Experience the Moroccan Culture: Tangier Riad

By Gerald Branch

Tangier is believed to be the most dynamic and mysterious city in Morocco. Known as the "gateway of Africa," it is located 60km from Gibraltar and 14km from Spain. It is a dynamic mix of European, Moroccan and African cultures. The Tangier's strong international flavor of cultures and traditions, as well as its beautiful attractions makes the city a perfect destination to visit. With several beaches, museums and gardens, it is a great place for a holiday trip.

Tangier offers several traditional Moroccan houses for you to stay known as riad. Riad may also be a palace with an indoor garden. If you are planning to visit Morocco for a vacation getaway, you may want to stay to a Tangier riad to feel and experience the Moroccan culture. Here are some of the riads that you may consider.

Riad Dar Sultan. It is located near the beach and the center of Kasbah district in Tangier. It was once the house of a late Sultan who lived in Dar El Makhzen Palace. This palace is now converted into a museum. Riad Dar Sultan is a 300 year old riad equipped with splendid ornaments of ancient objects and a spectacular view of the sea and the old Kasbah district. The riad has its lobby, fireplaces and library. All the 6 rooms and suites are comfortably spacious designed with the local Moroccan traditions.

Riad Dar Jameel. If you want to have a taste of the past and at the same time the beauty and elegancy of the present, you may want to stay to Riad Dar Jameel. This riad is known as the "sanctuary of peace and tranquility." This is the most intimate place in Tangier that lets you relax and at the same time, experience and feel the mysteriousness of the city. The place is designed with both Moroccan and European flavor. It has elegant rooms and suites with splendid stucco ceilings as well as a bed with baldachin and a traditional Moroccan couch.

Riad Tanja is the oldest riad in Tangier. It is the first guesthouse constructed in the city designed purely by Moroccan artifacts, old furniture and antiques. The visitors are accommodated by high quality, luxurious comfort and sleekness of a Tanger riad overlooking the bay. It has 6 exquisite, well -furnished double suites with stunning flora hanging in its terraces.

Riad Dar Nour, known to its unique beauty has 7 cozy rooms and suites. Each room has its own shower room, air conditioning and heating. Meaning the "house of lights", the riad is further adorned by its collection of carpets, old ceramics and other ornaments from the 15 year period of the Arabs in Tangier. The guesthouse has also its own library with books from various parts of the world.

If you appreciate art, try to stay in Riad Dar Nilam. Riad Dar Nilam is an exquisite place with magnificent works of art that are expressed in every little detail. It is greatly influenced by both the African culture and the east of the Orient. You will be left in awe while looking at the smooth architecture of the riad, as well as its splendid gardens. Riad Dar Nilam offers uniquely polished rooms and suites with private shower room, air conditioning, Internet access, mini bar and satellite TV. Relax in the riad's massage room, swimming pool and hamman. You can also enjoy the spectacular view of the city while reading in its fireplace and reading place.

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