Cities & regions
Is Tangier a good base for exploring northern Morocco?
Yes, Tangier is an excellent base for exploring northern Morocco — it’s the gateway from Spain, has good transport links, and puts Chefchaouen, Tetouan, Asilah, the Caves of Hercules and Cap Spartel within easy reach. Its ferry and fast-train connections make it a natural hub for the north.
From Tangier you can day-trip to the blue city of Chefchaouen, the whitewashed artists’ town of Asilah, and the Roman-era and coastal sights nearby, then continue south by high-speed Al Boraq train. The city itself has smartened up and is enjoyable for a day or two.
If your trip starts by ferry from Spain or focuses on the north, basing yourself in Tangier makes sense. For the deep south and desert, you’d move on, but as a northern base it’s hard to beat.
Planning a trip and want this sorted for you? We’re a local Berber team in Merzouga — tell us your dates and we’ll build a route, handle the logistics, and answer every question like this one before you arrive.