As novelist Mohamed Choukri once said, "If you haven't been to Café Hafa, you haven't truly been to Tangier." After visiting this iconic spot myself, I can understand why Café Hafa Tangier holds such a special place in the hearts of locals and travelers alike. Perched on the cliffs of the Marshan neighborhood, this legendary tea house has been serving mint tea and inspiration since 1921.
The Story Behind Café Hafa's Fame
Café Hafa Tangier represents more than just a place to drink tea—it's a living piece of cultural heritage that reflects an important part of Tangier's identity. Founded in 1921 by Mohamed Aloush, this simple yet captivating café became known for its traditional character and unpretentious atmosphere.
What makes this place truly special is its history as a meeting point for writers and artists throughout the decades. The café has welcomed numerous prestigious international figures from the worlds of literature, art, and music, earning it widespread fame and serving as a source of inspiration for creative minds who fell in love with its peaceful atmosphere.
The simplicity that attracted these famous visitors remains unchanged today. When you sit at Café Hafa Tangier, you're literally sitting where literary legends once found their muse, gazing out at the same Mediterranean views that inspired countless works of art.
Location and Getting There
Café Hafa Tangier sits in the Marshan neighborhood, which forms part of Tangier's old medina. The café is positioned right on the edge of the cliffs, next to the ancient Roman tombs archaeological site—a location that adds even more historical significance to your visit.
By Car or Taxi
If you're driving, you can park your car on the street near the café or use the parking area next to the sports fields. For taxi riders, drivers will drop you off at the main street, and from there it's a short walk.
Public Transportation
Bus line number 17 runs from Mesnana to the Marshan neighborhood and will drop you close to the café. For those arriving by tourist bus, you'll typically be dropped off at a central point, then walk about 600 meters along Moulay Ahmed El Ouakili street—the café entrance will become visible as you approach.
From the Old Medina
If you're staying in the old medina, Café Hafa Tangier is easily accessible on foot. The walk is pleasant and gives you a chance to explore the charming Marshan neighborhood along the way.
One thing to note: the café doesn't have clear signage, so you'll need to ask locals for directions. Don't worry—everyone in Tangier knows where Café Hafa is!
What to Expect at Café Hafa
The Setting and Atmosphere
The moment you arrive at Café Hafa Tangier, you'll understand why it's considered an icon. The café maintains its original simple and traditional character—this unpretentious atmosphere is exactly what draws visitors from around the world.
The strategic location offers breathtaking panoramic views overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the Strait of Gibraltar. On clear days, you can actually see the Spanish coast with remarkable clarity. This view alone makes the visit worthwhile—it's absolutely magnificent and deserves to be experienced.
The Tea Experience
Café Hafa Tangier is famous for its traditional Moroccan mint tea, served in the classic small glasses. During my visit, I paid 15 dirhams for a glass of tea (prices have increased from the previous 10-12 dirhams). While some visitors complain about the price increase, the experience and location justify the cost.
The café also has both a tea house section and a restaurant section. If you want to bring your own breakfast and enjoy it with tea in the main café area, that's perfectly fine. However, if you choose to sit in the restaurant section, outside food isn't allowed, but they offer a full menu of Moroccan dishes.
Recent Improvements
During my recent visit, I noticed some positive changes at Café Hafa Tangier. They've created a designated non-smoking area, which is perfect for families and visitors who prefer a smoke-free environment. The facilities have also been renovated and improved, including separate prayer rooms for both men and women—a thoughtful addition for Muslim visitors who want to pray during their stay.
The Marshan Neighborhood Experience
Visiting Café Hafa Tangier gives you the perfect opportunity to explore the historic Marshan neighborhood. This area is part of Tangier's old medina and offers several attractions worth your time.
Roman Tombs Archaeological Site
Right next to the café, you'll find the Punic-Roman cemetery, an important archaeological site with ancient tombs carved directly into the rock. Many visitors, especially during sunset, gather here to watch the sun set over the Mediterranean—it's a magical experience with beautiful views over the Hafa neighborhood below.
The Cliff Walk
The Marshan residents have a strong connection to the Mediterranean Sea, and there's a beautiful pathway that leads down to the Marqala corniche, offering spectacular views along the way. This walk provides another perspective of the area and shows you why the relationship between the people of this neighborhood and the sea is so important.
Practical Information for Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
While Café Hafa Tangier is open throughout the day, I recommend visiting during different times to experience various atmospheres. Morning visits are perfect for a quiet breakfast with tea, while sunset brings a magical atmosphere as the light changes over the Mediterranean.
What to Bring
Don't forget your camera—the panoramic views are absolutely stunning and you'll want to capture the moment. Also, bring some cash as the café operates on a cash-only basis.
Food Options
Before entering the café, you'll notice a local woman selling traditional Moroccan breakfast items like rghaif and other pastries. I tried her harcha with olive filling for just 6 dirhams—it was delicious and a perfect complement to the mint tea experience.
Is Café Hafa Worth Visiting?
After spending time at Café Hafa Tangier and exploring the surrounding area, I can confidently say yes, it absolutely deserves a visit. Here's why:
The café occupies a strategic location that you simply must experience if you're in Tangier. The combination of visiting the Roman tombs, exploring the Marshan neighborhood (which is part of the old medina), and enjoying tea at this historic café creates a complete cultural experience.
While the décor is simple and traditional, that simplicity is exactly what has attracted visitors for over a century. The panoramic view over the Mediterranean and the Strait of Gibraltar is breathtaking, and on clear days, the sight of the Spanish coast is remarkable.
The Local Perspective
Interestingly, I noticed that some locals now prefer to sit in the nearby square under the eucalyptus trees rather than in the café itself, possibly due to the price increases. However, international visitors and tourists still flock to Café Hafa Tangier for its historical significance and stunning location.
The café continues to attract visitors from around the world, including many tour groups, which speaks to its enduring appeal and reputation as a must-visit destination in Tangier.
Planning Your Visit
Café Hafa Tangier should definitely be part of your Tangier itinerary, but I recommend combining it with exploration of the entire Marshan neighborhood. Take time to visit the archaeological site, walk along the cliff paths, and perhaps catch a sunset from the ancient Roman tombs area.
The experience isn't just about the tea—it's about connecting with a piece of Moroccan cultural history, enjoying spectacular views, and understanding why this simple café has captured the imagination of writers, artists, and travelers for more than a century.
Have you visited Café Hafa in Tangier? I'd love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts in the comments below—did you find the views as breathtaking as I did? What was your favorite moment at this legendary tea house? And if you haven't been yet, what questions do you have about planning your visit?