Tetouan is a relaxed white city in northern Morocco, between the Rif Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. It is less busy than Tangier or Fes, but it has a rich mix of Andalusian and Moroccan culture, a UNESCO-listed medina, and easy access to beaches like Martil and M’diq.
If you are planning a trip along the north of Morocco, Tetouan is a great base for a couple of days, or a perfect stop between Tangier and Chefchaouen.
Quick list: best things to do in Tetouan
- Wander the UNESCO-listed Tetouan medina
- See the Royal Palace and Hassan II Square
- Visit the Ethnographic Museum in the old kasbah
- Explore the Archaeology Museum of Tetouan
- Walk through the Spanish quarter and palm-lined avenues
- Take a half-day trip to Martil beach
- Enjoy the seaside resorts of Tamuda Bay (M’diq, Cabo Negro)
- Taste Tetouani pastries and fresh seafood
- Join a day trip that combines Tetouan and Chefchaouen
- Shop in local souks for handicrafts, leather and carpets
Where is Tetouan in Morocco?
Tetouan sits in the far north of Morocco, about 60–70 km southeast of Tangier and a short drive from the Mediterranean coast. The city lies at the foot of the Rif Mountains, close to the resorts of Martil and M’diq and not far from the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.
From Tetouan you can reach:
- Tangier in about 1.5 hours by road
- Chefchaouen in about 2 hours through the Rif Mountains
- Martil beach in about 15–20 minutes by car or taxi
Because of this position, Tetouan works very well in a northern Morocco route that links Tangier, Chefchaouen and the coast.
Tetouan medina (old town)
The medina of Tetouan is one of the most authentic in Morocco and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was rebuilt and shaped by families who arrived from Andalusia after the fall of Granada, so the streets feel a little different from Marrakech or Fes.
Inside the walls you will see white-washed houses, green-tiled mosques, small artisan workshops and quiet squares. It is easy to walk, and with a licensed local guide you can learn about the Jewish quarter, the old fondouks (caravanserais) and traditional trades like leather work or embroidery.
Royal Palace and Hassan II Square
At the edge of the medina, you find Hassan II Square, a large open space facing the Royal Palace of Tetouan. You cannot visit the inside of the palace, but the exterior view is beautiful, with its big gates, fountains, and guards in traditional uniforms.
The square is a good place to feel the mix of modern and traditional Tetouan. In the evening locals walk here with families, and from this point you can easily continue into the Spanish quarter or back to the medina.
Ethnographic Museum in the Kasbah
On the hill above the medina stands the old kasbah, a small fortress that now hosts the Ethnographic Museum of Tetouan. Inside, you can see traditional clothing from the Rif region, wedding jewellery, carpets, tools, and everyday objects used in local homes.
This museum is useful if you want to understand how people around Tetouan lived before modern times. The rooftop and terraces also offer nice views over the medina and the green hills around the city.
Archaeology Museum of Tetouan
Tetouan’s Archaeology Museum keeps objects from the whole northern region, including the Roman site of Volubilis and Phoenician and Punic remains from the Mediterranean coast.
You will find mosaics, coins, pottery and statues that show how important this part of Morocco was for trade between Africa and Europe. It is a small museum, but it is a good stop if you like history and want to see real pieces from ancient cities.
Spanish quarter and modern Tetouan
Outside the medina walls, Tetouan has a strong Spanish character. The city was once the capital of the Spanish protectorate in northern Morocco, and you can still see this in the architecture.
Walk through the new town around Avenue Mohamed V and Place Primo. Here you will find wide streets lined with palm trees, art-deco facades, cafés with terraces and a few elegant churches and public buildings.
This area is pleasant in the late afternoon when locals come out for a walk and a coffee. It also helps you understand the mix of Andalusian, Spanish and Moroccan cultures that makes Tetouan unique.
Beaches near Tetouan: Martil and Tamuda Bay
One of the big advantages of Tetouan is how close it is to the Mediterranean Sea. In a short ride you can reach Martil, a small seaside town with a long sandy beach and a promenade lined with cafés and restaurants.
A little further east you reach Tamuda Bay, including the resorts of Cabo Negro, M’diq and Marina Smir.
This coast has holiday apartments, hotels, beach clubs and calm water in summer, popular with Moroccan families.
If you want to stay in the city but spend time by the sea, you can sleep in Tetouan and go to Martil or M’diq for the day. In summer, it is better to go early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the strongest sun.
Tetouan and Chefchaouen together
Many travelers visit Tetouan and Chefchaouen in the same trip. Chefchaouen, the blue city in the Rif Mountains, is around 2 hours away by car and makes a perfect day trip or overnight stop.
A common plan is:
- Day 1: Arrive in Tetouan, explore the medina and Spanish quarter
- Day 2: Visit Martil or Tamuda Bay in the morning, transfer to Chefchaouen in the afternoon
- Day 3: Explore Chefchaouen’s blue streets and viewpoints
Touring In Morocco can organize this circuit from Tangier, Tetouan, or even Casablanca, with transport and local guides in each city.
Food to try in Tetouan
Tetouan has a reputation for tasty home-style cooking influenced by Andalusian and Rif cuisine.
Typical dishes and snacks include:
- Fish and seafood from the nearby Mediterranean coast
- Tajines with olives and preserved lemon
- Pastilla with chicken or seafood in some restaurants
- Tetouani cakes and pastries filled with almonds or cream
- Mint tea and local sweets served in traditional cafés
Look for small local restaurants around the medina and in the Spanish quarter, where many places are still family-run.
How long to stay in Tetouan
For many visitors, 1 full day is enough to see the main sights of Tetouan and take a short trip to Martil.
If you want a slower rhythm, 2–3 days lets you:
- Explore the medina and museums
- Spend at least one half-day at the beach
- Add a day trip to Chefchaouen or the Rif countryside
Tetouan also works well as a quiet base for a longer stay if you prefer a calm city instead of busy Tangier.
Simple itinerary ideas including Tetouan
Here is a small table with sample routes that use Tetouan in a wider trip.
| Route | Nights in Tetouan | Extra stops | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tangier – Tetouan – Chefchaouen | 1–2 | Tangier, Chefchaouen | First-time visitors to the north |
| Tetouan and the Mediterranean coast | 2–3 | Martil, M’diq, Cabo Negro | Beach lovers in summer |
| Imperial cities with a northern loop | 1 | Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Chefchaouen | Longer Morocco tours (10–12 days) |
| Hiking and Rif mountains | 2 | Talassemtane National Park, Chefchaouen | Travelers who like nature and walks |
| Combined with Andalusia | 1–2 | Tangier ferry ports | Visitors arriving from Spain |
You can adapt these ideas to your own trip length and start city.
FAQ about Tetouan, Morocco
Tetouan is known for its white-washed UNESCO medina, strong Andalusian influence, and location between the Rif Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. It was also the former capital of the Spanish protectorate in northern Morocco.
Most travelers stay 1–2 days to see the medina, Royal Palace area and the main museums, plus a short visit to Martil beach. If you also want time in Tamuda Bay or a day trip to Chefchaouen, plan 2–3 nights.
Tetouan is generally a calm and friendly city. As in any destination, take normal precautions with your belongings, avoid very quiet streets late at night and use registered guides or drivers when possible.
You can reach Tetouan by road from Tangier, Chefchaouen and other northern towns. There is a small local airport nearby, but most visitors arrive by private transfer, bus, shared taxi or on an organized tour that includes Tetouan as one of the stops.
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are usually the most pleasant, with mild temperatures and clear views of the mountains and sea. Summer is sunny and good for the beach, but it can be hot and more crowded on the coast.
