Larache and Lixus

Larache is a quiet Atlantic port town about 85 km south of Tangier, in Morocco's Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, with Spanish colonial architecture and a relaxed fishing atmosphere. Intercity buses from Tangier take roughly one and a half to two hours, and shared grand taxis are slightly faster. The central Place de la Liberation is a Spanish-style square with cafes, and the old medina and fish port are a short walk away. The main sightseeing attraction is Lixus, a Phoenician and later Roman site on a hill above the Loukkos river, a short taxi ride north of the town. The ruins include remains of a Roman theatre, temple foundations and fish-salting vats, and the hill gives views over the estuary and salt marshes. A modest entrance fee may apply, and shade is minimal, so a hat and water are advisable. A relaxed day trip takes six to seven hours including travel. Larache is not a tourist hotspot, so services are simpler than in larger towns, and French or Spanish is more helpful than English. Visitors should check the return bus times early, as services thin in the evening.