The geographical proximity between Morocco and Spain is one of the smallest distances separating two countries on different continents. The Strait of Gibraltar, the narrow waterway that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, serves as the boundary between Europe and Africa at this point.
The Strait of Gibraltar as seen from space. The Iberian Peninsula is on the left and North Africa is on the right.
At its narrowest point, the distance between Spain and Morocco is just 14.5 km (about 8 nautical miles). This minimal distance has fostered significant historical and cultural exchanges over millennia. The Moors, a Muslim population from North Africa, ruled large parts of the Iberian Peninsula from the 8th to the 15th centuries, leaving a lasting legacy on Spanish culture, architecture, and language. Conversely, Spanish influences can also be seen in various aspects of Moroccan society, especially in the northern regions.
In 2025, Spain - Morocco ferry routes are available all year round for amazing trips to Northern Africa. On Ferryhopper, you can book ferry tickets between Spain and Morocco at the best prices! Check our Map of ferries to see all available direct and indirect ferry connections from Spain to Tangier, Nador or Al Hoceima, as well as Ceuta and Melilla.
Key Locations Across the Strait
Two primary points often referenced when discussing the distance between Morocco and Spain are the Spanish town of Tarifa and the Moroccan town of Tangier. Tarifa is located on the southern coast of Spain, whereas Tangier lies on the northern tip of Morocco. The distance between these two towns is roughly 32 kilometers (20 miles), making it one of the shortest direct routes between the two countries.
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Ferry Routes and Distances
- Tarifa - Tangier Ville: around 17 nautical miles (31 km).
- Algeciras - Tanger Med: around 16 nautical miles (30 km).
- Almería - Nador: around 101 nautical miles (187 km).
- Barcelona - Tanger Med: around 572 nautical miles (1060 km).
- Barcelona - Nador: around 444 nautical miles (822 km).
Americans First Time in Africa | Ferry from Spain to Morocco
Spain-Morocco ferry routes.
Transportation Options
Ferry Services
Several ferry services operate between Spain and Morocco, primarily connecting the Spanish ports of Algeciras and Tarifa with the Moroccan ports of Tangier and Ceuta. The ferry ride from Algeciras to Tangier generally takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the specific service and sea conditions. These ferries provide a viable and popular means of travel for both passengers and vehicles.
The ferry route between Algeciras and Tangier is one of the most popular between Spain and Morocco. Catching a ferry from Tarifa to Tangier is one of the fastest ways to reach Morocco from Spain. The crossing is usually 1-hour long, and tickets for this route cost around €40.
Ferries from Spain travel to Tangier (ports of Tangier Ville and Tanger Med), Al Hoceima and Nador.
Ferry Routes in Detail
- Algeciras to Tangier: The ferry trip from Algeciras to Tangier generally takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Tarifa to Tangier: Catching a ferry from Tarifa to Tangier is one of the fastest ways to reach Morocco from Spain. The crossing is usually 1-hour long, and tickets for this route cost around €40.
- Almería to Nador: The ferry trip from Almería to Nador takes around 6-8 hours. The ferry companies that serve crossings from Almería to Nador are Naviera Armas, Trasmediterránea and Baleària.
- Barcelona to Tangier: Ferries between Barcelona and Tangier are usually available 2 times a week in 2025. The trip takes around 25-30 hours and tickets normally start at about €100.
- Barcelona to Nador: Ferries between Barcelona and Nador usually run 1-2 times a week.
- Motril to Al Hoceima: Ferry company Trasmediterránea (collaborating with Naviera Armas) will be serving ferry routes from Motril to Al Hoceima for 2025.
- Motril to Nador: In 2025, the Motril - Nador ferry connection will normally be served weekly by Trasmediterránea (collaborating with Naviera Armas).
- Motril to Tanger Med: The ferry company Baleària will be serving daily Motril - Tanger Med ferry crossings in 2025.
Air Travel
For those who prefer air travel, numerous flights connect various cities in Spain with major Moroccan cities such as Casablanca, Marrakech, and Rabat. The flight duration from Madrid to Casablanca is approximately 2 hours, making air travel another convenient option for traversing the distance between the two countries.
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Border Control and Travel Tips
Morocco is not a Schengen member, and you need to pass through passport control to enter the country. Taking the ferry from Spain to Morocco is a great way to avoid the long waiting lines, as passport control takes place on board some routes.
If you are traveling from mainland Spain to Ceuta or Melilla, you don't need to pass through border control. However, keep in mind that if you want to enter Morocco from Ceuta or Melilla, you will have to go through passport control.
Yes, you can go on a day trip from Spain to Morocco. In fact, you can travel by ferry to Morocco in only 1-1.5 hours.
Ferry from Tangier to Tarifa.
Traveling with Pets and Vehicles
Most vessels operating ferry crossings from Spain to Morocco have car decks, so you can normally bring your car on the ferry to Morocco.
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You can travel with your pet on the ferry to Morocco from Spain and enjoy a comfortable journey. However, each ferry company implements different policies. In addition to a boarding pass, your pet needs to be microchipped. When boarding the ferry, your pet should wear a leash or stay in a carrier. Alternatively, you can book a pet cabin to enjoy a smooth Spain - Morocco ferry crossing, or have your pet travel in your vehicle.
Tip: keep in mind that your pet can't travel unaccompanied on ferries from Spain to Morocco.
Historical and Strategic Importance
The Strait of Gibraltar holds substantial strategic importance due to its location as a critical maritime chokepoint. Control over this narrow waterway has historically been a significant factor in military and trade considerations for various empires and nations. Today, both Spain and Morocco recognize the strategic and economic benefits of their proximity, collaborating on numerous issues such as trade, security, and immigration.
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