Cap Spartel and Lighthouse Viewpoint

Cap Spartel is the headland at the north-western tip of Africa, about 12 km west of Tangier in Morocco, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Strait of Gibraltar. The route to it, Route du Cap Spartel (RP4601), winds through forested hills past villas and cafes before reaching the viewpoint beside the lighthouse. The lighthouse itself is not open to visitors, but the surrounding area is free and open at all times. Visitors see sweeping sea views, rocky cliffs and a line where the two bodies of water are said to meet, with the coast of Spain visible on clear days. The tone is windswept and open, with a few cafes and souvenir stalls near the car park and viewpoint. A visit typically lasts one to two hours, including time to walk along the cliff paths and take photographs. The best vantage points are the terraces beside the lighthouse and the open ground to its sides, which give broad views of the water; sunset is especially popular, and a clear morning offers the best visibility toward Spain. Crowds are heaviest in the late afternoon and on weekends, when tour groups and local families arrive, while early morning is quieter. Cap Spartel is about 25 minutes from central Tangier by petit taxi. Visitors usually agree a round trip with waiting time in advance, at roughly 150 to 250 MAD in total. It is often combined with the Caves of Hercules, around 5 km away. The area can be windy, so a light jacket is useful even in warm months.