When I first heard about Playa Blanca Tangier from a local friend in Morocco, I was intrigued. "It's our secret beach," he told me with a knowing smile. "The sand is so white, that's why we call it Playa Blanca - White Beach." After spending countless hours exploring Morocco's coastline, I can confidently say this hidden gem near Tangier deserves a spot on every traveler's itinerary.
Located just outside Tangier, Playa Blanca (also known as Plage des Amiraux or Admirals Beach) offers something increasingly rare in Morocco - a relatively uncrowded stretch of pristine white sand where you can actually hear the waves instead of the crowds. Let me share everything I've learned about this magical place during my visits.
Getting to Playa Blanca: Your Transport Options
The journey to Playa Blanca Tangier is part of the adventure, and you have several options depending on your budget and comfort preferences.
Public Transport to Playa Blanca
Bus Service: Take bus lines 12 or 13 from Tangier city center. The fare is just 8 dirhams (less than $1), making it the most budget-friendly option. The buses run regularly, though expect them to be crowded during peak times.
Shared Taxi: For 20 dirhams per person, you can catch a shared taxi that stops at Playa Blanca, Dalyan Beach, and Kankush Beach. This is my preferred method - it's affordable, faster than the bus, and you'll meet locals along the way.
Private Taxi: Expect to pay around 15 dirhams if you negotiate well, though prices can go up to 20 dirhams depending on your bargaining skills and the driver's mood.
Driving to Playa Blanca
If you're renting a car in Morocco, driving to Playa Blanca is straightforward. Look for the sign reading "Plage des Amiraux" - you can't miss it. The road is well-maintained and will take you directly down to the beach.
Pro Tip: Park in the upper parking area! I learned this the hard way. The lower parking near the beach is tiny and fills up quickly. Trust me, you don't want to navigate that narrow, steep road back up when it's crowded.
What to Expect at Playa Blanca Tangier
The Beach Experience
The moment you see Playa Blanca's white sand, you'll understand the name. The contrast against Morocco's typical golden beaches is striking. What makes this beach special isn't just its color - it's the protection it offers from the strong eastern winds that often plague Tangier's other beaches.
The beach sits nestled between two hills, creating a natural windbreak. When the notorious eastern winds are howling across other Tangier beaches, Playa Blanca remains relatively calm. It's become the go-to spot for locals when other beaches become unbearable.
Beach Facilities and Safety
Playa Blanca Tangier is a supervised beach with lifeguards and civil protection, which gives peace of mind, especially if you're traveling with family. However, there are some important things to know:
- No public toilets or showers - This is the beach's biggest drawback
- Limited facilities - Most locals in the area rely on wells or water tanks rather than municipal water
- Restaurant facilities - You can use Restaurante Blanca's facilities for 5 dirhams
Swimming Safety: The water is generally clean, though you might notice some seaweed. Be careful with children - the depth increases quickly just a few meters from shore.
Dining at Playa Blanca: Where and What to Eat
Café Blanca: The Scenic Breakfast Spot
Before hitting the beach, I always start with breakfast at Café Blanca. This blue-painted café sits about a kilometer from the main beach entrance and offers stunning panoramic views.
My Typical Breakfast:
- Traditional Moroccan breakfast with two local eggs, Arab cheese, local butter, cheese, argan oil, olives, and bread: 20 dirhams
- Glass of mint tea: 10 dirhams
- Total: 30 dirhams (about $3)
The sunset views from this café are absolutely magical. It's spacious, family-friendly, and has a playground area for kids.
Beach Dining Options
Restaurante Blanca: Located right on the beach, this is your main dining option. I tried their kefta tagine with potatoes for 60 dirhams, plus a salad for 20 dirhams. The food is decent, though you're definitely paying for the beachfront location.
Beach Vendors: You'll find a small shop near the parking that sells sandwiches and coffee. A coffee costs 12 dirhams, plus 5 dirhams for a water bottle.
Budget Option: There's a mobile coffee vendor at the beach entrance selling coffee for just 7 dirhams - perfect if you're watching your budget.
Bring Your Own Food
Many locals bring their own food and cook on the rocks at the far end of the beach. If you're planning to stay all day, this is a great option. You'll often see families with tagines cooking over small fires - it's quite a sight!
Beach Equipment and Rentals
Unlike many Moroccan beaches, Playa Blanca doesn't have free umbrellas, so come prepared.
Rental Prices:
- Umbrella with table and 4 chairs: 50 dirhams
- Beach lounger: 40-50 dirhams
- Umbrella and lounger combo: 60 dirhams
My Advice: Bring your own beach umbrella if possible. The rental prices add up, especially for families.
The Fishing Scene at Playa Blanca
One of my favorite aspects of Playa Blanca Tangier is watching the local fishermen. The rocky area beside the beach is a popular fishing spot, and you'll often see dedicated anglers casting their lines from the rocks.
If you're into fishing, bring your rod - this is considered one of the better fishing spots around Tangier. The locals are usually happy to share tips about the best spots and times.
Accommodation Near Playa Blanca
While Playa Blanca isn't primarily a resort destination, there are rental options if you want to stay nearby.
Rental Houses: Starting from 700 dirhams per night, though prices drop to 400-500 dirhams for weekly rentals. Most properties are privately owned vacation homes rather than commercial rentals.
Availability: Rental options are limited, so book well in advance if you're planning to stay in the area.
When to Visit Playa Blanca Tangier
Best Times
Weekdays: Significantly less crowded - perfect for a peaceful beach dayEarly morning or late afternoon: Avoid the midday heat and crowdsOff-season: Spring and fall offer pleasant weather with fewer visitors
What to Avoid
Weekends: The beach becomes quite crowded, especially during summerPeak summer midday: Limited shade and intense heatWhen eastern winds are strong elsewhere: While Playa Blanca is more protected, it still gets busy when other beaches are unpleasant
Cultural Insights: Understanding Playa Blanca's Local Scene
Playa Blanca Tangier isn't primarily a family beach, though families do visit. It tends to attract more single visitors and couples. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal - very much a local's beach rather than a tourist hotspot.
The lack of major facilities reflects the area's undeveloped nature. This is both a blessing (unspoiled beauty) and a challenge (limited conveniences). It's a glimpse into how Moroccan beaches existed before major tourism development.
Practical Tips for Your Playa Blanca Visit
- Bring cash - Everything operates on cash only
- Pack snacks and water - Limited and pricey food options
- Bring sun protection - Limited natural shade
- Wear appropriate footwear - Rocky areas can be tricky to navigate
- Plan your exit - Getting transport back can be challenging during peak times
- Respect the environment - Take your trash with you
Is Playa Blanca Worth Visiting?
After multiple visits to Playa Blanca Tangier, I'd say it's definitely worth experiencing, but with realistic expectations. It's not Morocco's most spectacular beach, but it offers something unique - a slice of authentic, undeveloped Moroccan coastal life.
The white sand is genuinely beautiful, the protected location makes it pleasant even when other beaches are windy, and the local atmosphere provides insight into how Moroccans enjoy their coast away from tourist areas.
Perfect for: Travelers seeking authentic experiences, those looking to escape crowds, fishing enthusiasts, and anyone wanting to see a different side of Tangier's coastline.
Maybe skip if: You need full facilities, want luxury beach amenities, or prefer more developed beach destinations.
Planning Your Playa Blanca Adventure
Playa Blanca Tangier represents the kind of hidden gem that makes exploring Morocco so rewarding. It's not perfect, but it's real - and sometimes that's exactly what you need from a travel experience.
Have you visited any hidden beaches in Morocco? What was your experience like? I'd love to hear about your own discoveries in the comments below. And if you end up visiting Playa Blanca after reading this, please share your photos and stories - there's nothing I love more than seeing how fellow travelers experience Morocco's hidden treasures!
Planning more adventures around Tangier? Check out our complete guide to Tangier's beaches and our insider tips for exploring northern Morocco's coast.