I'm currently planning on wrapping up a week in Andalucia with a couple of days in Granada at the end. I'd be arriving on Saturday afternoon, the 22nd of October. Planning on departing Sunday afternoon, the 24th, to return to Madrid. Rick seems pretty high on Tangiers, and I'm starting to wonder if I should skip the Alhambra and do a night in Tarifa and a night in Tangiers instead. Would particularly love to hear from anyone who might have visited both places.
Thanks!
No question. Go to the Alhambra.
While I did find visiting Tangiers interesting, many people dislike it. The Alhambra was a highlight of my trip to Spain. I spent the better part of a day there.
What a question!
Tangier is the Tijuana of Morocco.
Excuse me, made a mistake in the OP - the 24th is a Monday - so I'd get in on Saturday afternoon and leave on Monday afternoon.
I'd heard that Tangiers had improved quite a bit in recent years. The Tijuana of Morocco? Yikes.
I'd been leaning towards Granada, so I appreciate the feedback.
I haven't been to Tangiers, but I have been to Marrakesh and Casablanca. It is not meaningful to compare Tangiers and Granada. This is a dumb comparison, but because you're from Detroit: it's remotely like comparing Cleveland (which I kind of like-lived in Shaker Heights two years) and Dayton. Should I have said Toronto and Detroit? I don't know.
Rick, with some good reason, places value on unique experiences that are within reach of average travelers. He also believes in broadening perspectives. There are plenty of great places in Spain (and Gibraltar, which is NOT a favorite of mine) that you don't have time to see. Forget about Tangiers for this particular trip.
Like most newsboard posts, this is an OPINION.
This is easy, Granada. The Alhambra is one of the world’s must see treasures!
Do Not Skip the Alhambra!! Tangiers is ok but nothing compared to Granada, which I loved. Stay and explore Granada-you won't be sorry.
Tarifa is a dump, Tangiers even more so, go to Granada.
No question, as the others have already noted.
The good news is that there are some very interesting cities in Morocco, including Fes and Marrakech, that have non-stop flights from quite a few European cities. Your trip to Spain is not your only opportunity to get to Morocco; you can fly there from a city you plan to visit on your next trip. But don't go for just two days!
Though I've made several visits to Spain, I haven't yet seen either Granada or Tangiers, but I think I've still seen enough to warn you against curt, blunt blow-offs like "the Tijuana of Morocco," or "it's a dump," which appear above. In my years of travel I've basically "specialized" in places that hold some promise of being historically or culturally interesting, but which are well off the beaten tourist trail, and which lack the Fabulous and Famous Visual Spectacles (like the Alhambra) that draw in the hordes. I've had great trips to cities and towns that more conventional tourists would (and sometimes did) dismiss as "not worth it."
Now if you happen to be a conventional tourist, dedicated to the Fabulous and Famous Visual Spectacles -- and it's a perfectly legitimate reason to travel -- then by all means choose Granada. All I'm saying is that when you do decide, base your decision on comments more thoughtful than the curt "it's a dump" type.
(Now if it were the universal consensus, from all quarters, that Tangiers is a "dump," that might be different, but as you observed yourself, it's not the consensus.)
Alhambra!!!! No question!!! The Alhambra is one of the most spectacular sights I have seen. We spent almost a whole day there. And try to book a night-time tour in addition to the day-time visit.
I traveled to both Granada and Tangiers (via my stay in Tarifa) when I was in Spain. If I had to choose one over the other, I do believe I'd have to choose Granada. The Alhambra and the surrounding gardens were spectacular, and because I'm a fan of Moorish architecture, for me it was a must see. I also went to the Albaicin neighborhood and enjoyed the authentic feel, and the view back to the Alhambra. For lunch, we shared a wonderful seafood basket at a local taverna.
I can't say that there was anything in Terifa or Tangiers that was as unforgettable as what we found in Granada. We did use one of the guides that Rick recommended for Tangiers, but we were slightly disappointed. It seemed as though we were an imposition in his day. The only thing in Terifa that really left a lasting impression for me was the kite surfing at the beach. That Atlantic wind made it the perfect conditions for some of the best kite surfing in the world!
My pick of the two would definitely be Granada.
We have been to Andalusia twice. The first time we went to Tangier. The second time not. Instead we went to Seville and Granada. While the trip to Tangier was mildly interesting (to be able to say we set foot in Africa and to ride a camel) the trips to Seville and Granada were extraordinary. The food was incredible. The tourist attractions were fantastic. The people were so friendly. I would highly recommend Seville and/or Granada in the place of Tangiers.
Though I've made several visits to Spain, I haven't yet seen either Granada or Tangiers, but I think I've still seen enough to warn you against curt, blunt blow-offs like "the Tijuana of Morocco," or "it's a dump," which appear above.
If you've never been to Tangier then surely it's difficult to warn people against heeding advice or opinions from those that actually have. Personally I prefer to listen to direct experience whilst bearing in mind the subjective nature of personal opinion.
And Tangier is not off the beaten path from the tourism standpoint It will not present much of an authentic Moroccan experience for someone who goes there for less than a day.
Thanks, everyone for the great feedback! Granada it is then.
On a scale of 1-10
Granada is a 9.5
Tangiers is a 0.5
Another vote for Granada. I have been to both and even that I’m from Madrid I love the south of Spain, specially Sevilla and Granada. Tangier was a unique experience and one of my favorites, but it doesn’t have the beauty or history then Granada. I have also been to Tijuana Mexico and I don’t see the similarity at all with Tangier… funny!
