Phoenician Tombs
Ancient Phoenician tombs carved into rock, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and Spain.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light, fewer crowds
Phoenician Tombs
Best Time
Magical light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ancient Phoenician tombs carved into rock, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and Spain.
"A surreal experience... gazing out on a glorious sunset at the edge of a continent."
🚶♀️ Walk from the Marina
Take the steep Snake Path from the marina for a scenic, albeit challenging, route. :athletic_shoe:
🧺 Picnic with a View
Bring food for a picnic and enjoy the stunning scenery. Locals often do this! :sandwich:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Carved Tombs
Marshan Plateau
Explore nearly 100 ancient tombs carved directly into the rock, offering a raw glimpse into Phoenician history.
Straits of Gibraltar Views
Cliffs overlooking the sea
Marvel at panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and, on clear days, the coast of Spain.
Sunset Spectacle
Edge of the continent
Witness a surreal sunset experience, with locals and visitors alike gathering to watch the sun dip below the horizon.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Respect the Site
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk from the Marina
Take the steep Snake Path from the marina for a scenic, albeit challenging, route. :athletic_shoe:
🧺 Picnic with a View
Bring food for a picnic and enjoy the stunning scenery. Locals often do this! :sandwich:
✨ Embrace the History
Allow the significance of the ancient tombs and the dramatic setting to captivate you. :sparkles:
📸 Capture the Moment
This is a prime spot for photos, with locals also frequenting it for pictures. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk from the Marina
Take the steep Snake Path from the marina for a scenic, albeit challenging, route. :athletic_shoe:
🧺 Picnic with a View
Bring food for a picnic and enjoy the stunning scenery. Locals often do this! :sandwich:
✨ Embrace the History
Allow the significance of the ancient tombs and the dramatic setting to captivate you. :sparkles:
📸 Capture the Moment
This is a prime spot for photos, with locals also frequenting it for pictures. :camerawithflash:
⚠️ Be Mindful of Litter
The site can sometimes have litter, especially later in the day. Early visits are recommended. :wastebasket:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Phoenician Tombs for their raw historical feel and absolutely stunning views over the Mediterranean and towards Spain. It's a place that evokes a sense of ancient wonder, especially at sunrise or sunset, though some note the presence of litter can detract from the experience.
"Amazing spot with breathtaking views over the Mediterranean and even Spain on clear days. The Phoenician tombs feel raw and authentic, a true glimpse into Tangier’s history. Perfect at sunrise!"
Ahmed Benjelloun
"I walked from the marina past the port and up the Snake Path, which was fairly steep and led through some narrow alleyways, but as usual, Google Maps didn’t let me down. Once you get there, the view of the sea and the surrounding hills really opens up. If you’re in Tangier, it’s a must-visit spot. There was some litter around, but it wasn’t too bad."
Storee
"A surreal experience... Sitting amidst centuries-old tombs carved into stone as you gaze out on a glorious sunset at the edge of a continent. For some it's just holes in the ground, littered with a days worth of blown debris, where locals watch the sun go down. But if you'll allow the significance to embrace you, you'll be captivated by the juxtaposition of Muslims in flowing caftans, silhouetted against the sinking sun, with the notion that others, long before us, felt that special connection."
Ellen Sheppard
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can walk from the marina, taking the steep Snake Path which leads through narrow alleyways. Taxis are also readily available to take you directly to the Marshan Plateau where the tombs are located.
While the walk can be a bit winding, Google Maps is generally reliable for navigation. Taxis offer a more direct route.
Yes, on clear days, you can see the coast of Spain across the Straits of Gibraltar.
Many visitors enjoy walking from the marina, experiencing the city's charm. Taxis are a convenient alternative if you prefer a quicker journey.
While direct public transport to the tombs might be limited, local buses can get you close to the Marshan Plateau, from where it's a short walk. Taxis are the most common and convenient option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Phoenician Tombs is generally free. It's an open-air historical site.
The Phoenician Tombs are accessible at all times as it's an outdoor historical site. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and visibility.
There is no entrance fee to visit the Phoenician Tombs. It's a public space for exploration and enjoying the views.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and lack of lighting. Daylight hours are best.
While official tours might not be readily advertised, local guides can often be found in Tangier who can provide historical context for a fee.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll see ancient tombs carved into the rock, offering a unique historical perspective. The main draw is also the stunning panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Strait of Gibraltar.
While the core structures are remarkably preserved, some of the 98 graves are less visible due to erosion and weather.
Crowds can vary. Early mornings and sunrise are typically less crowded, while sunset can attract more visitors, including locals.
The area around the tombs is rocky and uneven. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, especially if you're walking from the marina. :athletic_shoe:
Absolutely! It's a very popular spot for photography, with locals also coming here to take pictures.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography. Golden hour provides beautiful hues over the sea and the tombs.
You can capture stunning landscape shots of the Mediterranean, panoramic views of Spain, and close-ups of the ancient rock-carved tombs.
The cliff edges offer the most expansive views. Experiment with different angles to frame the tombs against the sea.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes. A tripod can be useful for sunrise/sunset shots.
Yes, focus on framing your shots to exclude any litter. The historical significance and the views are still very photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting in the morning to avoid the midday heat and potential litter. The walk from the marina can be a fun adventure, but if you have very young children or strollers, a taxi directly to the site might be more practical. The historical aspect can be a great learning opportunity, sparking curiosity about ancient civilizations.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a walk from the marina, which is free and offers a glimpse into local life. Pack your own snacks and water for a picnic, as this is a popular local pastime and much cheaper than dining out.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring your wide-angle lens to capture the panoramic vistas and consider a tripod for low-light conditions. Don't forget to frame shots that include the distant Spanish coastline for added depth. Even with occasional litter, the historical context and natural beauty make it a highly rewarding spot.
:camerawithflash:Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Phoenician History
+1These stone-cut graves are more than just burial sites; they represent a significant archaeological find in a city that has seen many empires rise and fall. The location itself, perched on a cliff overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar, speaks to the strategic importance of Tangier throughout history. Visiting the tombs allows you to ponder the lives of those who lived here millennia ago, their seafaring journeys, and their enduring legacy.
The Breathtaking Views
Many visitors describe the views as 'breathtaking' and 'insane,' making it a prime spot for both reflection and photography. Locals also frequent the area, especially during sunset, to enjoy the vibrant colors painting the sky and sea. It's a place where you can feel the vastness of the ocean and the unique geographical position of Tangier, a city that has long been a bridge between continents.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit