From Spain to Morocco: How to cross the Strait of Gibraltar by boat?

From Spain to Morocco: How to cross the Strait of Gibraltar by boat?

Change continent in the same day from Europe to North Africa!

Have you considered extending your trip in Spain to explore Morocco?

Whether it's just a quick visit to Tangier or a deeper discovery of the Maghreb countries, both options are not only convenient, but also budget-friendly!

From Tarifa (Spain) to Tangier (Morocco)

To cross by ferry from Tarifa to Tangier, the simplest and most direct way is to go to the Port of Tarifa (Puerto de Tarifa) and buy your tickets in person.

You will have plenty of options, with dozens of kiosks and enthusiastic vendors ready to sell you their arm in exchange for passage, armed with greetings in multiple languages such as "Hola! Mi amigo! My friend! Hé mon ami!". You will find what you need, I guarantee it!

Duration and Price of the Tarifa to Tangier Ferry

The cost of a one-way ticket is around 38€, and the journey takes one hour.

However, there are several other options to organize your crossing, depending on your preferences and mode of transportation.

Book your ferry from Spain to Morocco online

To book your crossing from Tarifa to Tangier, you can visit the official website of the FRS maritime company to check prices and schedules, and then select your preferred dates and route.

Traversing from Spain to Morocco on foot (pedestrian passenger)

If you plan on crossing without a vehicle, the route between Tarifa and Tangier Ville is the most recommended. FRS is the only maritime company that offers round-trip connections between these two ports. Typically, there are up to 5 departures per day (morning, midday, and afternoon).

It's very important to note that if you choose to cross to Tanger Med (not to be confused with Tangier Ville) as a pedestrian passenger, you risk ending up in the middle of nowhere, which is not ideal.

Crossing from Spain to Morocco by car

If you're traveling by car, you have more options to cross by ferry. You can choose to depart from Gibraltar or Tarifa in Spain and arrive at either Tanger Ville (Tangier) or Tanger Med.

Enjoy your trip by visiting Gibraltar

The territory of Gibraltar covers less than 7 km² and can be entirely explored on foot. Take a walk through the nature reserve up to the Rock of Gibraltar, which is home to over 600 plant species. Its unique panorama linking two continents, three countries, and the Mediterranean Sea is a must-see.

What is also very special about this place is that you will have the chance to encounter the only population of wild monkeys in continental Europe. Their true name is the Barbary macaques, and they are originally from Morocco.

Where is Gibraltar?

Located on the Spanish coast in Andalusia, this small coastal territory is very close to Tarifa on the strait that separates Spain from Morocco in North Africa. If you look at a map of southern Spain, you can easily spot a small dot along the Mediterranean Sea that corresponds to its location.

What to do at the Gibraltar Nature Reserve?

The entrance fee is around €18 for adults, €10 for children aged 5-12 years old, and free for children under 5. There's no need to exchange currency, as all tourist sites in Gibraltar accept euros.

  • Explore St. Michael's Cave, filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
  • Discover the history of the city during the Great Siege of Gibraltar (1779-1783) through an exhibition held in the historic Willis's Magazine buildings, which were built in the 18th century to store ammunition.
  • Hike the Mediterranean Steps, also known as the "Thousand Steps." They extend 1400 meters along the side of the Upper Rock and offer spectacular views of the region.
  • Cross the Windsor Suspension Bridge, which spans impressive gorges, if you enjoy thrills.
  • Explore the Great Siege Tunnels, which were carved into the rock to bombard the Spanish during the siege. They offer an impressive view of the nearby Spanish border town and airport.

How to get to Gibraltar from Tarifa without a car?

Travel to La Línea de la Concepción (40 km from Tarifa), a Spanish town bordering the British territory of Gibraltar. Then, from the train station La Línea (Estación La Línea), walk about 10 minutes south to Gibraltar.

  • Bus: Recommended. From the Centro Salud station, ask for La Línea de la Concepción. The journey takes about 1 hour and a half and costs no more than 5 euros. There are buses to and from morning to night and it will take you directly to the La Línea station.
  • Carpooling: Use Blablacar and book a ride for La Línea de la Concepción. 
  • Taxi: Ask for a taxi on the street or use the services of Cabify (popular in Spain) and Uber, but it may cost you quite a lot.

What to do in Tangier?


© Benson Kua, CC BY-SA 2.0

You will find the Tangier's central market, a host of food shops, butchers, vegetables and the fish market. The old town of Tangier, with its original Arab medina, has not lost its charm. Visitors can still see its walls and the towers of the ancient Portuguese fortification.

  • Kasbah: A fortified city with winding roads that lead from one neighborhood to another. At the end, there is a magnificent view that overlooks the port and the Spanish coast.
  • The Hercules Caves, located 14 km from Tangier, are a must-see destination for enjoying breathtaking views of the Strait of Gibraltar. Signs indicate that the caves were occupied during Neolithic times, over 5000 years ago.

Where to eat and sleep in Tangier?

  • Tanja Lucia Hostel: A welcoming hostel popular with travelers from all over the world. This is the perfect place to drop off your luggage and get information.
  • Restaurant Bachir: A place to eat with the locals, it's here! Real tasty Moroccan food at ridiculously low prices.

Morocco at your fingertips

After exploring Tangier, you can hop on a high-speed train that takes you directly to Casablanca. From there, a plethora of options await you, including discovering the bustling city of Marrakech, embarking on a journey to the Sahara Desert in Merzouga, or unwinding on the serene beaches of Essaouira. The possibilities are endless, making this trip an unforgettable experience.

Bonus videos

Monkey eating nuts like a human in Gibraltar

The singing mosques of Tangier

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