
Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima
Tangier
Where Africa meets Europe.
Tangier at a glance
- Region
- Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima
- Province or prefecture
- Tangier-Assilah (prefecture)
- Status
- Regional capital
- Population
- 947,952 (2014 census)
- Area
- Not available
- Elevation
- Not available
- Coordinates
- 35.760, -5.834
- Postal code
- 90000
- Phone area code
- +212 539
- Time zone
- Africa/Casablanca (see note on Ramadan)
- Local names
- Tanger (French) · طنجة (Arabic)
- Best time to visit
- April to June and September to October
Population is from the 2014 census (HCP) and is being updated. Climate figures are indicative regional profiles. Confirm details with official sources before relying on them.
About Tangier
Tangier looks across the Strait of Gibraltar to Spain. It combines a white-and-blue medina, the Kasbah, literary cafes and a modern waterfront.
History
A trading port since antiquity, Tangier was an international zone from 1923 to 1956 and drew writers and artists from around the world. Today it is Morocco's gateway to Europe and a major industrial centre.
Things to see in Tangier
- Kasbah Museum
- Cap Spartel
- Caves of Hercules
- Grand Socco and the medina
- Cafe Hafa
Climate and best time to visit
Mediterranean. Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The north is the rainiest part of Morocco.
Best time to visit: April to June and September to October. Indicative regional profile.
Getting to Tangier
- By air
- Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport (TNG), about 15 km from the centre.
- By train
- Tangier Ville station; Al Boraq connects to Rabat and Casablanca. Ferries run to Spain from the port and Tanger Med.
- By bus
- CTM, Supratours and regional bus companies serve most routes; grand taxis cover shorter hops. Check current schedules.
- By road
- Reached by national roads and, on many routes, the motorway network. Check road conditions in winter, especially in mountain areas.
Economy
The Tanger Med port complex, a free zone with automotive and logistics industries, tourism and ferries to Spain.
Food and drink
Seafood, Spanish-influenced pastries and mint tea at hilltop cafes.
Festivals and events
Tanjazz jazz festival and various arts events; check current listings.
Where to stay
Tangier has a full range of accommodation, from international hotels to guesthouses and, in historic quarters, traditional riads and dars. Staying inside or near the old town makes it easier to explore on foot.