Shopping in Tangiers

Shopping in Tangiers is a mixture of excitement, surprise and stress.

The excitement of the unknown mixed with the surprise of culture and artisan with the medina full of Moroccan artisan, goods, spices and perfumes. The smell of spices is always in the air a smell that brings back memories every time you visit. Tangiers is barter town and as been from the start. This is the way business is done, although a little stressful to the newcomer. Stand by your price (normally 50% less than the asking) this will not only gain you a bargain but also respect from the person selling.

Tangier or Tanger (as referred to by the Spanish) lies on the northern tip of Africa nearly touching Tarifa in the most southern tip of Spain. With only 15k between the nearest point of both continents. In the early 20s Tangier was one of the top resorts of the Mediterranean. The town sitting on the meeting point like Tarifa of the Mediterranean and Atlantic Oceans. It was an international city with its own laws and administration.

Legand says Tangier was founded by Sophax the son of the Greek god Hercules and Tingus. When Sophax founded the city he named it after his mother Tingus.

Tangiers has always been a international city. With agreements as early as the 1905, in 1923 an area of 380 square kilometers, with over 150'000 inhabitants formed the international zone which was finalized by treaty. In its peak in the 1950s, Tangiers international communities numbered over 60,000,nearly half the population.This foreign influence as remained to present date.

Tangiers is made up of 3 parts the Medina; the origional moroccan town with its classic web of passages. The Ville Nouvelle,The new town built buy European colonist. And The Avenue d'Espagne, The beach front. This is the newest area for development and as escalated dramatically in recent years.

Tangiers is pushing itself once again to be the most stylish resort on the Mediterranean. With much development on the Mediterranean coastline.

For me I prefer the Medina with its classic allyways,stepped passages and years of history, The original Tangiers.

The Medina is full of interesting shops and stalls the main theme being Artisan. Although nowadays it seems to be moving more towards leather goods and fashion items such as handbags etc. Which is a real shame as Morocco is famous for its artisan. It’s ceramics and pots. The Tagine a Moroccan cooking pot still used today. And even more for it's Carpets. These woven treasures are a representation of centuries of exquisite artistry and meticulous craftsmanship. A true art passed down through the centuries. Moroccan carpets are famous for the quality of wool, cotton and silk used in there weavings. And for their striking colors produced by natural dyes.

Tangier can easily be reached from Europe, There is a international airport 15k outside the city, and a large port with fast ferry connections to Tarifa, Algeciras and Gibralta. Tarifa being the closest with a 35min connection. The ferry port is only 10mins walk from the Medina.

For the more adventurous There is a ferry from Algeciras to Spanish Ceuta on the African coast. Then a hours drive to Tangier along what can only be described as a beautiful and interesting coastline.