Things to Do at Cap Spartel

Cap Spartel sits at the northwestern tip of Africa, marking the dramatic meeting point where the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea converge. This windswept promontory, about 14 kilometers west of Tangier, offers some of the most spectacular coastal views in Morocco - you can literally see where two seas meet, though the exact boundary is more poetic than visible. The lighthouse here, built in 1864, was actually the first lighthouse in Africa to use electric power, and it's still operational today. What makes Cap Spartel genuinely special isn't just the geography - it's the feeling of standing at the edge of a continent. The coastline here is rugged and wild, with waves crashing against dramatic cliffs, and on clear days you might catch glimpses of Spain across the Strait of Gibraltar. The area tends to be windy, which adds to the dramatic atmosphere but also means you'll want to bring a jacket even on warm days.

You can't walk to Cap Spartel from central Tangier-it sits about 14km away, so you'll need wheels or a guide to get there. Taxis work best. Expect to pay 200-300 dirhams for a round trip with waiting time, and most drivers know the route well enough to avoid the worst potholes. Many people pair it with the nearby Hercules Caves for a half-day adventure. Car rental is possible if you don't mind narrow, winding roads that test your nerves. Tour operators in Tangier often bundle Cap Spartel into their coastal trips-worth considering if you want someone else handling the logistics.