Day Trip to the Caves of Hercules and Cap Spartel

Tangier, Morocco

While there is so much to see and do in Morocco’s northern, bustling city, we enjoyed the time we spent outside of Tangier as well. Our day trip to the Caves of Hercules and Cap Spartel was an example of a fun adventure outside the city.

Day Trip to the Caves of Hercules and Cap Spartel

Caves of Hercules

The Caves of Hercules have quite an interesting history. Legends from Greek Mythology claim that this cave was once the dwelling place of Hercules. With a single blow of his sword, this God created the straight of Gibraltar which stretches north beyond the caves. It was also believed that this cave was one end of a 24km-long tunnel that passed under the Straight of Gibraltar, with St. Michael’s Cave in Gibraltar as it’s other entrance. Another legend says that the famed Barbary Macaques traveled through this tunnel towards Gibraltar.  Whatever the history – real or mythological – the Caves of Hercules are definitely worth a visit.

The opening to the sea was cut in such a way that when looked at from the outside it resembles the shape of Africa. I’ll admit, the silhouette from inside the cave is quite striking (especially once you’re able to see past the huge group of fellow tourists!).

The cave extends further inwards and is actually quite huge. This part is mostly man-made by Berber people who cut stone wheels from the cave walls, expanding it to the size it is today. In the early 20th century before tourism really caught on, this cave was used as a brothel. It’s interesting to think how long that endeavour would have lasted if it wasn’t discovered that tourism is a much more lucrative venture!

There are man-made caves near the main entrance, and these are paid – about 5dh per person. Mac and I were cave-d out by this point, so we elected not to go inside.

The Caves of Hercules are located just beside the summer palace for Mohommad VI – the current King of Morocco. Towering white walls border the premises and seem to extend for miles.

Cap Spartel

The giant, expansive beach of Robinson Plage separates the Caves of Hercules from Cap Spartel. Cap Spartel is the most northern point of Morocco and has been the site for several battles throughout history. It’s also where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. A prominent lighthouse is situated upon the hill here and this area has recently become a hot spot for tourists to visit.

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There is a relatively easy trail from Cap Spartel down towards the beach and along the coast to the Caves of Hercules. Along the way we passed by the rocky shore which made for some pretty impressive & smashing waves.

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After walking along the beach for a bit, Mac and I made our way up to the road. We were craving a snack and were so pleased when we stumbled upon a few local ladies with carts full of a mysterious dish. Upon closer inspection (and wild hand gestures and inquisitive facial expressions) we learned that they were selling couscous and milk. It seemed like a cheap and easy snack, so Mac ordered up a bowl and eagerly dug in. In hindsight, it would’ve been wise to taste test first, because the milk was actually sour! He faked a good “yummm” + tummy rub to the cart lady while I tried to stifle my laughs as he did his best to choke it down. Apparently this is a common snack in Morocco, but I think I can safely speak for Mac when I say I don’t think it’s something he’ll have again any time soon ever. Ha!

Practical Information

While having a car for a day trip to the Caves of Hercules and Cap Spartel is the easier option, it is absolutely possible to get there via public transit.

From the center of Tangier, take a bus to Aswak Assalam or Complexe El Hassani (towards the Universite Abdelmalek Essaadi on the southwest side of the city). At the bus stop on the north side of  Avenue Moulay Rachid, catch either the #2A or #26 bus towards the coast. (Cost 3.50dh.) Bus #2A turns just before the Caves of Hercules (get off at the roundabout – stop Khandakour) and walk 15 minutes to the caves). Alternatively, take the #26 bus up the coast – past the Caves of Hercules – to the very last stop (Plage Achakkar) and walk the remaining ~3.5km to Cap Spartel. (Or try your hand at hitchhiking like we did. We got a lift with a lovely French expat woman all the way up the hill, to just 10 minutes from the lighthouse.)

There is a small & rocky trail along the coast from Cap Spartel towards the Caves of Hercules. You can either stay on the coast the entire time, or split halfway and walk on the road towards the Caves. It’s about 5km between Cap Spartel and the Caves of Hercules.

The #2A and #26 buses both return to the centre of Tangier and are very well connected with the other bus routes, so you should have no issue getting to where you need to go.

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This day trip to the Caves of Hercules and Cap Spartel was a mix of beauty (the coast and caves), exercise (the beach hike), adventure (navigating public transit), and hilarity (Mac’s face after he took the first bite of the sour milk couscous!). It was really enjoyable to get out of Tangier for a day. Especially to a place that is so beautiful and so easily accessible from the city center.

Tell me, do you know any myths or legends about Hercules? What’s the grossest street food you’ve ever had?

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