Café Hafa
Tangier, Morocco · Food
About Café Hafa
Café Hafa is a legendary open-air café founded in 1921, cascading down a cliffside in Tangier overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar. It gained international fame as a bohemian gathering place for cultural icons like Paul Bowles, William S. Burroughs, and The Rolling Stones. Today, it remains celebrated for its laid-back atmosphere, simple stone terraces, and sweeping sea views.
Don't miss
- Sip traditional Moroccan mint tea served piping hot with fresh mint leaves.
- Take in panoramic views stretching across the Strait of Gibraltar all the way to Spain.
- Explore the multi-tiered whitewashed terraces that step gracefully down the steep cliffside.
- Absorb the storied bohemian heritage once shared by literary icons and rock music legends.
Plan your visit
Late afternoon just before sunset is ideal for cooler temperatures and glowing sea views. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather for sitting outside on the open terraces.
Entry is free, though all visitors are expected to purchase drinks or light snacks. Advance bookings are neither required nor available, so simply walk in and choose a seat.
From the Grand Socco or the Kasbah, it is an easy 15 to 20-minute uphill walk through the Marshan district. Alternatively, hop into a blue petit taxi from central Tangier for a fast and inexpensive ride.
Tips for visiting
- Bring cash in Moroccan dirhams, as card payments are generally not accepted.
- Pack a light jacket or windbreaker since breezy coastal winds can make the cliffside chilly.
- Arrive an hour before sunset if you want to claim one of the best front-row tables facing the water.
- Watch your step on the steep, uneven concrete stairs leading down between the terrace levels.
- Bring a notebook or book to relax and enjoy the famously slow, meditative pace of the venue.
Café Hafa FAQ
Does Café Hafa serve full meals?
Café Hafa specializes primarily in hot mint tea, coffee, sodas, and occasional simple pastries or bowls of fava bean soup. It is best enjoyed as a scenic beverage stop rather than a full-service dinner spot. You will find plenty of comprehensive restaurant options in the nearby Kasbah.
Can you see the coast of Spain from the café?
Yes, on clear days the Spanish coastline across the Strait of Gibraltar is distinctly visible. Watching international cargo ships glide past while gazing at Europe is one of the venue's main attractions.
Is Café Hafa wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, Café Hafa is not wheelchair accessible due to its vertical cliffside layout. The seating is distributed across multiple narrow tiers connected by steep, irregular outdoor stairs.
Is alcohol served at Café Hafa?
No, Café Hafa does not serve alcohol, keeping in line with local Moroccan café culture. Guests visit to savor classic sweet mint tea, brewed coffee, and the peaceful ocean breeze.
More things to do in Tangier
Kasbah Museum of Mediterranean Cultures Museum
Set inside the former Sultan's palace, this museum showcases regional archaeology, art, and quiet Andalusian-style courtyards.
Medina of Tangier Neighborhood
Lose yourself in a maze of winding alleys lined with spice vendors, textile stalls, and whitewashed residential homes.
Cap Spartel Landmark
Visit the striking 19th-century lighthouse marking the dramatic meeting point of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
Caves of Hercules Landmark
Explore legendary sea caves famed for an opening toward the ocean shaped like the map of Africa.
Tangier American Legation Museum Museum
Wander through the first American public property outside the United States, brimming with historical artifacts and art.
Grand Socco and Cinémathèque de Tanger Neighborhood
Relax in the lively central plaza linking old and new Tangier, and stop by the art-deco Cinema Rif for coffee and indie cinema.
Tangier Corniche Walk Activity
Stroll the modern beachside promenade for refreshing ocean breezes, café terraces, and views across the bay.
AI-written guide, last updated 2026-10-09. Check opening times and ticket prices on the official website before you go. Photos: lamanadesigner, gadost0 on Pixabay.