Imagine stepping off a ferry and immediately finding yourself immersed in the vibrant culture of Morocco. A day trip from Spain to the captivating city of Tangier offers a unique experience, whisking you away to Africa’s mesmerising charm without venturing too far from Europe.
Your journey begins with a fast ferry ride from Tarifa, Spain to Tangier, Morocco, taking around 30 to 70 minutes depending on the chosen route.
As you arrive, prepare yourself for a day filled with stunning architecture, traditional Moroccan cuisine, and the chance to explore local markets brimming with unique treasures. This unforgettable adventure promises to leave you longing for more of this enchanting country.
Why Choose a Day Trip to Morocco
Visiting Morocco for a day trip from Spain is an excellent opportunity for you to experience the charm, culture, and history of a fascinating country without having to commit to a lengthy stay. Tangier, one of the most popular day trip destinations in Morocco, is only 27km (17 miles) from the Spanish coast and can be reached in just an hour by fast ferry.
A day trip to Morocco provides you with the chance to explore a unique blend of history and cultural diversity. As you stroll through Tangier, you’ll experience the vibrant atmosphere of its bustling markets, marvel at the breathtaking architecture, and indulge in the exotic flavors of Moroccan cuisine. This brief but immersive visit allows you to enjoy a taste of Morocco without the need for extensive travel planning.
When choosing a day trip from southern Spain to Morocco, there are plenty of options available to suit your preferences. Whether you prefer a self-guided adventure or a fully planned tour with a professional guide, you’ll find an excursion that caters to your individual needs.
So, seize the opportunity to embark on a memorable journey and discover the warmth of Moroccan people and the captivating beauty of their country through a day trip from Spain. The unique experiences and memories gained are sure to leave a lasting impression and enhance your overall travel experience.
Popular Cities to Visit in Morocco
There are several remarkable cities in Morocco that you can easily visit during your day trip from Spain using a fast ferry. Each city offers a unique taste of Moroccan culture, history, and cuisine. In this section, you’ll discover some of the most popular destinations.
Tangier
Tangier, a large port city located across the Strait of Gibraltar, offers a fascinating blend of African and European influences, making the city an ideal destination for your Morocco day trip. Just 27 km (17 miles) from the Spanish coast, Tangier can be reached in an hour via fast ferry.
Explore the bustling medina, visit the historic American Legation Museum, and take in the stunning views of the city from Cap Spartel. Don’t forget to taste some delicious Moroccan dishes like tagine or a traditional mint tea in one of the many cafes.
Upon arriving in Tangier (in Tanja Marina Bay a huge urban marina on the Atlantic ocean just outside Tangier city), Tetouan, or Asilah, you’ll be instantly transported to a new world filled with mesmerising sights and exotic scents. Wander through the bustling souks, picking up tokens to remember your trip and share with your loved ones back home.
Hop on a bus for a full panoramic bus tour of Tangier, taking in the city’s rich history and vibrant atmosphere. Along the way, enjoy a traditional Moroccan lunch at a local restaurant, savouring the unique flavours of this enchanting destination. Throughout your adventure, a personal tour guide will accompany you, revealing hidden gems and answering any questions you may have.
Tetouan
Another fascinating destination, Tetouan is nestled just 10 km from the Mediterranean coast of Northern Morocco. Steeped in rich history, the city boasts a diverse cultural background, with influences from Berbers, the Jewish community, and Andalusians.
While in Tetouan, visit the Royal Palace, explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed medina, and marvel at the intricately patterned ceramic tiles that adorn buildings throughout the city. Make sure to stop by the Tetouan Museum of Modern Art for a taste of contemporary Moroccan culture.
Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen, commonly known as the Blue City, is a beautiful, picturesque town nestled in the Rif Mountains. With its distinctive blue-painted buildings and stunning scenery, Chefchaouen is a perfect choice for those seeking a more serene and peaceful day trip destination.
Wander through the enchanting blue streets, visit the local markets, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the Ras Elma lookout point. When you need some rest, relax in the tranquil atmosphere of Plaza Uta el Hammam before continuing your exploration of this mesmerizing city.
Modes of Transportation
By Ferry
One of the most popular ways to travel from Spain to Morocco is by ferry. There are several routes to choose from, depending on your departure city in Spain. The fastest route is from Tarifa to Tangier-Ville, taking only around 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Algeciras to Tangier, which takes around 70 minutes and of course you will enjoy incredible ocean views on the day tour!
By Air
Another option for getting to Morocco is by air. You can find direct flights from major Spanish cities, such as Malaga, to Moroccan destinations like Tangier or Fes. The flight from Malaga to Tangier takes approximately 2 hours and 24 minutes. This can be a convenient and fast option if you prefer flying over sailing.
Organized Tours
If you prefer a more structured experience, organized tours are available that provide transportation from Spain to Morocco, as well as a guided itinerary for your day trip. These tours often include transportation by ferry or bus and offer stops in popular Moroccan destinations like Tangier, Chefchaouen, and Fes.
For example, to spend a day in Chefchaouen, you can travel by ferry from Algeciras to Tanger Med and then head to Chefchaouen in 2 hours by car or taxi. The ferry ride to Tanger Med is only 30 minutes with a high-speed ferry. Tickets for this route start at €35.
Always consider the time difference between Spain and Morocco when planning your day trip. Morocco is one hour behind Spain. This means you’ll gain an hour when you arrive in Morocco and lose one hour when you return to Spain.
Organized tours may include optional extras like a camel ride or even a walking tour on the Chefchaouen day trip.
Spain Departure Points
Tarifa
For the fastest and most convenient day trip to Tangier from Spain, you can take a ferry from Tarifa, Spain’s southernmost point. The Tarifa-Tangier ferry is the fastest crossing available, taking only about 30 minutes, and gets you directly to the city of Tangier.
Algeciras
Another option for your day trip to Morocco is to start your journey in Algeciras. The ferry from Algeciras to Tangier Med is a bit longer compared to the one from Tarifa, taking about 70 minutes. However, it offers an alternative for those who are located near this city. After reaching Tangier Med, you can easily access the city center by car or taxi.
Malaga
If you’re departing from Malaga, your best choice will likely be a ferry to Melilla, a Spanish enclave in Northern Africa. From there, you can continue your journey to Morocco by land. Although not a direct connection like from Tarifa or Algeciras, this route offers an opportunity for those who would like to explore more of the region.
Seville
Seville is another popular starting point for a day trip to Morocco. In this case, you might want to first travel to one of the previously mentioned departure points like Tarifa or Algeciras. This option allows you to mix your Moroccan adventure with some sightseeing in the south of Spain.
Note: No matter which departure point you choose, it’s important to plan ahead and book your ferry tickets in advance to ensure a smooth journey to Tangier.
Visa and Passport Requirements when you Visit Morocco
Before planning your day trip from Spain to Morocco, it’s essential to consider visa and passport requirements. Visit the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco website for the most current visa information.
For a smooth and enjoyable day trip experience, gather and follow these guidelines:
- Carry a valid passport with at least one blank page
- Ensure the passport’s validity covers the entire trip duration
- Confirm visa requirements based on your nationality
Remember, knowing the visa and passport requirements beforehand is essential to secure a hassle-free day trip from Spain to Morocco. Armed with this information, you can now focus on planning the perfect Moroccan adventure.
FAQS About Day Trip From Spain to Morocco
Can you go to Morocco for a day from Spain?
Yes, you can visit Morocco for a day from Spain. Many travellers opt for a day trip to Tangier, a Moroccan city located just across the Strait of Gibraltar.
There are regular ferry services from the Spanish cities of Tarifa and Algeciras to Tangier, making it a convenient destination for a quick visit and day trips with the ferry companies are quite popular. They only take a few hours to get to tangier ville port from the costa del sol.
How long is the ferry ride from Spain to Morocco?
The duration of the ferry ride between Spain and Morocco depends on the route you choose. The fastest ferry service between Tarifa (Spain) and Tangier (Morocco) takes approximately 1 hour. The journey from Algeciras (Spain) to Tangier Med Port (Morocco) takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Keep in mind that these times are subject to change due to weather conditions or other factors.
Is Morocco easy to travel between Spain?
Morocco is relatively easy to travel between Spain, thanks to the regular ferry services and the short distance between the two countries. Many travellers visit Morocco as part of their trip to Spain or as a standalone destination. In addition to the ferry services, there are also direct flights between several Spanish cities and Moroccan destinations, making it even more convenient to travel between the two countries.
Can you go from Spain to Morocco by train?
There is no direct train connection between Spain and Morocco. However, you can take a train to the southern cities of Spain, such as Algeciras or Tarifa, and then board a ferry to Morocco. Once you arrive in Morocco, you can continue travelling by train, as the country has a well-developed rail network that connects major cities such as Tangier, Casablanca, Marrakech, and Fes.
