Tangier is one of the most interesting holiday destinations in Morocco. The area is a cultural melting pot, offering a mix of African, French and Spanish flavour. Tangier is a thriving port, but it is far from commercialised. If you want to get an authentic taste of Morocco, stay away from the tourist traps and head to Tangier instead. Here is a quick look at a few of the most interesting activities in the area.
The Hercules Caves
Less than fifteen miles outside of Tangier you will find the Hercules Caves. According to ancient mythology, these caves were the place where Hercules would come when he needed to rest. When the tide is low, you can go inside the caves and enjoy a spectacular view of the sea. The caves are partly natural and partly man-made and are of huge archaeological importance.
Grand Socco
The Grand Socco is a large market square in the heart of Tangier. The square is full of cafes, restaurants, stalls and shops. There are musicians, snake charmers and entertainers at every corner. This is a good place to come if you want to get a flavour for the cultural history of the city.
The Museum of Moroccan Arts
The Museum of Moroccan Arts is a large museum full of traditional Moroccan textiles and handicrafts. The building itself is a beautifully designed Byzantine structure and the collection of textiles on display is huge. Unfortunately, most of the information signs in the museum are printed in French, which makes the displays difficult for non-French speakers to appreciate.
The Kasbah
The Kasbah is the highest point in Tangier and it is a must-visit location. From the Kasbah you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Gibraltar Straits and even see part of Spain. This is a rare opportunity to see two continents (Africa and Europe) at the same time.
TANJAzz
TANJAzz is Tangier’s annual international jazz festival. The festival’s dates differ each year, but if you are a music lover, it is worth trying to schedule your holiday around the event, which attracts some big-name jazz performers, as well as rising stars.
Before you book a trip to Tangier, it is a good idea to compare prices on cruises and also look at various land tour options as well. The port of Tangier is a great place to visit; it is an evocative place and will give you the chance to enjoy a different side of Morocco without having to deal with the high prices and crowded streets found at the more traditional tourist traps.
Each town in Morocco has its own unique flavour and culture. If you want to get a true taste of the country, why not explore several towns, perhaps heading from Tangier to Chefchaouen or taking the train to Meknes or Fez for a few days. Travel around Morocco is inexpensive, so you should be able to take in several towns and cities even if your budget is quite limited.
I have read a lot of good things in Morocco. It’s nice to know that there is still a place there, like Tangier that offers a non-commercialized experience in the country.
Visit the Kasbah Museum . This museum, located just off Place du Mechouar, houses various relics from the Stone Age through the turn of the 20th century, displaying the rich history of Tangier. Here, you can see evidence of the many peoples who have inhabited or ruled this region. Not to be missed is a beautiful mosaic taken from the Roman city of Volubilis and a nice stroll through the Sultan’s Gardens. Entrance is 10 dirhams. Open 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. every day except Tuesday.
Visit the Kasbah Museum . This museum, located just off Place du Mechouar, houses various relics from the Stone Age through the turn of the 20th century, displaying the rich history of Tangier. Here, you can see evidence of the many peoples who have inhabited or ruled this region. Not to be missed is a beautiful mosaic taken from the Roman city of Volubilis and a nice stroll through the Sultan’s Gardens. Entrance is 10 dirhams. Open 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. every day except Tuesday.