As-salamu alaykum, hello, and welcome to the Pakora Man channel! Today, I take you on a two-day trip around the beautiful city of Tangier, Morocco. I'll explore local attractions, visit the old Medina, browse through souks and markets, and check out landmarks like the Kasbah, the Marina, and the beach. Of course, no trip would be complete without tasting the local cuisine!
If, like me, you only have two days in Tangier, it's essential to plan well. The must-see attractions include the city's museums, the Medina, the souks, and the beaches. To make the most of my time, I used the Hop-On Hop-Off bus service, which conveniently takes you through the city's key sites.
Exploring the City
The city tour begins at the port and ascends through the Medina. I was amazed to see how a large bus navigates such narrow streets! This ride offers a close-up perspective of the city's architecture and the daily lives of locals. City bus tours are always a great way to familiarize yourself with a new place, and this one was no exception.
Tangier has two bus tour routes: the Red Tour (which I'll take tomorrow to visit Cap Spartel Lighthouse) and the Blue Tour (a city tour that I took today). The Blue Tour passes through the modern part of Tangier, featuring shopping malls, the main bus station, and train stations. As the tour returns to its starting point, the final stretch runs along the promenade, offering views of the stunning beaches, which I planned to visit later.
The Marina and Local Delights
The Marina area is easily accessible from the Medina, just a few minutes' walk away. It hosts cafes, restaurants, shops, and underground parking. The area is also gaining popularity for real estate, offering properties with views of the Marina and beach—a tempting investment!
Of course, there's always time for ice cream! I tried a chocolate fondant, and it was absolutely delicious.
Evening Delights
In the evening, I found a charming restaurant near Petit Socco, followed by a relaxing stop at a café for some mint tea. The perfect way to end the day!
Day Two: Cap Spartel and Hercules Cave
The next morning, I enjoyed breakfast on the rooftop terrace of my riad in the Medina, with breathtaking views of the rooftops and the sea. Then, I embarked on the Red Tour to Cap Spartel, which departs at 10 AM.
The route along the coast revealed hidden beaches, ideal for a relaxing day by the sea. We also passed a shopping mall with a bowling alley, a children's play area, and a food court, though there was no time for shopping on this trip.
As the bus climbed higher, we were treated to stunning views of the city and coast. Soon, we arrived at Cap Spartel Lighthouse, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea—a must-visit spot in Tangier. The lighthouse, built in the mid-19th century, stands 30 meters high, and its beacon is visible up to 23 nautical miles away. The ground floor has been converted into a maritime museum, offering insight into the area's history. For a small entry fee, you can climb to the top for panoramic views.
The surrounding gardens were an unexpected delight, with beautifully manicured greenery and charming cafes. A friendly waiter mentioned that the sunset here is breathtaking—something to add to my list for a future visit.
We took a break at a picturesque café, where I enjoyed my favorite avocado milkshake, this time with a hint of orange juice—absolutely refreshing!
Next, we visited Hercules Cave, a place steeped in legend. The cave is said to be where Hercules rested after separating the land to create the Strait of Gibraltar. The distinctive hole in the rock supposedly resembles a map of Africa. While the cave has historical significance, its walls bear marks from past quarrying activity. The entrance fee is reasonable, and the crashing waves inside add to its natural beauty.
Culinary Delights and Medina Exploration
Returning to the city in the early afternoon, it was time for food! I indulged in freshly grilled seafood, which was both delicious and affordable. We then wandered through the Medina, trying not to get lost in its maze-like alleys—a challenge I still failed at!
As the day wound down, we headed to Tangier's beach. Just a short walk from the Medina, the promenade leads to some of Morocco's best-kept beaches. Though I missed the sunset, I heard it's spectacular from here.
I couldn't resist trying a thrilling beach ride—these vehicles can reach speeds of 30 km/h, making for an exhilarating experience!
Grand Socco, Kasbah, and Local Life
The following morning, I visited Masjid Mohammed V, the largest mosque in Tangier, before heading to the bustling Masala Avenue market. Unlike the more touristy spots, this market is purely local, offering an authentic Moroccan shopping experience. I was particularly fascinated by artisans making filo pastry by hand—a skill that looks easy but is incredibly difficult.
After a refreshing break with yet another avocado and orange milkshake, I visited the Grand Socco. This square is a social hub where people gather to relax during the day and evening. From here, I strolled into the Medina, where the streets are more commercialized yet still filled with locals going about their daily shopping.
One thing I noticed about Tangier is its abundance of recreational spaces—parks, seating areas, and open plazas for people to unwind. It’s a fantastic feature that more cities should embrace.
The Historic Kasbah
Finally, I made my way to the Kasbah, the highest point of the city. Originally built as a fortified area for protection, the Kasbah offers some of the best views of Tangier. Walking through its narrow, winding alleys gives a sense of history and local life. Though there's a Kasbah Museum, I didn't have time to visit on this trip.
Farewell to Tangier
For my last meal in the city, I revisited the same restaurant for another delicious tajine and grilled meat. Before heading to the airport, I picked up some sandwiches—better to be prepared for the journey!
After spending two days in Tangier, I know I’ll be back. The city captivates visitors with its charm, history, and culture. There’s still so much more to explore.
For transportation, I used a local ride-hailing app called Indrive, though Careem is also available. The ride from the city center to the airport cost me 68 dirhams, and I recommend allowing at least 45 minutes for travel.
I hope you enjoyed this journey through Tangier! . See you in the next adventure!
