Tangier

Tangier sits at the northwest corner of Morocco, where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic, and on a clear day you can see Spain across the strait. The medina, the old walled city, is dense, loud, and full of narrow alleys that open into small squares with mint tea vendors and spice sellers. The Kasbah at the top of the hill has a museum in the former sultan's palace and views over the port and the strait. Self-appointed guides will approach you at the port gates, and it's worth either hiring one you trust or being firm about declining. The Grand Socco and Petit Socco are the two main squares, connected by winding streets through the medina's souks. Leather goods, pottery, and carpets are the main purchases, and bargaining is expected. The Caves of Hercules, about 14 kilometres west of the city, are sea caves with an opening shaped like the outline of Africa. Cap Spartel, nearby, marks the point where the Mediterranean and Atlantic meet. Try a tagine (slow-cooked stew) or pastilla (pigeon or chicken pie with cinnamon) at one of the restaurants around the Petit Socco. The currency is the Moroccan dirham.