Tangier: Medina Walking Tour, Caves of Hercules & Beach Camels

Summary

Wander Tangier’s winding medina, taste real Moroccan food, ride camels on wild Atlantic sand

You’ll wander Tangier’s tangled medina streets with a local female guide who knows every shortcut (and joke), share lunch where locals eat, ride camels along wild Atlantic sand, and step into the legendary Caves of Hercules. Expect moments that linger long after you leave — from mint tea laughter to sea-salt air on your skin.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you wake up somewhere new and it takes a second to remember where you are? That was me in Tangier — I opened my eyes and could hear distant voices echoing through the old medina alleys. Abir met us near Bab bhar, her scarf a bright spot in the morning light. She walked us straight into the Kasbah, past walls that felt like they’d seen everything. The stones were cool under my hand; someone’s cat darted between our feet. Abir joked about how she still gets lost sometimes here — I believed her. We stopped at the Kasbah Museum (I’ll admit I barely listened, too distracted by the colored tiles), then she pointed out Ibn Battuta’s tomb with this little smile, like she was proud he came from here.

Lunch was at some tucked-away place in Zoco Chico square — no sign outside, just that smell of cumin and something sweet drifting out. There was a guy making bread right in front of us, slapping dough onto hot metal. I tried to say “shukran” for the tagine and Abir laughed so hard she almost dropped her tea glass. It’s funny how food tastes different when you’re sitting in a place where everyone seems to know each other. After we wandered through the souks, Abir pointed out tiny things: how women tie their scarves differently here than in Fez, or which stalls had the best olives (she was right). The day trip Tangier medina walk made me feel less like a tourist and more like I’d borrowed someone else’s life for an afternoon.

We hopped into an air-conditioned van (bliss after all those steps) and drove out to Perdicaris Parc — birds everywhere, big trees throwing shade over couples on benches. At Cape Spartel, wind whipped around us and Abir told this story about how the lighthouse keeper used to signal ships with lanterns before electricity came. The view where Atlantic meets Mediterranean is… well, it just sort of sits with you for a while.

The camel ride at Achakar beach was honestly more awkward than I expected (camels are taller than they look), but there’s something wild about watching waves crash while you sway along above it all. Last stop: Caves of Hercules. It smelled damp and ancient inside; Abir traced shapes on the wall with her flashlight and told us about Berbers cutting millstones here centuries ago. There’s this opening shaped like Africa — people kept stopping to take photos but I just stood there for a bit, listening to water drip somewhere deep inside. We ended with mint tea at a café as late sun hit the tiles outside. I still think about that view from inside the cave sometimes — weird what sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Tangier and nearby attractions

• Walk through Tangier’s Kasbah and Medina
• Visit Kasbah Museum and old Medina gates
• See tomb of Ibn Battuta and April 9th square
• Explore main square and local souks
• Have lunch at a Medina restaurant
• Stop at Perdicaris Parc for sea views
• Visit Cape Spartel and lighthouse
• Enjoy camel ride at Achakar beach
• Explore the Caves of Hercules
• Stop at local café for Moroccan mint tea

Top questions

Is lunch included during this Tangier tour?

Yes, lunch at a local restaurant in Tangier medina is included.

Does this day trip include hotel pickup?

Pickup is included; check details when booking for exact arrangements.

Are entrance fees covered on this tour?

All entry fees and taxes are included in your booking price.

Can infants join this Tangier walking tour?

Yes, infants can join; prams or strollers are allowed and service animals too.

Will we visit both Cape Spartel & Caves of Hercules?

Yes, both Cape Spartel and Caves of Hercules are part of the itinerary.

Is there a camel ride on Achakar beach during this tour?

Yes, you'll have time for a camel ride at Achakar beach as part of your experience.

What languages does the guide speak?

The main reference is to a local female guide; specific languages aren't listed but English is available.

How long does this Tangier day trip last?

The full experience covers most of one day including walking tour and excursions outside town.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle from your accommodation or meeting point in Tangier, all entry fees for sites like Kasbah Museum and Caves of Hercules, guided walks through medina alleys with stories from your local female guide Abir, a traditional Moroccan lunch right in the heart of Zoco Chico square, time for camel riding at Achakar beach, plus Moroccan mint tea (or coffee/orange juice if you prefer) at a local café before heading back.