Tétouan

تطوان

Coastal city with one of Morocco's finest medinas, featuring stunning Spanish-Moroccan colonial architecture and a vibrant cultural heritage. A less crowded alternative to Fez with excellent artisanal crafts and coastal charm.

Things to do

• Explore the Medina — Wander through the UNESCO-listed old town with its narrow blue and white streets, traditional riads, and artisanal workshops selling carpets, leather goods, and metalwork.
• Visit the Royal Palace Square — Admire the stunning Spanish-Moroccan architecture surrounding the main plaza, where the white palace facade and surrounding buildings showcase the city's colonial heritage.
• Climb to the Spanish Fortress Ruins — Hike up to the hilltop fortress overlooking the city for panoramic views of Tétouan, the surrounding mountains, and the Strait of Gibraltar in the distance.
• Stroll Through the Oued Martil Beach — Relax on the nearby sandy beach where the Martil River meets the Mediterranean, a quieter coastal escape popular with locals.
• Browse the Craft Souks — Shop for traditional Rif carpets, embroidered textiles, and handmade pottery directly from artisans in the medina's specialized quarters.
• Visit the Moroccan Museum — Explore artifacts and exhibitions showcasing the region's history, traditional dress, and ethnography in a beautifully restored colonial building.

Food to try

• Tangine of Fish with Chermoula — Fresh Mediterranean fish slow-cooked with vibrant green herb paste made from cilantro, parsley, garlic, and preserved lemon—a coastal specialty.
• Rfissa — A traditional Rif dish of shredded crepes layered with lentil soup and topped with melted butter and herbs, often served during celebrations.
• Pastilla with Sardines — Crispy phyllo pastry filled with fresh sardines, almonds, and spices, reflecting Tétouan's fishing heritage and Spanish influence.
• Bissara Soup — A warming breakfast soup made from dried fava beans, garlic, and spices, traditionally served in the early morning at local stalls.
• Grilled Whole Fish at the Port — Buy fresh-caught fish directly from boats at the harbor and have it grilled at waterfront restaurants with olive oil and lemon.
• Kefta Tagine with Eggs — Spiced ground meat formed into balls and simmered in tomato sauce, topped with poached eggs—comfort food served throughout the medina.

Local customs & good to know

• Haggling is Expected in Souks — Prices in the medina markets are negotiable, and shopkeepers expect friendly bargaining as part of the shopping experience rather than paying asking prices.
• Respect Prayer Times — Many shops close during the five daily Islamic prayer times, particularly midday prayer, so plan your shopping and sightseeing around these hours.
• Dress Modestly — Cover shoulders and knees, especially when visiting the medina and religious sites, as this is a conservative city with strong traditional values.
• Learn Basic French or Darija — While some English is spoken by younger residents, French and Moroccan Arabic (Darija) are far more useful than Spanish despite the city's colonial heritage.

Nearby

• Oued Laou — 23 km
• Akchour — 24 km
• Mdiq (Tangier & Tetouan Coast) — 27 km
• Ksar Seghir (Tangier & Tetouan Coast) — 31 km