01Day trip
Chefchaouen (the Blue City)
About 2 to 2.5 hours south into the Rif Mountains lies Chefchaouen, the famous indigo-washed town. Its blue medina, hillside lanes and mountain setting make it the most popular day trip from Tangier.
Tangier, MoroccoConcierge · 7 Days · 9–21H GMT+1
Things to do · Tangier
Things to do in Tangier
Tangier is the gateway to northern Morocco, and some of the country's most rewarding places sit within easy reach. From the blue lanes of Chefchaouen to Roman ruins on the Atlantic, here are the best day trips from the city.
8 experiences
The best of Tangier
02Day trip
Tetouan (UNESCO medina)
Roughly an hour east, Tetouan's tightly preserved Andalusian medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rebuilt by Andalusian refugees, it remains one of the most authentic and least touristy medinas in Morocco.
03Day trip
Asilah
Just 45 minutes south down the Atlantic coast, Asilah is a whitewashed walled town known for its Portuguese ramparts, calm beaches and the colourful murals painted during its annual summer arts festival.
04Half day
Cap Spartel & Caves of Hercules
Only about 20 minutes west of the city, the lighthouse at Cap Spartel marks where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, and the nearby Caves of Hercules open to the sea through their famous Africa-shaped aperture.
05Day trip
Roman Lixus & Larache
Around 1.5 hours south near Larache stand the hilltop ruins of Lixus, one of Morocco's oldest sites, with Phoenician and Roman remains. The faded Spanish-era port of Larache sits beside the Loukkos river mouth.
06Day trip
Akchour Waterfalls
Beyond Chefchaouen in Talassemtane National Park, the Akchour trails follow a clear river to waterfalls and the natural rock arch known as God's Bridge — a green, watery contrast to the coast for active travellers.
07Half day
Cap Malabata
Just east of the city on Tangier Bay, the Cap Malabata headland has a lighthouse, a photogenic ruined 'castle' and clear views straight across the Strait of Gibraltar to the Spanish coast and the Rock of Gibraltar.
08Day trip
Ferry to Tarifa, Spain
From Tangier Ville port, fast ferries cross the strait to Tarifa in around an hour, making a day trip to southern Spain possible — though it requires a valid Schengen visa for many travellers.
Frequently asked
What is the best day trip from Tangier?
Chefchaouen, the blue city, is the most popular day trip — a 2 to 2.5 hour drive south into the Rif. For something closer, Asilah (45 minutes) and Cap Spartel (20 minutes) are easy half- or full-day options.
How far is Chefchaouen from Tangier?
Chefchaouen is roughly 110 km from Tangier, about 2 to 2.5 hours each way by road through the Rif Mountains, which makes it a full-day trip rather than a quick excursion.
Can you do a day trip to Spain from Tangier?
Yes. Fast ferries from Tangier Ville port reach Tarifa in southern Spain in about an hour. Bear in mind that crossing into Spain requires a valid Schengen visa for travellers who need one.
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