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Tangier Travel Guide

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Tangier
Beach bar, Mediterranean coast
For decades, between 1920 and the late 1950's, 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 the 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 it's fall from glory, a stylish café society has once again begun to build up in modern day Tangier's boulevards, and the merchants in the medina (old city) are doing good trade with tourists exploring the maze of narrow streets, all within sight of the Spanish coast across the straits of Gibraltar. An essential part of a visit to Tangier is to promenade along the beach, which extends along a curve for several kilometres.




Attractions


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...  see full details



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...  see full details



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...  see full details


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...  see full details



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,...  see full details



Excursions


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...  see full details

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...  see full details

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...  see full details
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