Southern Spain has long attracted British tourists with its rich history, delicious cuisine, and sandy beaches just a short flight away. However, with increasing tourism, locals have begun pushing back, leading to anti-tourist demonstrations in popular spots like Mallorca, Menorca, and Barcelona. A recent YouGov survey revealed that nearly a third of Spanish residents believe their area is overcrowded with international visitors.
For those seeking a similar experience without the throngs of tourists, venturing across the Strait of Gibraltar to northern Morocco offers a refreshing alternative. Just eight miles away, Tangier boasts whitewashed houses climbing the hills from its bustling port, with tall palm trees lining its streets and purple bougainvillea blooming in urban gardens. This city, rich in history and intrigue, has been a sanctuary for spies, a favorite of writers like Jack Kerouac and Paul Bowles, a strategic base for the Arab conquest of Spain, and a hideaway for pirates.
Offering all the charm, culture, and hospitality of southern Spain, Tangier remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, making it an ideal winter sun escape with fewer crowds.
Tangier today is a vibrant city, boasting a lively café culture where locals and visitors alike sip strong, bitter espressos from tiny cups. At the heart of the old town lies the Petit Socco, a historic square in the medina where famed writers once indulged in coffee, absinthe, and other vices. It’s an ideal spot to soak up the city’s rich history and bask in the sun. Strike up a conversation with the locals, known as Tanjawis, and you’ll quickly find common ground in topics like football, government corruption, or even the latest bus accidents—all frequent subjects in the daily news.
Just a short walk away, you’ll find the bustling central fruit and vegetable market, where women from the countryside proudly sell their produce. Dressed in traditional red-and-white-striped shawls and large, colorful conical hats, they bring with them regional specialties like fresh homemade goat’s cheese. Wrapped in dark green leaves, the cheese has a tangy, salty flavor—perfect when paired with fresh bread and chili olives.
Tangier’s hidden gem is the Cinema Rif, an Art Deco treasure located on the city’s main square. The square, adorned with a small garden and a pink mosque, is framed by striking colonial-era French buildings that now house cafes and restaurants. The cinema itself, with its pristine white exterior and retro red signage, invites visitors into a world of vintage charm. Inside, the elegant brass light fixtures and gold-speckled mirrors make it a must-see for architecture and history enthusiasts alike.
Tangier’s Cinema Rif offers a unique blend of eclectic films, but it’s always wise to check in advance for the language and subtitles. You wouldn’t want to gear up to practice your French, only to find yourself watching a Serbo-Croatian film with Spanish subtitles. For beach lovers, Tangier boasts some excellent public beaches where you can relax, swim, and enjoy the city's signature tangerine juice—yes, the fruit was named after Tangier! For those seeking a more exclusive retreat, Tamuda Bay, just two hours along the coast, offers luxury hotels and holiday homes. Nestled in a natural bay, this area features family-friendly shallow waters and a wide range of beach activities, from fishing to jet skiing.
One standout spot is the recently opened St. Regis La Bahia Blanca Resort. The hotel offers a luxurious experience with personal butler service and an array of Moroccan and Mediterranean dishes—the squid ink risotto is a must-try. The area’s hotels also serve a variety of local wines, including the surprisingly delightful vin gris, made from cinsault and grenache grapes.
Just a short trip inland, Morocco’s relationship with its Mediterranean neighbor Spain has given birth to one of the country’s most extraordinary cities: Chefchaouen. Set against the backdrop of the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen’s blue-washed streets and rich history make it a hidden gem worth exploring for any traveler seeking a blend of culture, nature, and tranquility.
Chefchaouen, known as the "Blue Pearl," earns its name from the stunning cobalt and turquoise hues that wash over its houses, casting a magical glow throughout the city. The tradition of painting the town blue is said to have originated in the 1500s when Jewish refugees fleeing the Spanish Inquisition brought with them an ancient custom of using a natural blue dye to weave prayer shawls, symbolizing the presence of God. They continued this tradition by painting their homes the same calming shade of blue.
Exploring Chefchaouen's old medina feels like stepping into a photographer's dream, with each corner offering a picturesque view worthy of capturing. A hike up to the Spanish Mosque rewards you with panoramic views of the city, and crossing the Ras El Maa River, where local women still wash clothes, adds a touch of authenticity to the experience. Just beyond the river, a short walk uphill through Mediterranean countryside reveals fields of cactus fruit and grazing sheep, making it feel worlds away from the bustling streets below.
Back in the main square, street vendors offer freshly made ice cream to help you cool down from the day's adventures. Chefchaouen is truly a city that will leave you grateful for every moment spent there.
Reaching this Moroccan gem is easy: there are direct flights to Tangier from London via Ryanair and Air Arabia, and you can journey to Chefchaouen by bus or taxi. Alternatively, you can travel through Spain by train and ferry across the Straits. With no visa required for Morocco, it's an accessible and enriching destination for all travelers.