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-   -   Spain to Moracco? (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/spain-to-moracco-388182/)

klbrito Jan 16th, 2004 02:29 PM

Spain to Moracco?
 
We are going to Spain in October on a driving trip for about 12 days or so. We would love to visit Moracco. Anyone know the best way to get across, the cost, which port is the best to dock in/out of, towns near by to visit or any other info would be great!! Oh-can you take a rental car across on the ferry system?

StCirq Jan 16th, 2004 03:33 PM

I have not gone from Spain to Morocco, but I can tell you that with only 12 days in Spain, you probably won't get much farther into the country than Tangiers, and that ain't worth it unless you want the full grubby, gritty, underdeveloped country thing in your face. Save Morocco for another trip when you can get down to Marrakech and Agadir and Essouira and the Atlas mountains.
There was a good horror story thread on this board awhile back by someone who did what you are contemplating. If you type Tangiers into the search box, I suspect you'll locate it.
Morocco is well worth a visit, a fascinating country, but a hopover from Spain for a day or two is not the way to appreciate it. In fact, you'd probably not go back there after such an introduction.

Elainee Jan 17th, 2004 05:23 AM

StCirq, So true! The people who take theferry for a day or two are just spending a few unhappy days. Go to Moracco when you have the time to enjoy a fab country.

klbrito Jan 17th, 2004 08:37 AM

OK so from what everyone is saying Tangiers is a definate "no go". But I have heard that Tetouan is a much better choice. Also there are two Spainish run cities on of them being Cueta (I think) that I heard are worth seeing-any insight on that? We know all about the hagglers and the "tour guides". We just want to experience a tiny bit of Moracco. Is Tetouan any better than Tangiers????

car Jan 17th, 2004 09:13 AM

The best way to go from Spain to Morroco is Ferry boat from Algeciras to Ceuta, there are ferry boats every hour or so, the cross takes about 2 hours in normal ferry and one hour in fast one.
In both cases you can bring your car along, except if it is a rented car in Spain, you will have problems passing the border, check with the rental agency.
The best location near the border or relatively near is Xaoen, also spell Chef Xoaen, a town in the mountains surrounded by impresive cliffs.
Ceuta the Spanish town in Africa, is a quiet and comercial place with few places to visit apart from walking along the walls and looking at the Strait.
Tangiers , Tetouan the nearby Marrocan towns are a bit difficult and uncomfortable , a no go might be too much but certanly relatively uninteresting.
As said in previous post the nice towns, Meknes, Fes, Marraquech, agadir are away from the border so you need two or three days to enjoy a little bit.
One piece of advise, in morroco hasish is sold and grows openly all around the north, don't buy and don't make photos of the fields. If you do buy more than a minimal quantity the seller will report to the customs and get a tip.
Remember midnight express.

johanna Jan 17th, 2004 01:43 PM

Hi: This past June, I took the hispeed ferry from Algeciras Sp to Tangiers. I took a tour from Gibralter. If one has a guide, the hawkers come up to you but the guide keeps them at bay. The bus tour around Tangiers was quite surprisingly beautiful. I was also surprised to see all of the hirises on a white sandy beach..took a camel ride and visited many of the old sites. I was happy that I went but I love Spain and have been there many times. Have fun.


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