Things to do in Tetouan Morocco

Tetouan, also known as “the White Dove”, is a beautiful city in northern Morocco located on the slopes of the Rif Mountains. The city has become a popular tourist destination for its charming narrow streets of whitewashed houses lined with markets and craft stalls and where you will find colourful arched doorways decorated with geometric tiles. In addition, there are many other places of interest to see in Tetouan, such as the Ensanche, Hassan II Square, or Mulay Mehdi Square.

One day is more than enough to see the city, which, although it doesn’t have as much to offer as Marrakech or Casablanca, is still an endearing destination where you will be surprised by the friendliness of its inhabitants. At Passporter we’ve decided to help you organise your trip to Tetouan, so we’ve prepared this post with all the information you need to enjoy your visit. We tell you what to see, how to get there, where to eat and where to stay and many other tips that will help you during your stay.

What are the best places to see and things to do in Tetouan, Morocco?

1. The Medina, the must-see area in Tetouan

The walled quarter of Tetouan or its Medina is a white labyrinth that will give you a thousand turns, and in each of them you will discover something new. In its streets you’ll find souks with a huge number of stalls selling all kinds of products. You can find everything from street food stalls, poultry shops, fishmongers, to small decoration and leather goods shops.

The Medina is, without a doubt, the best place to find the perfect souvenir of Morocco. Enjoy a wonderful walk along its streets, as it was considered a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1997.

2. El Ensanche

El Ensanche, a recent construction in comparison to the Medina since it was built from 1912 onwards, is the Spanish quarter of Tetouan and is totally different from the rest of the city.

After strolling through the labyrinthine Medina, it is surprising to arrive in a neighbourhood where the streets are laid out in a grid pattern. The main street in El Ensanche is Mohamed V, which links important points of interest such as the Spanish Casino and the Israeli Casino and Hassan II Square.

Other places worth seeing in Tetouan’s Ensanche include Mulay Mehdi Square, the Museum of Contemporary Art, housed in a former train station, and the Archaeological Museum, which consists of a beautiful Andalusian courtyard.

3. Hassan II Square

The main square of Tetouan is located between the Ensanche district and the Medina. It is the Square Hassan II. Here the Royal Palace of Tetouan, built in 1980, is located, so there is always a high military presence.

In addition to the palace, in the square you can see some curious Art Nouveau-style lighthouses in green and white, in keeping with the predominant colours of Tetouan. Close by is the Square Al-Yala, which is also worth a visit.

4. Mulay Mehdi Square

On your stroll through the Ensanche, don’t miss Mulay Mehdi Square. This pretty circular square is notable for its lively bars, its palm-lined roundabout and a curious yellow church. This is the Church of Our Lady of Victories. Although it is closed, it is worth a visit to appreciate the intense colour of its façade, which stands out among the rest of the white buildings in the square.

5. The gardens of the Ensanche

Situated near the Place Moulay El Mehdi, this small oasis in the middle of the city offers shelter to all those seeking shade and a moment of calm.

The park is characterised by its carefully designed vegetation, shady paths and benches that invite you to rest. In addition, the garden is adorned with colourful flowers, trees and statues, creating an evocative and very welcoming atmosphere.

6. Archaeological Museum of Tetouan

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

What to see around Tetouan?

1. Tangier

In North Africa, located in the Strait of Gibraltar, we can enjoy the city of Tangier. If there is something peculiar about Tangier is its old town, Kasbah. Its network of narrow streets with those characteristic blue and white colours make it a magical place. The Museum of the Kasbah is located in the old Governor’s Palace, within a walled enclosure.

In addition to its historic centre, monuments and souks, Tangier is known for its beautiful beaches. An example of this are the beaches of Markala and the Strait. They are small but ideal for diving and snorkelling in a spectacular natural setting.

To continue discovering this wonderful city, we recommend you visit Things to do in Tangier Morocco

2. Chefchaouen, the blue village to see very close to Tetuan

Many people know Chefchaouen as the “blue pearl of Morocco”. Its completely blue streets have become famous all over the world. This picturesque place in the Rif Mountains, forbidden to non-Muslims until the 1920s, is one of the most beautiful and curious villages you’ll see around Tetouan.

Lose yourself in the blue streets of its Medina. Discover its pretty little shops full of colourful decorative items, the best possible souvenirs from Morocco, which stand out against the sky-blue background. Another must-see in Chefchaouen is the Outa El Hamman Square, where the Kasbah is located: beautiful, full of greenery and very well-preserved (€1).

It takes 1.5 hours by road from Tetouan. You can go by private car, taxi or with an organised tour. You can also choose to go by bus, but the journey will take longer.

3. Ceuta

Spain’s autonomous city, 40 kilometres from Tetouan. It is a good place to visit if you’re travelling by car or disembarking at its port. Despite its small size, there are many interesting sights to see in Ceuta. An example of these is the Plaza de Armas of the Royal Walls. From the Monte Hacho you get good views over the city. Don’t forget about the Casa de los Dragones on Paseo de Camoens and the Plaza de África among other places.

What things to do in Tetouan in 1 day?

Tetouan can be visited in just one day, during which you will have plenty of time to discover its neighbourhoods, the medina, the kasbah and the Ensanche. During your visit you should not miss the following points of interest:

• The Medina.
• The mosque.
• The Archaeological Museum.
• The Museum of Contemporary Art.
• The Ensanche Gardens.
• The tannery.
• The Ensanche.
• Hassam II and Moulay Mehdi Squares.

If you decide to extend your trip, you can visit other cities in the surrounding area such as Ceuta, Tangier or Chefchaouen.

How to get to Tetouan, Morocco?

1. Airplane

The Airport Saniat R’mel, about 3 kilometres from the city centre, is served daily by Royal Air Maroc and Ryanair airlines. It is connected to other national cities, as well as Spanish cities such as Madrid, Seville and Malaga among others, and European cities such as Marseille and Brussels.

Ferry Tarifa-Tangier or Algeciras-Ceuta

A very common way to reach Tetouan and northern Morocco in general is by ferry from Spain. A good option if you’re travelling with your own car to Tetouan, or if you plan to stop off to see Tangier, is to depart from Tarifa, as the ferries disembark at the port in this city. The distance between Tangier and Tetouan is 63 kilometres, or almost an hour and twenty minutes, a short journey if you’re travelling in your own car, but a little more tedious if you’re relying on public transport.

Once in Tangier, you can choose to take a bus (about €1.5) or hire a taxi, which is very cheap if you’re travelling in a group. Taxi fares are usually arranged with the driver before you start your journey, unless you buy a seat in a collective taxi, which usually costs around 30 dirhams (about €3).

If you are travelling from Algeciras, your destination is the port of Ceuta, 40 kilometres away. The cost of a seat in a collective taxi is about 17 dirhams (€1.7).

From both cities the ferry frequency is constant, every two hours, and the price is around €35 each way for adults, €20 for children (3-12 years) and €85 for cars up to 6 metres (20 feet).

Where to eat in Tetouan?

In Morocco, it is often the case that the riads are not only the best places to stay, but also the best restaurants. Here are three of them that should not be missed on your trip to Tetouan.

• Riad El Reducto: If you go to the website of the Riad El Reducto you will be immediately seduced by the description of their restaurant: “The White Riad restaurant offers a modern Moroccan cuisine. The quality of the products of the region plays an absolute role. Aubergine cannelloni stuffed with seafood on olive and honey paste, goat tajine with caramelised figs and potatoes or pastella with fish and seafood are some secrets of the menu”. That said, the only thing left to do is to try it yourself on your trip to Tetouan. Price range: €4-€12.
• Blanco Riad Restaurant: As well as being a fantastic place to stay, the Blanco Riad Restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Tetouan. Located in the heart of the city centre, this restaurant offers delicious traditional Moroccan dishes in a cosy and friendly atmosphere. Price range: €10-€20.
• La Esquina del Pescado: Finally, we would like to mention one of the most famous restaurants you will see in Tetouan, La Esquina del Pescado. For Spanish speakers passing by, its name leaves little to the imagination. Indeed, its speciality is fresh fish and seafood, but its varied menu also features meat dishes such as chicken, lamb and beef, as well as salads and creams. Price range: €5-€15.

Where to sleep in Tetouan?

In Tetuan you will find a wide variety of accommodation in both the medina and the Ensanche. Both neighbourhoods are close together, so no matter where you stay you’ll be within walking distance. And if you want the full experience, we recommend staying in a riad, a traditional Moroccan accommodation. Here is a list of some of the best accommodation in the city.

• Riad Darna: This centrally located riad offers everything you ask of good accommodation: ideal location, comfortable and clean rooms, traditional décor, excellent service and fantastic views from the terrace. Fabulous continental breakfast included. One of the best accommodations you’ll see in Tetouan. Average price: €45 per night.
• Prestige Hotel & Spa: A 3-star hotel in a good location close to the centre. Free parking, good breakfast included, great views and exceptional service. Average price: between €47-77, depending on the season.
• Riad Khmisa: This pleasant and welcoming riad is located in the Medina of the Paloma Blanca. In addition to its unbeatable location, it stands out for the delicious food it serves (at a very affordable price), the friendliness of the family that runs it, the comfort of all the spaces and the incredible terrace. Breakfast included. Average price: €30

Tips for your trip to Tétouan

• The currency in Morocco is the Moroccan dirham (1 MAD = €0.096)
• Carry cash, not all shops have credit card facilities.
• Bring your money with you in advance, currency exchanges at airports are very expensive.
• The dirham is a restricted currency, so you should exchange it before leaving the country.
• If you decide to visit Tetouan in summer, always take water, a hat or cap, sunglasses and sunscreen. Avoid going out during the hottest hours.
• Always drink bottled water and don’t put ice cubes in your drink.
• Bargaining is almost institutional in Tetouan and throughout Morocco, so don’t be afraid to always negotiate for the best price.
• A large part of the population speaks French in Morocco.
• Be prepared for medical emergencies: travel with insurance.
• Wear light, but discreet clothing, preferably long and loose-fitting, and warm clothes for the evening.

How to organise what things to do in Tetouan?

Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by the experiences of other travellers.
• Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions to it.
• Add the stops that interest you most, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
• Organise your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map (you can take inspiration from the routes we present in the post)
• Check the travel budget that the app calculates according to your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
• Make the modifications you need, and you’ll be all set for your trip.
• Share your experience. Upload photos of each of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and recommend other travellers what to see in Tetouan.

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create a travel itinerary in Passporter.

Frequently asked questions about Tetouan, Morocco