by Nick Nutter

Created on: July 06, 2008   Last Updated: July 07, 2008

Tangiers, How to Get There and How to Enjoy the Experience

Often visible from the southernmost coast of Spain and tantalisingly close to Europe, Morocco is a totally different country, a different continent, with an atmosphere that can only be described as, well, different. For those of us fortunate enough to live in southern Spain it is an ideal place for a weekend away; you will feel as though you have been somewhere exotic.

Luxtours operate a two night, three day break in the 5 star Movenpick Hotel in Tangiers for, currently (2008), 206 Euros per person bed and breakfast. The hotel is a couple of kilometres from the centre, a 16 Dirham (11 Dirhams = 1 Euro) taxi ride. The other 5 star, the El Minzah is an older, though elegant, hotel, in the centre of the city and the lesser starred Solazur was also on offer, but is now closed for refurbishment so there is no telling where you will spend the night. You will be booked on a fast ferry from Algeciras direct to Tangier. You can choose the times out and back. To take full advantage of the offer take an early ferry out and a late one back. The crossing takes one hour and Morocco has a time difference two hours behind Spain.

Your adventure starts at Algeciras if you have taken your own car that far. Follow the signs for the port and then head towards the terminal buildings and multi-storey car park. It is signposted only with a big blue P' for parking and somewhat confusingly the word Ceuta. You will pay 17 Euros per 24 hour period here but the alternatives in the city involve stick men, gruas, and no guarantee your car will still be there when you return.

In the departure terminal head for the window at the furthest right with your information from the travel agent and your passport. You will receive your ferry tickets and your departure gate. At this point, if there is a trolley, grab it; it will be your last chance for one. If the inevitable wizened old man beats you to it, carry your bags to the ferry. You will also receive an immigration card with your tickets that you must complete before passing through customs in Tangier. Fill it in on the boat, hand it in at the Information Desk on the main passenger deck and have the necessary stamp put in your passport, thereby saving you hassle later.

An hour or so later you will arrive in Tangiers and the fun really begins depending how far from the terminal the boat parks. As soon as you leave the ferry you will be approached by helpful men wanting to help carry your bags.

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