Tarifa to Tangier Day Trip: Ferry, Camel Ride & Medina Tour

Summary

From Tarifa to Tangier’s medina, camels and coastal views

You’ll cross from Tarifa to Tangier by ferry, meet your local guide at the port, ride camels by Cape Spartel’s windy cliffs, explore Tangier’s medina with its winding alleys and markets, sample goat cheese from Berber women, and enjoy a slow Moroccan lunch before heading back across the water. Expect laughter, small surprises, and moments that linger longer than you’d think.

What’s the experience like?

The morning didn’t exactly start smooth — I nearly missed the ferry in Tarifa because I got distracted by some guy selling fresh churros near the port (worth it, honestly). But once we finally boarded, the ride across the strait was quick and a little choppy. Our guide, Youssef, met us at Tangier’s port grinning like he’d seen it all before. He handed out little mint sprigs for tea later and joked about Spanish time versus Moroccan time — “In Morocco, you’ll see. We’re never really late.” I liked him right away.

First stop was Cape Spartel. The air was salty and there were seagulls everywhere, but what I remember most is the way the Atlantic wind whipped my scarf around until it nearly flew off. The camel ride was short but kind of hilarious — my friend screamed when her camel stood up too fast and everyone laughed, including a local kid who tried to teach us how to say “shukran” properly. (I’m still not sure I got it.) After that we drove into Tangier itself — windows down, city smells mixing with sea air and something spicy from street stalls drifting in.

The medina is a maze. Youssef led us through narrow alleys past fruit sellers shouting prices in Arabic and Berber women selling goat cheese wrapped in palm leaves. At one point he stopped so we could try some — soft and tangy; I wish I’d bought more. Lunch was in this tiled restaurant with blue walls and heavy wooden doors; we ate chicken tagine with preserved lemons while a man played oud in the corner. It felt like time slowed down for an hour or so.

I didn’t expect to be moved by Mendoubia Park or Saint Andrew’s Church, but something about the quiet there after all that market noise stuck with me. And seeing the weaving co-op — watching hands move so quickly over looms — made me think about how much work goes into every little thing you see in these shops. The America Legation was oddly familiar (maybe just hearing English again?), but mostly I remember feeling lucky to have someone like Youssef showing us his city instead of wandering lost on our own.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Tangier and nearby landmarks

• Drive to Hercules Cave
• Ride camels near Hercules Cave
• Visit Cap Spartel
• Drive to the Kasbah
• Visit Musee de la Kasbah
• Walk through Medina and Souk Berbers
• Visit Grand Soco (Place 9 April)
• Relax at Mendoubia Park
• Walk through Saint Andrew Church
• Visit America Legation
• See Berber women selling goat cheese
• Visit weaving cooperative and hand crafts

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Tarifa to Tangier?

The total duration is 8 to 10 hours including transportation; activities last around 5 hours.

Is lunch included on the Tarifa to Tangier day trip?

Yes, lunch at a Moroccan restaurant is included in your tour.

Are ferry tickets from Tarifa included?

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

Do you get to ride camels during this day trip?

Yes, there’s a camel ride experience by the Atlantic beach near Cape Spartel.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and infants/children can join with prams or strollers.

What sights do you visit in Tangier on this tour?

You’ll visit Hercules Cave, Cape Spartel, Kasbah Museum (entry not included), medina & souks, Grand Socco square, Mendoubia Park, Saint Andrew church, America Legation & local craft co-ops.

Is there free time for shopping or exploring alone?

You’ll have opportunities for shopping during guided walks through markets and craft cooperatives.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

A bottle of water is provided for each passenger in the car; mint tea may be offered during meals or stops.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip ferry tickets from Tarifa to Tangier with meet-and-greet at Tangier’s port. You’ll travel by deluxe minivan with bottled water provided for everyone onboard. A professional licensed guide leads you through all major sights—Cape Spartel’s coastlines (with camel ride), Hercules Cave entry, guided walks through Tangier’s kasbah and medina markets—plus you’ll enjoy a traditional Moroccan breakfast and lunch at a local restaurant before returning home.