Traveling from Spain to Morocco: Spain to Morocco Ferry?

My Trip from Madrid Spain to Marrakesh Morocco

            The idea of stepping foot on all 7 continents was always extremely appealing to me, but how? Some of the continents are not always easy to get to and the prices for airline tickets could burn through your entire month’s budget. After researching for a while, I started to think about other ways to get to Africa from Europe. More precisely, how to get from Madrid Spain to Marrakesh Morocco. Did I have to fly? Why not take a ferry, but from where?

            Now, my brain was excited about finding new opportunities for travel and this can sometimes be dangerous if you do not do proper research. I was already going to be in Madrid Spain so how could I get to Africa from there. I had my point A (Madrid) and my point B (Marrakesh). Now, I just had to draw a line, and this line was not going to be straight across. 🤣

Next, I knew I had to get from Madrid down to the southern tip of Spain, and then I could find a way across. Finding a bus from Madrid to Gibraltar ended up being very easy. The bus trip was scenic and had some stops along the way which allowed me to enjoy more of Spain’s incredible countryside.

Arriving in Gibraltar

            After arriving in Gibraltar, it was time to find a way across. I could not get in touch with anyone directly by email or phone before getting on the bus, but I saw that there were ferries daily from Gibraltar over to Tangier and the ferry took under an hour. Many articles said the ferry ran daily but once I arrived, I found out different information. This was another great example of why you can never plan too far in advance because you never know when your plans will halt. After I arrived, I was informed that I had just missed the last ferry of the day and would have to wait until the next day to get over to Tangier Africa.

Gibraltar to Tangier to Casablanca

            The following day I got across for 25$ and I was in Africa. Tangier is a relatively small place, but I was just jumping on the train to get on my way. Tangier is at the tip-top of Morocco and Marrakesh was around 6 hours south which ended up working out perfectly because I got to stop in Casablanca. Casablanca was of interest to me because of that 1940’s movie named Casablanca. Just about every student I know that took film history at University had to watch and write a paper on this iconic movie. Casablanca was massive and a much larger city than I expected there to be in Morocco. The city is rich in history and has tons of hostels and hotels to stay at. If you ever find yourself with an opportunity to see Casablanca, I would encourage you to do so.

Marrakesh Morocco Awaits 

            Next, I was off to Marrakesh. Casablanca to Marrakesh is a 2 ½ hours train ride. Trains in Africa are not quite like they are in Europe so keep that in mind while traveling through Africa. Do not expect luxury because you will be disappointed. The trains were efficient and effectively got me from Casablanca to Marrakesh. I was smiling and ready to explore Marrakesh. When I walked off the train I was met with confusion, to say the least. Marrakesh was not what I expected and basically the complete opposite of Casablanca.

            Casablanca is a large scale city that has any and all amenities a traveler may need but Marrakesh was on the other side of the spectrum. Marrakesh is best described as, “an old fortified city packed with vendors and their stalls.” That is the best way I have heard it described. There is a rich side and a dramatically poor side. The rich side is where all the resorts and luxury assets are located. They have armed guards at every resort entrance.

I choose to stay in the poor side at a hostel I found on hostelworld.com. The hostel was what I expected for the area but the hospitality was above and beyond outstanding. The host went out of his way to make my stay pleasant. The bazaar area also known as Jama El f’na Market was really interesting. It was basically a huge flea market that also had street vendors and performers. Marrakesh was a very interesting city and a great visit because it gives you a real sense of Africa. Casablanca is too large of a city and too westernized to get the feeling that you are in Africa. Once you get to Marrakesh you will get that feeling and much more.

First Europe to Africa Journey Complete

            My first journey from Europe to Africa was complete. Traveling from Madrid Spain to Marrakesh Morocco was not the initial plan but it ended up being an amazing adventure. This journey was relatively cheap as well. Train travel is cheap, and the ferry was only 20-30$. Next time you find yourself in Spain perhaps you will think about adding to your travel journey with a week in Africa.

Next, Check Out City Life in Marrakesh Morocco 😎