14 Coastal Towns That Feel Like a Slice of the Mediterranean

4. Tangier, Morocco – The Blue-and-White Port Town

Tangier, perched where the Atlantic and Mediterranean meet, is a Moroccan town with deep European influences. Its whitewashed medina, bustling cafés, and dramatic coastal views evoke the atmosphere of a Spanish seaside town like Cádiz or Málaga, while its history as a crossroads of cultures has given it a distinctly Mediterranean soul. Tangier has been an inspiration for writers, musicians, and artists for centuries, with legends like Tennessee Williams, Jack Kerouac, and Henri Matisse all drawn to its mystical energy and dazzling seascapes. Today, its narrow, sunlit alleyways are lined with pastel-colored homes, lively market stalls, and historic riads, where you can sip Moroccan mint tea while gazing out at the sparkling sea. The town’s bustling Grand Socco marketplace is a sensory experience like no other, filled with the aromas of saffron, grilled seafood, and fresh oranges. Just beyond the city, the rolling hills and olive groves of the Rif Mountains recall the landscapes of Tuscany or Andalusia, while the beaches along the Mediterranean coast offer the same sun-drenched relaxation you’d expect in southern Spain.