Tangier, Morocco - Fascinating City on the Edge of Africa

Sailing into Tangier, Morocco

Frequent ferries make the short crossing from Europe each day, and many cruise ships sailing between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic often include Tangier as a port of call. 

The Coastline

 Although Tangier is a very old city, modern buildings line its coastline.

Street Scene

Much of Tangier is crowded and busy, but it does have some green space. 

Atlantic Ocean Coastal View Near Tangier

Our shore excursion bus tour of Tangier rode through the city and past some of the spectacular mansions in the hills overlooking the city and the Mediterranean. These mansions are owned by famous (and very wealthy) politicians, entertainers, and royal family members from Morocco and other Muslim countries. About 10 miles outside of Tangier, we glimpsed our first view of the Atlantic Ocean. Tangier has 75 miles of wide, pristine Atlantic Ocean beaches that are undeveloped and lightly visited.

This photo shows the contrast between modern Morocco (the large timeshare condominium complex on the beach) and traditional Morocco (the donkey). This contrast is similar to the very rich, ornate mansions in the hills overlooking the city versus the poverty in the crowded streets below.

Cape Spartel

Cape Spartel near Tangier, Morocco marks the junction of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

Cape Spartel View Point

View of the point where the Atlantic and Mediterranean meet at Cape Spartel near Tangier, Morocco. Spain is just a few miles across the Strait of Gibraltar.

Atlantic Ocean Beach Near Tangier, Morocco

Morocco has 75 miles of beautiful Atlantic Ocean beaches such as this one.

The ​timeshare condominium in the upper right corner of the photo is one of the few developments along the Atlantic Ocean coastline near Tangier, Morocco.

Riding a Camel on the Beach

Participants in our Tangier shore excursion had the opportunity to ride a camel on the beach for 1 euro.

Caves of Hercules

Look closely. This entrance to the Caves of Hercules is shaped much like the continent of Africa. It's an interesting natural phenomenon.

Caves of Hercules Interior

The interiors of the Caves of Hercules have been used as dwellings for centuries, and there are several quarries and passages between them. Only a small percentage of the caves are open to visitors. The Caves of Hercules are reputed to have been the home of Hercules who founded Tangier and made the Straits of Gibraltar with one blow from his sword.

Most of the cave was carved out by the ancient Moroccans, who used the resulting stones to grind grains.

The Kasbah

The Kasbah is a residential section of Tangier, Morocco.

The Kasbah Fortifications

 Although the Kasbah is a residential area of Tangier, its fortifications once protected the city's citizens.

Henri Matisse Door

French painter Henri Matisse fell in love with the city of Tangier, Morocco. He included many of the doors in Tangier in his artwork, including this one.

The Kasbah Door

Be sure to take notice of the many beautiful doors while strolling the streets of Tangier. 

Entrance to the Kasbah Museum

The Kasbah Museum is located in a ​17th-century palace that was once used by sultans. It includes examples of Moroccan art and some archaeological artifacts.

The Kasbah Museum Courtyard

Catholic Church

Although over 99 percent of Moroccans are Muslim, Christianity and Judaism are also recognized religions.

This Tangier Catholic Church is practically next door to the largest mosque in the city.

Mosque in Tangier

Street Scene

The traffic in Tangier is almost as bad as it is in Atlanta.

Tangier has many taxis, but they are in only two sizes -- petite taxis (3 passengers) and grand taxis (5 passengers).

The El Minzah Hotel

The El Minzah Hotel is one of the best hotels in Tangier, Morocco.

American Legation in Tangier

Morocco was the first country to recognize the United States as an independent country. As a result, the first American embassy in the world was in Tangier in 1777. The USA still has a legation in Tangier. It is in a building that was a gift to the U.S. in 1821 from Moroccan Sultan Moulay Suliman. Interestingly, the old building is the first piece of property acquired abroad by the U.S. government.

The American Legation building is in a perfect location, just steps from the market and inside the old walls of the Medina. The legation building houses a museum, and some of the most impressive pieces were donated by the late Malcolm Forbes, who had a home in Tangier. He donated hundreds of hand-carved miniature soldiers set up in two famous Moroccan historical battles. The intricacy of the carvings is amazing, and the battle looks very realistic in its case.

Vendors Selling Wares

A photo gallery from Morocco would not be complete with a picture of Moroccan vendors selling their wares. These enterprising vendors set up shop right on the cruise ship pier.