Thinking about taking a day trip to Tangier in Morocco, from Tarifa in Spain? If you ever find yourself in Tarifa, the south of Spain, looking for a slightly different travel experience, then a day trip to Tangier, Morocco is a definite box ticker. What’s more, it’s surprising how easy it is to do! Plan it right, with an early morning ferry crossing from Tarifa, and in an hour you’re in the African continent.
This guide explains where to eat, the top things to do, the best tours, when to go, what to wear and the safety aspect. Therefore, this post is here to help you consider a day trip to Tangier, from across the ditch in Tarifa, Spain. We thoroughly recommend a quick trip across the Strait of Gibraltar, to walk around an ancient Medina in North Africa.
We’ve been to Tangier twice. Our first time to Tangier was on a day trip from Tarifa, while we were cruising the south of Spain. In and out, in a single day… we loaded up with carpets and headed back to Europe. As such, we now know Tangier well!
For those who plan a Tangier day trip from Spain, Tarifa is the gateway city with its abundance of ferry sailings throughout the day. 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, and can be explored independently or with a guide.
Tangier is sits on the Strait of Gibraltar, on the northern coast of Morocco.
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Coming from Spain for a day to experience Tangier, well… there aren’t too many other day trips that will bring you to another continent.
In summary, it’s safe to say Morocco and Spain are two of my favourite countries in the world. And it’s amazing to see the contrast between the two countries, considering they are just 30 km apart. Both clearly visible to one another on a clear day, across the Strait of Gibraltar.
Above we mentioned that taking a day trip to Tangier from Tarifa, Spain is easy. This is because it really is! If a day trip is your plan, then the best option is to take the Balearia or AMS (Africa Morocco Link) ferry from Tarifa, to the Port De Tangier Ville in Morocco. The Tarifa Port at the southern tip of Spain, is small and easy to navigate. Also it’s a lot less stressful, which in reality, is definitely what you need for a day trip to Africa!
While on the Moroccan side, the Port De Tangier Ville is perfectly located in downtown Tangier. Conveniently, the port is walking distance to the main beach, modern shopping hubs and the Medina. More of which we explain below.
There is also an option to take a ferry from Algeciras, Spain to Morocco. However, the ferry does not arrive into central Tangier. Instead it docks at either Tangier Med which is an hour drive north east of Tangier City, or Cueta - an exclave of Spain on the Moroccan coast.
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The best way to get to Tangier from Tarifa is to take the ferry. There is a ferry port in Tarifa, with multiple ferries traveling between Tarifa and the port in Tangier (Tangier Ville) every day. This crossing typically takes about one hour. It is also important to know that there is a ferry port in Algeciras, Spain with ferries running to Tanger Med (crossings take 1 hour 30 minutes and is good for both foot passengers and those with a vehicle) and Puerto de Ceuta (ferry crossings take about one hour).
Tickets on both the Balearia and AMS ferries from Tarifa to Tangier are currently 34 to 40€ per adult one way. Children 1 - 13 years are 20€. No need to print tickets in advance or to go to the ticket office on arrival. Simply book tickets online a day or two in advance and show up to the ferry terminal with the booking code on your phone.
If you would like to take your own car, then this costs around 170€ for a medium sized car. You also have the option of booking a motorbike on Ferry Hopper.
We recommend booking your ferry tickets several days in advance. Ferries leave Tarifa about every 2 hours. We purchased our ferry tickets several days in advance. There was an online check-in window between 2 to 48 hours before departure time, but double check this when you make your reservation as this could change.
The ferries are large and everyone has to go through airport style security, so this allows for plenty of time to get through security and passport checks. We arrived at 7:30 am and checked in at the desk. We ended up sitting around until 8:30 am (bring a book or download a movie onto your phone), when boarding began.
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Once on board the ferry, get in line for the Moroccan passport control. Your passport needs to be stamped on board the ferry before you disembark into Morocco. Our ferry left late, leaving Tarifa at 9:15 am and getting to Tangier at 9:15 am. There is a one hour time change between Spain and Morocco (from late March to late October, when Spain observes Daylight Savings Time).
The ferry takes one hour and Tangier is one hour behind Tarifa. So, a ferry leaving Tarifa at 9:00 am will arrive in Tangier at 9:00 am. And a ferry leaving Tangier at 4 pm will arrive in Tarifa at 6 pm.
Many guided tours arrive everyday on a day trip to Tangier from Tarifa, Spain. We saw them both times we visited Tangier. While we chose not to take a guided tour on our day trip, I can see why individuals would prefer to. Navigating the city isn’t completely straight forward, particularly if you aren’t travelling with data and can look up Google Maps every 5 minutes.
In which case, if you prefer to have someone guide you through the Medina and around Tangier, below we’ve picked out some of the best options. The itineraries vary slightly, with some guides meeting their day trip participants at the Port in Tarifa and others in Tangier.
The second option is a 6 hour day trip that includes pickup from the port. The tour ventures to East and West Tangier including Cape Spartel as well as the Medina. Thirdly, is a two day option that includes return ferry tickets from Tarifa to Tangier, 4-star accommodation.
Alternatively, with Viator the first private guided tour is very popular, and comes highly recommended across most reviews. This 6 to 7 hour tour, includes pick up and drop off from the port and includes Cape Spartel as well as entrance into several destinations. The second tour, includes return ferry tickets. The guide will meet you at the port in Tarifa. While the third is caters for a pick up from Malaga in Spain.
Recently the Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour launched in Tangier, which is a fantastic way to see the city and its surroundings in a day! Choose from the red line tour which explores to the West towards Cape Spartel, or the Blue line tour located around central Tangier. Conveniently there is a pick up spot right at the Port de Tangier Ville ferry terminal.
Is Tangier Safe?
Yes, it is! In our opinion, it’s as safe as any other city in Europe. Of course there will always be opportunists anywhere you travel, and in this case it’s up to you to mind your belongings. And I say this following a bad experience.
One sunny day, Mike was on the main beach with the kids making sandcastles, and when he turned around his bag was gone. Was it because Tangier is an unsafe place… no it wasn’t. Instead I see it as wrong place, wrong time. Fortunately, we never travel with excess cash in our bags and we never leave the house with all our bank cards.
What I did notice between the first time we visited Tangier and the second time, several years later was an increased sense of safety. The first time, we were followed by a local who was determined to show us the way… which got a little frustrating. However, eventually he gave up and moved on. But the second time to Tangier, we noticed that we were less targeted on the streets.
This meant we were free to explore freely and really enjoy Tangier. However, do keep in mind that you may be a target for the spontaneous guides lurking on the streets.
⛑️ ALWAYS travel with good travel insurance - get free online quotes with World Nomads or Safety Wing.
Best Time to Visit Tangier
Given that Tangier is on the Mediterranean coast of Morocco, it’s a city that can be visited at any time of the year. If you were to plan ahead, the ideal time to take a day trip to Tangier from Tarifa, would be either side of the summer holiday season. In other words, Spring and Autumn would be perfect!
When travelling Morocco as a female I always say, keep your shoulders and knees covered! I believe as travellers we have a responsibility to be respectful, thus adhering to local custom and culture. Given that Morocco is an Islamic country, it’s only right to respect this and to cover up. After all, we travel to experience and see the way in which other people live.
Linen, or cotton is my favourite fabric to wear in hot climates when I need to cover up.
A Brief History of Tangier
Tangier is a city rich in history. Throughout time, Tangier, due to its proximity to Europe, has been a city torn between two continents. Between the 14th and 16th centuries, Tangier was occupied by the Portuguese, then passed onto the Spanish, before being gifted to the English as a wedding dowry. But the story doesn’t finish there.
Because in the early 20th century, Morocco was divided between the French and the Spanish, with Spain again taking control of Tangier. In 1923, Tangier became an International Zone controlled between Britain, France and Spain. Then joined by Portugal, Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands at a later stage.
We share this history, as a prelude to your visit. Because after our extensive travel of Morocco, it is evident that Tangier is a little different than other cities and Medinas in Morocco. There is a certain sense that Tangier is a melting pot of culture, custom and country.
You’ll be wondering, what are the top things to do? Some of these highlights might include - the Medina and Kasbah, a couple of the best museums, and a delicious local Moroccan tagine. Well we wrap it all up for you below in our 1 day itinerary of Tangier.
One Day Itinerary in Tangier
Tangier has a lot to offer but as you only have one day, let’s give you an idea on what we would consider a must-see. We have put the highlights in order of how we recommend you see the top sights, with a little self-guided walking map above.
Now that you made it Tangier, what can you do? This walking route takes about an hour and half of walking time, plus several hours for time spent inside museums and shops, for a total time of 3 to 4 hours.
As you walk from the port to the medina (the old city of Tangier) you will first be “greeted” by numerous guides offering to show you around town. Tangier is very safe and we had no issues here and walked quite a bit through town.
1. Tangier Medina
The Tangier Medina is perfectly located near the Port De Tangier Ville. The Eastern Gate Bab dar Dbagh is only a 10 minute walk from the ferry terminal. However, the Kasbah and the Medina runs from West to East along the coast, and the western end is quite elevated. Therefore, we would suggest starting the day in these higher points while your legs have the energy.
2. Grand Socco
The Grand Socco is essentially a large roundabout at the top end of the Medina. But it’s a very popular local hangout. Across the road is the famous Cinema Rif. You can stop in for an orange juice or mint tea and a slice of cake. Then sit outside and people watch!
On the far side of the circle, next to the stone, fortress walls, is a plaque called Point Kilométrique Zéro. Just beyond the gate, look for a short set of stairs that leads up to a terrace. When you leave the terrace, walk down the steps and go straight, heading up Rue de la Marine.
3. Phoenician Tombs
After the Grand Socco, walk north-west through Bab Al Fahs, one of the main gates in Tangier. Follow Rue d’Italie up the hill. At the top, turn left onto Rue Assad Ibn al Farrat. Your next stop is the Phoenician Tombs. Keep a look out for the signs to the right. The tombs carved into rock, are set in an open park area. The place is an intriguing spot to say the least, and also provides a great view over the Strait of Gibraltar, towards Spain.
GETTING HERE: To get here from Grand Socco, it is a 1.2 km walk that takes about 20 minutes. The walking route is marked on our map below but basically you will walk on Rue de Kasbah and then turn right onto Rue Assad Ibn al Farrat, which will turn into Av. Hadj Mohamed Tazi. When you reach a park on the left, look for an opening in the buildings on the right.
4. Kasbah Area
Moving on just 2 minutes walk from here. From this point onwards, as promised it’s mostly all downhill. Make your way back down towards Rue Assad Ibn Farrat, and turn left through Bab Kasbah. This area of the Medina is known as the Kasbah and is populated with luxury hotels, AirBnbs and boutique stores. But it’s also where you will find the Ibn Battouta Museum, the Kasbah Museum and the Modern Art Museum.
Now it is time to explore one of the oldest parts of Tangier, the Kasbah. It is a 10-minute walk to get to Bab Kasbah, the gate that leads into the fort. What is the difference between a kasbah and a medina? A kasbah is a fort or fortified area, which usually serves as a political center for the city.
In reality you probably don’t have time to see all three, unless you’re a speed museum expert. So allow me to recommend the Ibn Battouta Museum and the Art Museum as my two favourites. I felt that I learnt a lot about Ibn Battouta and the role he played in mapping Arabia, Africa and Asia.
The Kasbah Museum and the Modern Art Museum are located side by side. This makes them easy to visit together. The only issue I had with the Kasbah Museum was the lack of information shared in English.
Once you’re finished with the museums, take 10 minutes at Bab Al Bahr, which is the gate on the northern wall.
Place de la Kasbah is a small square located inside the kasbah. It is surrounded by a few restaurants and museums. One of the most picturesque spots here is Bab Al Bahr, another gate in the fortress walls. Sitting on Place de la Kasbah is the Museum of Contemporary Art. On a side street off of the square is the Kasbah Museum.
5. Explore the Souks of the Medina
Now it’s time to explore the souks of the Medina… time to get your shopping shoes on! To do this wander from the museums down towards the Petit Socco. We recommend that you take your time and follow your nose down the hill. Turn down narrow alleyways and see what you can find.
The medina is full of shops of various sizes selling antiques, carpets and leather goods. As well as boutique stores, with locally designed and hand made clothes, woodwork and art. Don’t forget to barter and if the price isn’t right for you, you can always move on. However, I’m not convinced I can ever really move on from a Moroccan carpet or ottoman.
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