The whitewashed houses of Tangier’s medina and Kasbah under a blue sky

Your independent Tangier travel guide

Tangier: Morocco’s gateway to Africa

Just 14 kilometres from Spain across the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier mixes a whitewashed medina and Kasbah with Atlantic beaches and a long international history. Hand-picked tours, honest advice and everything you need to plan your visit, whether you stay a week or come over from Spain for the day.

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Why visit Tangier?

Where Africa looks across to Europe

Tangier has drawn sultans, diplomats, painters and writers for centuries, and it is easier to explore today than ever.

Lose yourself in the lanes of the medina in the morning, drink mint tea above the strait at Café Hafa in the afternoon, and watch the sun set where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean at Cap Spartel. Blue Chefchaouen and the coast of Spain are both within easy reach.

Ibn Battuta was born here, Matisse painted here and the Beat writers lived here. We help you choose the right experiences, book them with confidence and get more out of each one.

  • 14 km across the strait to Spain
  • 1 hour by fast ferry from Tarifa
  • 1921 the year Café Hafa opened
A narrow whitewashed lane in Tangier’s Kasbah leading to an arched doorway

Traveller favourites

The best Tangier tours & experiences

Top-rated experiences booked through GetYourGuide. Tap any tour for live prices and availability.

Where to go

Tangier’s must-see places

From the Kasbah to the Atlantic coast: where to start, and how much time to allow.

The ochre walls and towers of Tangier’s Kasbah above the city and the sea Old town

The Kasbah

The fortress at the top of the medina

The walled citadel above the medina, with the Kasbah Museum in the former sultan’s palace and views across the Strait of Gibraltar to Spain.

A souk shop hung with colourful scarves in Tangier’s medina Souks

The Medina

Lanes, souks and the Petit Socco

A maze of whitewashed lanes, small squares and markets between the Grand Socco and the port. The Petit Socco café square is its heart.

The terraces of Café Hafa looking out over the Strait of Gibraltar Café

Café Hafa

Mint tea above the strait

A cliffside café that has served mint tea on its stepped terraces since 1921, with views over the water towards Spain.

Cap Spartel lighthouse above the cliffs and the ocean Viewpoint

Cap Spartel

Where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean

A headland west of Tangier with a 19th-century lighthouse, pine woods and views over the meeting of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.

The scalloped rock walls inside the Caves of Hercules Caves

Caves of Hercules

The cave that frames Africa

Sea caves on the Atlantic coast near Cap Spartel, famous for an opening to the ocean said to look like a map of Africa.

A terrace and pine trees at the American Legation in Tangier, in a black and white photograph Museum

American Legation Museum

The first US property abroad

A Moorish-style building in the medina given to the United States in 1821, now a museum of art, maps and Tangier’s international history.

A blue door opening onto a lane in Tangier’s medina

Where to stay

From riads in the medina to hotels by the bay

Tangier is easy to get around by taxi, but where you stay shapes your trip. We compare four areas, with the trade-offs and direct hotel searches for each.

  • The medina and Kasbah for riads and atmosphere
  • The city centre for convenience and restaurants
  • Tangier Bay for beach hotels and pools
  • Cap Spartel for peace on the Atlantic

Stories & guides

Latest from the blog

Day-trip planning, food guides and practical advice for your visit.

Plan like a local

Free Tangier travel guides

The coast east of Tangier and the Strait of Gibraltar seen from Cape Malabata

Tours & Tickets

Our pick of medina tours, cooking classes, day trips and tours from Spain, with who each one suits.

An Al Boraq high-speed train at the platform of Tanger Ville station

Getting There

Ferries from Spain, the airport, the high-speed train and petit taxis, explained.

Lanterns, ceramics and metalwork crowding a shop in the medina of Tangier

Travel Guide

Weather, culture, food, money and safety: what to know before you visit Tangier.

Plan your Tangier trip

Make the most of your time in Tangier

Explore the medina and Kasbah with a local guide, watch the sunset at Cap Spartel or take a day trip to blue Chefchaouen. Compare tours and book in a couple of taps.

Good to know

Visiting Tangier: your questions answered

Is Tangier worth visiting?

Yes. Tangier combines a lively medina and Kasbah with Atlantic beaches, a fascinating international history and easy day trips to Chefchaouen, Tetouan and Asilah. It is also the easiest way into Morocco from Spain.

How many days do I need in Tangier?

Two days covers the medina, the Kasbah, Café Hafa, Cap Spartel and the Caves of Hercules. Add a day or two for Chefchaouen or Asilah. If you are short of time, a day trip from Spain gives you a first taste.

Can I visit Tangier as a day trip from Spain?

Yes. Fast ferries from Tarifa take about an hour and arrive at the port in the city centre, and organised tours run from Tarifa, Seville and the Costa del Sol. Bring your passport. Read how to plan a day trip from Spain.

Do I need a visa for Morocco?

Citizens of many countries, including the EU, the UK, the US, Canada and Australia, can visit Morocco without a visa for up to 90 days. Rules depend on your nationality, so check the current entry requirements before you travel.

Is Tangier safe for tourists?

Tangier is generally safe for visitors. The main annoyance is unofficial guides and hustlers in the medina: a firm, polite no usually works. Take normal precautions with valuables, especially at night and in crowded places.

When is the best time to visit Tangier?

Spring and autumn are ideal, with warm days and fewer crowds. Summer is warm and busy, especially in July and August. Winters are mild but can be wet and windy. See when to visit.