Tangier travel guide: where to stay, what to do and where to eat in Tangier, Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima, Morocco.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Tangier.
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- busy urban bay beach with promenade cafes
- Promenade cafes
- Beach restaurants
- Seasonal beach clubs
- Sunbed rental
- Public toilets (limited)
Tangier City Beach (Plage Municipale)
Editor’s tip. Check flags and lifeguard presence before swimming.
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- wide Atlantic beach with cafes and forest backdrop
- Beach cafes
- Showers
- Toilets
- Parking
Achakar Beach
Editor’s tip. Check flags and ask about lifeguards before swimming.
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- quiet undeveloped cove near Cap Spartel
- Seasonal stalls (limited)
- Unpaved parking
Sidi Kacem Beach (Ba Kacem)
Editor’s tip. Bring water, food and sun protection; services are minimal.
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- quieter resort-side bay beach
- Hotel beach clubs
- Cafes
- Parking
Malabata Beach
Editor’s tip. Ask hotels or beach clubs about day-pass prices before arriving.
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- family beach beside a whitewashed walled town
- Beach cafes
- Umbrella rental
- Showers
- Changing rooms (paid)
- Parking
Asilah Town Beach
Editor’s tip. Take the morning train from Tangier Ville and check the last return train.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Tangier’s coast.
Is Tangier City Beach good for swimming?
It is the most convenient beach, but water quality varies by season and area; visitors should check flags and ask locally.
From the Tangier City Beach (Plage Municipale) editorial.
Is it free?
The public sand is free; beach clubs and sunbed rentals charge fees.
From the Tangier City Beach (Plage Municipale) editorial.
How far is Achakar Beach from Tangier?
About 15 to 20 km, or 25 to 30 minutes by taxi, costing roughly MAD 100-150 (~$11-16) one way.
From the Achakar Beach editorial.
Is Achakar safe for swimming?
It faces the Atlantic, so swell and currents can be strong. Visitors should check flags and lifeguard presence.
From the Achakar Beach editorial.
Is Sidi Kacem Beach easy to reach?
It is harder to reach than Achakar, with a short unpaved approach, so a taxi driver should be briefed or asked to wait.
From the Sidi Kacem Beach (Ba Kacem) editorial.
Are there facilities?
Very few. Visitors should bring water, food and sun protection.
From the Sidi Kacem Beach (Ba Kacem) editorial.
How far is Malabata Beach from the centre?
About 8 to 10 km east, roughly 15 to 20 minutes by petit taxi for MAD 30-50 (~$3-5).
From the Malabata Beach editorial.
Is it less crowded than the city beach?
Generally yes outside peak summer, as it is more residential and resort-oriented.
From the Malabata Beach editorial.