Tangier's beaches: Mediterranean or Atlantic?
Tangier has the distinction of having two seas: the Mediterranean in the bay, to the east, and the Atlantic west of Cape Spartel. Here are the beaches to know and how to choose.
- Bay side: the municipal beach, in town, easy to reach.
- Atlantic side: Achakar, Sol and Ba Kacem received the Blue Flag in 2026, according to Hespress.
- The June 2025 tests rated most of Tangier's beaches as good quality; swimming at Jbila 3 was advised against.
- Always ask locally before swimming.
Two seas, two atmospheres
East of Cape Spartel, the bay of Tangier opens onto the strait and the Mediterranean: the water is generally calmer. To the west, the coast opens onto the Atlantic: the beaches are larger and wilder, but the waves and currents are stronger. The wind, especially the chergui from the east, changes things a lot from one day to the next.
The municipal beach and the corniche
The city's main beach runs along the corniche, below the centre. It is the easiest to reach: on foot from Boulevard Pasteur or the medina. People come as much for the walk as for a swim, especially at the end of the day, when the corniche comes to life.
Malabata, east of the bay
Following the corniche eastwards, you reach Malabata, with hotels and recent residences. The beaches are calmer than those in the centre and the view takes in the whole bay as far as the city.
Achakar and the Atlantic coast
South of Cape Spartel, near the Caves of Hercules, Achakar beach is a vast stretch of sand facing the Atlantic. People come for the space and the sunsets. Other beaches follow one another along the coast road to the south. You need a taxi or a car to get there.
To the east: the strait coast
On the road to Ksar Sghir, east of Tangier, the Mediterranean coast alternates coves and beaches. It is a good outing by car, combined with the view of the Spanish coast.
Water quality and Blue Flag
2025 tests. According to the Tangier city council, quoted by TelQuel (1 July 2025), the samples taken on 25 and 26 June 2025 rated the beaches of Achakar, Ba Kacem, Sol (Cape Spartel), Mrissat and two zones of Ghandouri as good quality. Merkala and another zone of Ghandouri were of medium quality: swimming was not banned there, but caution was advised, especially for vulnerable people. Jbila 3 was of poor quality, and swimming there was advised against.
Blue Flag 2026. According to Hespress (25 July 2026), the Blue Flag was raised on the beaches of Achakar, Sol and Ba Kacem, and at the Tanja Marina Bay marina; some of these beaches have kept it for 13 years.
These results change from one season to the next: check the signs on the beach or the city council's announcements for the current year.
Sources: TelQuel, 1 July 2025; Hespress, 25 July 2026 (accessed 17 October 2026).
Beach tips
Come early in summer: the beaches near the city are very busy at weekends. Keep covering clothes for the journey. Leave nothing unattended on the sand. On the Atlantic side, do not swim alone and follow the lifeguards' instructions when there are any.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most beautiful beach in Tangier?
For space and scenery, Achakar beach on the Atlantic side. For convenience, the municipal beach in the city centre.
Can you swim in Tangier?
Yes, in season. According to the June 2025 tests published by the city council, most beaches were of good quality, but swimming at Jbila 3 was advised against. The bay is calmer and the Atlantic rougher: ask locally before going into the water.
How do you get to Achakar beach?
By grand taxi or car, along the Cape Spartel road. Agree the return price before setting off.
Which Tangier beaches have the Blue Flag?
In 2026, Achakar, Sol and Ba Kacem, on the Atlantic side, according to Hespress (25 July 2026).