Tangier
Europe and Africa meet in one of Morocco’s oldest cities: the beautiful port city of Tangier. A place that is not only an important trading city of the two continents, but also a wonderful source of inspiration for filmmakers, musicians, authors and other creative people. Situated only 20 kilometres from Spain, this city simply casts its spell.
Tangier can look back on a long history. Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Moroccans, Tunisians, English, Germans and Spaniards have all fought over the past centuries for this trading centre, which is now undergoing rapid modernisation.
Culture in Tanger
The heart of the city is the (small) medina, where you can still get an authentic insight into the country’s tradition and architecture. There you will also find the most beautiful souvenirs, and you are guaranteed to enjoy the genuine Moroccan way of life when you stop in one of the cosy cafés or bars and watch the hustle and bustle. At the highest point of the city is the impressive old city fortress, Kasbah, from where you have a great view over the Mediterranean. Dar el-Makhzen is the former sultan’s palace and now serves as a centre for Moroccan contemporary art.
Are you interested in the turbulent history of the city? Then be sure to visit the former synagogue and today’s Museum de la Fondation Lorin.
Eat and Drink in Tangier
Tangier is changing, with more and more modern architecture and trendy dining and lounge areas along the coast. It’s a great place for shopping and partying. By the way, the most famous club in the city is called 555, where the best DJs in the city play in the evenings – and all for an entrance fee of around 100 dirhams (just under 10 euros).
One of the main meeting places for the locals is the Grand Socco, the big market. Everything and everyone meets there. Also very interesting: the romantic white entrance portal to the medina, Bab Fass, is the perfect place to just let yourself drift away. Rest on a bench by the fountain and watch the hustle and bustle of the locals.
350 metres further on you will find Petit Socco, once a notorious centre for drug dealing and prostitution. The neighbourhood has long since been transformed and is wonderful for sipping a glass of Moroccan mint tea – which, by the way, is also called Moroccan whiskey…
The mythical cave
About 14 kilometres west of Tangier is the Grotto of Hercules. According to myth, Hercules rested in the cave. The gigantic cave, shaped like Africa, once also served as a hiding place for people from the surroundings of Tangier. The souvenir stands at the grotto offer a range of souvenirs. There you can also relax and enjoy the fantastic view.
From Tangier, you can easily discover other cities and regions of Morocco. By bus or train, it’s easy and inexpensive. Spend a day in Asilah, for example, a small town 50 kilometres away that not only has a beautiful beach but also an impressive medina.
With its seaside location, the city of Tangier offers a pleasant climate all year round. It is a little cooler than in other cities in the north of the country. But you won’t freeze, don’t worry. January is the coldest month of the year with 16 degrees, and August the warmest with an average of 28 degrees. If you are on holiday in Tangier, be sure to stroll along the eight-kilometre-long sandy beach called Plage Malabata, also known as Tangier Beach.
Of course, a port city also has culinary advantages: you can eat freshly caught fish in one of the numerous small restaurants and sample the most delicious dishes at a reasonable price. For a four-course meal in the well-known Saveur de Poisson restaurant, you only pay about 200 dirhams, which is the equivalent of about 20 euros.
Are you ready to discover exciting Tangier? From Weeze Airport, you can reach the beautiful port city in just about three hours. Book your flight now with Ryanair.