Anyone ever done this? What is the best place to book?

Is taking the ferry ride roundtrip too much to do in one day? I don't want to spend much time in Tangier, but would like to go across the Strait and look around for a little bit. Do you have to worry about going through 'Customs' on either side?

From what I know, the ferry takes about 60 minutes each way for the fast ferry....and they run multiple times a day. My guess is that you can do it but I really have no idea. It also looks like you can buy the tickets the day of....

This is based off a quick search on thorntree (off of the lonely planet website, a good resource for that sort of info. Go there and search if no one has any info here).

I was going to do this when I was in Spain. I spoke with multiple Spaniards that persuaded me not to. The travel to & from is a pain & you won't be there long enough to see much.

I sort of agree. At least spend a night in Morocco, I dont see why you wouldnt.

Other than that, I highly recommend going.

I did it in 2007. I left out of Tarifa. And I don't remember much of a customs issue.

From what I remember it wasn't too expensive. I'm not sure if I would go just for a day. Tangier is better known as Dangier by the locals. I'm not much for fear mongering, nor do I not travel to places for lack of safety, but just a day in Tangier might not be worth the hassle of crossing the Strait of Gibralter and coming back.

All of that said, after having backpacked twenty something countries, Morocco has been my favorite. If you get a chance to check it out, go for it. My experience of Tangier was a wild cab ride across town to catch a train as it was rolling out of the station.

If you go, eat a tajine for me.

I'm trying to plan a Spain/Portugal trip, but would like to throw in a visit to Morocco. If it is too much hassle, I won't worry about it too much. Thinkning about renting a car in either Barcelona or Madrid and ending up in Lisbon.

Which brings up another question...would you rather visit Barcelona or Madrid? (Madrid is easier proximity wise, but my dad just got back from Barcelona and absolutely loved it.)

I absolutely love Barcelona. It's in the top 3 of my list of favorite cities. From the people, to the food, to the architecture, to the Catalan culture. I love that place. Madrid just seemed like another big city to me. Though I will say that I had just gotten out of Morocco, which was a bit different and I was little road weary, so my opinion is a bit biased.

Also, if you're young, there is a town in Southern Portugal called Lagos that can't be missed. Absolutely insane place by night, easily the wildest place I've ever been, then it's a beautiful, sleepy, little beach town by day.

Madrid & Barcelona are apples & oranges. I have had wonderful experiences in both.

They both offer great museums & the nightlife is equally impressive.

Barcelona gets the nod for architecture with the Gaudi buildings. It also has the advantage of proximity to beaches. Barce is a Catalonian city & most people there consider themselves a nation or at least quasi-nation apart from the rest of Spain.

Madrid has more of a traditional "Spanish" feel with a great Bullfighting ring & flamenco dance places. There are some excellent day trips available to Segovia & Toledo which should be done on any trip to Madrid. THere is also a high speed rail which can get you to Sevilla in a few hours... highly recommend this city as well.

If I had a car, took the ferry from Spain to Tangier, and spent a night or 2 in Tangier, what would be my options for leaving the car somewhere in Spain for a couple days/nights?

I did this in 08. We left from Tarifa in mid-afternoon. The per person round trip to Tanger was $55. There are lots of signs out on the main road pointing you to the high speed boat that goes across. Giant red boat. So we only spent a few hours in Tanger. Upon arrival in the Tanger, we were quickly "greeted" by a very enterprising guy that set us up with a walking tour for about $7 pp. It was a good way to have a look around. I wouldn't have wanted to do this on my own. And I was pretty intimidated going around even with a guide, but I'm really glad we did it. The ferry ride there and back was really nice. Awesome views of both sides. Tarifa is a nice looking place, I think we could've spent more time there, but we had a long drive back to Portugal in the middle of the night, so we hit the road.

Couple other thoughts: Customs was not an issue at all. You go through normal type procedures, but it was no big deal.
And I cannot imagine spending the night over there...to each his own, but I was really glad to get back on that boat to head back to Spain at sunset. And btw, it was sunset as we were crossing back over, i strongly recommend this.

Ok, one more. I agree w/ the Lagos comment, this is where we stayed. A really cool little area and surprisingly beautiful beaches, cliffs and water.

Thanks for all the info. The more I look into it, I'm thinking we might just make a day trip to Tangier, just to say we've been. My wife has reservations about going at all. I'm also becoming more intrigued with Portugal, and thinking about spending as much (or more) time there as in Spain.

I didn't find Tangier to be dangerous at all. There are some really neat things to see with a knowledgable guide.

So is Portugal always cheap? I'm finding 4 and 5 star hotels for under $100...lots of them.

Not sure on that one, we stayed in a private home Luz, the next little village over from Lagos. Late summer there is HUGE with the Brits. Southern Portugal (the Algarve) is like their Cancun, so it might be a bit more expensive in July and August. Talking about it makes me want to go back! What cool trip that was!

quote:

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Barcelona gets the nod for architecture with the Gaudi buildings

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i enjoyed Barcelona. I wonder if they're ever going to finish sagrada familia.

^^^

It's planned to be finished in 2026.