Tangiers, Morocco

Tangiers is just 8 miles from Spain, across the Straits of Gibraltar.

We took a tour of Tangiers and then a 2-hour bus ride to Tetouan. Tangiers is the oldest city in Morocco founded by and controlled by the Romans until the 5th century when the Arabs took over and converted the people to Islam. On our bus drive to Tetouan (“white city”, white homes), we enjoyed beautiful, green, lush countryside.

We headed to Cape Spartel (highest point of mainland Africa, a promontory about 1,000 feet above sea level at the edge of Straights of Gibraltar) and the Caves of Hercules (an archaeological cave complex).

The caves have two openings – one to sea and one to land – the sea opening is “Map of Africa” (very cool). It is believed that Phoenicians created the sea opening, which is in the shape of Africa when looked at from the sea. There are also some markings on the wall in the shape of eyes that are said to have been made by the Phoenicians, which make up a map of the local area. Part natural and part man-made, the caves were supposed to have been inhabited by Neolithic people as early as 6,000 BC. In 1920, the caves were opened to the public.Read more