{"id":9524,"date":"2026-05-18T13:37:56","date_gmt":"2026-05-18T12:37:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/magazine.secretescapes.com\/?p=9524"},"modified":"2026-05-18T15:06:54","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T14:06:54","slug":"moroccan-roadtrip-from-tangier-to-chefchaouen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magazine.secretescapes.com\/escapist\/moroccan-roadtrip-from-tangier-to-chefchaouen\/","title":{"rendered":"Moroccan Roadtrip: From Tangier to Chefchaouen"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The drive from the “White City” of Tangier to the “Blue Pearl” of Chefchaouen takes you from the cool Atlantic coast through approximately 112 km of paved roads that wind through the mystical Rif Mountains. This isn’t your typical souks and sand dunes; it\u2019s a Morocco of jagged peaks, hidden waterfalls, and cities that have inspired everyone from Henri Matisse to The Rolling Stones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What to See in Tangier?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before hopping in the car, spend some time in Tangier. Forget its reputation as a gritty port town; today\u2019s Tangier is a chic, cosmopolitan hub where the Med and Atlantic meet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are wondering what to see in Tangier, Morocco, begin at the Grand Socco. This square is the gateway to the Medina. Just around the corner at the Cinema Rif, a hub for local artists and the perfect spot for a morning nous-nous<\/em> (half-coffee, half-milk). After your morning fuel, head to the Kasbah Museum, a former Sultan\u2019s Palace that sits at the highest point of the city and offers breathtaking views of the Straight of Gibraltar. In the afternoon, make your way to the Medina and the American Legation, a hidden gem at its heart that offers a peaceful oasis in the hubbub. If you\u2019re in need of an afternoon pick-me-up, make a pit stop at Caf\u00e9 Hafa, somewhat of a local institution since 1921, and the perfect spot for a mint tea with a view of the sea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What to Do in Tangier?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Beyond the standard postcards, there are plenty of unique things to do in Tangier. For a local secret, head to the Phare de Cap Spartel at sunset. Most tourists visit the Caves of Hercules (which are legendary and worth the stop), but few linger on the coastal road leading back to the city, where locals set up small grills to sell fresh sardines right by the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another hidden gem is the Librairie des Colonnes, a bookstore that was once the haunt of writers like Paul Bowles and Samuel Beckett. It\u2019s the best place to pick up a localised map or a book of Moroccan poetry before hitting the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Practical Tips for Hiring a Car and Driving in Morocco<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore the “in-between” spots that buses skip. Here is the lowdown on staying safe and savvy on the road:<\/p>\n\n\n\n