6 Days desert tour from Tangier

Desert Tour from Tangier the Northern Pearl

What you may not know about Tangier City!

Tangier has long been the unofficial cultural capital for numerous writers and artists from all over the world, drawn by its climate, landscape, and beautiful surroundings; it also attracts property developers, especially from the Reef and beyond. Located on the Strait of Gibraltar, which separates Africa from Europe, some 15km from the Spanish coast and on the edge of the Rif Mountains, it offers exceptional views of the other side.

Tangier has long been an important strategic enclave. With two and a half thousand years of existence and a current population of 974,000, it is one of the oldest cities in North Africa.

Its medina, Kasbah, souks, and markets are some of the busiest in the country and its beaches are 7km long. Over the last century, Tangier has become a popular destination for international travelers.

Tangier is a major seaside resort and has a diverse hotel and tourist infrastructure, as well as a medina that attracts many visitors.

The Grand Socco at the entrance to the medina is the most popular spot in the city. The square is bordered by the former residence of Mendoub (Sultan’s representative) and his park.

The Mendoubia Park, with its giant banyan fig and numerous centenary dragon trees, is a magnificent sight; you can also visit the Kasbah Museum, the Tangier Cinematheque, and the Herculean Grottoes.

Furthermore, Tangier is a cradle for many artists and intellectuals. Tangier is Morocco’s second-largest economic center after Casablanca and has a wide range of industries: textiles, chemicals, engineering, metallurgy, and shipbuilding.

The city’s infrastructure on the Straits is very important, with a port serving a flow of goods and passengers (more than a million travelers a year), a marina, and a fishing port.

What to visit and do in Tangier?

Souks of TANGER

Tangier the Great, Tangier White, Tangier International – various names that have tried in vain to describe at least part of the beauty and charm of this beautiful coastal city in northern Morocco.

In Tangier, you will find plenty of attractions, cafes, and restaurants. You have everything you need for a varied holiday.

When you think of Morocco, you think of medinas, bazaars, and crafts, and Tangier is no exception.

Discover the bazaars of Tangier and experience the true soul of the city.

Your visit will start at the Grand Souk, a huge square filled with cafes, street vendors, Rif women with their colorful dresses and big hats, and craft workshops, in short, a mixture of smells and colors.

Cross the large archway and you’ll find yourself in the heart of Tangier’s medina. Once you enter the medina, let your steps guide you.

The deeper you go into the souks, the narrower and more mysterious the streets become.

Keep walking until you reach a small alleyway that leads to a staircase called Sidi Hosni Alley or Tailor’s Alley.

Here be sure to take pictures of men winding up threads of all colors. Then head to Amrah and on to the gates of the Kasbah, where the scenery is totally different.

Snake charmers, storytellers, and musicians create the atmosphere of Arabian nights.

And the icing on the cake is that when you pass through the small gate of the Kasbah (Sidi Buknadel Gate), you have a magnificent panoramic view that takes you all the way to Spain.

THE MEDINA MUSEUM ART GALLERY IN TANGIER

Formerly known as the Museum of Modern Art and renamed in 2006 after a Moroccan artist, the Mohamed Drissi Gallery of Modern Art is a museum that housed the British Consulate for most of the 20th century.

The museum exhibits various paintings and sculptures by famous local and foreign artists and aims to disseminate and preserve contemporary art in Morocco.

Consisting of 5 exhibition halls and a foyer with a total surface area of 276m², this gallery aims to satisfy art lovers’ thirst and opens its doors during the following hours

9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. to 6.30 p.m.: every day except Tuesdays.

DAR EL MAKHZEN

Dar el Makhzen, the former Khalifa Palace, was founded in 1684 by Sultan Moulay Ismail shortly after the withdrawal of the British forces from Tangier. It served as the residence of the Sultan’s representative to the protectorate, a palace of justice, and a treasury.

This museum offers a journey back in history to gain an insight into the prehistoric period of Morocco, and beautifully showcases the different civilizations – Greek, Roman, Phoenician, Berber, and Arab – that left their mark on the city.

All the wealth from the compulsory levies was stored in the treasury of Dar al-Mahzen. You will discover a locked safe, thanks to the ingenious system of the time; you have the right to open it to understand the workings of this mechanism which cannot be opened by man.

In the central part of Dar el-Makhzen is an inner courtyard that served as a court of honor.

Since its foundation, the Dar el-Makhzen has hosted the city’s great Belle Époque figures in its courtyard, when the most important diplomatic decisions were taken in Tangier.

Delacroix was also officially received by the Pasha of Tangier.

Inside you will find a magnificent Andalusian garden, surrounded by arches decorated with majolica made by Moroccan artisans, a magical place that will immerse you in the times of the sultans. You can also visit the small museum.

The Dar el Mahzen Museum is also an exhibition space where all the famous history of Tangier is on display.

It is worth visiting this historic place in Tangier during your stay in the city.

CAP SPARTEL

Cap Spartel is a charming place that attracts all lovers of beautiful views.

Lovers come here to find peace and romance, photographers to capture the beautiful scenery, and romantics to enjoy the magnificent views.

Cap Spartel, also known as Ras Spartel, is located 14km west of Tangier, on the road leading to the Caves of Hercules.

This mythical site features a lighthouse dating back to 15 October 1864, which makes it even more fascinating.

The Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic meet here, and you won’t find a place like this anywhere else.

This place is simply unique.

As soon as you enter the cape you will see many cars parked, groups of young people, and several families on the beach. There is a festive atmosphere both in summer and winter.

The lighthouse at Cape Spartel is still working but is closed to the public, probably for conservation purposes. It is only visible from afar and its inaccessibility gives it a certain mystique.

Sit in one of the cafes overlooking the cape, have a glass of mint tea, and enjoy the magnificent view of the Maldives in the distance.

ACHAKAR BEACH

One of the most beautiful beaches is not far from Tangier, no more than 20km away. It is called Achakar beach.

Extensive stretches of sand are available for swimming.

It stretches over three kilometers of fine sandy beach facing the waves of the Atlantic Ocean.

The advantage of this beach is that it is very clean and pleasant.

Highlights

• Visit the Medina of Tangier.
• Explore the Karouine Mosque in Fes.
• Take pictures in the beautiful cedar forest of Azrou.
• Visit the filming studios in Ouarzazate.
• Discover the fortified UNESCO Heritage Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou.
• Admire the Koutoubia Minaret in Marrakech.