Marbella to Tangier Day Trip: Camel Ride, Medina & Lunch

Summary

Strait crossing to Tangier medina camel rides and mint tea

You’ll cross continents on this private day trip from Marbella to Tangier: ferry over the Strait of Gibraltar, meet your local guide at the port, ride camels along Achakar Beach, taste real Moroccan lunch in the medina, then lose yourself among winding souks before returning home with new stories (and maybe sand in your shoes).

What’s the experience like?

We started early in Marbella — honestly, I was half awake until the driver handed me a cold bottle of water and pointed out the olive groves flickering past. The drive to Tarifa felt quick, maybe because I kept staring at those mountains (Sierra Blanca?) thinking about how weird it is that you can just cross over to another continent for a day. The ferry ride was louder than I expected — kids running around, someone’s phone playing music in Spanish. On deck, you could smell salt and diesel, and when Morocco came into view it looked sort of hazy and unreal.

Our local guide met us right off the boat in Tangier. He introduced himself as Youssef and immediately steered us toward Perdicaris Palace — he said it used to be owned by some eccentric Greek family, which made me laugh for no real reason. Cape Spartel was next; it’s where the Mediterranean crashes into the Atlantic. We had breakfast there — mint tea so sweet my teeth hurt (but in a good way) and these little pastries that flaked everywhere. I tried to say “shukran” but probably butchered it; Youssef just smiled.

The camel ride on Achakar Beach was…well, bumpier than Instagram makes it look. My friend nearly slid off when her camel sneezed (she still won’t let me forget). The air smelled like seaweed and something earthy — maybe wet sand? Afterward we wandered through Plaza 9 de Abril where old men played cards under the trees and kids darted between them shouting in French and Darija. We stopped at Borj Naam for views that made my phone camera panic — too much blue sky and city all at once.

Ibn Battuta’s tomb was smaller than I thought but somehow more moving for it. Youssef told us stories about his travels that made me feel like a total amateur (I mean, this guy went everywhere). Lunch was couscous and tajine in a tiled restaurant near La Petite Socco; I’m still thinking about those olives they put out first — salty, sharp, nothing like supermarket ones back home. We had time after to wander the souk on our own. I got lost once or twice but found my way by following the smell of spices and grilled meat drifting from somewhere deeper inside the market.

Sitting with mint tea at a café before heading back to the port, I watched people haggling over scarves or just sitting quietly under faded awnings. The day trip from Marbella to Tangier felt both fast and slow — so much color and noise packed into one day that now it almost feels like a dream. Ferry back was quieter; everyone seemed tired but happy, looking out at the water as Spain crept back into view.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marbella to Tangier day trip

• Meet at Marbella pick-up point
• Drive to Tarifa through Sierra Blanca
• Ferry crossing from Tarifa to Tangier
• Visit Perdicaris Palace
• Breakfast at Cape Spartel with mint tea
• Camel ride on Achakar Beach
• Explore Plaza 9 de Abril
• Visit Borj Naam fortress
• See Tomb of Ibn Battuta
• Tour Tangier Kasbah Museum
• Visit American Legation Museum
• Learn about Moshe Nahon
• Explore La Petite Socco square
• Visit Tangier Central Market
• Enjoy Moroccan lunch in local restaurant
• Free time at central cafe with mint tea
• Ferry back to Tarifa
• Drive back to Marbella

Top questions

How long is the ferry from Tarifa to Tangier?

The crossing takes about an hour each way.

Is hotel pickup included for this Marbella to Tangier day trip?

Yes, pickup from your address in Marbella is included.

Do you get lunch during the tour?

Yes, a Moroccan lunch with couscous or tajine is included at a local restaurant.

Are camel rides part of this day trip?

Yes, there’s a camel ride experience on Achakar Beach near Tangier.

Can you explore Tangier’s medina on your own?

You’ll have free time after lunch to explore or shop independently in the medina.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible throughout the tour.

What main attractions are visited in Tangier?

You’ll visit Cape Spartel, Perdicaris Palace, Plaza 9 de Abril, Borj Naam fortress, Ibn Battuta’s tomb, Kasbah Museum, American Legation Museum, central market and La Petite Socco square.

Are ferry tickets included in the price?

Yes, round-trip ferry tickets between Tarifa and Tangier are included.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup right from your address in Marbella by luxury minivan or car with bottled water onboard; return ferry tickets across the Strait; all taxes; snacks plus mint tea or coffee for breakfast at Cape Spartel; a private local guide meeting you at Tangier port; entry fees for key sites; camel ride along Achakar Beach; time to explore markets solo; plus lunch with classic Moroccan dishes before heading back home again.