Tangier

Tangier sits where two continents meet. From its beaches, you can look across the Strait of Gibraltar and see Spain, only 9 miles away. For centuries, sailors, traders, and armies passed through, making the city one of the most contested spots in the Mediterranean.

Phoenician traders settled here about 2,500 years ago. Later, the Romans built a colony called Tingis, turning it into an important port. After Rome’s fall, Vandals, Byzantines, and Arabs each held the city. Under Islamic rule, Tangier grew into a hub that connected North Africa with Europe.

In the 15th century, Portugal conquered Tangier and fortified it. England later gained control when Charles II received it as part of his marriage to Catherine of Braganza. After years of costly conflict, the English withdrew in 1684, destroying their forts so no rival could use them. Moroccan sultans soon reclaimed the city. Tangier then gained a rough reputation as pirates and privateers attacked ships nearby.

The 20th century brought change. Tangier became an “international zone” governed by several countries at once. This unique status attracted spies, artists, and writers. During World War II, Allied and Axis agents filled the city with intrigue.

Two cultural figures stand out. Writer Paul Bowles settled in Tangier for decades, producing novels and recording Moroccan music. Painter Henri Matisse visited and created vivid cityscapes. Their work helped make Tangier known worldwide as a place of creativity and history.

Today, visitors can explore the Kasbah Museum inside the old sultan’s palace. The Medina’s winding streets lead to the Grand Socco, where markets buzz with life. Families can visit Cape Spartel, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, or the Caves of Hercules, where kids love the rock opening shaped like Africa.