Rabat – Morocco has a rich adventure history, and almost every famed traveler from Ibn Battuta to the Gricean Hercules has passed through the kingdom. Although Northern Morocco is known most for its beautiful Andalusian architecture and delectable seafood, it is also rich in cultural sites such as the famous Hercules Cave, just 15 kilometers southwest of Tangier’s city center.
The ancient lore of the great adventurer Hercules claims that the warrior traversed the northern coast of Morocco and found refuge in a cave whose mouth opened to the Atlantic Ocean. Beyond the cave’s ancient mythological roots, it is also well-known for its unique opening to the water, which is shaped like the continent of Africa.
In addition, the cave is a paradise for geologists as it features a wide array of special rock types and formations.
Old wives’ tales debate whether it was the Phoenicians or the Amazigh that carved out the cave’s opening and it is said to have informed travelers that they had reached Africa. Modern day nautical travelers now rely on the Cap Spartel lighthouse to guide them through the waters of the Strait of Gibraltar.
The cave also features statues of Gricean figures such as Hercules, serving as a visual reminder of the warrior’s story.
The inside of the cave tells the tale of the long history of water that once ripped through the cave’s core. Ridges line the walls and trace the stalactites that hang from above, often obscuring the visitor’s view of the bats and other nocturnal creatures that live within the cave walls.
As the cave offers free admission, tourists often come in droves. Tour buses and shuttles line the upper level near the cave’s entrance. There are often guides available near the stairway leading to the cave and they can charge anywhere from MAD 100 ($11) to MAD 1000 ($112) depending on group size and the language of the tour.
Outside of the cave, there is a viewpoint for visitors to take in the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean in Hercules Grotto. The site is a must see for anyone traveling along Morocco’s Atlantic Coast and it is a great way to discover Morocco’s nomadic past.
