The best day trips from Tangier are all within a comfortable drive, and a rental car lets you leave when you like, stop where you like and return the same evening. From lighthouse cliffs to the blue lanes of Chefchaouen, here are six routes with real distances, driving times and what to do when you arrive.
In this guide
Day trips from Tangier at a glance
| Destination | Distance | Drive time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cap Spartel and Hercules Caves | 14 km | 25 min | Sea views, a half-day |
| Asilah | 45 km | 40 min | Whitewashed medina, murals, beach |
| Tetouan | 60 km | 1 h | UNESCO medina and crafts |
| Larache and Lixus | 85 km | 1 h 10 | Roman ruins, estuary |
| Chefchaouen | 115 km | 2 h | The blue city |
| Akchour waterfalls | 145 km | 2 h 30 | Hiking and swimming pools |
Distances and times are approximate and depend on traffic and weather. Our Tangier travel guide has a page for each of the main destinations.
1. Cap Spartel and the Hercules Caves
Just west of the city, the road follows the Atlantic coast to the lighthouse of Cap Spartel, where the ocean meets the Mediterranean. Add the sea caves below and a late lunch in a beach restaurant. See the details in our Cap Spartel by car guide.
2. Asilah, the easy day trip from Tangier to Asilah
The drive from Tangier to Asilah takes about 40 minutes on a good road. Park near the ramparts, walk the white and blue medina and look for the murals that artists repaint every year. The seafront is perfect for sunset, and the town is small enough to see in half a day. Read more on Tangier to Asilah by car.
3. Tetouan and its UNESCO medina
Tetouan, an hour away, has one of Morocco’s best-preserved medinas, listed by UNESCO. Spend the morning in the souks and the craft school, then continue to the coast. Plan your route with our Tangier to Tetouan by car page.
4. Larache and the Roman ruins of Lixus
South of Tangier on the Atlantic road, Larache has a Spanish-era square and a quiet old town, and the ruins of Lixus overlook the estuary. It is a calm alternative when the coast is busy in summer.
5. Chefchaouen from Tangier: a classic northern Morocco road trip
Chefchaouen from Tangier takes about two hours by car, on a road that climbs into the Rif mountains. Leave early, stop for fresh orange juice on the way and arrive before the day visitors. Walk up to the Spanish Mosque viewpoint for sunset, then drive back after dark only if you are comfortable on mountain roads. Our Tangier to Chefchaouen by car guide lists parking and timing tips.
6. Akchour waterfalls: for hikers
Beyond Chefchaouen, the road ends at the village of Akchour, in Talassemtane National Park. A one to two hour walk leads to natural pools and the Grand Waterfall. Wear proper shoes, carry water, and consider sleeping in Chefchaouen to avoid a long drive back.
A 3-day northern Morocco road trip from Tangier
If you have a long weekend, link the best stops into one northern Morocco road trip:
- Day 1: Tangier, Asilah, Larache and Lixus, then back along the coast.
- Day 2: Tangier to Tetouan, then on to Chefchaouen for the night.
- Day 3: Akchour waterfalls in the morning, then the drive back to Tangier.
Practical tips for day trips from Tangier
- Leave early. Roads and sights are quiet before 10 a.m., and you avoid the afternoon heat in summer.
- Fill the tank before the mountains and carry cash for tolls, parking and cafés.
- Check opening days. Some museums and workshops close on Fridays or at midday.
- Keep your papers in the car and respect the speed limits: speed traps are common near towns.
Which car for these day trips?
A compact car is enough for the coast and the cities. For the Rif mountains, a higher car such as the Kia Sportage or the Hyundai Creta gives more comfort on winding roads. See our tips for driving in Tangier and the car rental Tangier price guide before you choose.
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Day trips from Tangier: frequently asked questions
What is the best day trip from Tangier?
Asilah and Cap Spartel are the easiest, while Chefchaouen is the most popular full-day trip.
How long does it take to drive from Tangier to Chefchaouen?
About two hours for roughly 115 kilometres, depending on traffic and weather in the mountains.
Can I do Chefchaouen and Tetouan in one day?
Yes, but it is a long day. Many travellers sleep in Chefchaouen and visit Tetouan on the way back.
Do I need a 4×4 for day trips from Tangier?
No. All the routes above use paved roads, and a normal car is enough.
