Visiting Tangier? In our opinion, it’s an ideal base from which to explore northern Morocco and beyond. From this cultural and historical crossroads at the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar, the roads open up to a wide variety of destinations: mythical caves, imperial cities, and even a Spanish enclave on the African continent. We had the chance to explore the destinations that impressed us most, and which we feel deserve a whole day out of town.
Discover our selection of the 10 best excursions from Tangier, along with practical tips and photos to help you plan your getaway!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Our 3 favorite excursions from Tangier
Before presenting our detailed opinions, here are our 3 favorite excursions from Tangier:
- Grottes d’Hercule, a mythical site just a 30-minute drive from Tangier, at the crossroads of history and geology – see guided tour options
- Cap Spartel and Perdicaris Forest, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea – book your excursion
- Asilah, a charming Atlantic coastal town 45 minutes away – see excursions from Tangier
1. Dive into legend at the Grottes d’Hercule
Why do we recommend this tour?
Just a 30-minute drive from Tangier, the Grottes d’Hercule are one of the region’s most accessible and striking outings. We really enjoyed visiting this site at the crossroads of history, geology and mythology. Do you know the legend that evokes this surprising place? It says that Hercules rested here after separating Africa from Europe, one of his 12 labors. A mythical place that fascinated us as much for its natural cavities carved into the rock as for its spectacular opening onto the Atlantic Ocean. The view of the water from the outdoor platform is sublime. The entrance aisle is adorned with mythological frescoes, and a small cave museum completes the visit. The whole complex is family-friendly, with restaurants and stores on site.
What you will see
- Caves carved out of the rock overlooking the Atlantic Ocean
- Entrance aisle adorned with mythological frescoes and explanatory panels in Arabic and English
- A small museum in a cave, with traditional musicians
- The outdoor platform facing the ocean, with an unobstructed view
- Restaurants and tourist stores on site
How much time should I allow?
Allow 30min to 2h on site, depending on your interest in the site, in addition to the 30min drive from Tangier. The Grottes d’Hercule are accessible via Tangier’s hop-on hop-off City Tour bus, which is convenient if you don’t have a car – book your ticket now.
For a visit without logistical constraints, opt for a one-day guided tour from Tangier that includes the Grottes d’Hercule!
2. Contemplating the horizon from Cap Spartel
Why do we recommend this tour?
Cape Spartel occupies a geographically unique spot: it’s where the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea meet. We were truly amazed by this promontory at the southern entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar, just 30 minutes from Tangier. The intermingling shades of blue, the changing colors of the water, the rocky relief and the surrounding forest make up a panorama you won’t forget. The Cap Spartel lighthouse can be visited through a museum inside, which traces the history of its construction with models of boats and other lighthouses in Morocco. The climb to the top rewards you with a 360-degree panoramic view. It’s well worth the detour! Often combined with the Grottes d’Hercule, Cap Spartel is a natural choice for a half-day excursion from Tangier.
What you will see
- Where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean
- Cap Spartel lighthouse and museum (model ships and Moroccan lighthouses)
- The 360-degree panoramic view from the top of the lighthouse
- The nearby Perdicaris forest
- On-site cafés and souvenir stores
How much time should I allow?
Allow 1h to 2h on site, including the climb to the lighthouse, in addition to the 30min drive from Tangier. The site is accessible via the hop-on hop-off City Tour bus or by car.
Discover Cape Spartel on a guided tour from Tangier!
3. Rejuvenate in the Perdicaris Forest, the green lung of Cap Spartel
Why do we recommend this tour?
On the road to Cap Spartel, the Forêt de Perdicaris is well worth a stop in its own right. Perched high above the sea, this hilly forest is home to Morocco’s oldest plantations, dating back to 1918. We were seduced by the diversity of the species: zea oaks, cork oaks, pinon pines and eucalyptus make up a varied natural setting. The long avenues lead to cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, and the landscapes that combine mountains, sea and forest offered us some beautiful vistas. What’s more, the serene ambience of the area makes it an ideal stop-off point for a family picnic, although the presence of cliffs will require constant vigilance, especially with children. Note that the forest is also home to wild boar and birds of prey, wildlife to be observed with care from a distance.
What you will see
- Morocco’s oldest plantations (1918): zea oaks, cork oaks, pinon pines, eucalyptus
- Long forest paths leading to cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea
- Picnic areas with wooden tables and benches
- Local wildlife: wild boar and birds of prey
- The Perdicaris House Museum, visible on site
How much time should I allow?
The forest can be visited from 30 minutes to a full day, depending on your wishes. Naturally, it can be combined with Cap Spartel and the Grottes d’Hercule in the same day trip. Note that there is very little light in the forest after sunset. A visit in the morning is preferable for maximum natural light. Free access, small parking lot at the entrance. Accessible via the hop-on hop-off City Tour Bus – book your ticket or include this tour in a guided tour!
4. Stroll between the ocean and the ramparts of Asilah, city of artists
Why do we recommend this tour?
Now it’s on to Asilah, a 45-minute drive south of Tangier. This proximity makes it an easy excursion to organize. We were charmed by this small coastal town, a former fishing port, whose whitewashed alleyways contrast with the colorful doors and murals that fill the walls of the medina. Every summer, artists from all over the world repaint the facades as part of the International Cultural Moussem Festival, turning the town into an open-air museum. The ramparts, built in the 15th century, encircle the old town and offer fine panoramic views of the Atlantic. The Caraquia viewpoint, at the western end of the ramparts, is one of the most striking spots. Nearby, the marine cemetery with its colorful mosaic tombs and the mausoleums of Sidi Ahmed el-Mansour and Lalla Mennana add a spiritual dimension to the tour.
What you will see
- The white medina with its colorful gates, accessible only on foot
- The murals at the International Cultural Moussem Festival
- The 15th-century ramparts and the Borj al-Bahr facing the Atlantic Ocean
- Caraquia’s ocean view
- The marine cemetery and its colorful mosaic tombs
- The Great Mosque and its octagonal minaret, typical of northern Morocco
- Al Kamra Tower, a symbol of 15th-century Portuguese defensive architecture
- The Hassan II Center for International Encounters, in an ancient bastion
How much time should I allow?
We recommend a full day to discover Asilah at your own pace. If you’d like to extend your stay, the town empties of visitors in the evening, and the atmosphere is even more peaceful for an overnight stay. If you don’t have your own car, the most comfortable option is to take an organized excursion. see excursions from Tangier.
5. Discover Tetouan, the white dove of the Rif
Why do we recommend this tour?
Tetouan is about 1h30min drive from Tangier and well worth a visit. We were struck by the richness of this city, at the crossroads of Moroccan traditions and Andalusian heritage. Its medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the only one in Morocco entirely shaped by the Andalusian refugees who rebuilt it after the Spanish Reconquest. Its green-and-white visual identity is unique in the country. Along its narrow streets, you’ll come across fondouks, zaouïas and craftsmen’s workshops perpetuating ancient skills. The city also boasts a number of outstanding museums: the Dar El Oddi House Museum, our favorite of the year, the Modern Art Center housed in the old railway station, and the Archaeological Museum, which links Tetouan to the ancient city of Tamuda. The Ensanche district, a legacy of the Spanish protectorate, offers an interesting architectural counterpoint to the historic medina.
What you will see
- The UNESCO-listed medina of Tétouan, with its historic gates (Bab el-Okla, Bab Tut, Bab Rouah)
- The Dar El Oddi House Museum and its 7 rooms on 2 levels
- Center d’art moderne, in the former railway station built in 1918
- The Archaeological Museum, with collections from prehistory to Antiquity
- El Mechouar Square, the Royal Palace and the former Khalifat Palace
- The Ensanche district, with its white avenues accented with aqua green
- The Isaac Bengualid Synagogue in the new mellah
- The beach at Martil, a seaside resort 15 minutes’ drive from the center
How much time should I allow?
Allow a full day for the medina and a museum. To add a coastal getaway to Martil or M’diq, allow two days on site. Read our advice if you want to stay overnight here. Organized excursions from Tangier are available – see prices, availability and booking.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN MOROCCO
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Not too wide
- A good engine
- For more choice, book early.
6. Immerse yourself in the blue of Chefchaouen, the pearl of the Rif
Why do we recommend this tour?
Clinging to the Rif mountains, a 2h30min drive from Tangier, Chefchaouen is undoubtedly Morocco’s most photogenic town. We were won over by its village charm and its blue-and-white-painted alleyways, an architectural feature that exists nowhere else with such consistency. Did you know that painting the walls blue keeps insects away and protects homes from the heat of the mountains? You can visit the medina on foot, from Place El Haouta to the natural spring of Ras El Ma, with its small waterfalls running through the town. The 15th-century Kasbah houses an ethnographic museum and offers a remarkable view of the rooftops from its ramparts. Stroll through the souks and discover Rifian carpets, spices and natural cosmetics. The journey itself from Tangier is an experience: the road crosses the Rif mountains and offers beautiful panoramic views.
What you will see
- The medina’s blue-and-white streets, colorful doors and murals
- Place El Haouta El Hammam, the heart of the city, with the Kasbah and the Great Mosque
- The 15th-century Kasbah and its ethnographic museum
- Ras El Ma spring and small waterfalls in the heart of the city
- The Rif Al-Andalous Mosque with its 16th-century hexagonal minaret
- Souks: carpets, spices, jewelry and natural cosmetics
- Panoramic views of the Rif mountains from the heights
How much time should I allow?
A full day allows you to see the essentials. Two days with an overnight stay offer a more intimate experience, especially after the day-trippers have left. The mountain road from Tangier is narrow in places; if you prefer not to drive, opt for a guided tour from Tangier.
7. Hike to the Akchour waterfalls, a natural gem in the Rif region
Why do we recommend this tour?
Just over 2 hours’ drive from Tangier, the Cascades d’Akchour nestle near Chefchaouen in an unspoilt natural setting. The path winds its way through dense vegetation to the crystal-clear waterfalls, where you can enjoy a swim and lunch in one of the small local shops. The beauty of the journey through the Rif mountains is as much worthwhile as the destination itself. Although we didn’t visit this site for Region Lovers, the Cascades d’Akchour is one of the most popular excursions in the region and naturally combines with a day trip to Chefchaouen. The road is narrow and winding in the mountains; we strongly recommend that you take a guide or join an organized tour.
What you will see
- Waterfalls and natural pools in an unspoilt mountain setting
- The hiking trail through lush vegetation
- Panoramic views of the Rif mountains and valley
- Small local shops for lunch on the spot
How much time should I allow?
The hike lasts about 3 hours; allow 5 hours for the whole activity on site. The Cascades d’Akchour can easily be combined with Chefchaouen in the same busy day. We recommend that you book a combined guided tour of Chefchaouen and Cascades d’Akchour from Tangier without delay.
8. Making history in the imperial capital of Rabat
Why do we recommend this tour?
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Rabat is a 3-hour drive from Tangier and well worth the trip. Morocco’s capital, this imperial city combines medieval heritage, Art Deco architecture and the Atlantic lifestyle. We were charmed by its more leisurely pace than other major Moroccan cities, making it a pleasant destination for a busy day’s exploration. The Hassan Tower and Mohammed V Mausoleum complex is one of the country’s most emblematic sites, and is accessible free of charge. The Kasbah des Oudayas, perched at the mouth of the Bouregreg, offers blue-and-white-painted alleyways and a refreshing Andalusian garden. The Chellah, an ancient Merinid necropolis built on Roman remains, adds a fascinating archaeological dimension to the visit. Rabat can be reached by TGV Al-Boraq from Tangier in 1h20min, making it one of the most convenient excursions on this list.
What you will see
- The Hassan Tower and Mohammed V Mausoleum, a free monumental complex
- The UNESCO-listed Kasbah des Oudayas and its Andalusian garden
- Le Chellah, Roman archaeological site and Merinid necropolis
- The Rabat medina, more peaceful than those of Marrakech or Fez
- The Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
- Walks along the Bouregreg with a view of Salé
How much time should I allow?
A full day covers all the must-sees. By TGV Al-Boraq, Rabat is only 1h20min from Tangier, making the trip very comfortable. By car, allow 3 hours’ drive. Read all about it in our dedicated article on Rabat.
DISCOVER Tangier
- Attractions in Tangier
- Best hotels in Tangier
- Best riads
- Best restaurants
- Best excursions
- How to get there
- Asilah
- Itinerary: 1 day
9. Living in Casablanca, an Atlantic metropolis between tradition and modernity
Why do we recommend this tour?
The economic hub of Morocco, Casablanca is a 3h30min drive from Tangier. The tour requires rigorous organization, but the density of what the city has to offer justifies the effort. We loved the mix of Art Deco colonial architecture, traditional districts such as the Habous and cosmopolitan modernity. The Hassan II Mosque, a masterpiece built between 1987 and 1993, is the only mosque in the world to allow visits by non-Muslims: its colossal dimensions, 1100-ton retractable roof and the meticulous work of its 10,000 Moroccan craftsmen make it an exceptional site. The Parc de la Ligue Arabe, the Central Market and the 8km-long Corniche along the Atlantic coast are also great ways to discover the city’s many facets. Casablanca can be reached by TGV Al-Boraq from Tangier in around 2h20min.
What you will see
- The Hassan II Mosque, whose 210m minaret is one of the tallest in the world – book your ticket now!
- The Habous district, with its narrow streets and Al-Mohammadi Mosque
- Art Deco architecture around Place Mohammed V
- Arab League Park, Africa’s largest urban park
- Central Market, built between 1918 and 1919 – book a guided tour
- The Corniche and Aïn Diab Beach along the Atlantic coast
How much time should I allow?
Allow a well-organized day to cover the main sites. By TGV Al-Boraq from Tangier, Casablanca can be reached in around 2hrs, making this a feasible day trip. By car, allow 3h30min.
10. Crossing the border to Ceuta, the Spanish enclave on the African continent
Why do we recommend this tour?
Ceuta, or Sebta in Arabic, is a Spanish enclave located 1h30min from Tangier. This singular territory on the African continent offers a geographical and cultural contrast difficult to find elsewhere: imposing fortifications, Mediterranean beaches and Iberian heritage, all just a few kilometers from Morocco. The city blends Spanish and Moroccan influences in a special atmosphere, at the junction of two continents and two cultures. It’s an original excursion off the beaten track in northern Morocco. Please note that to enter Ceuta, you will need a valid passport and, depending on your nationality, a visa to enter this European Union territory. The border can be busy, so allow plenty of time for crossing.
What you will see
- The city’s fortifications and Spanish colonial architecture
- Mediterranean beaches
- The unique atmosphere of a European territory on the African continent
- A blend of Iberian and Moroccan influences in architecture and daily life
How much time should I allow?
Allow a full day, including border crossing time, which can vary. From Tangier, Ceuta is around 1h30min drive. Please note that a valid passport is essential, and check entry requirements according to your nationality before setting off.
Discover all the places to visit in Ceuta
Other excursions from Tangier
There are other destinations worth visiting from Tangier. We haven’t visited them yet for Region Lovers, but they are among the most popular excursions in the region:
- Ksar El-Kébir: historic town in the interior of Morocco, famous for the Battle of the Three Kings (1578), one of the most decisive events in the history of medieval Morocco.
- Larache: Atlantic coastal town with a pronounced Hispano-Moroccan character, ramparts and a tranquil harbour atmosphere.
- Lixus: archaeological site of Roman ruins overlooking the Loukos River, one of Morocco’s oldest ancient cities.
- Talassemtane National Park: protected natural area in the Rif mountains, ideal for hiking with preserved flora and fauna.
- Merja Zerga lagoon (near Moulay Bousselham): a remarkable ornithological site, one of Morocco’s most important wetlands, about 2h30min from Tangier.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best way to get around Tangier?
The car remains the most flexible means of transport for exploring the region at your own pace, especially for the Grottes d’Hercule, Cap Spartel, the Perdicaris Forest and Asilah, often combined with the Plage d’Achakar. For Rabat and Casablanca, the TGV Al-Boraq is an excellent option: fast, comfortable and direct. For destinations like Chefchaouen and the Cascades d’Akchour, where the mountain roads are winding, we strongly recommend organized excursions. Guided tours from Tangier cover most of the destinations on this list – see all options.
How many days should I allow for these excursions from Tangier?
The Grottes d’Hercule, Cap Spartel and the Forêt de Perdicaris can easily be combined in the same half or full day. Asilah, Tétouan and Chefchaouen each deserve a full day. Rabat and Casablanca, further away, require a full day or even an overnight stay. For the Akchour waterfalls, plan a day trip combined with Chefchaouen. To sum up, allow 5 to 7 days in total to cover all these excursions comfortably from Tangier.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Morocco
- Best of
Must-See Places in Morocco
Most Beautiful Riads
Most Beautiful Cities
Most Beautiful Medinas
Morocco’s Most Beautiful Landscapes
Most Beautiful Gardens
Best Museums
Morocco’s Most Beautiful Beaches
- Practical advice
When to go?
How to rent a car in Morocco
Driving tips
Where to Stay in Morocco
- The must-dos
Marrakech
Casablanca
Fez
Meknes
Chefchaouen
Essaouira
Rabat
Tangier
Tetouan
Agadir
The Sahara Desert
