You no longer meet Jack Kerouac, William Burroughs and other writers of the Beat Generation, but the Hafa café, in the Marshan district, has lost none of its magic. Opened in 1921 and still in its original state, this mythical establishment overlooking the sea offers a breathtaking view of the strait. Installed on the terraces, right on the cliff, you can enjoy a delicious mint tea. The recent and sulphurous past of this former international zone, administered by Westerners until 1956, is not the only one to have become mythical. The caves of Hercules, a succession of natural caverns located about ten kilometers from the city, would have served as a resting place for the son of Zeus after his eleventh exploit. Less than 5 km away, Cape Spartel offers a splendid view of the entrance to the strait:enjoy it while tasting a sweet or savory stuffed pancake (“rghayef” in Moroccan, less than €1) at the Cap Spartel café.
The best way to discover Tangier is to wander around. Authentic, joyful and colorful, the medina stands out as an unmissable spot. You cross it descending towards the small and the large Socco, where stands the cinematheque installed in the premises of the Cinéma Rif. We take the opportunity to discover other legendary establishments such as the Baba café (1, rue Sidi-Hosni) on the heights of the medina, where the Rolling Stones used to live. To get some fresh air, head to the verdant Perdicaris Park, an ideal place for a walk located about ten minutes from the city centre.
Although it is only separated from Spain by a 14 km arm of the sea, the last port in Africa before Europe is distinguished by its unique flavors and fragrances. Tagines, pastillas (with chicken, pigeon, sea bass…) and grilled fish are among the musts. For a traditional and refined version of local gastronomy, in a picturesque setting, choose the Hamadi restaurant (2, rue de la Kasbah, count about ten euros for the dish). For a modern approach to the specialties of the region in a trendy decor, go to the Birdie (Royal Country club of Tangier, route de Boubana), the restaurant of the golf course of Tangier, which gives pride of place to seafood. don't miss a typical dish:bissara, a thick soup of split peas or chickpeas flavored with cumin and olive oil.
