7 Things to Do At Cap Spartel (It’s Not What You Think!)
Cap Spartel is rapidly becoming a must-visit destination on any Tangier travel itinerary, and for good reason. Many tourists flock to the well-known Cap Spartel Lighthouse and Hercules Cave.
But this blog post isn’t about them! You see, there’s much more to discover in this stunning area. And if you move too fast, you might just miss them.
We urge you to slow down and set aside a full day to explore what Cap Spartel really has to offer.
Our family made it our home for ten weeks, and we want to share some unique experiences you must include in your visit.
Read on to discover some hidden gems and let us know if you’ll be adding any of these activities to your Morocco travel plans.
Where Is Cap Spartel?
You will find Cap Spartel in the Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, just 12 kilometers outside Tangier City. Rising 300 meters above sea level, it offers breathtaking views right across the Strait of Gibraltar.
A pair of wooden signs mark a unique spot on the northwestern coast of Morocco where the Atlantic Ocean in the west meets the Mediterranean Sea from the east.
Looking out to sea, you can’t help but imagine how many lives were lost to treacherous conditions throughout the centuries, especially before the lighthouse was first illuminated in 1864.
Your journey from Tangier should take around 25 minutes, but don’t worry, a rental car isn’t essential. There are affordable transport options, including grand taxis, the hop-on-hop-off bus, and the InDrive app. For more tips on getting to Cap Spartel from Tangier, click here.
Many tourists either arrive at Cap Spartel Lighthouse in the north or at Hercules Cave further south. A coastal road stretches 3.6 kilometers between these two popular spots. Traveling this road offers memorable experiences, yet it gets considerably less attention from visitors.
Well, we want to change that! This blog post will focus on the seven (not-so-obvious) things you must do when visiting Cap Spartel, Tangier.
7 Memorable Things to Do at Cap Spartel, Tangier
Cap Spartel is more than just a lighthouse and a cave. It offers a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. Here are seven memorable things to do when visiting Cap Spartel:
1. Watch the Sunset
One of the most breathtaking sights at Cap Spartel is the sunset. It never gets old, as evidenced by the sheer number of locals who gather at the cliff edges to catch a glimpse of this awe-inspiring sight. We captured it on video for you, but honestly, it doesn’t do the real thing justice! As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors.
Find a comfortable spot along the cliffs or on the beach and take in the spectacular views over the Strait of Gibraltar.
2. Eat Like the Locals Do
While there are restaurants at Cap Spartel Lighthouse and Hercules Cave, you’ll pay a premium to eat there. If you’re willing to walk a bit (only about 10 minutes from the lighthouse), you can find a hidden gem. Just above Plage Bouhendia are rows of terraces leading up the cliff edge where you can sit for hours and enjoy authentic Moroccan food at great prices.
To read more about Café Garden Beach, one of our top Tangier restaurants, please check out this blog post.
3. Take Playing to New Heights
This one’s for the kids (big and small!). Spend some time at the clifftop park, just a short downhill walk from Cap Spartel Lighthouse. We watched our kids for hours as they tested their speed and strength on the many wooden obstacles. You can buy local snacks (seeds, nuts, and lollipops), and there are plenty of picnic tables along the cliff edge. You can also pay for the kids to have a horse ride.
Just a quick warning though – if you visit on a windy day, you will feel it tenfold up there. And if you’ve got younger children, keep a close eye on them, as it’s a sheer drop down to the sea.
4. Ride on a Camel
Camel rides are especially popular with families and provide great photo opportunities. At Cap Spartel, you can pay for camel rides either on Sol Beach (near Cap Spartel Lighthouse) or on the terrace above Achakar Beach (near Hercules Cave).
If you take a camel ride on Achakar Beach, the camel will scale the steep dunes next to the steps to meet you down on the beach. Even if you don’t want to ride a camel yourself, watching them walk down from the terrace is a worthwhile experience in itself!
5. Experience THREE of the Best Tangier Beaches
Cap Spartel is home to some of the best beaches in Tangier. Three of them—Sol Beach, Ba Kacem Beach, and Achakar Beach—sit right between Cap Spartel Lighthouse and Hercules Cave. Rather than hopping in a taxi to get from one spot to the other, we highly recommend slowing down and strolling along the water’s edge. The leisurely walk should take around 50 minutes, but you may decide to slow down even more and do a spot of sunbathing.
In this blog post, I walk you through what to expect at each of these beaches, especially if you’re traveling with children.
6. Lounge in the ‘Lagoon’ & Beach Club Pools
Despite what a lot of information online tells you, the ocean at Cap Spartel is not a safe place to swim! Trust us, on several occasions we saw people get caught up in rip tides. This doesn’t mean you can’t swim, though. Depending on when you visit, there are options.
In the cooler months, you can find “the lagoon” (named by our kids) at the far end of Achakar Beach. River water collects around the ruins of a 1960s hotel—you’ll see groups of local kids jumping in off the rocks. When this dries up (around the end of May), Kabana Beach Club opens to the public. For a reasonable fee, you can use their beach pool and sun loungers.
7. Journey Through Royal Grounds
Here’s our wild card. This one involves walking past Hercules Cave, so it’s not exactly between the two main tourist spots. However, we believe it’s worth including in our list of not-so-obvious things to do when visiting Cap Spartel.
Follow the coastal road – it’ll take you inland occasionally but keep veering back toward the sea and you’ll find yourself walking through the center of Salman of Saudi Arabia’s Moroccan Compound. While you can’t enter the private residence, a walk through the compound provides a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Saudi royal family.
Oh, and you’ll be rewarded at the end of the road with another beautiful Tangier beach – Sidi Kacem Beach!
Key Takeaways For Your Trip to Cap Spartel
Cap Spartel is more than just a cave and a lighthouse. From mesmerizing sunsets over Achakar Beach to sampling authentic Moroccan cuisine at Café Garden Beach, every moment at Cap Spartel promises something special.
We encourage you to slow down, immerse yourself in the beauty of Cap Spartel, and discover its lesser-known treasures.
Have you added any of these activities to your Morocco travel plans? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
And if you found this guide helpful, share it with fellow travelers seeking an unforgettable adventure in Tangier.
How We Did It In Morocco
Frequently Asked Questions
Cap Spartel is located in the Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region of Morocco, just 12 kilometers outside the city of Tangier. Situated on the northwestern coast of Africa, it rises 300 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views across the Strait of Gibraltar where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea.
Absolutely, nestled along the Tangier coastline, Cap Spartel offers breathtaking views, tranquil beaches, and opportunities to savor delicious local cuisine. While quick tours may cover the main tourist spots like Cap Spartel Lighthouse and Hercules Cave, dedicating a full day allows you to immerse yourself in the area’s true essence.
Yes, from Cap Spartel, you can see Spain across the Strait of Gibraltar on a clear day. It’s a picturesque setting that highlights the geographical and cultural proximity between Africa and Europe.
