Everyone who comes to Morocco is trying to get into this ancient and picturesque city. Tangier is famous for its historical monuments, bustling markets and wonderful beaches.
Where is the city located?
Tangier is located in northwestern Morocco, on the shores of a picturesque bay. It is washed by the Strait of Gibraltar, which connects Europe with Africa, and the Atlantic Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea. A mountain reef massif stretches east of the city.
Climate
Many tourists are pleased with the climate of Morocco. Tangier is no exception. It is always dry and warm, and the cool ocean breeze makes this place the coolest resort in the country. In summer, the air temperature is +30 ° C, but the heat is almost not felt. In winter, the air temperature warms up to +17 ° C. Water in the summer is heated to + 25 ° C, and in winter - to +15 ° C.
Tourists with experience recommend visiting Morocco from early spring to autumn. Tangier at this time is especially attractive.
Beaches
Although Tangier is known to many as a beach resort, lovers of a secluded and relaxing holiday are unlikely to like it. According to tourists, the city beaches of Tangier are very crowded and noisy. If you want to sunbathe and swim in the sea with comfort, we recommend that you drive a little to the west of the city. At the foot of the hills, there are wide sandy beaches.
You can head south of Cape Spartel. A 47-kilometer long beach line is washed by the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Hotels Tangier (Morocco)
There are so many comfortable hotels and hotels in the city that no one will have problems with the choice of accommodation. Very close to the city beach and not far from the Dar el Mahsen Palace is the very nice Ahlen Hotel (3 stars). There is an outdoor pool, a night club, a Turkish bath.
The Andalucia Golf Tanger Hotel (5 stars) is an oriental-style building. It is located very close to a large shopping center. Here you can visit the outdoor pool, wellness center, sauna.
Opposite the city beach, in a very quiet location is the Atlas Almohades Tanger (4 stars). Its comfortable rooms offer amazingly beautiful views of Tangier Bay. You will always be glad to see in restaurants (there are two of them). Upscale chefs will offer you exquisite dishes of Moroccan and European cuisine. At any time, vacationers can visit the outdoor pool, and in the evening have fun in a nightclub.
Entertainment
Very diverse can be a vacation in Tangier (Morocco). Reviews of tourists indicate that there are all conditions for sports. The English-built golf center and the cricket ground are great places for outdoor activities.
Tangier is a city in Morocco in which they do not forget about their little guests. A wonderful water park has been built here for the kids. In the meantime, children enjoy thrilling rides under the supervision of experienced instructors, adults can go horse riding, tennis or archery. The city has marinas for yachts, so regattas are frequent here. And on the beaches you can ride real camels, play football or windsurfing.
Tangier annually hosts festivals of jazz (international), amateur theater, as well as the festival of feature films of Morocco.
What to see?
I must say that attractions with a description of Tangier (Morocco) can be seen in the advertising booklets of many travel agencies. It is really a very beautiful city with a lot to see. We will present you the most interesting places.
Hercules Mountains
When tourists arrive in Tangier (Morocco), sights, as a rule, begin to explore from this place. These are two large cliffs that divide the Strait of Gibraltar. One of them is from Europe and is the territory of Great Britain, and the second is from Africa (Jebel Musa rock). It belongs to Morocco.
Scientists have not yet come to a single conclusion regarding the history of the origin of the pillars of Hercules. But Greek mythology has its own opinion on this matter. According to an ancient legend, the legendary Hercules (Hercules) created this natural monument, on the account of which there are many heroic acts. Hercules, wandering the Earth, outlined the final point of his travels, which was supposed to indicate the edge of the Earth.
Using the heroic power presented to him by the gods, Hercules struck a mountain, water poured into the formed channel. So the ancient Greeks believed, the Strait of Gibraltar was formed. And two rocks on its shores began to be called Herculean pillars.
Both rocks are framed by deep caves. In the Middle Ages they were visited by wealthy Europeans and had picnics in them. Today, souvenir dealers have chosen them, because every day many tourists come to see this natural wonder.
These caves, preserved from the Neolithic, attract archaeologists. During excavations, many valuable artifacts were discovered here, for example, tools of ancient people.
Dar el Maksen Palace
Many interesting buildings are famous for Morocco. Tangier has its own architectural and historical monument - the palace of Dar el Maksen. A beautiful building is located in the old part of the city - Medina. At its highest point stands a snow-white palace. It was built in the 17th century, and originally belonged to the Sultan.
The luxurious building, decorated with mosaics and other exquisite decorative elements, is made in the Arabic style. This palace complex has a patio and numerous galleries. Only two sultans of Morocco lived in this magnificent palace, then it became the residence of Pasha Tangier. The halls of the palace make a great impression. Their wooden ceilings are decorated with oriental wood carvings and colorful murals.
The walls and floor are covered with bright mosaics. The last reconstruction of the building took place in 1922, after which the museum began to work in it. Today there are two of them - a museum of Moroccan art and a museum of archeology.
Grand Bazaar
Like many other cities in Morocco, Tangier is famous for its bazaars. The largest and most popular of them is Gran Sokko. It is located in the center of the Medina, not far from the Sidi Bou Abib Mosque with its pointed minarets.
The Grand Bazaar is the most populous and noisy place in Tangier. Each merchant tries to shout down his competitor, inviting buyers to his shop, offering tourists a variety of copper utensils, souvenirs. The sounds of drums are carried around the market, the smells of delicious fried meat are intoxicating.
The main thing in this place is not to get confused and be very attentive to your things. Decide in advance what you want to buy at the Grand Bazaar. Reject all other offers immediately. Locals are well aware of the words "no" and "do not."
If you have made a choice, you can bargain. Moroccans are a polite and friendly people - they are happy to give way to their customers a little in price. And one more subtlety - the concept of "surrender" in the Moroccan markets does not exist.
Holidays in Tangier (Morocco): reviews
According to tourists vacationing in this city, their vacation did not disappoint. Great hotels, excellent conditions for active pastime, a rich excursion program that allows you to get acquainted with the historical and cultural monuments of the city. Many say that a vacation in Tangier is quite suitable for families with children.
Not all vacationers are happy with city beaches. They consider them insufficiently equipped. Nevertheless, this does not spoil the overall impression of the rest.