Editor's Note: As we continue to practice social distancing (opens in new tab) for the time being, we encourage readers to keep checking the Centers for Disease Control website (opens in new tab) for updates on when it is safe to travel. In the meantime, you'll love bookmarking this Instagram travel guide.

The port city of Tangier in northwestern Morocco is only a 20-minute ferry ride from Spain across the Strait of Gibraltar. You will want to explore the rest of North Africa right away.

Tangier (known locally as "Tangier") has long attracted artists and writers. Seeking inspiration in the colorful streets, they stay for years and enjoy the vibrant life. Walk through the actual scenes of Matisse's paintings or sit in the favorite cafes of writers such as Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Tennessee Williams, and William S. Burroughs to understand why they fell in love with this city. Awaken your senses with flavorful Moroccan cuisine featuring fresh seafood and market spices.

For inspiration to book a flight (or take a ferry) to Tangier, here's your own Instagram guide to the city's highlights:

The medina, Tangier's walled old town, is a must-see for handmade rugs, embroidered shoes, colorful Wander through the souks lined with handmade rugs, embroidered shoes, colorful kaftans, and baskets of spices. Lose yourself in the labyrinth of pathways and be dazzled by the reflections of light on the colorful walls. When shopping in the souks, try the Moroccan tradition of haggling.

Walk through the medina toward the walled Kasbah. Visit "Dar El Makhzen" (open in new tab). This was the old sultan's palace and is now the Moroccan Museum of Fine Arts. When you have finished your walk, climb the hill to the top of the old city. (11]

If you don't mind getting naked and having every inch of your body scrubbed of layers of skin by a stranger (not all of us do; we've all had our skin rubbed off), you can do it. This is a traditional Moroccan activity, similar to a Turkish bath. Sit in a steam room and let the kessa (a.k.a. loofah) wash off your skin with an intense body scrub to relieve stress. You can go to a public hammam, but for a more relaxing experience, try a private hammam like the Hilton's Ephora Spa (opens in new tab). A series of treatments are performed by professionally trained therapists to cleanse, exfoliate, and pamper your skin, leaving it glowing.

Don't get too busy touring Tangier's sights and forget to embrace one of Morocco's most cherished traditions. Find a tea terrace overlooking the city, such as the prestigious Café Haffa (open in new tab), and enjoy a leisurely cup of tea with friends or locals while the Mediterranean breeze blows. Don't be surprised if you smell hashish wafting from a nearby table.

Tangier has a cave that mimics the shape of Africa and is linked to an important Greek legend. Hercules is said to have slept in a cave known as Les Grottes d'Hercule (open with a new tab) after he separated Europe and Africa in Greek mythology. In addition to exploring the dark, damp cave complex, visitors can also add five dirhams (Morocco's official currency) to visit kitschy caves with figurines and photo ops.

Tangier offers a wide selection of international cuisine, especially Spanish and French, but don't miss the traditional Moroccan tagines. The conical shape catches the steam and slowly simmers meat and vegetables into an aromatic stew. The savory beef, accented with saffron, cinnamon, and ginger, is complemented by the sweetness of the plums. Served with Moroccan bread (similar to pita bread), the drooling is sure to be irresistible.

Get away from the town center and explore the beautiful sands and sea at the beach of Achakkal. You can choose a hotel with a private beach, like the oasis at the Hilton Tangier Al Huara (opens in new tab).

If you are looking for a day trip to complement your visit to Tangier, Chefchaouen, a stunning "blue city" nestled in the Rif Mountains, is about 100 km (60 miles) away. There is an air-conditioned bus service from Tangier to Chefchaouen, but we recommend renting a car or hiring a driver (if you can afford it). This small, idyllic town has become insta-famous thanks to its stunning blue and blue alleys, stairs, and arches. If you like nature, hike to a small waterfall and enjoy dramatic views of the mountains.

If you've fallen in love with Tangier, book your trip here (opens in new tab).

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