Tangier is Morocco's northern gateway, just across the strait from Spain, and a great place to begin a north-to-south journey. From here you can follow the country down through the blue city of Chefchaouen, the imperial cities, the Sahara and on to Marrakech. Here's how to plan a Morocco itinerary from Tangier.
Why Start in Tangier?
Tangier is ideal if you're arriving by ferry from Spain or flying into the north. It lets you travel Morocco in one direction — north to south — seeing the Mediterranean coast, Chefchaouen and Fes before the desert and Marrakech.
Typical Route from Tangier
A one-way route runs Tangier → Chefchaouen → Fes (via Volubilis) → the Sahara at Merzouga → the Dades Valley and Aït Ben Haddou → Marrakech. It combines the north, the imperial cities and the desert in a single southbound journey.
Tangier to Tangier Round Trip
Prefer to start and finish in Tangier? A round-trip loop adds Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech and Essaouira on the way south and returns north through the desert, Fes and Chefchaouen. See our Ultimate 14-Day Morocco Itinerary, which follows exactly this Tangier-to-Tangier loop.
How Many Days? Itineraries from Tangier
5 days: Tangier, Chefchaouen and Fes in the north.
7–8 days: continue south to the Sahara and Marrakech.
10–14 days: a full north-to-south journey or a complete round trip.
Best Time & How to Travel
Spring and autumn are best. A private driver-guide is the most practical way to travel from the north to the desert; routes can run one-way to Marrakech or loop back to Tangier.
Final Thoughts
Starting in Tangier lets you experience Morocco from top to bottom — the Mediterranean north, the Blue City, the imperial cities, the Sahara and Marrakech — in one flowing journey. Allow at least a week, or two for the full round trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tangier a good place to start a Morocco trip?
Yes, especially if you're arriving from Spain by ferry or flying into the north. It's the natural start for a north-to-south journey through Morocco.
How many days do you need starting from Tangier?
Five days covers the north (Chefchaouen and Fes). Seven to fourteen days lets you continue south to the Sahara and Marrakech, or complete a Tangier round trip.
Can I do a Tangier to Tangier round trip?
Yes. A 14-day loop from Tangier takes in Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, Essaouira, the Sahara, Fes and Chefchaouen before returning north.
How do I get from Tangier to Chefchaouen?
Chefchaouen is about two to three hours south of Tangier through the Rif Mountains, usually as the first stop on a southbound tour.
