The crystal clear view across the Mediterranean from Tarifa to Africa |
|
Ferries to Morocco
The route between Tarifa (Cost de la Luz, Spain) and the buzzing city of Tangier Ville (Morocco) is the recommended route for travellers. Frequent ferries also connect nearby Algeciras with Ceuta (Spanish enclave in North Africa) and Tangier MED which is the out-of-town port - better suited for those driving south in Morocco. These hourly ferry crossings can be taken as an individual ticketed passenger or as part of a guided day excursion or overnight tour.
Since 2000, FRS Iberia and FRS Maroc have been operating year-round fast ferry sailings across the Strait of Gibraltar between Spain and Morocco. Inter shipping soon joined this route. The port of Tarifa was upgraded to be an EU Shengen entry port and this route gained popularity. In late 2023 Swedish owned FRS were acquired by DFDS. Intershipping, in financial trouble stopped trading and were replaced by Africa Morocco Link (AMS), this Moroccan company was 49% acquired by Stena line in April 2024. In summer 2023 Balearia ferry company were successful in the renewal of the concession for the Tarifa to Tanger route, thus on 5th May 2025 DFDS (FRS) ferries were replaced by Balearia. In August 2025, Baleària acquired the routes in the Canary Islands, the Alboran Sea and the Strait of Gibraltar from Naviera Armas. Baleària will take on 1,500 employees from the fleet and shore-based operations. Meanwhile, DFDS will retain most of the Strait of Gibraltar routes.
Below Andalucia.com lists all the ferry routes from Andalucia to North Africa and the Canary Islands:
Fast 45 min Ferry service, Tarifa to Tanger Ville, choice of two operators. Ideal for exploring Tanger town including day trips. Choose Algeciras to Tanger Med for road trip south in Morocco.
Tarifa to Tangier Town
Frequent hourly ferry service from Tarifa port to Tangier Town (Morocco). Services are offered by two companies Balearia (From 2000 to 2025 was operated by FRS) and AML Africa Morocco Link (49% owned by Stena line), departing on the alternate hours. The fast crossing is 35 minutes (dock to dock). Moroccan immigration formalities are carried out on-board the ferry to save time on arrival in Tangiers. The ferry companies also provide a free coach service from their offices in Algeciras port to the ferry in Tarifa. This is the recommended ferry route for travellers visiting Tangier town or taking onward train or bus in Morocco. Here is a practical guide to the journey and procedures.
Algeciras to Ceuta
Frequent hourly services between Algeciras and Ceuta (Spanish enclave) are available from DFDS, Balearia ferry companies. Combined the ferry companies offer up to 27 crossings per day including some at night. The FRS fast Cueta Jet ferry takes 1 hour to make the shortest crossing, other larger ferry boats take an hour and a half. From Cueta is is possible to cross the border into Morocco. Helity operate a scheduled helicopter service on this route from Algeciras heliport.
Algeciras to Tangier Med
Frequent daily service from Algeciras to Tangier Med (Morocco) is available through DFDS, Balearia and Africa Morocco Link (AML) ferry companies. The service takes approximately 90 minutes on the fast ferry. Tangier Med is the newer port located 30km east of Tangiers town. This is the recommended route if you are driving south in Morocco and do not want to visit Tangiers town. There is a bus connection form Tangier Med to Tangier town, however it is recommended to take the Tarifa to Tangier town direct ferry.
Gibraltar to Tangier Med
The once a fortnight weekend departure from Gibraltar to Tangiers Med (Morocco) operated by the ferry company DFDS The service is primarily for Moroccan workers in Gibraltar who were unable to obtain an EU via to travel via Spain. With the future inclusion of Gibraltar into the EU Schengen area and removal of Gibraltar / Spain border formalities the route will becomes unnecessary.
Malaga to Melilla
Service available daily from Malaga city port to Melilla (Spanish enclave in North Africa). Balearia offers a daily and nightly sail taking approximately 8 hrs.
Motril to Nador
Service available once per week from Motril to Nador (Morocco) Balearia took over crossing from Naviera Armas in 2025. Crossing takes five hours. The ferry company provides a free connecting bus service for passengers from Malaga city bus station. Nador is the Moroccan town close to Melilla.
Motril to Al Hoceima
Service available twice weekly from Motril to Al Hoceima (also called Alhucemas), (Morocco) through Naviera Armas. Crossing takes five hours. The ferry company provides a free connecting bus service for passengers from Malaga bus station.
Motril to Tangier Med
Ferries were available daily and had two operators Balearia, and DFDS. Both stopped operating this route in October 2025 The journey typically takes eight hours.
Motril to Mellia
Service is available five times weekly from Motril to Melilla (Spanish enclave) through Balearia, the crossing takes seven hours. The service is particularly useful for those travelling from Northern Spain and Europe and wishing to reduce their driving distance.
Almeria to Melilla
Ferries are available daily from Almeria to Melilla (Spanish enclave), through Naviera Armas and Balearia.
The crossing takes approximately five or seven hours depending on the brand of ferry.
Almeria to Nador
Ferries are available daily from Almeria to Nador (Morocco), through Balearia (seven weekly crossings)and Naviera Armas (seven weekly crossings) and GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci three weekly crossings).The crossing takes approximately six- seven hours.
Ferries to Algeria
Almeria to Oran
Ferries are available twice a week from Almeria to Oran (Algeria), through Naviera Armas.
The crossing takes approximately ten hours.
Almeria to Ghazaouet
There is a ferry available once a week from Almeria to Ghszouet (Algeria), except for Saturdays through Naviera Armas. The crossing takes approximately 10 hours.
Ferries to Canary Islands
Cadiz to Canary Islands
The service is available through Naviera Armas, once a week to four Canary Island ports. Departure starts on Saturday's at 12.30 hrs and arrives at Arrecife (Lanzarote). Naveria Arms departs all ferries on Tuesday and Saturday. For Puerto del Rosario (Fuerteventura) the ferry departs at 14.00 hrs and arrives at Fuertaventura for 18.00. Departure starts at 14.00hrs and arrives at Las Palmas (Gran Canaria) at 2.00hrs.The ferry departs at 14.00hrs and arrives in Santa Cruz (Tenerifa) at 8.00 hrs.
Huelva to Canary Islands
The service is available through Fred Olsen Express three times a week servicing Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Balearia also offers a longer route taking around 36 hours, from Huelva to Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, and its final destination ends at Santa Cruz de Tenerife.