Situated at the Northernmost tip of Morocco, Tangier is just an hour away from Spain by ferry. Traditionally, most travellers arriving in this chaotic city would simply be passing through to other destinations in Morocco after arrival on boat from Europe. Recently, new flights to Tangier have opened from a host of low-cost airlines across Europe, making the city a popular destination in itself. Once an “international zone” ruled by the British, French, Spanish and Italians, Tangier was known as a luxury playground for the rich, with a tax-free status and a lax attitude to morals. After its return to Moroccan rule, the flamboyant café culture died down but the colonial buildings and edifices remain.
Travellers book flights to Tangier to explore its markets and medinas, visit the Kasbahs and stroll along the beaches. Take a break from sightseeing and shopping with a mint tea on one of the cafés along the waterfront and watch the boats roll in from Spain.
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On the coast, Tangier’s climate is tempered by an ocean current and breezes. The temperature rarely exceeds the mid-20s (Celsius) and even in October the minimum temperature is 15 degrees. Tangier gets about 96cm (38 inches) of rain annually, with most of it falling from November to December.
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Peak Season:
June to September is the peak season in Tangier, although the city’s mild climate makes it tourist friendly year-round.
Off Season:
With the winter chilliness and rain, there are fewer tourist crowds and many airlines offer discounted rates during the winter months. This is the perfect time to find a cheap flight to Tangier. For a winter visit bring warm clothing. The buildings are designed for a hot climate and can be chilly in winter.
The Muslim Ramadan takes place between mid-October and mid-November and nearly all restaurants and cafes are closed during the day.
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Walking is one of the best ways to explore the medina, and some of its complex alleyways can be accessed only on foot.
Minibuses provide transport to several useful destinations including the bus station and Cap Spartel. Regular buses provide service to the suburbs.
Morocco has two types of taxis: petits taxis and grands taxis. Petits taxis provide transport within city limits, and grands taxis take passengers from one city to another and to airports. Petits taxis can be hailed, but take a maximum of three passengers, including infants. In Tangier, petits taxis are blue/green. They use meters, and the fares are negotiable but have a hefty surcharge at night. Taxis typically pick up additional passengers en route, up to three. If you see a cab with only one or two passengers, hail it to see if it is going near your destination.
Driving is not recommended unless you know your way around. Not all alleys are wide enough for a car and the one-way streets and Moroccan traffic add to the confusion.
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- The medina (or walled city) starts in the Grand Socco. The big souk is akin to Marrakesh’s Djemaa el-Fna. The Grand Socco is more correctly known as Place du 9 Avril, 1947, because this is when Sultan Mohammed V made his speech referring to Moroccan independence. It’s a lively area of stalls and shops, snake charmers and other street performers, which used to be the city’s main gold market area. From here, slip out onto the Petit Socco (small souk), for a sit down and mint tea in one of the cafes.
- The Great Mosque was built on the site of a Roman temple in the 17th century. It has a beautiful octagonal minaret. Beside the mosque is a madrassa that dates from the 16th century.
- The Kasbah is on the highest part of the city. Inside the gates of the Kasbah, is an open courtyard that leads to the Dar el Makhzen, which used to be the governor's palace and now houses the Museum of Moroccan Arts, which displays artifacts from all over Morocco. The Sultan Gardens are definitely worth a look. From the Kasbah there are views over the Straits of Gibraltar and, on a clear day, to Spain.
- Old American Legation Museum was the former US legation and is now a cultural centre, museum, conference centre and library funded by the US.
- The Forbes Museum was established by the late American publisher Malcolm Forbes, who collected more than 115,000 toy soldiers depicting major battles such as Waterloo, the Somme and the Green March (1975).
- The Mendoubia gardens are beautiful and boast an 800-year-old tree.
- The New Town (Ville Nouvelle) has the Place de France, a French-style square, a great place to sit and people watch.
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