Tangier, a coastal city at a critical crossroads between Europe and Africa, is experiencing a renaissance thanks to its colourful history, old-school charm, and thriving creative scene. Founded as a Phoenician colony as early as the 10th century BC, Tangier has been prized by competing forces throughout history. The Romans and Byzantines invaded before the Islamisation of North Africa, and it was later occupied by both Portugal and Spain. In 1923, it became an infamous international zone, drawing spies, diplomats, writers, and bohemians. Today, Tangier combines this rich history with a progressive mentality, making it a captivating destination.
Just combine a trip to Marrakech with a few days in Tangier and you’ve got a perfect week in Morocco. The beauty of Tangier today is that it combines all this history with a progressive mentality as the city is regenerated for the future. In this article, we delve into the allure of Villa Josephine, a testament to Tangier's unique blend of history and luxury.
Villa Josephine: A Luxurious Retreat
Among the fashionable addresses in Tangier, the Vielle Montagne (Old Mountain) stands out, having been home to some of the city’s toniest private estates and villas for over a century. One of these spectacular properties, built by the famous London Times journalist Walter Harris in the 1920s, has been transformed into a glamorous guesthouse: Villa Josephine.
Yves Saint Laurent’s picturesque former home has been transformed by Jasper Conran into a luxury hotel that you can also visit for cocktails on the terrace followed by dinner in the chic dining room. It is arguably the most fashionable address in Tangier.
With eleven posh suites often booked by celebrities and movie stars, Villa Josephine offers unparalleled privacy, beauty, and peace. Room rates range from 2800 MAD to 7500 MAD ($350 to $930) a night. It is located on an estate with beautiful views of the Strait of Gibraltar. This is definitely the place for someone who favors seclusion, away from the hustle and bustle of the Medina…
Read also: Villa Heaven on Earth: A Detailed Look
Villa Josephine, with its lush gardens of giant hydrangeas and a spectacular swimming pool, offers unparalleled privacy, beauty, and peace.
What to Explore in Tangier
Tangier offers a myriad of experiences, from exploring historical sites to indulging in the local culture. Here are some must-see attractions:
- The City: A guided tour of Tangier is essential. Wander through the Kasbah and into the souk, with the food market being a highlight. Discover royal palaces, viewpoints, and Roman remains.
- Cinema Rif/Grand Socco: The Grand Socco is the heart of Tangier, overlooked by the Cinema Rif. Opened in 1938, it houses a vast collection of Moroccan and North African films. Enjoy a coffee in the charming cafe.
- Coastline: Tangier boasts both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines, offering opportunities for hiking, riding, and beach walks. The promenade is perfect for a morning stroll.
- Phoenician Tombs: Take a moment at the Phoenician tombs, an outlook with deep, stone-crafted graves etched into the ground. The Phoenician tombs are the remains of its stint as a Phoenician trading city over 2,000 years ago.
Where to Shop
Tangier offers a variety of shopping experiences, from unique boutiques to traditional souks:
- New Tangier: Kenza Bennani’s showroom features showstopping dresses, kaftans, and separates, channeling her experience at Jimmy Choo and Louis Vuitton.
- Las Chicas: This boutique near the Kasbah offers fun fashion, homeware, and beauty products, along with a cute cafe.
- Tangier Records: Located in the souk, this shop is a must-visit for vinyl enthusiasts.
- Rock Da Kasbah: A great place for t-shirts and sweatshirts for adults and children.
- Gallery Kent/Gallery Tindouf: Gallery Kent showcases contemporary art, while Gallery Tindouf offers classic art, jewelry, carpets, and furniture.
- Bazar Tindouf: A treasure trove filled with carpets, lanterns, ceramics, carved and studded doors, and much more, located across from El Minzah Hotel in downtown Tangier.
- Laure Welfling: Visit Parisian designer-decorator Laure Welfling’s shop in the Kasbah for the chicest couture caftans as well as exquisite custom-made bags.
- Majid: everything from homeware to beautiful textiles, you will be sure to find something you will take home with you.
- Las chicas: Concept store right by the Medina... womens caftans, jewelry, books, shoes, and hats…
Dining and Drinking
Tangier's culinary scene is both down-to-earth and delightful. Here are some popular restaurants:
- Villa Josephine: Visit for cocktails on the terrace followed by dinner in the chic dining room.
- El Morocco Club: Enjoy Moroccan cuisine with a gastronomic twist and head downstairs to the basement piano bar for a lively atmosphere.
- Chez Mounir: A beach hut restaurant overlooking the Atlantic, perfect for a fish lunch.
- L’Ocean: Enjoy a great lunch with a view of the Atlantic.
- Cafe Hafa: Opened in 1921, this Tangier institution offers coffee on terraces overlooking the coast.
- Casa d’Italia: Serves unpretentious Italian fare in two big dining rooms and on a vast verandah.
- Anna e Paolo: A tiny trattoria for simple Italian dishes and superb salads.
- La Fabrique: Offering both classic and innovative French cuisine by top local chef Christine Samet in a crisp modern setting.
- Hotel Nord-Pinus Tanger: The Kasbah’s most glamorous guest house has two seductive dining rooms open to non-hotel guests for lunch and dinner.
- El Minzah Hotel: The pretty patio of Tangier’s most famous hotel stages a sumptuous buffet every lunchtime.
- Hôtel Continental: Has an inexpensive and dependable restaurant serving Moroccan tagines and couscous as well as excellent seafood.
- Le Saveur de Poisson: for a casual seafood dinner.
- San Remo: for some delicious Mediterranean food.
Below is a summary of some of the recommended restaurants:
Read also: A Stay at Zest Boutique Hotel
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Description |
|---|---|---|
| El Morocco Club | Moroccan | Gastronomic twist, lively piano bar |
| Casa d’Italia | Italian | Unpretentious, vast verandah |
| Le Saveur de Poisson | Seafood | Casual dining experience |
| L’Ocean | Seafood | Beach hut with Atlantic views |
| Cafe Hafa | Cafe | Historic, terraces overlooking the coast |
Beaches
Tangier is one of the world’s great beach towns, boasting a stellar location on the Strait of Gibraltar, with the Mediterranean to the east and the Atlantic to the west. Here are a few recommendations:
- Plage de Sidi Kacem: This season, the plage du jour is Plage de Sidi Kacem, about 20 kilometers west of town, beyond the Cap Spartel lighthouse and the Mirage resort.
- Asilah: For the ultimate beach experience, however, drive down to Asilah, an enchanting little coastal town about an hour south of Tangier, where a few kilometers away, a rough, sandy road leads to Paradise Beach-a cliff-backed beauty, reminiscent of the Greek islands, with shack cafés that rent umbrellas and chaises and serve fresh grilled fish and simple tagines (stews) made with chicken and bright local veggies.
For the serious surf set, on the same beach Philippe and Rémi have recently opened Club de Plage, with chaise longues and thatched umbrellas right on the sand.
exploring the charm of tangier, Morocco
The American Connection
A little-known fact is that Morocco was the first country to recognize the fledgling United States of America back in the 1780s-and today the lovely five-building compound of our longtime consulate in the Tangier medina, known as the American Legation, is our country’s oldest overseas diplomatic building. Don’t miss the new Paul Bowles wing-with books, manuscripts, letters, photos, and musical scores relating to the half-century that the famed American writer and composer spent in Tangier. Also on view at the museum are toy soldiers from the collection of another Tangier denizen, the late Malcolm Forbes. It also features frequent book signings, lectures, and art expositions.
Read also: Argan Oil for Hair
Popular articles:
tags: #Morocco
