School trips to Tangier

Why visit Tangier?

The gateway to Africa

Tangier has for centuries been an important entry point for Westerners visiting Africa. This is mostly due to its strategic position on the western end of the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Spartel.

In the early 20th century, the city was designated an International Zone and, as such, attracted many artists, writers and even spies! The city still has a unique atmosphere in Morocco – the city certainly feels North African for the most part, but boasts an almost European café culture, and street signs are often in Arabic, French and Spanish.

Of course, you can’t come to Tangier without exploring Cape Spartel, where your group will enjoy spectacular views across both the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean. Below the cape are the Caves of Hercules, so named because traditional holds that the divine hero stayed here before his 11th labour.

Explore Moroccan culture

Tangier is also a popular choice of destination for those who want to experience Moroccan culture in a smaller, more relaxed city than Marrakesh.

The city’s historic centre, for example, allows students the chance to explore a Moroccan medina quarter that’s smaller and less busy than those in other cities such as Marrakesh and Fez. Here, you’ll find the historic casbah, the Sultanate Palace which is now an art and antiquities museum, and the Grand Mosque.

You’ll also want to make sure you take some time to explore some of the city’s souks, where your students will soak up the vibrant Moroccan culture.

Discover the Umayyad Empire

Tangier is a fantastic destination for religious studies groups and muslim faith groups, especially in conjunction with a visit to Andalusia.

Both destinations were once part of the Umayyad Empire, which was one of the largest empires in history. Based in Syria, at its greatest extent it stretched from Central Asia to the Iberian Peninsula and the Maghreb.

Visiting both allows students to compare and contrast the lasting effects on the culture and religious life in the two destinations.