| Page Views: 14,004 Last Visit to Tangier: March, 2003 | Our Day Trip to Tangier by Geoff_Wright - last update: Apr 29, 2004 |
We had wanted to see Tangier, but couldn't make our minds up whether to go for a day trip, or take advantage of the two-day mini tours which can be had for less than 100 Euros. As Mary hadn't travelled much on coaches and ships previously, we opted for a one day mini tour, which, as it turned out, was just right for us.
Having been in Oman previously, I had some idea what the old city would be like, and I was not disappointed. I say 'not disappointed' because it was more or less just what I expected it to be. Mary thought otherwise, of course, never having previously experienced travel of this nature
I have to say that Tangier was very much as I had expected - and hoped it would be. My page here is written as I saw the city, and is not meant to be at all detrimental to the inhabitants of Tangier. In fact, they were all very friendly, if rather buisness-like! |
|  | Tangier is in Northern Morocco, on the Straits of Gibraltar. The city is almost totally without manufacturing industries, but has a very active port. We noticed many ship movements, both cruise ships and merchant vessels. The walled Moorish town adjoins a modern European garden suburb, which is split into 'Colonial' regions; Spanish, French, American and so on. Each has its own style of architecture. Tangier was probably founded by the Phoenicians. The chief port and commercial centre of Morocco until the founding (in 808) of Fez, it had previously been under the rule of the Romans, and later of the Portuguese and English. By the mid-19th century it had become the diplomatic centre of Morocco. When the rest of the country was divided between Spainis and French protectorates in 1912, the status of Tangier remained vague. Finally, in 1923-24, the city was included in an international zone administered by Spain, France and Britain. tangier remained under international control until 1956, when it returned to Morocco. |
Here's a snapshot, taken from the minibus window, of one of the many square towered ( minaret) Mosques. Sorry about the quality of the picture. Apparently, so our guide Mohammed told us, Morocco is rather unique in having square towered minarets, instead of the usual rounded ones. I'm not sure why this is. | | |
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| Pros: | "If you are in Southern Spain, try to visit for at least a day" | | Cons: | "Be aware of the 'hard sell'. That's really what your organised tour is all about!" | | In A Nutshell: | "Go there and soak up the Arabic flavour. You'll love it!" |
Geoff_Wright's Tangier Travel Tips
 Geoff_Wright's Tangier Travelogues | | | |
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 Comments for Geoff_Wright about Tangier | | | | |
angiebabe Tue Sep 19, 2006 16:37 UTC
like your pages thanks. | karenincalifornia Fri Aug 11, 2006 01:03 UTC
Is it possible to visit Tangier without an organized tour? Just hop on a fast ferry and get over there and hang out? That is what I want to do - very funny that you have to pay a fee to watch someone have a snake around his neck! | Sue08080 Mon Jul 10, 2006 17:24 UTC
Interesting tips! Thank you. I'm trying to write some of my own. | funkymama Fri Jul 7, 2006 20:50 UTC
this palace is from the aunt of his majesty king MohammedV. |
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