The Tangier-Asiliah-Tetouan Triangle
This is the area in my opinion which offers the most potential
All of these towns have charm culture and tradition yet are very different
TANGIERS
Located at the Northern tip of Morocco where Africa and Europe face each other across the Straights of Gibraltar. Just 9 miles from the Costa del Sol at it's nearest point. At various times during it's history Tangiers has been under Portuguese and Spanish rule - it even belonged to England for a short period in the 1600's. After the Franco - Spanish Protectorate was established in 1912 the city was granted special status as an International Tax Free zone which lasted until the 1960's.
During this hedonistic period the city was visited by numerous famous faces of the day: Marlene Dietrich, Errol Flynn, Oscar Wilde, Barbara Hutton, Winston Churchill, Ronnie Kray and Tennessee Williams to name but a few. Today's Tangiers is enjoying a makeover and public works are evident in many areas of the city. With such a rich and colourful history Tangiers is full of character and atmosphere.
The Medina with the Kasbah at its highest point - is a sprawl of winding streets and little shops. Beside the Medina is the Grand Socco where local handicrafts can be purchased at bargain prices.
The sea front close to the port has numerous beach bars including one where £1 buys a beer plus 2 or 3 tapas!!! Eating out in Tangiers is a delight. Enjoy Moroccan food at its finest at the El Korjan Restaurant at the Hotel Minzah, Spanish at le Detroit, Italian at La Casa D'ltalia there is even a McDonalds in the Dawliz Complex!!
ASILAH TOWN
Asilah is an elegant coastal town with a rich history and a population of around 30,000. First impressions are of the wonderful ramparts and turrets built by the Portuguese in the 1500's. There are wide avenues and a pretty palm-lined seafront boulevard, here can be found some of the towns best restaurants, many operated by Spanish owners. Casa Garcia, Casa Pepe and Al Kasabah are among the better known, all serve superb fish and shellfish dishes at a fraction of prices at home. There are plenty of little cafes to choose from plus a discothèque at the Hotel al Khaima.
The Medina or old quarter has ancient but well kept blue and white houses. Little shops with friendly shopkeepers sell a variety of Moroccan handicrafts. Every facility is available in Asilah including banks, chemists, church, numerous hotels with bars open to non-residents and a hospital.
The fishing port is a pleasant place for a stroll and there are plans for a yacht Marina. The Mayor of Asilah is also the Moroccan ambassador to the USA and during the late 1970's this forward thinking gentle man inaugurated an annual summer Arts Festival attended by musicians, painters, poets and writers from all over the world. The financial impact of both tourism and the Arts Festival has transformed Asilah and the town is now extremely clean and prosperous. Evidence of this appeal are signs on houses in the Medina 'This house not for sale'!!
Located at the Northern tip of Morocco where Africa and Europe face each other across the Straights of Gibraltar. Just 9 miles from the Costa del Sol at it's nearest point. At various times during it's history Tangiers has been under Portuguese and Spanish rule - it even belonged to England for a short period in the 1600's. After the Franco - Spanish Protectorate was established in 1912 the city was granted special status as an International Tax Free zone which lasted until the 1960's.
During this hedonistic period the city was visited by numerous famous faces of the day: Marlene Dietrich, Errol Flynn, Oscar Wilde, Barbara Hutton, Winston Churchill, Ronnie Kray and Tennessee Williams to name but a few. Today's Tangiers is enjoying a makeover and public works are evident in many areas of the city. With such a rich and colourful history Tangiers is full of character and atmosphere.
The Medina with the Kasbah at its highest point - is a sprawl of winding streets and little shops. Beside the Medina is the Grand Socco where local handicrafts can be purchased at bargain prices.
The sea front close to the port has numerous beach bars including one where £1 buys a beer plus 2 or 3 tapas!!! Eating out in Tangiers is a delight. Enjoy Moroccan food at its finest at the El Korjan Restaurant at the Hotel Minzah, Spanish at le Detroit, Italian at La Casa D'ltalia there is even a McDonalds in the Dawliz Complex!!
ASILAH TOWN
Asilah is an elegant coastal town with a rich history and a population of around 30,000. First impressions are of the wonderful ramparts and turrets built by the Portuguese in the 1500's. There are wide avenues and a pretty palm-lined seafront boulevard, here can be found some of the towns best restaurants, many operated by Spanish owners. Casa Garcia, Casa Pepe and Al Kasabah are among the better known, all serve superb fish and shellfish dishes at a fraction of prices at home. There are plenty of little cafes to choose from plus a discothèque at the Hotel al Khaima.
The Medina or old quarter has ancient but well kept blue and white houses. Little shops with friendly shopkeepers sell a variety of Moroccan handicrafts. Every facility is available in Asilah including banks, chemists, church, numerous hotels with bars open to non-residents and a hospital.
The fishing port is a pleasant place for a stroll and there are plans for a yacht Marina. The Mayor of Asilah is also the Moroccan ambassador to the USA and during the late 1970's this forward thinking gentle man inaugurated an annual summer Arts Festival attended by musicians, painters, poets and writers from all over the world. The financial impact of both tourism and the Arts Festival has transformed Asilah and the town is now extremely clean and prosperous. Evidence of this appeal are signs on houses in the Medina 'This house not for sale'!!