petit Socco you will find the city’s most important mosque (The Great Mosque), built around the 18th century on the ruins of a Portuguese cathedral.
Gardens Mendoubia
This garden features a beautiful Banyan tree more than 800 years old.
Tangier’s splendid beaches, allow visitors the possibility to practice water sports, explore the depths of the Atlantic Ocean or the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean. A camel ride along the beautiful coastline of the city and its bay will provide ever-lasting memories. It comes as no surprise why the beautiful beaches of Tangier are very popular and therefore always crowded.
How to reach Tangier
To reach Tangier by plane, you can land at the International Airport of Ibn Batouta, which is located approximately four miles away from the city’s center and is connected via taxi service. The fare is very cheap compared to the fares charged in the United States and Europe. Another means of transportation is the ferry. There are many cruises that explore the Mediterranean and stop in Tangier and there are many routes that lead directly to the port of Tangier. Tangier’s beautiful port, ”Tangier Med” is one of the most important logistic centers in the Mediterranean, constantly expanding. Connections to the port run directly from Genoa and Barcelona in Italy.
When to visit Tangier
It is not recommended to visit the city of Tangier in August as the temperatures are very high and because of Ramadan being observed from August 10th to September 10th. People, during this time, are not allowed to drink and eat on the streets. The month of July, is much preferable with pleasantly warm temperatures, making it an ideal time to take advantage of the beautiful beaches of Tangier.
What and Where to eat in Tangier
Tasty and aromatic, the Moroccan cuisine of Tangier is characterized by many different flavors. Do not miss the cous cous, a staple dish of this African country often served with meat, vegetables and an aromatic sauce. Tropical and Mediterranean vegetables are used in abundance as condiment dishes and plenty of fruit is presented in great variety.
Among the most famous recipes is ”tajine”, a plate of mixed meat and poultry named after the pot in which it is cooked. Other dishes typical of this area include lamb cooked on hot coals known as ”mechoui”, kebab made with marinated meat, lamb served with peas and artichokes, meat and plums, and salad made with tomatoes, fried peppers and fish balls.
Here is a list of few places to take a break and enjoy a good meal:
El Korsan
If you are a lover of Arabic food, you should not miss this restaurant, located inside the hotel El Minzah, in Rue de la Liberte, in the New Tanger. Delicious dishes typical of the Arabic cuisine, such as cous cous and lamb, are the strengths of this restaurant. What makes this place so famous is also its relaxing atmosphere and the Moroccan music playing in the background.
Mustafa restaurant
This beautiful restaurant boasts good food at a modest price. The Mustafa restaurant is located in Salah Eddine el Ayoub. Here you can eat Arabic traditional dishes, such as lamb or chicken with lemon accompanied by salad, vegetables and cous cous. Very popular is also ”the pinchitos”, an appetizer prepared with marinated veal, chickpea soup and sardines. Really cheap prices and dining rooms with views to the mosque and the minaret (a tall tower), make this place special.
Casa de Espana
In the heart of the New Spanish villas you will find this restaurant reproducing typical Iberian dishes very popular among tourists and businessmen.
Cafe Hafa
Already mentioned for its incredible views over the Straits of Gibraltar, this beautiful coffee shop on Mohammed Tazi attracts young customers all over the world. Try the mint tea and the smoothies.
Tangier is a magical place, the point of junction between Europe and Africa, the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Tangier literally opens the doors to Morocco. Its markets full of smells, its bustling city noises and its panoramic views overlooking the sea, unveil an atmosphere of evocative mystery like no other place. Protagonist of several movies, Tanger has a history of being a city that has attracted many people. There are several visitors indeed who, once here for a short stay, decided to make Tangier their permanent home away from home.
