Tangier

Tangier is a city along the northern coastline of Morocco and is best known as the pit stop for many writers, artists and poets during their travels up or down the Atlantic coast. Everyone from Henri Matisse and Eugène Delacroix to Jimi Hendrix and Truman Capote traveled to Tangier, becoming inspired by its colorful buildings, romantic coastline and intricate mosaics. And while unfortunately none of these people are alive to roam the streets of Tangier with, the city still has plenty of charm to lure you in.

One of Tangier’s most famous attractions is the Kasbah which is a walled in compound housing a number of villas and the Dar Al Makhzen, a palace once occupied by a sultan in 1912. The Kasbah sits high up on a hill which not only offers exceptional views of the entire city, but you can also catch glimpses of the coast of Spain. Two countries – One hill.

Other necessary to-dos in Tangier are to visit the souk on Thursday or Sunday mornings to see the women of Rif Mountain sell their delectable produce or to venture out to Cap Spartel which has breathtaking oceanic views and out-of-this-world caves (no seriously, they look like the caves in The Goonies). There are also incredible markets for shopping, delicious seafood for munching, legendary mint tea for sipping and colorful murals for gazing. And while this city seems all to good to be true, there is one attraction that I’m going to have to pass on: the snake charmers. If I come within a five foot radius of a snake I’ll shriek and panic and cause a big scene, so whenever I make it out to Tangier I’ll definitely be steering clear of snake charmers.

• the Kasbah •

• famous mint tea •

• Rif Mountain Women •

• Cap Spartel Lighthouse •

• Hercules Cave near Cap Spartel •

Have you ever been to Tangier?