Everyone who comes to Morocco tries to get into this ancient and picturesque city. Tangier is famous for its historical monuments, bustling markets and wonderful beaches.
Where is the city?
Tangier is located in the northwest of Morocco, on the shores of a picturesque bay. It is washed by the Strait of Gibr altar, which connects Europe with Africa, and the Atlantic Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea. To the east of the city stretches a mountain reef massif.
Climate
Many tourists enjoy the climate of Morocco. Tangier is no exception. It is always dry and warm here, and the ocean breeze that brings coolness 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 warms up to +17 °C. Water warms up to + 25 °C in summer, and up to +15 °C in winter.
Tourists with experience recommend visiting Morocco from early spring to autumn. Tangier is especially attractive at this time.
Beaches
Although Tangier is known to many as a beach resort, lovers of a secluded and relaxing holiday are unlikely to like it here. According to reviewstourists, the city beaches of Tangier are very crowded and noisy. If you want to comfortably sunbathe and swim in the sea, 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 go south of Cape Spartel. The 47-kilometer beach line is washed by the clearest waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Tangier Hotels (Morocco)
There are so many comfortable hotels and hotels in the city that no one will have problems choosing accommodation. Very nice hotel Ahlen (3 stars) is located very close to the city beach and not far from the Dar el-Makhzen Palace. It has an outdoor pool, night club, Turkish bath.
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, the Atlas Almohades Tanger hotel (4 stars) is located. Its comfortable rooms offer amazingly beautiful views of the Gulf of Tangier. You will always be happy to see in restaurants (there are two of them). High-class chefs will offer you gourmet Moroccan and European cuisine. At any time, vacationers can visit the outdoor pool, and in the evening have fun in a nightclub.
Entertainment
Rest in Tangier (Morocco) can be very diverse. Reviews of tourists indicate thatall conditions for sports are created here. The English-built golf center and cricket ground are great places for outdoor activities.
Tangier is a city in Morocco that does not forget about its little guests. A wonderful water park has been built here for the kids. In the meantime, children enjoy exciting rides under the supervision of experienced instructors, adults can enjoy horseback riding, tennis or archery. The city has moorings for yachts, so regattas are not uncommon here. And on the beaches you can ride real camels, play football or windsurf.
Tangier hosts annual festivals of jazz (international), amateur theater and the feature film festival of Morocco.
What to see?
I must say that the sights with descriptions of Tangier (Morocco) can be seen in the brochures of many travel agencies. It is indeed a very beautiful city with a lot to see. We will introduce you to the most interesting places.
Mountains of Hercules
When tourists arrive in Tangier (Morocco), the sights, as a rule, begin to explore from this place. These are two large rocks that are separated by the Strait of Gibr altar. One of them is located on the European side and is the territory of Great Britain, and the second is on the African side (Jebel Musa rock). It belongs to Morocco.
Scientists have not yet reached a unanimous conclusion regarding the history of originPillars 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 whose account there are many heroic deeds. Hercules, wandering the Earth, outlined the final point of his travels, which was to mark the edge of the Earth.
Using the heroic strength given to him by the gods, Hercules broke through the mountain, water gushed into the formed channel. So the ancient Greeks believed that the Strait of Gibr altar was formed. And two rocks on its banks began to be called the Pillars of Hercules.
Both rocks frame deep caves. In the Middle Ages, they were visited by we althy Europeans and had picnics in them. Today, souvenir merchants have chosen them, as many tourists come to see this miracle of nature every day.
These caves, preserved from the Neolithic period, attract archaeologists. During the excavations, many valuable exhibits were found here, for example, the tools of labor of ancient people.
Dar El Makzen Palace
Morocco is famous for many interesting buildings. Tangier has its own architectural and historical monument - the Dar el Makzen Palace. The most beautiful building is located in the old part of the city - Medina. At its highest point rises a snow-white palace. It was built in the 17th century and originally belonged to the Sultan.
Luxurious building, decorated with mosaics and other exquisite decorative elements, made in Arabic style. This palace complex hascourtyard patio and numerous galleries. Only two sultans of Morocco lived in this magnificent palace, then it became the residence of the Pasha of Tangier. The halls of the palace make a huge impression. Their wooden ceilings are decorated with oriental wood carvings and colorful paintings.
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 - the Museum of Moroccan Art and the 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 the Gran Socco. It is located in the center of the Medina, not far from the mosque of Sidi Bou Abib with its pointed minarets.
The Grand Bazaar is the most crowded and noisy place in Tangier. Each merchant tries to outshout his competitor, inviting customers to his shop, offering tourists a variety of copper utensils, souvenirs. The market is filled with the sound of drums and the intoxicating smells of delicious roasted meat.
In this place, the main thing is not to get confused and be very attentive to your things. Decide in advance what you want to buy at the Grand Bazaar. All other offers should be rejected immediately. The locals understand the words "no" and "don't" very well.
If you have made a choice, you can bargain. Moroccans are polite and friendly people - they are happy to give a little in price to their customers. And one more subtlety - the concept of "surrender" does not exist in the markets of Morocco.
Vacation in Tangier (Morocco):reviews
According to the tourists who rested in this city, the vacation did not disappoint them. Excellent 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 holiday in Tangier is quite suitable for families with children.
Not all vacationers are happy with city beaches. They consider them under-equipped. Nevertheless, this does not spoil the overall impression of the holiday.