5 Foods To Try During Your African River Cruise
February 3, 2015
Africa is a great cruise destination at this time of year because it offers the chance to enjoy some warm rays of winter sun. As the gateway to Africa from Europe, the Moroccan city of Tangier is a popular port, offering vibrant history, great food and a relaxed way of life. Cruises that stop here often also visit the Canary Islands, creating an itinerary design to banish those winter blues and give you the chance to escape the cold weather back home.
So, if you find yourself on a cruise that visits Tangier, here are a few things to do that won't break the bank.
The Medina, or Old City, and the Ville Nouvelle, New City, show two distinct sides of Tangier and should both be seen during a visit. Whereas the Kasbah (fortress) dominates the architecture of the Old City, the newer area is typified by the 19th and 20th century buildings that were built by European invaders. A stroll around both parts will give you an insight into the history of a place that has become a melting pot of cultures from both Africa and Europe.
A great comparison to make is one between the two squares, or soccos as they are called here. Petit Socco, in the Medina, has a relaxed vibe to it and is a place where men sit playing board games and drinking tea or orange juice. On the other hand, Grand Socco is much livelier and is home to a cinema, traditional market stalls and a large fountain.
If you want to get out of the city, the golden sands of Tangier's beaches are the perfect place for a relaxing walk. They are located close to where the ship will drop you off, so you won't need to walk far, and funds have been invested to ensure they are kept clean. On a clear day, you can see across the Strait to Spain and the British territory of Gibraltar, which could well be another port of call on your itinerary.
This beautiful building is located in the Medina but deserves specific attention. The ground it stands on has been used for religious means since the Romans were here, as it has been the site of a Roman temple, a Portuguese cathedral and now a mosque. The green and white tiles on the exterior and the tall minaret mean that you cannot miss this historic building during your explorations of the Old City. Only Muslims are allowed inside, but you can admire the impressive architecture and take some great pictures from outside.
As you can see, there are many great things to do in this Moroccan city that won't have you reaching for your wallet. This is without even mentioning the vibrant market stalls stocked with oranges (it's worth paying the small sum to sample a freshly squeezed glass) and the various museums. If you are interested in an African cruise which stops in Tangier, contact our helpful team today.
