Tanger is the perfect starting point to explore northern Morocco. With a rental car from Tanger, you can improvise, get off the beaten path and discover hidden gems. Here are our 7 favorite itineraries.
1. Chefchaouen, the blue pearl (2h15 — 120 km)
Route N2 from Tanger, with optional stop in Tetouan. Famous for blue alleys, crafts (rugs, leather, wool), peaceful vibes. Plan at least one day — more if adding the Akchour waterfalls hike.
2. Asilah, the canvas-town (45 min — 40 km)
Small seaside resort 40 km south of Tanger. White medina entirely repainted each summer by international artists. Virgin beaches, quiet alleys, cheap fish restaurants. Half-day trip.
3. Cap Spartel and Hercules Caves (30 min — 15 km)
Northwest of Tanger, where Atlantic meets Mediterranean. Photogenic lighthouse, spectacular views. The caves open onto the ocean with the famous "Africa-shaped opening". ~20 MAD entry.
4. Tetouan, UNESCO medina (1h — 60 km)
Often overlooked but a gem. Unique Andalusian-Moroccan blend. UNESCO World Heritage medina. Try local couscous.
5. Talassemtane National Park (2h30 — 130 km)
Nature lovers' paradise around Chefchaouen. Morocco fir forests, spectacular gorges, the famous Bridge of God. Bring a SUV — some tracks are steep.
6. M'diq and Cabo Negro beach (1h15 — 70 km)
Modern Mediterranean resort, popular in summer. Clean beaches, family atmosphere. The N16 coastal road is magnificent.
7. Larache and Lixus ruins (1h30 — 90 km)
South of Asilah. Authentic port town, few tourists. The Phoenician-Roman ruins of Lixus are fascinating and nearly empty.
Practical tips
- Carry cash (tolls, small restaurants, parking attendants),
- Download offline Google Maps for rural areas,
- Avoid night driving on secondary roads,
- Fill the tank before leaving Tanger for rural zones,
- Keep 100-200 MAD small change for parking tips (5-10 MAD each stop).
Which car to choose?
For coastal roads and highways, a compact is enough. For Talassemtane or Akchour, prefer an SUV or crossover.
FAQ — Road trip from Tanger by car
- Do I need a 4x4 to go to Chefchaouen from Tanger?
- No, the N2 national road is well maintained. A standard compact (Renault Clio, Peugeot 208) is perfectly fine. 4x4 is only useful for off-road tracks.
- How much is the toll from Tanger to Chefchaouen?
- No highway toll on this route (N2 national road). The trip only costs fuel — about 80-100 MAD round trip.
- Can I do Tanger–Chefchaouen as a day trip?
- Yes: 2h15 each way. Leave early (before 8am), spend 4-5 hours there, return in the evening. Best photos before 11am.
- Is mileage unlimited for road trips?
- Yes, all DAZECAR rentals come with unlimited mileage. Drive as many km as you want with no extra cost.
Ready to go?
DAZECAR offers a fleet suited for every road-trip from Tanger. Unlimited mileage, insurance included, free delivery. Book your car in Tanger and write your own Moroccan adventure.