Nador

Nador is a coastal city and the capital of the northeastern Rif region in Morocco. On Ferryhopper, you can take a look at available ferry routes from/to the port of Nador, our travel tips for your vacation and book your tickets with just a few clicks!

Read our suggestions for your dreamy holidays in Nador and find useful information about its port:

• Nador ferry port
• Vacation in Nador

The port of Nador from the ferry

Nador ferry port

The port of Nador is also known as the port of Beni Ansar. It's one of the most important ports in Morocco and one of Europe’s main gateways to the African country. It is located in the town of Beni Ensar (also called Beni Ansar or Aït Nsar), a few kilometers north of the city of Nador.

The port of Nador operates regular ferry connections from/to France (Sète) and Spain (Motril, Barcelona, Almería). In close proximity to the ferry terminal, you can find a waiting area, cafés, restaurants, and ATM machines. There is also a parking lot as well as car rental services.

Tip: if you’re thinking of traveling to Morocco by ferry, Nador can serve as an alternative destination to the Spanish enclave of Melilla. The two cities are only 15 km away from each other and share port facilities.

Ferries to Nador port: schedules and tickets

The city of Nador is connected with Spain and France with several ferry crossings. The crossing connecting France to Morocco is the Sète - Nador ferry route. It is operated all year round by Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV).

There are usually around 2 weekly crossings, with the trip taking between 40 and 45 hours. Ticket prices to Nador from Sète start at around €80.

As for the connection of Morocco with the neighboring country of Spain, there are several crossings with ferries departing from the cities of Barcelona, Motril and Almería.

• Barcelona - Nador ferry: the ferry route Barcelona - Nador is normally operated 1-2 times per week by Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV). The ferry trip takes approximately 30 hours and the ticket cost starts at around €80.
• Almería - Nador ferry: ferries from Almería to Nador depart daily with more than 10 weekly crossings all year round. The duration of the trip ranges from about 7 to 8 hours depending on the company and type of ferry. The companies operating on the route are Baleària and Trasmediterránea.
• Motril - Nador ferry: the ferry trip from Motril to Nador is operated all year round by Naviera Armas. Ferries operate up to 2-3 weekly crossings and the journey duration is about 7 hours. 

Tip: if you’re planning to travel from Barcelona to Morocco, you can also take the ferry to the port of Tanger Med in Tangier. While Nador is on the northeast coast of Morocco, Tangier is located in the northwest, on the Strait of Gibraltar. 

Where is the ferry port in Nador?

Nador is a Mediterranean city on the northeastern coast of Morocco. The port of Nador is located in the town of Beni Ensar, about 13 km north of the city of Nador. It's also right next to the international border with the autonomous Spanish city of Melilla.

How to get to Nador port

You can reach the port of Nador either by car or by train. National Route 15 (N15) connects the city of Nador to Beni Ensar and the port.

Alternatively, you can take National Route 16 (N16) running from the west to the east and connecting the cities of Tangier, Al Hoceima and Nador.

You can also reach the port of Nador by train from Tangier, Fez, Casablanca, and other major Moroccan cities. The Taourirt - Nador line connects Beni Ensar to the national railway network. Trains terminate at the port, providing easy access to the ferry terminal.

There are also bus services (operated by CTM) connecting the town of Beni Ensar to some of the main urban centers such as Fez, Casablanca, Al Hoceima, Rabat, Marrakech, and Tangier. You can find more information about intercity bus routes and schedules in Morocco on the CTM website (in French).

The coast of the saltwater lagoon Mar Chica

Vacation in Nador

Situated on the coast of a beautiful saltwater lagoon in the Mediterranean, Nador is a small city in the Rif region of Morocco. It was founded in the 19th century by the local Berber population and was under Spanish rule from 1912 till Morocco’s independence in 1956. 

With several redevelopment projects on the way, Nador is set to become one of the biggest tourist resorts in the country. But for the time being, you can still enjoy the authentic Moroccan atmosphere and laid-back vibe of the city. 

Strolling down the streets of Nador, you will have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the everyday life of the town’s inhabitants and get to know the local culture. And if it gets too hot, you can always escape to one of the lovely nearby beaches for a relaxing day by the sea!

How to get to Nador

You can reach Nador by ferry from France (Sète) and Spain (Barcelona, Motril and Almería).

You can also get to Nador by plane. The Nador International Airport (also known as El Aroui Airport) is located approximately 24 km south of the city and serves connections from France, Germany, Belgium, Spain and the Netherlands. Taxi services are available at the airport, but there is no public transport to Nador.

If you’re traveling to Nador from Spain, you can also fly to Melilla Airport. The airport is located just 17 km away from the city center of Nador. However, you will have to cross the border to reach the city. The Melilla Airport connects the Spanish city to southern Spain as well as Madrid and Gran Canaria. 

If you are already in Morocco, there are regular bus and train services connecting Nador with several major and smaller cities across the country.

What to do in Nador

While Nador does not have world-renowned sights and attractions that would get the tourist adrenaline pumping, it offers a great local experience to visitors.

One of the best things to do in Nador is to walk around the city to discover the traditional tea shops and restaurants, try delicious Moroccan dishes, and enjoy great views of the Mediterranean. You should also visit the Nador souk, the city’s colorful marketplace, where you can find pretty much anything your heart desires!

To catch some sun and truly unwind, head to one of the beautiful beaches near Nador. For those who want to explore the area, there are many charming places to visit near the city, such as Mount Gourougou and the Spanish city of Melilla.

Colorful spices at the traditional market of Nador

Beaches in Nador

Given its location on the coast of the Mediterranean, it’s no wonder that Nador is close to so many gorgeous beaches. The mild weather allows you to enjoy the sea and the sun for most of the year, with the months from May to September being the warmest ones.

Some of the top beaches close to Nador are: 

• Charrana: it's roughly a 1-hour drive from Nador to this picturesque pristine beach that offers amazing views of the Moroccan sunset. Charrana beach has no amenities, so make sure that you bring all the essentials with you.
• Plage Boukhana: this endless sandy beach is located on the thin strip of land that separates Nador’s lagoon from the Mediterranean Sea. It is easily accessible by car. 
• Playa Tcharrana: surrounded by imposing mountains, this beautiful beach has calm waters that are perfect for swimming. You will find a small restaurant, a cafe and a campground next to the beach. Bear in mind that it can get a bit crowded during the high season.
• Tibouda: this gorgeous secluded beach with white sand and turquoise waters is the perfect place for a peaceful day by the sea. It takes a hike of about 1 hour to reach it, but it’s worth the effort.
• Playa Sidi Lahcen: this lovely beach with golden sand and crystal blue waters is located about 40 km from Nador. Access is easy and there are some traditional cafés and small restaurants where you can grab a bite.
• Plage Kariat Arkmane: this quiet, family-friendly beach is located right next to the town of Kariat Arekmane, about a half-hour drive from Nador. It has a wide range of facilities, from cafés to water sports rentals. The beach is also supervised by a lifeguard.

Sightseeing and activities in Nador

Given its small size, Nador’s attractions can easily be explored on foot, allowing you to fully experience the city’s daily life. For those who want to enjoy the great outdoors, Nador is also close to some impressive natural sights, such as Mount Gourougou. 

Here are some of the best places to visit while in Nador:

• Nador’s saltwater lagoon: go for a relaxing walk along the beautiful coast of the Sebkha Bou Areg lagoon (also known as Mar Chica), where the locals hang out in the evening.
• The Nador souk: a must-see during your trip, this is the best place in town to go shopping and look for souvenirs. From fruit and brightly-colored spices piled in huge sacks to clothes, fabrics and impressive jewelry, you can find pretty much anything in Nador’s lively marketplace. 
• The city’s corniche: offering lovely views of the Sebkha Bou Areg lagoon, the recently redeveloped corniche is perfect for a leisurely stroll, jogging or cycling. 
• Mount Gourougou: for a breathtaking view of Nador and the Mediterranean, head to the gorgeous mountain located next to the city. A green forest covers its slopes, which are home to stunning waterfalls, hiking paths and several native animal and plant species.
• Cape Three Forks: located only a few kilometers north of Nador, Cape Three Forks is perfect for a day trip from the city. The vast mountainous promontory stands out for its wild beauty, awe-inspiring landscapes and secluded beaches.
• Melilla: the Spanish enclave surrounded by the waters and territory of Morocco is only 15 km away from Nador. Don’t miss the chance to discover the historical city with the impressive medieval and modernist architecture, fascinating museums and picturesque tapas bars. 

Important note: if you decide to visit Melilla from Nador, you will be crossing an international border. This means that you will need your passport, visa or other official documents that are required to enter the Spanish territory.

Nightlife in Nador

As you would expect from a small Moroccan city, Nador has a strong café culture. While drinking is permitted in the country, alcohol must be purchased and consumed in places that have a special license. If you’re looking for something stronger than Berber mint tea, the bar of the Mercure Rif Nador hotel is one of the only places in Nador that serves alcohol.

Food in Nador

Nador is full of small tea shops and restaurants that offer mouthwatering Moroccan dishes as well as international favorites such as pizza and burgers. You can start your day with a hearty Moroccan breakfast: eggs with bread accompanied by mint tea. We also recommend trying fresh fish and seafood as well as grilled chicken, which seems to be a very popular dish in Nador.

Mint tea, symbol of Moroccan hospitality

Useful information about Nador

You can visit Nador and the coastal regions of Morocco at any time of the year. While in the south of the country it can get very hot during the summer, the sea breeze makes the sunny coast comfortable, with temperatures not rising above 29°C. Winters are pleasantly mild, but the weather can get a bit cloudy and windy.

However, if you love swimming and sunbathing, the best time to travel to Nador is between May and September. 

In the center of Nador, you can find many shops, supermarkets, pharmacies, and ATM machines. The city also has 2 hospitals, El Hassani and Al Matare.

As for accommodation, there are several hotels that suit all budgets, while you can also find some apartments and rooms to rent.

The main languages spoken in Nador are Tarifit Berber, Arabic and French. Due to the close proximity of the city to Melilla, many locals also speak or understand Spanish.

Good to Know: Riffian Berber people represent 98% of the population of Nador, making it the largest Tarifit-speaking city in the world.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Nador

Here are some useful contacts to keep handy during your trip to Nador:

• Nador-Al Aaroui International Airport: +212536361077 
• El Hassani Hospital: +212636784622
• Al Matare Hospital: +212536606363
• Emergency medical service: 150
• Nador Police Station: 190
• Moroccan Royal Gendarmerie: +212539940515

Transportation in Nador

Nador is a small city where everything can be reached on foot. Alternatively, you can get around by taxi, one of the most popular means of transport in Morocco. There are 2 types of taxis in the country: petits taxis (“small taxis”) and grands taxis (“big taxis”).

Petits taxis have a maximum capacity of 3 passengers (plus the driver) and can only transfer you within city limits. There are taxi ranks for petits taxis, but it’s also very common for people to hail them on the street.

Most petits taxis do not have meters, so make sure that you agree on a price with the driver in advance. Remember that if there are vacant seats, the driver might pick up other passengers going roughly in the same direction. You can also hire the whole taxi for an agreed price.

If you want to travel outside Nador, you can get a grand taxi. Grands taxis can accommodate up to 7 people (including the driver) and taxi ranks can be found around the city. Bear in mind that some grands taxis only travel on fixed routes.

Grands taxis are normally shared with other passengers going to the same destination or somewhere along the route. There is also the option to hire the whole vehicle if you’re willing to pay for all the vacant seats.

There is also a public bus network in Nador, but some local help will probably be needed to make the best use of it. Buses are operated by the company Vectalia.

The popular means of transport, petits taxis in Morocco

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