Tarifa - Morocco and then?

 Hi

We have been staring at the Moroccan coastline now for the last couple of years while over in Spain and have decided on our holidays next year to take the ferry over from Tarifa. Has anybody suggestions for activities or places to go to or for that matter things to avoid? We are thinking about a three day trip.

Much obliged for every reply

Peter

Hi Peter

We went over on the ferry and stayed in Tarifa for a night last year and although it was interesting we wont be going back. During the day we were constantly harrassed by people wanting to give us a guided tour. We found the town all pretty run down and dirty. Local women do not go out at night. The coffee shops were full of leering men and were not the sort of places we felt comfortable going to. you can buy expensive alcoholic drinks in the hotels but it is not generally available.

The local food is very sweet with fruit and sugar and cinnamon in savoury dishes. There is a handful of foreign tourist restaurants but why would you go there when you have better choice on the Spanish side of the pond every day?

I'm told other parts of Morocco are nice but if your plan is to stay in Tarifa my advice is don't bother.

 Thanks Dave. I'll take it by Tarifa you mean Tangier?

Sorry - yes your right Tangiers

I have been visiting Morocco for over 40 years and seen every town. Tangier (please note no 's') has become very run down, more so since the new international port has moved to the outskirts. There are some beautiful places to see but you need a local guide.  The old town is not even shabby chic, it's just shabby. If you have transport and go outside there are some very modern areas but don't hire a car and it's terribly expensive. Bite the bullet and use an organised guide, sometimes the Petit Taxi drivers will take you around for a few extra Euros.

If only going for a couple of days I would suggest going to Asilah which has been 'touristfied' so isn't so busy as Tangier, which is still a working town. Asilah is frequented by many international artists so is used to tourists and you will be welcomed and not hassled. You can either get a train, taxi or local bus.  The ferry company in Tarifa run organised over night tours which might be an option.

Cafes in Morocco are in the main for men.  Some of the younger people frequent the more modern ones and you can see men and women actually out together but this is not the traditional way of life for most people.

It's only a short stretch of water but it's hundreds of years away.  If you want the santised tourist scene that you get in Spain you need to go to Agadir or  Marrakech.  Unfortunately the North Atlantic coast of Morocco has suffered since the Spanish withdrew over the last 20 or so years. The main investment in the north has been along the Mediterrean coast with modern holiday complexes. Morocco might like to boast about its European links but it is still Africa.

 Thank you very much Sonia, really appreciated.

I will check out Asilah. My kids are really eager to go, the thrill of visiting the African continent.I have met a couple of people who liked going over but I was always advised against going toTangier. 

 Just had a quick look on Google maps and looked at some websites including Wiki and it seems like just what we were looking for.

Thanks again