Morocco Travel Guide

Tangier

One Day in Tangier: How to Plan a Day Trip from Tarifa, Spain

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For those who plan a Tangier day trip from Spain, Tarifa is the gateway city with its abundance of ferry sailings throughout the day. In just one hour, you can cross the Strait of Gibraltar.

Planning a day trip from Tarifa to Tangier is very easy to do, as you’ll see in this guide. Ferries run throughout the day, making it fast and simple to get to Tangier. Tangier is very safe to visit, has a few key sights to see, and can be done independently or with a guide.

Top Experiences in Morocco

Marrakech. Known for vibrant markets, gardens, and palaces, Marrakech is a Moroccan city packed with life and history. Admire the intricate Moroccan architecture of Bahia Palace, souvenir shop through the city’s souks, absorb the culture at Jemaa el-Fnaa, visit the Koutoubia Mosque with its towering minaret, and more. For those seeking adventures outside of the city, day trips to the Atlas Mountains, Agafay Desert, Ouzoud Waterfalls, and to a fishing village are all possible.

Casablanca. Morocco’s largest city, Casablanca, offers a variety of both traditional and modern experiences. Wander through the old medina, visit the stunning Hassan II Mosque, admire the architecture of Mahkama du Pacha, stroll along the corniche overlooking the sea, and more.

Chefchaouen. This large hillside town is commonly known as Morocco’s “Blue City”. Houses, shops, and alleyways are all covered in blue paint, making for one of the most picturesque towns in Morocco.

Fez. Take a dive into the city’s rich history by wandering the maze-like alleys of Fez’s sprawling medina and by visiting some of its many mosques and palaces.

Stay in a Riad. An oasis in a bustling city, spend a night in a traditional Moroccan home. These traditional houses are known for their interior courtyard, which often feature combinations of lush landscaping, a fountain, and intricate tile work.

Tangier. With its strategic location on the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier has acted as a gateway between Africa and Europe for millennia. Today, visitors will find a melting pot of cultures that have influenced this coastal city. Stroll through the maze of narrow streets in Tangier’s medina, visit a few museums, and enjoy the many coastal views.

Cross the Strait of Gibraltar. The Strait of Gibraltar is a narrow body of water less than 10 miles wide that separates Europe and Africa. From Tangier, extend your trip with a visit to Europe. It’s a one-hour ferry ride across the Strait, docking at the Spanish town of Tarifa.

Essaouira. This coastal city is popular for its walled port, old town, and fish market. It is also a great spot for surfing and kitesurfing.

Rabat. Morocco’s oceanside capital, visit Rabat for its blend of traditional spaces and modern experiences. Walk the waterfront and look out over the city’s kasbah, visit historical monuments such as Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammad V, and slow your pace on a walk through the Andalusian Gardens.

Tree-Climbing Goats. Near the coastal city of Agadir, look out for handfuls of goats standing on the branches of local Argan trees. It makes for a mystifying and comical sight that’s hard to miss.

Ouzoud Waterfalls. In a valley full of lush plant life and steep cliffs lies the Ouzoud Waterfalls, a collection of multi-level waterfalls. Follow a network of trails to a viewpoint, ride on a traditional boat for a closer look, and learn about the Berber culture.

Camel Treks. Enjoy a multi-day camel trek through the Sahara Desert. Channel your inner explorer as you ride over sand dunes and spend a night in a desert camp, sleeping under the stars.

Summit Mount Toubkal. Take a break from the colorful medinas and trips into the desert to head into the mountains. Outside of Marrakech lies Mount Toubkal, with its peak at a height of 4,167 meters (13,671 feet). Pass through Berber villages as you hike through the Imlil valley and higher up into the Atlas Mountains on a multi-day trek.

Relax in a Hammam. Enjoy a rejuvenating wash within a Moroccan bath house, used as both a cleansing and social experience.

When to Visit Morocco

The best time to visit Morocco is during the shoulder seasons, which run from March through May and October through November. During these times, visitors should expect warm temperatures and clear skies, ideal for outdoor activities. The weather should be pleasant for touring vibrant medinas, hiking in the Atlas Mountains, and surfing along the western coast.

During the winter months (December through February) temperatures are cooler. You may need to start your mornings with a jacket. But expect colder temperatures in the Atlas Mountains along with the possibility of snow, especially at the higher elevations. This is a great time to visit if you’re looking to escape the crowds.

With regards to Marrakech specifically, it is good to know that this city typically experiences higher temperatures than many other Moroccan cities.

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