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.
If you’re planning your own Tangier adventure, we’ll share not just our favorite hidden spots but also some helpful ways to book tours, arrange transport, and pick the right family gear.
Read on to discover our top Cap Spartel family moments and let us know if you’ll be adding any of these activities to your Morocco travel plans.
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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.
An easy way to reach Cap Spartel is Tangier’s Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus. It runs from the city out to the lighthouse and Hercules Cave, with coastal views along the way. Families love it because you can see the sights without haggling for taxis. You can also book tickets in advance for a smooth start to your day.
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.
If you’d rather not worry about taxis or apps, you can book a 2 hour guided tour that includes Cap Spartel, Hercules Caves, and a camel ride. It’s often cheaper for families than paying for multiple taxis.
Scan the code above for 2 hour guided tour ↑
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.
If you fancy a Tangier food tour:
After years of traveling full-time with kids, we’ve fine-tuned what actually gets used (and what just takes up space).
Want our exact Family Packing List?
It’s printable, organized by carry-on vs hold luggage, and tailored for parents who want to travel smart, not just light.
Download it free and make packing one less thing to worry about.
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.
For those who like to book ahead, here is a City tour that includes a visit to the Cap Spartel Lighthouse:
We always carry a foldable picnic mat and reusable water bottles: both lifesavers when hanging out here for hours.
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!
You can book a ride directly on the spot, or reserve in advance via a family-friendly Tangier camel ride tour if you’d rather have it arranged:
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.
For families, kids quick-dry beach shoes and reef-safe sunscreen make the day a lot smoother.
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.
Another option is to stay at a Tangier apartment with a pool, which guarantees safe swimming spots for kids:
Achakar Hill Apartment (where we stayed)
Apartment with Pool
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cap Spartel sits 12 kilometers outside Tangier on Morocco’s northwestern coast, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean. The 25-minute journey doesn’t require a rental car, you can take the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, grand taxis, or the InDrive app. For stress-free travel with kids, book a guided tour that includes transport, Cap Spartel, Hercules Cave, and a camel ride at https://slowtravelingfamily.com/things-to-do-at-cap-spartel/#getting-to-cap-spartel (see the ‘Where Is Cap Spartel?’ section)
No, the ocean has dangerous rip tides, we witnessed people getting caught in rip currents multiple times. However, you CAN swim safely at “the lagoon” (a natural pool at Achakar Beach) or Kabana Beach Club’s pool. Discover exactly where to find these safe swimming spots and what months they’re available at https://slowtravelingfamily.com/things-to-do-at-cap-spartel/#safe-swimming (see the ‘Lounge in the Lagoon & Beach Club Pools’ section)
Cap Spartel beaches are more relaxed than inland Morocco, but modest clothing (loose pants, covered shoulders) helps avoid unwanted attention and keeps you comfortable in the heat. Swimsuits are acceptable on the beach, though one-pieces work best for blending in. Learn more about what’s on offer for families visiting Cap Spartel: https://slowtravelingfamily.com/things-to-do-at-cap-spartel/
Plan a full day, not just 2-3 hours. The 3.6-kilometer coastal road between the lighthouse and cave holds hidden beaches, a fantastic free kids’ park, and restaurants where locals eat at half the tourist prices. Most families rush through and miss the real magic, find out what you shouldn’t miss at https://slowtravelingfamily.com/things-to-do-at-cap-spartel/#seven-things-to-do (see the ‘7 Memorable Things to Do at Cap Spartel’ section)
Kids love the free clifftop obstacle park, camel rides on two beaches, exploring three connected beaches, and the seasonal “lagoon” swimming hole. The sunset viewing is surprisingly captivating even for younger children. We spent 10 weeks discovering which activities work best for different ages, read our detailed breakdown at https://slowtravelingfamily.com/things-to-do-at-cap-spartel/#kids-activities (see the ‘Take Playing to New Heights’ and ‘Ride on a Camel’ sections)
Skip the overpriced restaurants at the lighthouse and Hercules Cave. Walk 10 minutes to the terraces above Plage Bouhendia where locals eat authentic Moroccan food at great prices with stunning cliff-edge views. Café Garden Beach became our family’s favorite spot for hours-long meals. Get directions and what to order at https://slowtravelingfamily.com/things-to-do-at-cap-spartel/#local-restaurants (see the ‘Eat Like the Locals Do’ section)
Yes, but close supervision is essential at the clifftop park and beaches due to sheer drops to the sea. The activities (camel rides, beaches, play areas) are very family-friendly and popular with both tourists and Moroccan families. Learn exactly which spots need extra vigilance and what there is to enjoy safely: https://slowtravelingfamily.com/things-to-do-at-cap-spartel/#family-safety (see the ‘Take Playing to New Heights’ section for important safety notes)
Late afternoon lets you explore beaches, enjoy lunch at local prices, let kids play at the clifftop park, then stay for the breathtaking sunset that even locals gather to watch daily. Weekends are busier with Moroccan families, so midweek visits are quieter. See our hour-by-hour itinerary for the perfect family day at https://slowtravelingfamily.com/things-to-do-at-cap-spartel/#best-time (see the ‘Watch the Sunset’ section and existing FAQ)
Yes! On clear days, Spain is visible across the Strait of Gibraltar, only 14 kilometers separate Africa and Europe at this point. Standing where two oceans and two continents meet, with Europe on the horizon, is a powerful moment that makes incredible photos. Discover the best things to do at Cap Spartel: https://slowtravelingfamily.com/things-to-do-at-cap-spartel/
For first-time visitors with children, booking the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus or a guided tour in advance removes stress and guarantees pricing. Once you know the area, grand taxis and InDrive work great for return visits. We share which booking strategy saves money and which saves sanity at https://slowtravelingfamily.com/things-to-do-at-cap-spartel/#booking-tips (see the ‘Where Is Cap Spartel?’ and ‘How do I get to Cap Spartel from Tangier?’ sections)
The biggest mistake? Rushing through in 2-3 hours and only seeing the lighthouse and cave. Families miss the three best beaches, authentic restaurants, free kids’ park, and the magical sunset by sticking to quick tours. After living there 10 weeks, we’ve identified the seven things you absolutely cannot miss; discover them at https://slowtravelingfamily.com/things-to-do-at-cap-spartel/
Camel rides are available at Sol Beach (near the lighthouse) and the terrace above Achakar Beach, watching camels scale the steep dunes is spectacular even if you don’t ride. You can book on the spot or reserve family-friendly tours in advance for guaranteed availability. Find exact pricing, best photo spots, and booking a camel ride at https://slowtravelingfamily.com/things-to-do-at-cap-spartel/#camel-ride
