Tangier

Tangier has been called the gateway to Morocco and lies on the North African coast at the western entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Spartel. Modern Tangier is an ancient Phoenician town, founded by Carthaginian colonists in the early 5th century BC. Its name is possibly derived from the Berber goddess Tinjis (or Tinga), and it remains an important city for the Berbers. Ancient Rome, Greece, and the Byzantine Empire have all left their marks throughout the centuries. The city had a chequered history from the late Middle Ages, being held by the Portuguese, the Spanish, the French, the Italians, and the English. After a period of effective Spanish control from 1940 to 1945 during World War II Tangier was reunited with the rest of Morocco following the restoration of full sovereignty in 1956.

This multicultural history with Muslin, Christian, and Jewish influences have made the town an attractive proposition to creative minds such as the writers Jack Kerouac, Tennessee Williams, and William S. Burroughs who all gained inspiration here. Delacroix really put the light and colours in the public spot light and was followed by other famous painters such as Matisse who was equally impressed with Tangier’s inspirational atmosphere.

Cape Spartel is a significant tourist attraction as it gives fantastic views over the two seas that meet here – the Atlantic Ocean to the left and the Med to the right. The sunset here is magnificent when the sky and the sea turn pink. On Thursdays and Sundays the Grand Socco (Great Souk) turns into a bustling centre of trade - people from all around come here to visit the market and trade their wares. The word 'socco' is the Spanish version of 'souk', or market. The square isn’t always used as a marketplace, and most of the time is a city crossroads and huge taxi rank, fronted by cafes, outside the walled in, old part of the city. The Great Souk is still an interesting spot to spend time watching the world go by and the Rif women in colourful traditional costume touting vegetables and fresh mint. It is also the entry to the medina, and for admiring the luxurious Mendoubia Gardens on the north side, and the mosaic-studded minaret of the Sidi Bou Abid Mosque to the west. The kasbah is built on the highest point of the city and is isolated from the rest of the medina by its walls. This 17th century fortified residential quarter is characterised by arcades, winding alleyways and hidden terraces and sometimes visitors can glimpse views of the medina and the bay in between the many beautiful facades. The Kasbah mosque has an interesting octagonal minaret, and stands in the mechovar (parade ground). Visitors are welcomed at the Sultan’s Gardens in the Rue Riad Sultan to the north of the mechovar where local craftsmen work and it is possible to spend some quiet time at the Moorish café Le Detroit. On a clear day it is possible to see the Spanish city of Tarifa about 30km away.

Hotels
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Airport information

Tangier Ibn Batoua Airport is located approximately 6 km to the north-east of Tangier.

By car
The airport can be reached via the 416 coast road, and follow the signs to the airport.

By taxi
The only public transport available from Tangier Ibn Batouta airport are taxis. Journey time into Tangier is approximately 20 minutes and will only be carried out by so-called ‘grand taxis’ – city taxis do not serve the airport.