Rabat – Cafe Hafa might just be the most famous coffee shop in northern Morocco. It is world renown and has been around since 1921, and yet, still feels like a secret undiscovered gem.
With the charming multi-layered terrace and the picturesque scenery, it feels like stepping onto the scene of a cinematic indie movie.
Wondering why? Well maybe it’s the golden lighting at sunset coupled with the amazing ocean view that is enough to fill any photographer’s memory card.
Located on a cliff in the Marshan neighbourhood, an 800m walk from Bab Kasbha, the historic medina gate, this spot has a view straight across the Strait of Gibraltar.
You can sit back and enjoy delicious mint tea and gaze across the Strait of Gibraltar. If you stay long enough you might even be able to see the lights flicker on across the waters in Tarifa, Spain.
Where else in the world can you be sitting in Africa and gaze upon Europe?
At Cafe Hafa, Morocco’s Tangier is truly fulfilling its role as the gateway between the continents and international city.
Far from a luxurious destination, Café Hafa has charm because it is a simple building with magnificent views.
Everything about the cafe is quite simple, and “simple” done well can become a masterpiece.
A glimpse into its history
Cafe Hafa was opened in 1921 by a young man named Mhamed Alouch. He was looking to open a place for locals in the Marshan neighbourhood to get together.
It quickly attracted the large expatriate community – artists and intellectuals from all corners of the world – living in Tangier during its international era. It has been open for over 100 years and welcomed thousands of patrons onto its terraces.
Notable visitors include the Beatles and the Rolling Stones while they were on tour, as well as writers from across the beat generation like William S, Burroughs, Paul Bowles and Jack Kerouac.
Renowned Spanish writer, Juan Goytisolo, immortalised Cafe Hafa in his book “Count Julian” and singer-songwriter Luis Eduardo Aute was so inspired by the cafe that he dedicated his poetic song “Hafa Cafe” to it.
While it is no longer the bohemian haunt of rock stars and the beat generation, this landscape remains popular amongst locals and tourists alike.
Why? Because nothing can beat the tranquility of a beautiful sunset with a glass of mint tea in hand.
