Considered as one of the largest cultural cities in Morocco, Tangier is however little known, even ignored. Find out how to visit Tangier and discover its secrets!
Tangier is for sure a very lively city located at the doorway to the Strait of Gibraltar. Its geographic location has made it a major international port. It has been a strategic point between Africa and Europe since the 12th century...before our era, that is to say, during the Phoenician era (-1200 to -300 BC approximately). The city now occupies a good third of the peninsula that forms the Strait of Gibraltar on the Moroccan side. Over the centuries, Tangier has grown and expanded.
Today, it is a cosmopolitan cultural center that has kept its Moroccan identity, while welcoming others with open arms. Its inhabitants have their hearts on their hands and are as warm as their country. It is a real gold mine, in terms of discoveries, but also terms of artistic, natural, or architectural richness. We chose 9 must-do's in Tangier, for a successful and authentic stay.
1. The Grand Socco
You can see the symbolic building of the city, Rif Cinema, Here is the Cinémathèque de Tangiers (CDT), an association that promotes the democratization of cinema in Tangier.
2. Cape Spartel
It is unthinkable to go to Tangier without going to Cape Spartel, which corresponds roughly to our Finistère, in Brittany. This is the western tip of the peninsula where Tangier is located. You will discover a lighthouse that seems to watch over the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It is said that it is at his feet that they meet.
Opened in 1864, this lighthouse, was the first in Morocco. You will find it in many representations (especially in tourist souvenirs). And not for nothing it is one of the icons of the city of Tangier. Cape Spartel is located about fifteen kilometers from the city, accessible by cab for about fifteen euros (150 dirhams).
3. The Medina of Tangier
Who has never dreamed of entering a medina and letting himself be guided by its alleys until losing the north? It is an extraordinary way to visit Tangier: explore it and get to know it. Narrow but populated lanes will make you see all the colors: blue, pink, yellow, green... The medina has its own architecture and style. The inhabitants love plants and it shows. Some of them maximize their decoration for our greatest pleasure. But the medina does not the only house, but there are also many stores, tourist or food stores.
With luck, you will meet a person, often a man, who will offer you a tour of the medina. Be careful, because at the end of his "visit" he will ask you to pay. Here you will have to apply your negotiation skills. Although all jobs earn a wage, these "local guides" sometimes demand a lot of money, often from the most vulnerable tourists.
4. Local gastronomy
For a gourmet and typical break, we can only advise you of the Moroccan pastries. With colors of chocolate, honey, cinnamon, orange, they take different shapes. As delicious as Moroccan pastries are, the real institution in Tangier, the stores are everywhere!
Change your worldview with Zlabia, Chebakia, Ghribia, or gazelle horn! AAnd to accompany this delicacy, choose the lightness of fresh orange juice. All over the city, especially in the center, vendors will hurry to serve you a fresh juice, prepared in a minute! It's not for nothing that fruit, the cross between an orange and a tangerine, bears the name of the city: the tangerine. Today, Morocco participates in only 2% of the world's tangerine production, well ahead of China (47%).
It is an obligatory stop when you visit Morocco: taste its cuisine! Indeed, Moroccan cuisine is one of those things that must be discovered when visiting Tangier. So fragrant, comforting, and delicious, this gastronomy of the south will delight the most gourmet. You can stop in one of the many restaurants in Tangier. They serve until late couscous, tajines, chicken pastillas, and other Keftas to fall!
But also, you can buy some local specialties from a street-side merchant. For example, the Batbout, which is not Batman's bread, but a flatbread made of wheat semolina. Otherwise, discover the Baghrir, known as "pancake a thousand holes", very supple and light, to be seasoned in salty or sweet, according to your desires.
5. The Cave of Hercules
Perhaps the equivalent of the Eiffel Tower, the Cave of Hercules is one of the main symbols of the city of Tangier. To get there, you will have to take the cab option or stop, as they have located about 15km from the city center. However, the game is worth the candle.
They are natural caves, with a breathtaking opening to the ocean. The water sometimes rushes in powerfully and resonates in the entire cavity. It takes its name from the hero of Greek mythology who, after a long journey, would have taken the time to rest in this place ...
6. The municipal beach
How to get to Tangier without going to the municipal beach, which is very busy. It is also very big. This is a very beautiful beach, with fine white sand. If you walk along its width, not far from it you will pass the Corniche Garden, a green area with games.
Also, take a minute and go soak your feet! You will be able to say that you put your feet in water half ocean, half sea! On the beach, it is not uncommon to see camels waiting to be taken care of. Don't worry, their owner is not far away, ready to offer you a walk, for a few dirhams.
7. The Perdicaris Park
On the road leading from Tangier to Cape Spartel, there is a green bracket: Parc Perdicaris. Facing the strait, this park covers 67 hectares. The marked trails will allow you to discover this preserve in peace. This is a real botanical garden, rich in a variety of flora and fauna. The forest of the park is home to many species of trees, such as acacias, laurels, and local pines.
Furthermore, the forest is used as a lodging place for migratory birds during their great expeditions. It is a place that we recommend you to visit if you want to spend a moment close to nature. As a break, near a hectic city like Tangier.
8. Tea in a big Café
Of course, there's no Morocco without a token mint tea! And the people of Tangiers know that. Tea is a real institution there, as in most Arab countries. And this, to our great delight.
Indeed, enjoying a cup of hot tea on the terrace of a café in Tangier is like meddling once again in the culture. Downtown Tangier has some very well-known historical cafés, such as the imminent Café El-Hafa, open since 1921. Famous guests like the Beatles or the Rolling Stones stayed there.
So take the time to visit Tangier and its cafes, which often offer pastries accompanied by a hot beverage. the establishment overlooks the sea... So an ideal place to relax.
