Beach bar, Mediterranean coast
For decades, between 1920 and the late 1950s, Tangier was a
playground for adventure-seekers and the rich and famous,
attracting all those seeking a tax haven or a mystic destination,
from authors to artists and spies to aristocrats. Regular visitors
included the likes of Truman Capote and Tennessee Williams, and
Woolworth heiress Barbara Hutton. When Spain relinquished Tangier
back to Morocco in 1960, its duty-free status went with it, and the
city lost a great deal of its flair. Tourism is slowly increasing
once more, though: visitors succumbing to the city's proximity to
Europe are discovering that its decayed grandeur still has much to
offer; from its palm-treed promenade and sandy beach to the old
town section, and its outlying villages and resorts. Seasoned
Moroccan visitors, however, warn that it is best not to take on
Tangier until you are acclimatised to the rest of the country, and
to be vigilant as regards safety after dark. Despite its fall from
glory, a stylish cafe society has once again begun to build up in
modern day Tangier's boulevards, and the merchants in the medina
(old quarter) are doing good trade with tourists exploring its maze
of narrow streets, all of which are within sight of the Spanish
coast across the straits of Gibraltar.
Attractions
Asilah
Asilah
The fishing village of Asilah, south of Tangier, has become a
popular seaside resort because of its nearby Paradise Beach,
relaxing ambience, and picturesque 15th-century Andalusian medina,
which extends to the sea wall. The town is small enough to explore
on foot (donkey carts...
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Chefchaouen hamman
Chefchaouen
This beautiful medieval town, a short drive from Tangier in the
mountain region, has a distinctive Spanish character, having been
settled by Spanish refugees in the middle ages. The medina of the
town has become renowned as one of the most charming in...
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The Royal Palace © Jules Antonio
Dar el Makhzen
A collection of art from all over Morocco is housed in the
imposing Dar el Makhzen, the former Sultan's palace dating from the
17th century, which dominates the Tangier kasbah. The art
collections are sited in the prince's apartments, which are
breathtaking with their...
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The Tangier Forbes Museum
Forbes Museum
Tangier boasts many beautiful palatial residences of varying
styles and variety in its Marshan villa district, about 15 minutes
walk from the medina. One of the most attractive of these is on the
Rue Muhammed Tazi, and used to belong to United States
multi-millionaire...
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Grand Socco © Solvo
Grand Socco
The word 'socco' is the Spanish version of 'souk', or market,
which has stuck to this square in the heart of Tangier because of
its Spanish heritage. The square is, however, no longer a
marketplace, but rather a city crossroads and huge taxi...
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Muhammed Modnen and son of Kalaa
Kalaa (Hiking in the Rif Mountains)
Hiding in the hills outside the already tranquil town of
Chefchaouen is the rarely reached village of Kalaa. From here one
can relax in the remote serenity of rural Moroccan life that has
changed little over the centuries. The village is also a...
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Kasbah des Oudaļas
Kasbah
Tangier's 17th century fortified residential quarter, or Kasbah,
is a place of arcades, winding alleys and hidden terraces, where it
is possible to wander among the wealthy homes and sometimes manage
a peep behind the unprepossessing facades, enjoying views of the
medina and the...
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Tangier American Legation
Tangier American Legation Museum
In the midst of the old medina in Tangier, America has provided
a thriving cultural centre, museum, conference venue and library in
the only historic landmark of the United States that is located
abroad. The American Legation Museum is housed in the American
Embassy,...
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Events
Asilah Arts Festival © Pedro Lozano
Asilah Arts Festival
The quiet fishing village of Asilah comes alive each August when
artists, dancers, musicians, writers, and performers from all over
the globe descend. Performances are centred at the Royal Palace and
the Hasan Centre, while painters are given a large wall in the...
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