Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Cap Spartel
Just 14km west of Tangier lies Cap Spartel, the northwestern extremity of Africa's Atlantic
Coast. It is a popular day trip with locals and tourists alike. A dramatic drive takes you
through
La Montagne
, an exclusive suburb of royal palaces and villas, and over the pine-
covered headland to the
Cap Spartel Lighthouse
(closed). The beaches to the south are clean
and quiet outside the summer season, so you can find your own private cove.
Below Cap Spartel, the beach
Plage Robinson
stretches off to the south - a great place for
a bracing walk. Five kilometres further you reach the
Grottes d'Hercule
(admission Dh5;
8am-dark)
, the mythical dwelling place of Hercules, next to Le Mirage hotel. Since the
1920s these caves have been quarried for millstones, worked by prostitutes and used as a
venue for private parties by rich celebrities from Tangier. A much-photographed view of
the Atlantic from within resembles a map of Africa.
Camel rides
are available here, just be-
fore the entrance to the caves on the right. A beach ride is a special treat.
Sleeping & Eating
Camping Achakkar
( 0612 24 97 27; camping per person Dh25, plus per tent/car/campervan Dh25/20/45, bungalows
Dh250-550)
Inland from the grotto, this shady site has clean facilities and hot water (electri-
city Dh30, hot shower Dh20). It has a shop that stocks essentials and a spanking new cafe
serving breakfast (Dh35), paninis,
shwarma
and pasta. A swimming pool was being added
at the time of research.
CAMPGROUND
€
Le Mirage
( 0539 33 33 32;
www.lemirage-tanger.com
; Cap Spartel; d from Dh2400; )
One of the
finest hotels in the Tangier area, with a dramatic location perched on the cliff beside the
grotto, this hotel offers a view of miles of broad Atlantic beach. The bungalows are exquis-
ite, as the price suggests, and there's a spa and golf course. Nonguests can get a taste of the
opulence in the immaculate restaurant (meals around Dh500), or just stop by for a drink be-
neath the pergola. From the sunny terrace you can see the Roman ruins of Cotta, where fish
oil was processed.
HOTEL
€€€
