Tangier

Perched above the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier has long been a gateway between Europe and Africa, drawing writers, artists and wanderers to its shores. In the 20th century, it became a free port and international zone, an era that gave the city its legendary bohemian edge. Today, Tangier still carries this intrigue, with faded Art Deco buildings and freshly restored palaces sitting harmoniously.

The old medina is a maze of alleyways opening onto sun-drenched squares and hidden courtyards. At its highest point, the Kasbah offers sweeping views across to Spain on a clear day, while the Grand Socco square marks the vibrant heart of the city. Here, locals gather beneath palm trees, surrounded by a blend of colonial and Moroccan architecture.

Just outside the city, the coastline becomes wild and windswept. Head west to the incredible Atlantic beaches, where the Caves of Hercules are steeped in myth and make for a dramatic stop at sunset. Whether you’re sipping mint tea above the port or exploring clifftop trails with the sea below, Tangier is a great place to include in your Morocco itinerary.