Welcome to Mediterranean Coast & the Rif
Caught between the crashing waves of the Mediterranean and the rough crags of the Rif Mountains, northern Morocco is one of the most charming parts of the country. Tangier, the faded libertine of a port that links Africa and Europe, has shed its shady past to enjoy a rebirth as fashionable Moroccan riviera. To the east, the coast is dotted with high cliffs and sandy coves; the area booms as a Moroccan holiday destination.
Top experiences in Mediterranean Coast & the Rif
Recent articles
Travel guides
Starting at $36.39
Mediterranean Coast & the Rif activities
4-Hour Tangier Short Break Cruises Tour
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Parc PerdicarisThe Perdicaris Park extends in an area of 70 hectares between the sea and the mountain. Known also under the name Rmilat, it offers a great natural and cultural richness. It was an old property of a US diplomat but now it belongs to the Moroccan State, which is in charge of its maintenance and preservation.Duration: 15 minutesStop At: Cap SpartelCape Spartel is frequently but incorrectly referred to as the northernmost point of Africa, It is the most North Western point of mainland Africa. The cape rises to a height of 326 m. at the top of Jebel Quebir where there is a tower. There is another tower nearer to the end of the cape which serves as a lighthouse. Near Cape Spartel is Spartel Bank, a sunken island hypothesized by some as the location of the legendary island of Atlantis..Duration: 15 minutesStop At: Hercules CaveLocated in Achakar, in the West of Tangier, the Caves of Hercules are among the most famous historic monuments of Tangier. Both local visitors and foreigners frequent this legendary place that has just been renovated.It was in the year 5000 B.C. that these caverns, dug by the waves of the Ocean, were discovered. The Caves of Hercules have a natural entrance to the Atlantic Ocean, which has strangely adopted the form of the African continent.Duration: 30 minutesStop At: Musee de la KasbahKasbah museum where the architecture is as much of a draw as the exhibits. Housed in Dar el-Makhzen, a former sultan's palace on the edge of the medina, the institution features a traditional courtyard garden and contains exhibits on the history of Tangier, from prehistory to the great Islamic dynasties that forged MoroccoDuration: 25 minutesStop At: Medina of TangierTangier's medina (old city) tumbles down the cliff towards the ocean in a labyrinth of narrow alleyways. The central vortex of medina life is the square known as the Petit Socco, where old men sit for hours drinking tea and playing backgammon. During its fast-paced past, the medina was a playground for author Paul Bowles and America's legendary beatnik literary figures such as Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and William Burroughs. Wandering around this area is a must for Tangier visitors.Just west of the Petit Socco on Rue Siaghine is The Church of the Immaculate Conception, built by the Spanish in 1880. East of the square is the Grand MosqueDuration: 2 hours
Chefchaouen Private Full-Day Tour from Tangier
You will be picked up from Tangier's port or from your hotel or closest pick-up point in Tangier and taken in an air-conditioned van for a private sightseeing tour of Chefchaouen. A bilingual driver guide will accompany you on this tour.10:00am: Drive past the spectacular Rif Mountain and feast your eyes on the rolling landscapes.11:15am: Begin your city tour of Chefchaouen.11:35am: Stop at the Al Makhzen market , a combination of an ancient Moroccan market and a more modern one.12:00/noon: Visit the famous Ras El Ma springthat gushes out of the mountain inside the stone walls of the town at the north-east exit of the medina. This cool oasis offers a stunning view over the valley.12:30pm: Enjoy a delicious Moroccan lunch at the Casa Hassan. Your menu consists of half a bottle of mineral water or lemonade per person, Moroccan salad, Couscous with chicken and dried grapes, Tagine with calf meat and vegetables and a fruit salad.2:00pm: Visit the Uta El Hamam square, easily the heart of this Moroccan city. The main attractions are the Kasbah and the central mosque along with the many cafes where you can sit out, enjoy the sun and just watch people pass. It is one of the best places to relax after all that sightseeing.2:15pm: Explore the city’s small and attractive medina and shop at the souks. The charming medina is characterized b the typical blue Andalusian architecture including arches, small squares and fountains. Chefchaouen is known for its exquisite local Rifi blankets, carpets and rugs, pottery, leather goods and woodwork.2:45pm: Departure from Chefchaouen.5:00pm: Your tour ends with a drop-off at Tangier's port or your hotel or the closest drop-off point in Tangier.
Tangier Shore Excursion: City Tour of Tangier
A drive along the beautiful Atlantic coast of Tangier for a camel ride. Then back to the most exiting part of the tour: the Kasbah and Medina for the cultural visit; the walking tour start with the visit of the colourful Markets (Fish, meat and vegetable market ...). The cultural visit includes the mendoubia garden, the famous Kasbah which is located at the highest point of the Medina. The former Sultan’s Palace (Dar el-Makhzen – built back 1684 by the King Moulay Ismail ). The visit to the kasbah museum of Antiquities and Moroccan Art (which is within the walls of the old palace -Closed on Tuesdays). We stroll down through the narrow streets of the medina to the Jewish section, visit of the old Jewish Synagogue and the Jewish Cemetery. End the visit with the American legation; the first American property outside America where they display now the work of American writers whom lived in Tangier as Paul Bowles, William Burroughs, Tenessee Williams and many others. A fresh mint tea at the Petit Socco which was the gathering point of the above mentioned writers and artist.
Private Guided Day Tour of Tangier
Start your trip with discovering the Medina (old town) and the Kasbah (old fortress) where you can explore its rich architecture. You will visit a little souk, full of dried fruit, vegetables and spice markets and you will have the chance to visit the one of the local bakeries to taste their delicious breads. Also, you will explore the surrounding countryside and stop to see the Caves of Hercules on the Atlantic, that are associated with the Greek hero Hercules. You will be sightseeing along the sea front promenade, avenue Mohamed V, Severo Ochoa institute, the Portuguese, American, Italian and Spanish quarters, the Royal Palace. There is planned a stop on the way to the Atlantic coast at the punico roman necropolis where you will experience the best views of the Strait of Gibraltar and see the tombs that are dated back to the roman times. During a short stop at Cape Spartel you will see the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea mixed their waters.Then at an Atlantic dune you will have the chance to take pictures and ride the camels (optional). After that, you will return to the port driving through the most magnetic neighborhood.
4 Hour Tangier Sightseeing Tour
You will be touring around Tangier and its surroundings as well as visit Spartel Cape and the Hercules caves. From this point you will get an exceptional view of the strait of Gibraltar and the Atlantic Ocean.You will then visit the Kasbah district, next to the port, the old Medina, with its craftsmanship shops and the magnificent Minaret, looking over the sea. You will have the opportunity to pass by the Grand Socco, where multiple small hotels have previously accommodated famous artists and writers such as Matisse, Camille Saint Saens and Paul Bowles.
Full-Day Trip to Chefchaouen from Tangier
Set high up in the Rif mountains, Chefchaouen is a magnificent blue and white walled Medina that was previously a Berber post. Established in 1471 by Moulay Ali Ben Moussa Ben Rached El Alamiand is now practically a ruin and next to it is the great Mosque. Chefchaouen was a Moorish fortress for exiles from Spain. Over the centuries, the city expanded and welcomed Jews and Christian converts alike. The Main square is considered the heart of Chefchaouen with the kasbah constructed back in the 18th century, central mosque and cafes with original Moroccan style menus. The market is full of a mix of traditional Moroccan and tourists souvenirs. The Medina is small and the town is easy to explore so you can take a walk on to the main square and the souks that sell an array of goods.