Have you ever thought about hopping from Spain to Morocco for a short break? Well, you’re in luck because it’s closer than you think! Morocco is a promising country found in the northern part of Africa. It is beside the Atlantic Ocean, to the west and the Mediterranean Sea to the north.
Are you looking for a taste of Morocco’s rich local culture and stunning landscapes? Yes, then we’ve got the perfect 2-day itinerary just for you! We’ve prepared fun and important details about our Moroccan trip to make your visit extra special!
Day 1 in Morocco: Tangier
Start your first day by going to the port of Tarifa. From there, take a fast ferry ride across the Strait of Gibraltar and you will arrive in Tangier port in an hour. Tangier is in northern Morocco and it is a vibrant city that is so full of north africa culture. Moreover, Tangier is often seen as the bridge between Europe and Africa, has a unique charm that draws visitors to explore it again and again. The ferry routes differ day to day so make sure you check them in advance. It is packed with a rich history influenced by different cultures, including Berber, Portuguese, Spanish, and French.
Upon arriving in the city of Tangier, expect a full day tour. Grab a van and explore the Old City. Getting a local tour guide will help you learn about its intriguing history while enjoying the scenic views. While touring around the city, you will see the majestic Kasbah, located at the highest point of the city.
Being popularly known as the former sultan’s palace, the Dar el-Makhzen now serves as a museum of Moroccan arts and antiquities. The area contains narrow streets, stunning Moroccan-Andalusian architecture, and panoramic views over the Strait of Gibraltar. It’s definitely a great place to take a few snaps and admire the surroundings. Next to it is the Archaeological Museum of Antiquities. The place showcases items from prehistoric to medieval times. There are private tour available in the area, I highly recommend them as they will allow you to go at your own pace and they happily keep you company.
Next stop, go to Medina, or what they call “The Old Town.” Have a walking tour and experience Morocco by immersing yourself in the day-to-day life of the locals. Grab this as a great opportunity to try out different mouth-watering street foods. Some of the popular street foods that you shouldn’t miss are khobz (bread), brochettes (similar to shish kebabs), cooked snails, shawarma (sandwiches), and harira (tomato-based soup). Also, you can shop here for traditional Moroccan goods like spices, textiles, and local products.
At the entrance of Medina, you’ll see the Grand Socco. It is a palm-ringed plaza that has a water fountain in the middle. Grand Socco separates the old and new developments of the city. From here, you will see the mix of local cultures—a great place to witness the blend of modernity and tradition. The best thing about this place is that there are markets available in the area. It bears lots of fruits, vegetables, and various goods for you to try out.
Want to enjoy coffee and bond with locals or fellow tourists? Then Café Cinema Rif is a must-visit. Located on the terrace of Cinema Rif, it is Tangier’s first cultural center. To go there, just take a short walk around Grand Socco, and you’ll not miss it.
If you’re feeling a bit tired from all the strolling, end your whole-day tour by grabbing a five-minute ride to Café Hafa. It is one of the most relaxing and famous cafes in Tangia. Overlooking Tangier Bay, Café Hafa has been a popular spot since 1921 and is famed for its mint tea.
Other than embracing the old city culture, Café Hafa has also kept its traditional decor and kept the establishment as an open-air terrace. The cafe is also well-known for hosting celebrities like Juan Goytisolo, Burroughs, Sean Connery, the Rolling Stones, and the Beatles.
Day 2 in Morocco: Cape Spartel
With a travel time of only 20 minutes from Medina, you will reach the cape where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. Cape Spartel is known for its Arabic-style lighthouse, which has been guiding ships since 1864.
It’s a tranquil coastal spot away from the hustle and bustle of the city. People also love to go here because of its beautiful natural scenery. Locals and tourists who enjoy hiking, picnicking, and sightseeing usually come here. Perched 300 meters above sea level, the area offers breathtaking, dramatic views of the rugged coastline. The area has parts that are known to be very windy and rocky, so be careful when going near the seaside cliffs.
Just on the west side of Cap Spartel, you will find the Caves of Hercules. These natural caves are a combination of man made and natural formations. Legend has it that Hercules himself paused here amidst his epic labours. If you peer through the openings, you will see that it’s shaped like the map of Africa. This provides a very beautiful view over the Atlantic Ocean.
Other than its picture-perfect view, Cape Spartel is also remembered historically for the international diplomatic meetings that took place there, including the negotiation of the Perpetual Neutrality of the Straits in the 19th century. This important event involved multiple European powers.
If you’re in the mood for a swim, you’ll love Sol Beach, nestled between Cape Spartel and the Hercules cave. For sunbathers and sunset chasers, Achakkar Beach is just the spot. It’s right next to Sol Beach, closer to the Caves of Hercules, so popping over to both scenic spots is a few minutes away. Make sure to head over in the late afternoon to catch one of those stunning sunsets—it’s a view you won’t want to miss!
Tips and tricks I would recommend
To make your 2-day Morocco experience memorable and fun, here are a few things to remember:
- Currency: Morocco uses the Moroccan dirham (MAD). It’s a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases, especially in markets and smaller establishments.
- Comfortable Shoes: Morocco’s streets and medinas often have uneven terrain. Therefore comfortable walking shoes are a incredibly important for when your exploring.
- Sunscreen: The sun can be strong, especially in the summer. Pack sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin.
- Maps/Guides: While digital maps are handy, having a printed or digital guide can make your experience memorable and it will also serve as a backup in case your phone battery goes empty.
- Local Etiquette: Familiarize yourself with Moroccan customs and etiquette, such as greeting, dressing modestly, and covering shoulders and knees.(Give specific examples, don’t generalize)
Other Famous Spots in Morocco
With just two days to soak in Morocco, it’s tough to see it all. But no worries! Here are six must-visit spots to keep on your checklist for your next trip:
Jemaa el-Fnaa Square
Located in Marrakech’s Medina, it is famous for its vibrant atmosphere with storytellers, musicians, snake charmers, and food stalls. This place is great for experiencing Moroccan street food, shopping for local crafts, and enjoying traditional entertainment.
The Blue City
The Blue City, Chefchaouen, is found in the Rif Mountains in northwest Morocco. As the city name itself suggests, it is famous for its blue-washed buildings. It’s perfect for capturing stunning photographs, wandering through narrow streets filled with artisan shops, and checking out scenic hikes in the mountainous terrain nearby.
Bou Inania Madrasa
Bou Inania Madrasa is a stunning example of Marinid architecture with intricate tilework and wood carvings. If you love Islamic art and architecture, you’ll definitely enjoy exploring Medina’s labyrinthine streets and visiting traditional tanneries.
Ourika Valley
Found in the south of Marrakech, Ourika Valley is popular because of its scenic beauty, Berber villages, and waterfalls. The place is a go-to for hikers, and for those who like visiting local markets and immersing themselves in Berber culture.
Erg Chebbi Dunes
The Moroccan experience is not complete without going to the Sahara Desert. Located near the town of Merzouga in southeastern Morocco, Erg Chebbi Dunes is popular for its towering orange sand dunes that reach up to 150 meters high. If you’re up for camel rides or trekking, experiencing a desert sunrise or sunset, and camping under the stars, then put Erg Chebbi Dunes on your bucket list.
Port City and Beach
Essaouira, a port city and beach destination on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, is famous for its well-preserved historic medina, Portuguese fortifications, and vibrant art scene. Don’t miss the busy souks where you can shop for unique items, indulge in some of the freshest seafood around, and if you’re feeling adventurous, hit the waves for some fun windsurfing or kiteboarding. And of course, there’s always the option to just kick back and soak up the sun on the gorgeous beaches.
Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou
Visiting the Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou in Morocco is like stepping into another era. This fortified village is not just stunningly beautiful; it’s a real, tangible link to Morocco’s Berber past. The clay buildings, set against stark, scenic desert backdrops, look so surreal, especially at sunset when the village glows with an amber light.
It’s a favourite for filmmakers for a reason, having starred in many Hollywood blockbusters. Some films that feature the Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou are The Game of Thrones, The Mummy, Gladiator, and The Prince of Persia. If you’re keen on knowing history, architecture, or just love the breathtaking views, Ait-Ben-Haddou is something you have to check out.
6 Words you must know before going to Morocco
Here are some words you should know to make your Moroccan experience awesome:
- Marhaba (مرحبا): “Hello”
- As-salamu alaykum (السلام عليكم): “Peace be upon you” (greeting)
- Wa alaykum as-salam (وعليكم السلام): “And peace be upon you” (response)
- Shukran (شكرا): “thank you”
- La (لا): “no”
- Na’am (نعم): “yes”
- La shukran (لا شكرا): “No, thank you.”
Mastering these words will open doors to engaging conversations with locals, making your Morocco adventure even more memorable!
Conclusion
Our short trip from Spain to Morocco was beyond unforgettable. Immersing yourself in a different culture, tasting the rich, flavourful food, and taking in the stunning sights left us completely enchanted. I’m confident any traveller would be just as captivated and eager to come back. As we wrap up this brief adventure, I can say Morocco isn’t just a place you visit; it’s a place that calls you back, promising even more adventures that will leave you wanting to plan your trip back. Check out my Greece itinerary here.
