Tangier, Morocco, has intrigued me ever since I stepped foot there. I lived there for approximately a period of six months, and it is still one of my top choices in the entire globe. It offers everything I’ve ever wanted in a city: exotic mystery, fascinating history, breathtaking scenery, and untouched beaches.
Tangier is also an uncontrollable mash-up of North Africa, Spain, Portugal, and France, making it the ideal melting pot for my culture-hungry mind. Ferries traverse the Strait of Gibraltar to this city from Europe every day, making it one of Africa’s most cosmopolitan cities.
Plan a trip to this beautiful city of Tangier, Morocco with Tap Air Portugal and enjoy your days in Tangier.
1. CAFE HAFA
Cafe Hafa is a classic Tangier institution that is a must-see for anybody passing through. It has been in operation since 1921, as it announces at the entrance, and is on a cliffside with a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea. If you like to go when it is quieter, go early in the morning. In any case, it is always the ideal spot to have a traditional syrupy sweet Moroccan mint tea while admiring one of the city’s best views. A full glass of this tea costs only 7-10 dirhams, making it one of the most affordable in town. My friends and I stop at bakeries along the road for an afternoon snack and bring them back to eat with our tea.
2. PHOENICIAN TOMBS
The Phoenician tombs are between Cafe Hafa and the Old Kasbah’s top entrance. Although these tomb buildings are with water and garbage, they are still intriguing and significant. The perspective from the cliff’s topmost point, where the prehistoric tombs stand, is breathtaking. This is a favorite local socialize, so if you have the time, go there at the conclusion of the day, bring a bite to eat and snacks, and relax for a while. Tarifa in Spain can be on a clear day.
3. PETIT SOCCO
Between the trek from the Grand Socco to the harbor, there is a smaller square surrounded by a few cafes, stores, and galleries. The Petit Socco is a popular place to have a cup of coffee either Cafe Tingis, an ancient beatnik-era institution, or the more modern Cafe Central. It branches off into several narrow, meandering lanes of the old medina, where you can explore more secret stores and markets.
4. THE GRAND SOCCO & CINEMA RIF
Whatever you call it, Tangier’s enormous open plaza will most serve as a focal point for visitors. On one side, there is a massive market that is a hectic and sensory site to explore, and across the roundabout is a tall and gorgeous mosque. Cinema Rif is an ancient movie theater that shows both independent and mainstream films. It also contains a cafe that is particularly famous among Tangier’s young people and artists.
5. GRAND SOCCO MARKET & BERBER FARMER MARKET
Tangier, like any other Moroccan city, features a few colorful souks (markets) that are a treat for the eyes and nose. The indoor Grand Socco Market, located in the Grand Socco (see above), is the largest souk, where you can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, bread, olives, herbs, and so on every day. An outdoor farmer market is on the streets near St. Andrew’s Church every Sunday and Thursday.
6. ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH
It was in 1905, and the churchyard’s overgrown, blooming gardens are home to the graves of many historical figures. During his visit to the city in 1912, the great French artist Henri Matisse also painted the chapel. St. Andrew’s is free to visit, and the guard will often give you a tour of the grounds and chapel. It is an easy walk from the old medina and is on Rue d’Angleterre (the English Road), which is very near to the Grand Socco.
Enjoy your vacation in Tangier, Morocco with Tap Portugal Airlines so book your flight tickets now.
