Tangier is a Moroccan city that straddles the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. With the Spanish port of Tarifa only a short distance away across the Strait of Gibraltar, and easily accessible from Málaga, Tangier is an exciting North African tour option for visitors to the Southern European shores.

The city is over 2,500 years old and has an intriguing and complex history. A day trip to Tangier from Málaga promises a day filled with exotic sights, scents and flavors and you will return to Málaga with a new perspective of this strategically located port city.

Here's all you need to know about Tangier, one of the most exciting day trips from Málaga.

How to get to Tangier from Málaga?

Tangier is located at the northwest end of the Bay of Tangier in Morocco. The city lies a short distance across the Strait of Gibraltar from its closest European neighbor, Spain.

From Málaga to Tangier by Road and Ferry

Ferries to Tangier usually depart from the port of Tarifa. Tarifa is a 160-kilometer drive from Málaga and 40 kilometers from Tangier across the Strait of Gibraltar. The drive between Málaga and Tarifa takes about 2 hours, and the ferry trip is an additional hour.

Guided tour to Tangier from Málaga

Travel to Tangier on a guided tour from Málaga if you want to save yourself time and hassle. As there is a lengthy round-trip road and ferry transfer, day trips to Tangier can last anywhere up to 15 hours.

Private and small group trips are available for a more intimate experience. Longer multi-day tours from Málaga can also be booked to Tangier and other Moroccan destinations.

What is the typical itinerary?

Day trips typically begin with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Málaga. You will travel by road via Marbella to the port of Tarif to catch the ferry to Tangier.

Once in Morocco, you will be joined by a local guide as you embark on a panoramic bus tour, past the palace of the King of Morocco to view the Strait of Gibraltar from the African coast. In the Old City, you’ll visit traditional souks, the kasbah, the Tangier Medina and a lively bazaar where you can try your hand at bartering.

A traditional Moroccan meal will be served at a local restaurant before you begin your return journey to Málaga.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Tangier?

Guided group tours to Tangier from Málaga

Join other travelers on a guided group tour from Málaga to Tangier. This tour begins with a pickup in Málaga and a shared transfer to Tarifa, where you will board the ferry for the crossing to Morocco.

Some tours begin with a short scenic coach tour on arrival. A visit to the city’s souks including the Petit Socco, and medina as well as a traditional Moroccan meal are all typical inclusions on this type of tour.

Private day tour to Tangier from Málaga

While you will have to share your ferry trip across the Strait of Gibraltar, a private tour secures your exclusive guide and road transfers. On a private day tour, you can expect activities such as a walking tour in Tangier Medina to see Kasbah, and a visit to a Berber market and other vibrant souks.

A traditional Moroccan lunch served with a refreshing mint tea or orange juice completes your introduction to the intriguing gateway to Africa.

Private day tour to Tangier and Asilah or Chefchaouen from Málaga

The Blue City of Chefchaouen and the islet of Asilah-Safi are two memorable destinations that can be included on a private day trip to Tangier from Málaga. While including additional sites to your itinerary will lessen your time in Tangier, you will get to see other culturally and historically significant locations and enrich your touring experience.

Multi-day trip to Tangier plus Fez, Meknes, Marrakech, Casablanca and Rabat from Málaga

To fully appreciate all that Morocco has to offer, if you have the time, you can choose to book a multi-day tour of Morocco from Málaga. There is an overnight tour option that extends your time in and around Tangier, or you can take a full week to explore the best of Morocco on a trip that also includes visits to places such as Fez, Casablanca, Marrakech and Rabat.

Small group transport between destinations, coach tours of each city, and breakfast and dinner are typically included. Additional optional activities may be offered. Tour prices on multi-day excursions will vary depending on your choice of accommodation.

How much does a day trip to Tangier from Málaga cost?

A guided group tour to Tangier from Málaga costs about €150 per person, which includes the cost of the ferry ticket, but excludes any optional activities.

For a private day tour to Tangier from Málaga starts from €300 per person, with a minimum cost of €840 per tour. A maximum of 15 people can participate on a tour of this type.

A private toursthat includes Asilah or Chefchaouen from Málaga typically costs around €320 per person, with a minimum cost of €890 per tour.

Finally, a multi-day trip to Tangier plus Fez, Meknes, Marrakech, Casablanca and Rabat from Málaga starts from €860 per person. This price is based on shared 3-star accommodation. An upgrade to a 4-star hotel or a single occupant surcharge will increase the per-person cost.

What will you see and do?

Tangier, also known as the "White City," is a city that has been a cultural melting-pot for centuries, blending Moorish and Berber architecture on its hillside slopes. On a day tour, you will first travel along the Spanish coastline between Málaga and Tarifa, passing through Marbella before the ferry crossing to Tangier.

Some of the top attractions in Tangier include the Grand Socco and Rif Cinema, the Phoenician Tombs, the Upper Kasbah, and the Ibn Battouta, Kasbah and Modern Art Museums.

No day trip to Tangier is complete without a visit to one of the souks in the Tangier Medina. Navigate the narrow alleyways and atmospheric stalls to find antiques, carpets and leather goods. The Hercules Cave, located just outside of town, is also on many itineraries.

When is the best time to visit Tangier?

The best time to visit Tangier is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). During these periods, the weather is mild and pleasant, ideal for sightseeing and exploring the city's medina, beaches, and nearby attractions. Summer can be warm and crowded with tourists, while winter is cooler and less busy.

Are there any tours to Tangier from other cities in Spain?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Spain:

Travel tips

Make sure your passport is up-to-date. Some nationalities might require a visa, so check in advance.
Morocco is a Muslim country. Dress modestly, especially in religious or traditional areas.
Wear comfortable shoes. The Medina and Kasbah have cobblestone streets, which can be challenging to navigate in heels or slippery shoes.
Haggling is common in Tangier's markets. Start with half the asking price and negotiate from there.

Tangier: Day Trips and Tours from Málaga