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A legendary 1921 cliffside cafe with Strait of Gibraltar views, mint tea, and Beat poet history.
About this experience
Café Hafa is a legendary Tangier institution that has been serving mint tea to locals, writers, musicians, and artists since 1921. Perched high on the cliffs overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar, this iconic spot offers some of the best sea views in the city, especially at sunset. The cafe is built on cascading stone terraas down the hillside, with simple seating on stone benches and plastic chairs - but the views are anything but simple. Regulars over the decades have included the Rolling Stones, the Beat poets (William Burroughs, Allen Ginsberg), Paul Bowles, and countless other literary and musical figures. The menu is basic but authentic: strong mint tea (the long-pour style is a local ritual), coffee, and fresh juices. There is no food, but the atmosphere is what people come for. Staff buzz around serving Tangier's famous mint tea, and a crowd gathers especially at sunset. The cafe is a 15-minute walk west of the medina. The ambiance is relaxed, unpretentious, and timeless - you can easily spend hours here watching ships pass through the Strait. For the complete Tangier literary experience, finish your visit next door at Café Hafa's sister spot, the nearby Café Parsifal.
Insider Tips
- Sunset is the most magical time - arrive early to secure a seat
- Bring cash - no cards accepted
- Order the traditional long-pour mint tea - it's a local ritual
- A 15-minute walk west from the medina or take a petit taxi
- The cafe has no food, just drinks - eat nearby before or after
Best Time to Visit
Best experienced during: Sunset, Late afternoon, Golden hour