AFCON 2025 Tangier: Senegal Matches & City Guide
Tournament kicks off December 21
Tangier occupies the point where Africa meets Europe. The Strait of Gibraltar, 14 kilometers wide at its narrowest. Spain visible on clear days. For centuries, this geography made Tangier an international zone, a city of spies and writers, artists and exiles. Paul Bowles, William Burroughs, Tennessee Williams. The "interzone" that attracted those seeking escape.
Today, Tangier has reinvented itself. New infrastructure, restored medina, Africa's first high-speed rail. The Grand Stade de Tanger, with 75,000 seats, is the largest venue at AFCON 2025.
Tangier at a Glance
Stadium Overview
Grand Stade de Tanger (Ibn Batouta Stadium) Capacity: 75,000 Location: Southern outskirts of the city
Named after Ibn Battuta, the Moroccan explorer who traveled further than Marco Polo. The largest stadium at AFCON 2025, hosting Group D matches and knockout rounds including a semi-final.
Senegalese supporters, among the most passionate in African football, will make Tangier their base for the group stage.
Matches at Grand Stade de Tanger
Group D: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, Botswana
December 23: Senegal vs Botswana
December 27: Senegal vs DR Congo
December 30: Benin vs Senegal
January 3: Round of 16
January 9: Quarter-final
January 14: Semi-final
Luxury Hotels in Tangier
Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier
The standout. A 1920s palace built for the king's advisor, meticulously restored and expanded into a 133-room luxury hotel. Set in eucalyptus forest on hills above the medina, with panoramic city and Mediterranean views.
Seven restaurants and bars. The 2,500m² Fairmont Spa. Pools indoor and outdoor. The historical architecture combines original decorative elements with contemporary Moroccan craftsmanship.
Distance to Grand Stade: 20 minutes by car Why for AFCON: The premier address in northern Morocco. The palace setting, the views, the service standards. If you want the best in Tangier, this is it.
Hilton Tangier Al Houara Resort & Spa
Beachfront resort north of the city, set within 60 acres of protected forest. 18-hole golf course, full spa, private beach access, kids' club.
A destination resort rather than city hotel. Self-contained for guests who want everything on property, with shuttle service to Tangier's attractions.
Distance to Grand Stade: 35 minutes by car Why for AFCON: Complete resort facilities. Golf, beach, pools. Works for extended stays or families wanting base camp.
El Minzah Hotel
Historic hotel in the center of Tangier, operating since 1930. The property hosted the international zone's diplomatic and artistic community. Traditional Andalusian architecture, rooftop bar with port views.
Less contemporary than newer competitors but steeped in Tangier's distinctive history. The location in the city center simplifies access to medina and attractions.
Distance to Grand Stade: 18 minutes by car Why for AFCON: History and location. Walking distance to the medina and literary Tangier. The rooftop terrace captures the city's cosmopolitan character.
Grand Hotel Villa de France
Where Henri Matisse stayed and painted in 1912. The room he occupied is preserved. Restored boutique property with medina views, period character, and artistic heritage.
Smaller than resort options, but the connection to Tangier's creative history attracts visitors specifically interested in that legacy.
Distance to Grand Stade: 15 minutes by car Why for AFCON: For travelers who value cultural significance over contemporary amenities. The Matisse connection is genuine and preserved.
Mövenpick Hotel & Casino Malabata Tangier
Modern five-star on Malabata Beach, east of the city center. Casino on-site (rare in Morocco). Pool, spa, beach access.
Contemporary facilities without the heritage character of older properties. The casino distinguishes it for guests interested in that option.
Distance to Grand Stade: 22 minutes by car Why for AFCON: Modern infrastructure, beach access, casino. For travelers prioritizing amenities over atmosphere.
Between Matches: Experiences in Tangier
The Medina and Kasbah
Tangier's medina is compact and manageable, nothing like Fes or Marrakech scale. The kasbah (fortress) at the top contains the Kasbah Museum, gardens, and the famous viewpoint over the strait.
Walking the medina reveals layers of history: Portuguese fortifications, Moroccan architecture, remnants of the international zone. The small scale means you can explore thoroughly in half a day.
Cap Spartel and Caves of Hercules
Where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, 14km west of the city. Cap Spartel lighthouse marks the geographic point. Below, the Caves of Hercules offer sea-carved caverns with an opening shaped like the African continent.
Sunset at Cap Spartel is a classic Tangier experience.
We arrange: Private transport combining Cap Spartel, Caves of Hercules, and optional beach time. Half-day excursion.
Literary Tangier
The American Legation Museum, the only US National Historic Landmark on foreign soil. Paul Bowles's apartment building. Café Hafa, where the Beat writers gathered. Tangier's literary history is specific and documentable.
For visitors with interest in 20th-century cultural history, walking these sites provides concrete connection to what made Tangier legendary.
Day Trip to Chefchaouen
The "Blue City," 2 hours into the Rif Mountains. Every building painted blue. Photogenic to the point of surrealism, but the setting in mountain terrain rewards the journey beyond Instagram.
Possible as day trip from Tangier. Leave early, return after dinner.
Day Trip to Asilah
Coastal town 45km south. Portuguese ramparts, whitewashed walls, arts festival legacy. More relaxed than Tangier, with beach access and seafood dining.
Half-day or full-day depending on interest. Easy logistics.
Crossing to Spain
The ferry from Tangier Med to Tarifa takes 35 minutes. Spain for the afternoon is genuinely possible. The experience of crossing between continents in under an hour is itself remarkable.
Spain Day Trip Requirements
Practical considerations: passport required, Schengen visa if applicable to your nationality, ferry schedules.
If your visa and schedule permit, the ferry crossing is worth experiencing.
Getting to Tangier
By Air
Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport (TNG) receives direct flights from select European cities including budget carriers.
More connections available through Casablanca (CMN), then high-speed train to Tangier (2h10).
By Train
Tangier is the northern terminus of the Al Boraq high-speed line.
- From Casablanca: 2h10 by high-speed train
- From Rabat: 1h05 by high-speed train
Departures hourly from 06:00 to 21:00. Tanger Ville station is modern and connects to taxi/private transfer networks.
By Ferry
From Spain: Tarifa to Tangier (35 minutes), Algeciras to Tangier Med (1h30).
For European visitors, the ferry combination with driving through Spain creates a distinctive arrival experience.
From Other Host Cities
- Rabat: 2h30 by car, 1h05 by train
- Casablanca: 3h30 by car, 2h10 by train
- Fes: 4h by car, 4h30 by train
- Marrakech: 6h by car, 5h by train (via Casablanca)
- Agadir: 9h by car (no train)
We arrange: Private transfers, first-class Al Boraq bookings, ferry coordination for Spain arrivals.
Match Day Logistics
Getting to the Stadium
Grand Stade de Tanger sits in the southern outskirts. From city center hotels, expect 15-25 minutes depending on traffic. Match days will add congestion.
Private transfer: Essential for timed arrival. We arrange collection 2 hours before kickoff, navigation, and post-match return.
Taxi: Available but post-match return can be difficult. Negotiate in advance if using taxis.
Weather Considerations
Tangier weather in December is Mediterranean rather than Saharan. Days 14-18°C, evenings 10-14°C. Rain is more likely than in southern Morocco. Wind off the strait is common.
Bring layers and a waterproof jacket for evening matches.
Insider Tips
December weather: Cooler and wetter than you might expect for Morocco. Mediterranean climate means cloud cover and rain are possible. Pack accordingly.
The strait view: On clear days, Spain is clearly visible. On foggy days, the strait disappears. Visibility varies.
Language: French and Arabic. Spanish understood by many due to proximity and historical ties. English in tourist zones.
International history: Tangier's international zone (1923-1956) created a unique culture of diplomatic immunity and artistic freedom. The legacy explains why so many writers and artists landed here. Understanding this history enriches the visit.
Ferries to Spain: If your schedule permits and visa allows, the day trip to Tarifa is remarkable. Lunch in Spain, dinner in Morocco.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tangier different from other Moroccan cities?
Yes. The European proximity and international zone history created a culture distinct from Marrakech or Fes. More cosmopolitan, less traditionally Moroccan, with architectural and cultural layers from multiple influences.
Should I combine Tangier with Spain?
If your visa and schedule permit, the ferry crossing is worth experiencing. The 35-minute transit between continents is unlike typical travel. Practical only if your nationality allows Schengen entry or you already have documentation.
How does the high-speed train work?
Book via ONCF (www.oncf.ma) or at the station. First class recommended for comfort. Trains depart hourly from Casablanca via Rabat. Tanger Ville station is modern with taxi access.
What's the atmosphere like for matches?
Senegalese supporters are among Africa's most passionate. Group D matches in Tangier will have strong atmosphere. The stadium's 75,000 capacity is larger than most AFCON venues.
Tangier Quick Reference
Ready to Plan?
Tangier hosts the largest stadium at AFCON 2025, a semi-final, and Senegal's entire group stage. For supporters of Les Lions, this is home base. For anyone interested in Morocco's northern character, it's worth the journey.
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Yalla Visit Morocco designs private travel experiences for visitors who want more than a surface-level tour. Tangier is where Africa meets Europe. We know both sides of that strait.