Have you heard of these beautiful Moroccan cities?

When you think of Morocco, the first things that come to mind are likely the colorful alleyways of Marrakech or the architectural wonders of Fez, Marrakech, Meknes, and Rabat.

But this North African country is so much more than its main tourist hubs. Here, we’ll share the magic of the beautiful Moroccan cities Tangier, Nador, and Al Hoceima, all one ferry ride away.

1. Tangier, citrus paradise

Although Tangier is Morocco’s second-largest city, it isn’t as nearly as visited or as well-known as Morocco’s imperial cities. Tangier is also known as “The Gateway to Africa,”, and is the source for the name of the fruit “tangerine!” In the 19th century, the first tangerines reached Europe from Asia through Tangier.

The beauty of Morocco’s second largest city, Tangier. Source: iStock

During the 20th century, Morocco’s second-largest city became a refuge for many businesspeople, spies, diplomats, and artists, thanks to its strategic location. Some of the better-known names who found inspiration here include writer Paul Bowles and artist Henri Matisse.

In Tangier, you’ll also find beautiful mosaics typical of Morocco. Source: iStock

Just like the Spanish cities of Ceuta and Melilla in Africa, the Moroccan city of Tangier is a blend of East and West. Different cultures mix here. This influence is visible in the city’s architecture—from Moorish palaces to European Art Deco buildings such as Gran Teatro Cervantes and Cinéma Rif.

Take a walk to the Art Deco-style Gran Teatro Cervantes. Source: iStock

This Moroccan city is full of places you have to visit. Tangier’s old town is surrounded by walls that hide the Kasbah, a fortress with a palace that has been turned into a museum. Just a few steps away, the streets will lead you to Petit Socco and Grand Socco squares. Alongside its history, natural beauty awaits on the edge of the city: Hercules Cave, as well as Cape Spartel and its lighthouse.

The spectacular Cape Spartel lighthouse on the cape of the same name near Tangier, Morocco. Source: iStock

How to get to Tangier

Since Tangier lies on the shores of both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, you can visit it by ferry from Spain. Most visitors fly directly to Malaga, then take a bus—2 hours to Algeciras or 2.5 hours to Tarifa. To continue your trip, you’ll need to board a direct ferry from Algeciras or Tarifa to Tangier.

You can reach the Moroccan city of Tangier by direct ferry from Algeciras or Tarifa in Spain. Source: iStock

Since the ferry from Algeciras to Tangier is a popular line that connects Europe and Africa, you will have a choice of more than 10 ferries a day throughout the year. The ferry ride itself takes an hour and a half, and the ticket price starts at €30. The following companies run on this line: Baleària , Africa Morocco Link, Naviera Armas (Trasmediterranea) and FRS DFDS.

There are also ferries to Tangier from the Spanish city of Tarifa. The ferry journey from Tarifa to Tangier is slightly shorter, but also more expensive, than from Algeciras. If you board in Tarifa, the journey will take an hour, and a one-way ferry ticket will cost at least €41.

One of the cabins on the ferries of the Spanish company Balearia. Source: Balearia

Baleària and Africa Morocco Line operate on this route as well. If you want to save extra on your trip to Morocco, subscribe to our newsletter for the latest information on ferry discounts.

2. Nador, a break from the tourist crowds

The Moroccan city of Nador is located on the Mediterranean coast, about 10 km from the Spanish enclave of Melilla. Unlike some other cities in Morocco, Nador is only created at the end of the 19th century. It’s still relatively unknown to tourists and has only recently begun to develop hotel facilities. That’s why it’s a good time to visit this city before it becomes overrun with tourists.

Enjoy Charrana Beach near Nador, Morocco. Source: iStock

In Nador, you can stroll along the Corniche de Nador, a well-maintained promenade along the sea , enjoy the view of the city and Mount Gourougou, and swim in Mar Chica, one of the largest Mediterranean lagoons. Even more beautiful beaches await you in the vicinity of Nador, a short drive away. Among them is Charrana Beach.

How to get to Nador

As with Tangier, you can also get to Nador from Spain by ferry . Again, the easiest way to get there is to fly to Malaga and then take a bus to Almeria. The bus ride takes about 2.5 hours, and ticket prices start at €28.

The ferry from Almeria to Nador runs every day throughout the year. However, there is usually only one ferry per day offered by Naviera Armas and Baleària. This journey is still a bit of an undertaking, with the shortest sailing time being 7 hours. The price of a one-way ferry ticket starts atb

Both carriers offer luxury ferries where you can sleep in a cabin, but also connect to Wi-Fi, eat in a restaurant, and even swim in a pool. You’ll feel like you’re on a cruise ship, not a ferry.

3. Al-Hoceima is Morocco’s favorite summer vacation city

Al-Hoceima is a Moroccan city located between the Rif Mountains and the turquoise Mediterranean Sea. It is smaller in size than Tangier and Nador, but has a reputation as one of the most beautiful Moroccan resorts. In addition, Al-Hoceima is among the cleanest and safest cities in Morocco.

Al-Hoceima boasts numerous beaches, including Cala Iris Bay. Source: iStock

This Moroccan city was actually built by the Spanish. The Spanish influence is evident in the architecture, and the city’s name itself comes from the Spanish word for lavender (“alhucemas”). Interestingly, Spain also retained a part of Al-Hoceima, a small fortified island, Peñón de Alhucemas , visible from the mainland. This island serves as a reminder of Al-Hoceima’s colonial past.

The small island of Peñón de Alhucemas is a reminder of the colonial past of this city in Morocco. Source: iStock

As a popular Moroccan resort, the city’s main attractions are its sandy beaches. The most popular places to sunbathe in the summer are Quemado beach and the unspoiled coves of Cala Iris, Bades, Tala Youssef and Torres just north of the city. In addition to its beaches, the Moroccan city also boasts the Al-Hoceima National Park, which covers 480 km².

How to get to Al-Hoceima

The ferry option is only available during the summer months from June to September from the Spanish city of Motril. You can also get to Motril by bus from Malaga. The ferry from Motril to Al-Hoceima takes about 5 and a half hours and the ticket price starts from €70.

During other months, you can visit Al-Hoceima by bus or car from Tangier or Nador. After you reach your destination by ferry, the second stop on your trip could be Al-Hoceima. Since this Moroccan city is located between Tangier and Nador, you can plan your trip to visit all three cities.

Tangier can be your starting point from which you can continue to Al-Hoceima and then Nador. From Nador you can easily take the ferry back to Almeria and end your trip with a flight from Malaga to Croatia or continue exploring the beautiful Spanish islands.

Explore hidden gem cities in Morocco with Ferryscanner

Whether you’re taking a day trip to Morocco during your trip along the Spanish coast or planning a longer exploration of Moroccan cities, you can find your ferry tickets from Spain to Morocco on Ferryscanner.

To keep your ferry tickets handy wherever you are, download the Ferryscanner app. And if you want to catch the best ferry deals or are looking for inspiration for your next adventure, subscribe to our newsletter!