Tangier Day Trip: Ferry, Camel Ride & Lunch from Marbella

Summary

Experience Tangier’s medina, camel rides and local flavors

You’ll cross from Marbella to Tangier by ferry with a local guide, ride camels on Achakkar beach with Atlantic views, explore historic sites like Cape Spartel and Hercules Caves, wander through colorful souks in the medina, and enjoy an authentic Moroccan lunch—all with pickup included. Expect sensory surprises and moments that stick with you long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever ridden a camel before?” our guide Youssef grinned as we stepped onto Achakkar beach, wind tugging at my scarf. I hadn’t, and honestly, I was more nervous than I let on. The camels looked so relaxed—one of them blinked at me like he’d seen this all before. We’d started out early from Marbella, the car humming along the Costa del Sol while the sun tried to burn through some morning haze. The ferry crossing from Tarifa was quick but kind of surreal—one minute Spain, next minute Morocco, with that salty air and a jumble of languages in my ear.

Youssef met us right off the boat holding a sign (my name spelled almost right) and led us into Tangier’s rhythm—honking taxis, bursts of mint tea scent from tiny cafés, kids darting between stalls. We drove along the corniche past the King’s Palace and stopped at Cape Spartel where you can actually see where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic. It’s not just a line in the water; you feel it in the wind—cooler somehow—and there’s this wild sweep of blue that made me stop talking for a second. At Perdicaris Park he pointed out trees with bark peeling like old paint and told us about some American who got kidnapped here ages ago. I didn’t expect to laugh so much hearing about history.

The Caves of Hercules were darker and colder than I thought they’d be—the sea entrance really does look like Africa if you squint (Youssef insisted). After that came my big moment: climbing onto a camel for a short ride along the sand while gulls argued overhead. My legs wobbled getting down but I survived—and Li took way too many photos. Lunch was in a little place hidden behind blue doors in the medina; couscous, tagine, bread warm enough to steam up my glasses. There was this sharp smell of spices and grilled meat everywhere—still makes me hungry thinking about it.

We wandered through Tangier’s old kasbah after lunch, winding alleys full of color and chatter. The souks were chaos in the best way—woven baskets stacked high, someone trying to sell us slippers (I caved), old men playing cards under faded awnings. Youssef showed us how to spot real saffron (I’m still not sure I could). By late afternoon we were back at the port for the ferry home, tired but wired from all those new sounds and tastes. Sometimes travel feels like too much to take in at once—you know? But even now I catch myself thinking about that first bite of orange cake or how quiet it got inside those caves.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marbella to Tangier and city tour

• Drive from Marbella along Costa del Sol
• Board express ferry to Tangier
• Meet guide at Tangier terminal
• Visit Perdicaris Forest
• See meeting point of Mediterranean and Atlantic
• Explore Caves of Hercules
• Ride camels on Achakkar beach
• Visit Kasbah and Sultan's palace gardens
• Walk through medina and colorful souks
• Enjoy Moroccan lunch at Petite Socco

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Marbella to Tangier?

The tour lasts a full day including transfers, ferry crossing (about 1 hour each way), guided sightseeing in Tangier, lunch, and return travel.

Is hotel pickup included for this Tangier tour?

Yes, private transportation picks you up in Marbella or nearby areas and returns you after the tour.

Do I need my passport for the ferry to Morocco?

Yes, you must bring your valid passport for border control when crossing from Spain to Morocco by ferry.

Are meals included during this day trip?

A traditional Moroccan lunch is included as part of your experience in Tangier.

Is there time for shopping in Tangier's souks?

Yes, you'll have time to explore colorful markets and shop for local crafts during your visit to the medina.

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

The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels; infant seats are available upon request.

What attractions are visited on this private Tangier tour?

You’ll visit Cape Spartel, Caves of Hercules, Achakkar beach (camel ride), Perdicaris Park, kasbah and medina souks.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Marbella or surroundings by private vehicle with WiFi onboard; round-trip express ferry tickets across Gibraltar; private licensed guide throughout Tangier; entry to sites like Cape Spartel and Caves of Hercules; camel ride on Achakkar beach; bottled water plus coffee or tea/juice; time exploring souks; an authentic Moroccan lunch before returning by evening transfer.