Are you intrigued by Tangier? This gleaming white city on the Strait of Gibraltar has long drawn writers, artists and intellectuals from around the world, who flock here for so many reasons – the mild climate all year round, the quaint narrow streets of the Medina, the lively colourful markets, the dazzling beauty of the coastal scenery, but above all the warmth and friendliness of the city’s people.

Located just 15km from the coast of southern Spain, and close to northern Morocco’s Rif mountain range, Tangier is truly at the crossroads of Europe and Africa. Always a place of strategic importance, in the 20^th century it became a favourite destination of the international jet set. It’s now a major seaside resort with all the tourist infrastructure you’d expect, and has a population of 947,000.

A lot of development has been going on in Tangier in recent years – from the sparkling new marina to the redeveloped beachside promenade, the vast Tangier Med port to the east of the city, and the high-speed railway that will soon link Tangier to Casablanca in just over 2 hours. It’s all added to the buzz of this thrilling city, which is also one of Morocco’s leading economic and business centres.

Whether you fly in to Tangier’s beachside airport or take the fast ferry across from Spain, you’ll be mesmerised by the stunning location on the shores of the Atlantic. Take a cab into town, check in to one of the grand old hotels like the El Minzah or the Continental, and take an afternoon mint tea in one of the traditional cafés on the Petit Socco in the heart of the Medina. Wander around the bazaars and souks, or take a walk along the beachfront, full of children playing in the sun. Morocco is a young country, and an optimistic one – you can’t fail to notice that.

In the evening, the sun lights up the white and honey-yellow facades of the Medina with a warm iridescent glow. The call to prayer comes, and a sense of calm descends upon the city. A time for reflection at the end of a day full of magical sights, sounds and sensations.

But as darkness falls, families come out onto the streets of the new town and take their evening stroll past the brightly lit shop windows. They might stop for a pastry or an ice-cream on the way. Visitors looking for a dinner venue will find restaurants catering for all tastes – from traditional Moroccan to Italian and even an English-style pub. There’s something for everyone in Tangier. Come and see for yourself – you won’t be disappointed.