The crystal clear view across the Mediterranean from Tarifa to Africa |
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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 tour or overnight excursions.
Since 2000, FRS Iberia and FRS Maroc have been operating year-round fast ferry sailings across the Strait of Gibraltar between Spain and Morocco. Intershipping soon joined this route. The port of Tarifa were upgraded to be an EU Shengen entry port and this route gained popularity. In late 2023 Swedish owned FRS were acquired by DFDS and Intershipping were replaced by Africa Morocco Link (AMS), the Moroccan company was 49% acquired by Stena line in April 2024.
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 by fast Jet Catamaran from Tarifa port to Tangier Town (Morocco). Services are offered by two companies DFDS (was 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. 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 FRS, Transmediterrea , Balearia, and Naviera Armas ferry companies. Combined the ferry compaines offer up to 27 crossings per day. The fast ferry boat takes approximately 35 minutes to make the shortest crossing. From Cueta is is posible 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 Naviera Armas, DFDS, Balearia and Africa Morocco Link (AML) ferry companies. The service takes approximately 70 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.
Gibraltar to Tangier Med
Once a fortnight (may return to once a week again) departure from Gibraltar to Tangiers Med (Morocco) is available through the ferry company DFDS. The crossing departs Gibraltar on Friday evening and departs Tangier Med on Monday evening. The crossing takes 90 minutes. The service is primarily for Moroccan workers in Gibraltar.
Malaga to Melilla
Service available daily from Malaga city port to Melilla (Spanish enclave in North Africa) except Sundays through Naviera Armas. Balearia also offers six sailings weekly and Trasmediterranea has five weekly crossings to chose from. Overnight service taking 8 hrs. Helity operate a several daily scheduled helicopter service on this route from Malaga Airport.
Motril to Nador
Service available once per week from Motril to Nador (Morocco) through Naviera Armas. Crossing takes five hours. The ferry company provides a free connecting bus service for passengers from Malaga city bus station.
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 are avialbale daily and have two operators Balearia, and DFDS, the journay typically takes seven to eight hours
Motril to Mellia
Service is available five times weekly from Motril to Melilla (Spanish enclave) through Balearia and DFDS crossing takes seven and a half hours. The service is particularly useful for those traveling 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 seven hours.
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 hours.
Ferries to Algeria
Almeria to Oran
Ferries are available twice a week from Almeria to Oran (Algeria), through Naviera Armas and Trasmediterranea.
The crossing takes approximately seven 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 nine 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 Saturday´s at 12.30 hrs and arrive at Arrecife (Lanzarote) 15.00 hrs Sunday, Puerto del Rosario (Fuerteventura) 17.30 hrs Wednesday, Las Palmas (Gran Canaria) 07.30 hrs Thursday, Santa Cruz (Tenerifa) 21.00 Thursday.
Huelva to Canary Islands
The service is available through Naviera Armas and Fred Olsen Express three times a week servicing Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.