Tangier

Visitors will most likely first set foot on Moroccan soil at Tangier. Their first impressions of Morocco will be punctuated by the scent of sulphur that hangs in the air and the sultry atmosphere that accompanies it. It is this very mood that has proved irresistible to writers and artists alike. Henri Matisse, Tennessee Williams, Samuel Beckett, Orson Welles and the heiress Barbara Hutton added a bohemian touch to this remarkable city.

From 1932 until its incorporation into Morocco in 1956, Tangier was an international tax free zone, under the control of a committee of 30 nations. This was an era that was characterised by financial fraud, espionage, large-scale smuggling and outrageous sexual licence by wealthy and eccentric expatriates.

From the tops of the mountains that surround Tangier, a magnificent spectacle unfolds as the evening sun sinks into the Atlantic Ocean and a bright moon slowly rises up out of the dark waters of the Mediterranean. Such is the view of Cape Spartel, where the waters of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic meet. This cape, famed since antiquity, contains the Caves of Hercules—for centuries the haunt of the Barbary Corsairs, the savage pirates who were the curse of the Mediterranean.

The Phoenicians set up a trading post here and it later became the Roman town of Tangis. Arab rulers from the east took over in the 8th Century AD and Portugal captured it in the 15th century.

Things To See

Grand Socco
Just outside the city walls is the Souk, where you can see traditional products being made and sold. Walk through the archway into the medina and encounter a medieval world as you traverse the narrow lanes of the old town.

Petit Socco
Here, in the heart of the medina, you will find an open space with cafés where you can take a break from shopping and strolling, and watch people from all cultures go by.

Kasbah
A complex of castles on top of the hill overlooking the city. The Sultan, Moulay Ismail, built his palace here, and the gardens are part of his 17th century palace, called Dar el Makhzen.

Kasbah

Museum of Moroccan Art
Here you will find all manner of treasure, from Berber carpets to wood and metal antiques and ceramics.

Archaeological Museum
This museum holds artefacts dating back to the Stone Age, and includes beautifully preserved Roman mosaics. There are two wonderfully decorated courtyards.

Forbes Museum
A museum of toy soldiers (honestly) left behind by Malcolm Forbes, the American magazine tycoon, in his former residence at the Mendonb Palace.

New Town
Centred around the Rue de la Liberté, the Place de France and the Boulevard Pasteur. Sit at one of the pavement cafés and it isn't too hard to imagine life under French colonial rule.

Hotels

El Minzah Hotel
The best hotel to be found in Tangier. The pool terrace is a good place to enjoy mint tea and escape the madness outside. Built by Lord Bude in a Spanish Moorish style, boasts stunning views over the Bay of Tangier, the Straits of Gibraltar and the Rif Mountains. The Minza hotel was constructed by John Crichton-Stuart, the fourth Marquis of Bute. The architectural influences of the hotel stem from Hispanic- Moorish building styles.The Minzah was built in 1930 and at the height of its fame was claimed to be the most luxurious five Star hotel in Morocco. Its unique location with spectacular views across the straits from Africa to Spain and Gibraltar makes it very interesting geographically; the straits divide the two continents and Tangier provides a gateway from Europe to Africa. Famous guests at the hotel include King Juan Carlos of Spain, Prime Ministers such as Sir Winston Churchill and Hollywood stars such as Rita Heyworth, Rock Hudson, Erol Flynn, Anthony Quinn and Micheal Pallin. The hotel is renowned for its Bohemian international flavour, attracting dignitaries, artists and spies.