Carved by the Atlantic and (legend says) by Hercules himself, the cave's seaward opening is shaped uncannily like the map of Africa. It's 14 km west of Tangier, just past Cap Spartel.
Opening hours & price
Open daily, roughly 9 am – 6 pm (until sunset in summer). Entry 60 MAD (~€5.50) for foreigners, paid cash at the gate.
How to get there
14 km west of Tangier on the coast road. Petit taxi from the city ~150 MAD each way (agree the wait time, ~50 MAD/hour). Most organised tours combine it with Cap Spartel lighthouse.
What to expect
The cave is small — 30 minutes is enough. Two openings: one inland, one to the sea (the famous Africa-shaped one, best photographed in late afternoon). Souvenir stalls and cafés at the entrance.
Combine with
Cap Spartel lighthouse (5 km, free), Achakar beach (1 km, sandy, surf-friendly), camel rides on the beach (~€10), and lunch at one of the seafood shacks at Robinson Plage.
FAQ
- How much does it cost to enter the Caves of Hercules?
- 60 MAD (about €5.50) for foreign visitors. Cash only in dirhams, paid at the gate.
- Is it worth visiting the Caves of Hercules?
- Yes — combined with Cap Spartel and Achakar beach it makes a great half-day from Tangier. The cave alone takes 30 minutes; the surrounding coast deserves longer.
- How do you get to the Caves of Hercules from Tangier?
- They are 14 km west of the city on the coast road, about 25 minutes. A petit taxi is roughly 150 MAD each way plus waiting time; a private transfer with us is 449 MAD one way or 600 MAD return for the whole car.
- What are the Caves of Hercules opening hours?
- Open daily from around 9 am to 6 pm, later in summer until sunset. Go in the late afternoon for the best light on the Africa-shaped sea opening.
- How long do you need at the Caves of Hercules?
- About 30 minutes inside. Most visitors spend three to four hours on the whole outing including Cap Spartel lighthouse, Achakar beach and lunch.
- Can you combine the Caves of Hercules with Cap Spartel?
- Yes, the lighthouse is five minutes away and both are on the same half-day route. Our private driver covers the cave, the cape and the beach in one trip.