Tangier, Morocco, Africa

Perhaps the beach doesn't immediately come to mind when you think of Morocco, but it is just one of the places we stopped on a full and intense day trip to Tangier. Having crossed the Strait of Gibraltar from Tarifa, Spain by ferry, we were surprised to find the Atlantic coastline so nearby and accessible. A windswept beach of golden sand. There were even camel rides available.

Greeted by the ramparts of ancient fortifications, we embarked on a bus tour that gave us an overview of the city. Tangier has been influenced and controlled by many peoples and nations over the centuries. The snippets of Arabic, English, French, and Spanish heard in the streets and seen on signage attest to this multi-cultural port in northwest Morocco.  

A bustling city, Tangier also features green spaces such as this park with its fountain where locals enjoy relaxing on benches. It was sunny but cloudy and cool on this February day.

With a wide variety of architecture, Tangier features high-rise apartments as well as suburban homes. This one with its columns and lovely landscaping seemed an especially nice residence.

Morocco's maze-like bazaar overwhelmed our senses with its riots of color and scents, subtle or pungent. Arranged like mosaics, the produce stalls were some of my favorites.

Our guide helped us find a stall with luscious dates and dried figs. Delicious!

While we waited for our group to re-gather before walking back to the ferry terminal, we noticed this welcoming cafe. It seemed a perfect spot to sit and people watch while sipping a refreshing drink. Maybe next time . . . 

Goodbye, Tangier! Thank you for a remarkable day. As we traveled back across the waters of the western Mediterranean Sea, I gazed east and marveled to simultaneously see the northern edge of Africa and the southern edge of Europe. Two continents in one view. Unforgettable!