Port guide · Morocco
Northern Morocco's great port, facing Spain across the Strait of Gibraltar. The white medina sits right above the pier, with souks, mint-tea houses and the Kasbah Museum in the old palace; to the west, Cape Spartel marks where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean.
Ships berth at Tanger Ville port, with the medina right above it: about a 10-minute walk. Its lanes are narrow and maze-like, so on a first visit it's best to join a tour or hire an official guide; Cape Spartel is about 20 minutes away by taxi.
Time: About 4 hoursApprox. price: Depends on the ship
Medina, souks and Cape Spartel with a guide, no risk of getting lost
Time: About 10 minApprox. price: Free
Walk up from the pier to the medina; keep the map on your phone open
Time: About 20 minApprox. price: Agree the price before you get in
Petit taxis only run within the city; for Cape Spartel, take a grand taxi
At the port and the medina gates, people offer to show you around and end up taking you to shops or asking for a lot of money: if you want a guide, make sure it's an official one.
Route 1
Grand Socco
The big square at the medina gate, between the new and old towns
Petit Socco
The little square at the heart of the medina: stop for a mint tea
Kasbah Museum
A museum in the sultan's former palace, with a garden and views over the strait
Lanes and souks
Leather, rugs and spices: don't forget to haggle
Walk back down to the port
Route 2
At Cape Spartel, with its white lighthouse, the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean; close by, the Caves of Hercules have an opening to the Atlantic shaped like a map of Africa. Many tours include a camel ride: going with a group is the easiest way.
Want it easy? Join an official MSC shore excursion, timed around the port call. If you booked your cruise with VIAJES FH, ask your advisor to add it for you.
Search MSC cruises calling at Tangier with VIAJES FH, with live prices.
Search cruisesYour advisor can add shore excursions, drinks packages and onboard internet.
Contact an advisor
Transport and ticket prices are approximate, checked in November 2026, and may change. The latest all-aboard time is the one announced on board.
Cover photo: Mike McBey / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0