Tangier

One to two days — the medina, Kasbah, and the view across the Strait of Gibraltar to Spain are the main draws, plus Cape Spartel and the Hercules Caves just outside the city if you have a second day.

Worth it if you're arriving from Spain by ferry — it's a genuinely distinct port city with a long international history. It's a long way from Merzouga (about 950km, 12–13h), so it works better as the start of a longer Morocco loop than as a desert-tour base on its own.

Yes, though as a major port city its medina has more persistent unofficial touts than smaller cities — agreeing prices upfront for taxis and guides avoids most friction.

The Kasbah Museum, the old medina, and Cape Spartel fill a day or two. The long route south to Merzouga passes through Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, and Ouarzazate, so most travelers break the drive into a multi-day tour rather than one long transfer.

Yes — its ferry connections to Spain and international airport make it a natural entry point for a loop heading south through Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech before reaching Merzouga and the Sahara.