One of Morocco's oldest cities, Tangier dates back over 2,000 years and cruise visitors will soon find that it offers a rich heritage combining many cultures, together with thriving modern development.

Although a major industrial centre and port, Tangier's economy relies heavily on tourism, and cruise ships are an important source of visitors, who rapidly discover an intriguing mix of east and west in the narrow winding streets of the Medina (Old Town) and the attractive broad boulevards of the newer part of the city, with their art deco architecture.

Tangier also has excellent beaches, and great opportunities for exploring further afield.

Tangier is a very walkable city, not least in the Old Town, which is very well preserved and very much a ‘living' part of the city, although many of the shops and stalls cater primarily to tourists. The Kasbah, as it is known, is without doubt the main draw in the city itself.

Outside Tangier, day trip possibilities are varied - a major attraction being the Caves of Hercules, about 14 km (9 miles) west of the city, which offer not only great scenic appeal but archaeological interest too.

Highlights
• The Kasbah
• Kasbah Museum
• Grand Socco market square and Mendoubia Gardens
• American Legation Museum
• Museum of Contemporary Art
• Tomb of Ibn Battuta

Tangier Tourist Office
29 Boulevard Pasteur, Tangier, Morocco
Tel: +212 3999 48050.
Website: www.tourisme-marocain.com

The souk in the Medina is a good stop for cruise ship passengers seeking clothing and souvenirs, while the Casa Barata (the Cheap House) flea market can be good for bargains, but beware of fake goods. There is also a large market in the Grand Socco. Best buys include brass and leather goods, pottery, carpets, carved wooden goods and other handicrafts.

Cheap eats and snacks are readily available in the Medina area, while more plush international establishments cluster on the seafront. It's worth trying local specialities like harira (a rich soup) couscous, tajine (fish or meat stew) and djaja mahamara, a flavoursome stuffed chicken.

Tangier has a warm, Mediterranean climate tempered by the Atlantic. The weather is hot and dry throughout most of the year, though temperatures can drop dramatically at night, especially in winter. Rain falls from November to March.

Morocco

GMT.

Moroccan Dirham (Dh) = 100 centimes.

Arabic.

Northwest African Atlantic coast close to the Strait of Gibraltar.

670,000.

Constitutional monarchy.

Predominantly Muslim with Jewish, Christian and Hindu minorities.

Casual wear is fine, although swimwear and revealing clothing should be confined to the beach or poolside for both men and women. Sexual relations outside marriage (including homosexual conduct) are theoretically punishable by law, but this is rarely enforced. Smoking is widespread, though sometimes limited to smoking sections in restaurants.

Tipping: Tips range from a few Dirhams for cleaning service to 5-10% of total meal cost.