Caves of Hercules, Tangier: Visit, Legend and Cape Spartel

Between myth and ocean, the Caves of Hercules Tangier is the most famous excursion around the city. People come for the Atlantic opening shaped like a map of Africa, then continue to Cape Spartel lighthouse. Here is everything to know before you go.

The legend of the Caves of Hercules

According to mythology, Hercules rested here before one of his twelve labours, after splitting Europe from Africa to open the Strait. The caves also have a real history: they were occupied in prehistoric times, and the circular marks on the walls recall the era when millstones were carved out of the rock. The Caves of Hercules article on Wikipedia is a good introduction.

What to see

• The “Africa” opening: seen from inside, the opening onto the ocean traces the outline of the African continent.
• Cape Spartel: its 19th-century lighthouse overlooks the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar, with a superb view at sunset.
• The beach and the camels: a short camel ride on the sand is a hit with children.
• Perdicaris Park: a hillside forest on the way to the cape.

How to get to the Caves of Hercules from Tangier

The caves are about 14 km from the centre. The hop-on hop-off bus normally stops there, but its official website says the service is temporarily suspended: see our Tangier bus tour article. However, the most comfortable way is a private vehicle: our Cape Spartel and Hercules Caves tour picks you up at your hotel and gives you time at every stop. You can also include it in our half-day Tangier city tour.

Our tips

• Come in the late afternoon to combine the caves with the sunset at Cape Spartel.
• Keep small change for the entrance, parking and drinks.
• With a private driver in Tangier, you can also stop at Achakar beach and Café Hafa on the way back.

This excursion is part of our transport in Tangier, with a fixed price and payment to the driver on the day.

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