Set sail on a seafaring odyssey and travel by ferry to Tangier

Choosing the optimal time to plan your trip to Tangier depends on numerous factors, such as weather, crowds and personal preference. Tangier offers a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and long hot, dry summers. Spring and Autumn strike an ideal balance between favourable weather conditions and manageable crowds providing a relaxing escape where beach days are guaranteed. Yet, for those tied to school holidays, expect temperatures to reach the 30ºC mark during the summer months and for the seas to be choppier than usual in the winter. Yet, the beauty of Tangier is that it is a universal destination, bewitching travellers with its kaleidoscope of sensory delights.

A popular choice for many travellers while on holiday in Andalusia is to plan a Tangier day trip. Numerous ferry companies venture across the Strait of Gibraltar daily, sailing between the southern coast of Spain and the bustling port of Tangier. From Tarifa, Algeciras and Gibraltar, these maritime links offer the chance to explore the alluring sights of Tangier. 

There are many options available for those wishing to travel by ferry to Tangier. Travellers eager to reach the shores of the city in under an hour can take the high-speed Tarifa to Tangier ferry. 

Alternatively, those seeking a more leisurely route can opt for the ferry from Gibraltar to Tangier or from Algeciras. Regardless of which crossing you choose, the breathtaking views of the Strait mixed with the anticipation of reaching Moroccan soil make this an adventure of a lifetime. 

It is worth noting that the city of Tangier has two ferry ports and depending on the origin of your journey you will travel to one or the other. If you opt for a ferry from the most southern point in Spain, Tarifa, you will sail into the city centre port, Port Tanger Ville. Yet travellers setting sail from further afield such as Gibraltar, Algeciras, Barcelona or France will arrive at Tangier Med, a 50-minute drive from the city centre. 

On arrival at Tangier, travellers will have the chance to experience the charming chaos of a Moroccan port. Luckily, if you are travelling with a valid passport, no visa is required to enter Tangier for stays shorter than 90 days. All that is required is that your passport has a minimum of 6 months left before its renewal date. For more in-depth travel information, consult the Foreign Office guidelines. Upon arrival, remember to have all your documentation ready so that you can explore the hustle and bustle that lies beyond the port as quickly as possible. 

Whether you are enjoying a Tangier day tour or you have chosen to stay in one of the city’s trendy hotels like the Barceló Tangier, some landmarks cannot be missed from your travel list.

The heady sights and sounds of the Medina are a must-see on all Tangier tours. Begin your adventure exploring this maze of intrigue, a central meeting point in the city. Stroll through the labyrinth of alleys where the buzz of the market stalls and the colourful traditional crafts mix with the aromatic aroma of spices and pick up some souvenirs as a reminder of your trip. 

If you have travelled by ferry to Tangier, don’t pass up the opportunity to explore the Kasbah, an impressive fortress visible as you approach the city’s shores. Perched on a hill, inside the Medina, the Kasbah offers visitors panoramic views of a city where the past is intricately woven with the modern present day. The Kasbah Museum, located in the Sultan’s Palace, invites visitors to explore the vast collection of artefacts which detail the history of the city, believed to date back to the time of the Phonecians. 

If you are only visiting Tangier in a day, one place that cannot be missed is the souk. There are two to choose from. The large souk can be found on the Place du 9 Avril and this is where all kinds of goods are traded from food to make-up. The small souk, once a hub for writers and artists of the Beat Generation, is found inside the Medina and mainly serves as a place to buy handicrafts. Both are worth a visit to soak up the sights and sounds while immersing yourself in traditional Tangier culture.

When travelling by ferry to Tangier, refuel after the long journey and embark on a culinary adventure across the city’s eateries. Journey down the Medina’s winding streets where the aromas of freshly baked bread, juicy tagines and mint tea waft through the air. Follow your nose and be guided to restaurants serving traditional dishes such as Bissara (fava bean soup), Harira (traditional soup) and Kefta (spiced meatballs). 

Yet for those with an appetite for seafood, Tangier’s coastal location ensures that the freshest catch is available. Feast on grilled sardines, calamari and other ocean treasures at one of the seafront restaurants lining the port while watching the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean. Discovering the culinary highlights of the city is one of the things that cannot be missed during your vacation in Tangier, Morocco.

There are so many landmarks and cultural highlights to experience when sailing from Spain to Morocco, yet there is no place quite like Café Hafa. Tracing its origins back to 1921, this café has played host to a myriad of global celebrities such as the Rolling Stones, the Beatles and the enduring figure of Tangier, Paul Bowles. Preserving its historic charm, Café Hafa continues to showcase its original decor of whitewashed walls and characteristic indigo hue. The café's multiple terraces provide the ideal vantage point to watch the world go by against the captivating backdrop of the Strait of Gibraltar. What’s more, the cafe is located just 10 minutes from the Tangier Ville ferry dock, making it accessible to all who visit.

Of course, no trip by ferry to Tangier is complete without a day at the beach. Luckily, the main beach is located in the centre of the city, close to charming seafront cafés and restaurants dotted along the beautiful promenade. The soft, buttercream sandy shoreline invites travellers to stop and stay a while and the warm, sun-dappled ocean provides a relaxing soundtrack for a leisurely day at the beach. This beach is ideal for families and not as crowded as the beaches on the Spanish side of the Strait.