Malabata

Malabata is the most powerful, modern and chic neighborhood of Tangier. Here are the most exuberant and modern buildings of the city, palaces and mansions that, just by looking at them, almost take away the hiccups. Also the big luxury hotels are located here, so that big business and celebrities tend to stay in this quiet area of Tangier overlooking the sea.

It is not difficult to find, in a daily walk through the Malabata neighborhood, armored cars along the renovated promenade of Tangier, as it is a destination for princes, rich heirs and businessmen who seek here a place away from the noise and with beautiful views of the Mediterranean. The two most famous buildings are Villa Harris, owned by London journalist Walter Harris, and the mansion of King Salman of Saudi Arabia. But there are many more.

This emblematic district of Tangier takes its name from the Malabata Point, a geographical cape located 10 kilometers east of Tangier and receives a large number of travelers throughout the year, as it also has a lighthouse and a castle that were built in the early twentieth century, but with a medieval style.

Tangier has as many looks as visitors. Besides being one of the great gateways to the Mediterranean, it is a city that also invites silence and calm. This is what happens in the Tangier of Punta Malabata, which is intended for those who love peace and calm, because here only the sound of the sea is heard and the sun always brings the light and magic necessary to enjoy this unique space, where surprises and special experiences also await the traveler. The Irish artist Francis Bacon (1909-1992) was captivated by this space and reflected it in one of his quoted works: “Landscape near Malabata”.

It is time to direct our steps to the lighthouse of Punta Malabata, located on the road to Tetuan, which offers spectacular views of the Rock of Gibraltar. And when we arrive, we will discover in the vicinity a military installation from where the departures of the “illegal” boats that go to Spain are controlled. Nearby there is a peculiar castle that mimics the medieval buildings, although its construction dates from the early twentieth century.

A neighborhood like Malabata had to have a casino. And it does, because money is plentiful here and the gambling businessmen know it. The Malabata Tanger Casino, one of the largest in Africa, is housed in an elegant building with panoramic views over the Bay of Tangier and the Strait of Gibraltar and has more than 200 slot machines, an executive floor and 30 gaming tables that await wealthy tourists and businessmen. It also has an exclusive floor for VIP clients, with bars and restaurants. Don’t miss anything at Malabata.