We are traveling to Morocco this year for a wedding/engagement ceremony in Tangier. We plan to spend most of our time in Morocco, but would like to 'hop' over from Tangier to the south of Spain and spend 2 to 3 days before returning to Morocco. We are experienced travelers, but have never visited Spain or Morocco, so this will be new (and fun, we hope) for us. Our plans are to take the ferry from Tangier to Tarifa, then aren't sure where to go. My initial thoughts were to travel via train to Granada, but are also considering Seville or Cordoba. Since our time is so limited, I DO NOT want to over schedule. I'd rather select one primary location (e.g., Granada) and spend most of our Spanish time there. That said, I'd welcome input and advice from people who've experience the south of Spain. My wife and I are both huge history nuts, but also really appreciate the arts and other local attractions. I thank all of you in advance for your comments! Cheers!
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15788 posts
You'll use a good bit of a day to get from Tangier to your base and again to return to Tangier. That gives you one full day to visit whichever town you choose. It wouldn't be worth it to me. There are no trains in Tarifa, the bus is about 2 hours to Jerez, 3 hours to Sevilla, 2.5 hours to Malaga. Those are the closest to Tarifa. The buses are infrequent, maybe 3 or 4 a day. If you choose to go, you would do better to rent a car when you get to Tarifa. How long it take depends on the timing of the ferries and buses (there are several bus companies that operate those line).
Where else are you going to be in Morocco? Ryanair flies from Marrakech and from Fes to Sevilla. That might give you a little more time in Spain.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thanks for your quick and helpful reply. We will be flying in and out of Rabat and have rented an apartment for the full two weeks in Rabat, so that’s our ‘base camp’ in Morocco. Since we have a “local” guide in Morocco, we’re not sure where he plans to take us. We’re only going to Tangier for the ceremony so I’m hoping to visit Fez, Marrakech, etc. I like ferries and I assumed that was the best way to get to Spain from Tangier (possibly wrong assumption). We will have two full weeks on this trip, so we have some flexibility and could add a day or two to the Spain side trip, but I know a lot of time will be spent with family. I’m now thinking that we should look into a flight from Morocco to Seville and spend a couple of days there. Again, Granada and Cordoba are also of interest. As for a car, I will consider that rather than the train. I’ve driven cars in Africa (Rwanda) but never in Europe as we’ve always been happy with public transport (busses, trains, walking, etc c)??
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15788 posts
Ryanair also flies from Rabat to Sevilla. If you go to the wiki page for an airport, you'll find a table of "Airlines and destinations" - the easiest way to find routes. The problem with the ferries is that Tarifa is relatively remote. I just used rome2rio.com and it shows a 4 hour train ride from Rabat to Tangier. If you spend a few days in Sevilla, you can day trip to Cordoba (45 min train ride), Jerez (about 1/2 hours train) or Cadiz (about an hour). Since the train to Cadiz stops in Jerez, you could even manage both in a long day - start with a sherry bodega tour in Jerez, then the horse show at the Royal Equestrian School, then train to Cadiz for the afternoon/evening and a late train back to Sevilla.
If you fly, you don't need a car. I suggested a car from Tangier just because buses are few and timing might be difficult. If you fly, the train will be faster and more convenient.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you again! You've most helpful.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15788 posts
My pleasure. If you have other questions, you can also PM me.