Away With The Steiners

10 Top things to do in Tetouan, Morocco worth stopping for. 

Sarah Steiner

Tetouan is a beautiful city in northern Morocco located on the slopes of the majestic Rif Mountains.  It doesn’t have the draw of tourists like Marrakech or Fes.  But there are more than enough things to do in Tetouan that make it well worth a stop on your Morocco itinerary. 

The city is nicknamed the ‘White Dove’ for its historic white labyrinth of medina laneways and the Spanish-influenced residential quarter.  

After literally months of travelling all over Morocco, Tetouan genuinely surprised us.  It is a unique and understated small city known for its friendliness.

A little bit about Tetouan, Morocco 

Tetouan is a stunning small city near the Meditteranea coast of Morocco. The old town has a long relationship with Andalusia that has left it with a unique Hispano-Moorish character that is unlike anywhere else.  

Compared to Marrakech, Fes or Rabat, Tetouan is much lower key.  The beauty of that as a traveller is that it hasn’t been spoilt by mass tourism. It isn’t a major destination choice in Morocco.  But I would recommend Tetouan as a must-see stopover point between Tangier and Chefchaouen.  

It is often nicknamed ‘The White City’ or ‘White Dove’ by Arabic poets because of its white-washed and tiled buildings. There is a bustling medina to wander, incredible views, unique tastes and beautiful historic buildings.  

The city is beautifully positioned above the coast and surrounded by the Rif Mountains. 

But overall, it is a friendly, smaller city feel that is pleasant and authentic without having been diluted by tourism. 

Things to do in Tetouan Morocco with kids.
It isn’t tricky to see why it is nicknamed the ‘White City’ in Morocco.

History of Tetouan and the surrounding region of Morocco 

The story of Tetouan dates back around 2000 years.  Tetouan was of particular importance in the Islamic period, from the 8th century onwards.  The city served as the main point of contact between Morocco and Andalusia.  

Then after the Reconquest, the medina and old town was rebuilt by Andalusian refugees (Muslim and Jewish) who had been expelled by the Spanish after the fall of Granada in 1492. 

There are insane beautiful views out towards the Mediterranean Sea and the Rif Mountains from Tetouan!  

Striking panoramic views from near the old city looking out towards the Rif Mountains.

Is it worth visiting Tetouan, Morocco? 

Tetouan is not part of the main tourist trail in Morocco’s north.  However, if you’ve been following us for a while you know we love getting off the beaten track.  So, finding the gem that was Tetouan and the central medina of the old city was a real highlight for us. 

I know I’m going out on a limb here.  But I reckon Tetouan is one of the best old cities to explore in north Morocco. 

Heading into the old city of Tetouan was such a surprise! It is a beautiful city.  The medina is super friendly and welcoming.  It truly doesn’t have the taint of tourism as yet. Plus the views are incredible of the surrounding valleys below the Rif Mountains.  

So yes, Tetouan is worth visiting!  It is a beautiful and underrated city destination in Morocco.  

How long do you need in Tetouan? 

Part of the beauty of the things to do in Tetouan, Morocco is that you don’t need long to visit.  Obviously the longer you spend somewhere the better as far as immersing in the culture (and discovering the best food). 

But if you have a morning or afternoon to wander the streets of Spanish Tetouan and the medina that would be perfect.  It makes a great stop between Tangier and Chefchaouen. 

A friendly welcome to the busy souk area of Tetouan and the Spanish Quarter.

What is the best time of year to visit the north of Morocco? 

The best time to visit Tetouan is in the shoulder seasons of the weather and of tourism elsewhere in Morocco.  

March to May or September to November are beautifully warm and sunny but without being too hot during the day.  

The winter in Morocco is typically December to February.  Although the daytime temperature can still be lovely at this time of year, the days are much shorter.  (Sometimes the sunrise is not until nearly 8:00am during winter in Morocco!). 

We visited in March with beautiful winter weather and sunshine.

10 Things to do in Tetouan, Morocco

Starting at Place Moulay el Medhi, here are the top things to do in Tetouan, Morocco.  

1. Place Moulay El Mehdi and El Ensanche – Tetouan Spanish Quarter

Start at Place Moulay el Medhi.  This is the Plaza Primo of El Ensanche, the Spanish Quarter of Tetouan.  

Albeit this part of the city is relatively new when compared to the old city and was built from 1912 onwards.   But the history of the city is well illustrated by its art and architecture, which reveal clear Andalusian influence.  

Between 1913 and 1956, Tetouan was the capital of the Spanish Protectorate in Morocco until its independence.  This was an important period, both economically and artistically, for the city of Tetouan.

Moulay el Mehdi was designed as the centre of El Ensanche and is today a hub of the central new city leading on to the old walled city.  

It is a large Spanish style circular plaza ringed with cafes and makes an ideal place to start exploring.  The next things to do in Tetouan lead onwards from the Plaza. 

The circular Moulay el Mehdi Plaza fringed by cafes and restaurants.

2. Nuestra Senora de las Victorias Catholic Church 

In Place Moulay el Medhi is the Nuestra Senora de las Victorias church.  

Albeit it is an unusual sight to see a Catholic Church right in the centre of a historic Moroccan city.  But conversely it aligns with the history of Andalusian influence in Tetouan. 

The beautiful Catholic church in Moulay el Mehdi Plaza.

3. Tetouan Royal Palace 

The Royal Palace of Tetouan is in Hassan II Square.  The building is an iconic landmark that reflects the city’s rich history and architectural influence.  

It was originally built in the 1740’s as the Dar al-Emrat (Governor’s Palace) though it has undergone transformations and changed hands over the centuries since. 

Following the independence of Morocco in 1956 the complex was adapted as the Royal Palace. 

The palace is not open to the public.  As like many Moroccan cities the residence is available to the royal family when they visit. 

Though you can see it from the outside and it certainly adds significant cultural impressions for a first visit to Tetouan. 

4. Hassan II Square or Place el Mouchar 

While you can’t visit the Tetouan Royal Palace as it is still an active royal residence, you can see it from the outside from Place El Mechouar. 

The Hassan II Square or Place El Mechouar was originally a public park known as Feddan.  However, with expansions to the royal residence it was replaced by the square and another Feddan Park (see below) was gifted to the public just to the north of the city.

This is a busy spot just outside of the medina with literally crowds of shoppers and vendors selling their wares from blankets on the ground and temporary stalls set up.  

The last of the vehicle access streets heading uphill towards the historic Hassan II Square.

5. Tetouan Medina

To the right of the Royal Palace is one of the main entrances to the Tetouan medina. 

The Medina of Tetouan is also known as Titawin.  It is one of the best-preserved medinas in Morocco and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. It is surrounded by a historic wall of approximately 5km in length and accessed by means of seven gates.

Albeit most of the old cities in Morocco have a similar old city.  But the medina in Tetouan is a stark white Andalusian-North African contrast to the imperial cities’ further south.  It is something of a white labyrinth of narrow alleyways and pedestrian lanes.

It is a friendly spot to explore.  You can make the most of the tourist-less less touristic laneways that are perfect for getting gloriously lost.  

In theory the Tetouan medina is divided into different quarters.  There is a food market district, Mellah (Jewish Quarter), a designated Tanners Quarter and an Artisan Quarter. 

Between the different districts there is everything from street food and Spanish-inspired Moroccan pastries to fish-mongers and leather goods shops.  

If you only have a morning or afternoon stop in the city, the medina is a must-see and one of the best things to do in Tetouan!

Laneways somewhat largely unchanged inside the Tetouan Medina.

6. Tetouan Artisan Quarter 

In the area of Terrafin Street in the medina you will find the Tetouan Artisan Quarter.  

Tetouan is home to a myriad of diverse age-old traditional crafts.  The town has become renowned as a centre of arts and boasts one of only two schools of fine arts in Morocco.   (Casablanca has the other).  

You can find numerous objects of craftmanship from all kinds of materials on sale in the Artisan Quarter.  

Many of the craftsmen work with leather, iron, ceramics or wood carving inside the maze of streets in the medina so you can also see them at work. 

7. Tetouan Mellah – Things to do in Tetouan 

A Mellah is the place of residence historically assigned to Jewish communities in Morocco.

Almost every big historical city in Morocco has a Jewish quarter.  These neighbourhoods were at their height in the 19th century, forming the heart of Jewish culture, and also serving as important commercial hubs. 

The Mellah in Tetouan is a bustling part of the walled old city.  

There are several synagogues that have been turned into houses.  But for the most part today it is a busy market area with everything from bakeries to clothing and homewares that line the narrow streets.  It is a great place to wander.   

Wandering the historic streets of Tetouan mellah.

8. El Zoco – Tetouan Souk District 

The Bab Tut gate leads into the food market area of the medina.  There is an array of laneways leading onwards with shops dedicated to spices, fruits, vegetables and meat among others.  

Most of the food market is located in Trankat Street, one of the most important streets of the Medina.

From the Bab Ruah entrance near the Royal Palace you will find the jewellery souk, Souk El Hout on the right.  

Ghersa K’Bira is a small square near Souk El Hout with a bustling (overflowing) flea market.  

Dates aplenty in the friendly Souk of Tetouan.

9. Feddan Park – Things to do in Tetouan

The El Faddan Park is a huge public space and park to the north of the old city.  

It is a popular spot for locals and visitors especially in the late afternoon for sunset.  From Feddan Park there is a breathtaking view of the Tetouan medina and out towards the Rif Mountains. 

There is a large café and multiple children’s play areas. 

10. Tetouani Fakkasa / Fakosa

We had been travelling in Morocco for nearly eight months by the time we visited Tetouan.  Which undoubtedly did attribute to our newfound love for this northern city as an unexpected treasure.  

But of all the amazing historic and cultural things to do in Tetouan, the highlight for us (as always) were the very friendly vendors in the bustling medina and Mellah neighbourhoods. 

One of our followers on YouTube suggested we hunt out a famous family-owned bakery and try ‘Fakkasa’ – a type of biscuit from Tetouan region. 

So of course we took that biscuit-mission very seriously…

I couldn’t find any information online about the mysterious Fakkasa.  But it turns out it is more like a Spanish style of sweet bread. 

It absolutely gave us the best mission for meeting people as we ticked off the things to do in Tetouan while asking at each stop if the vendors knew where we could find Fakkasa. 

Somewhere far inside the Mellah area of Tetouan medina we found a row of bakery and pastry shops.  And to the cheers of the enthusiastic bakers on seeing our joy at finding Fakkasa we tucked in to the sweet bread treat!  

A photo of my forehead and the very friendly Fakassa vendor somewhere in Tetouan mellah.

The verdict? 

Tetouan is not considered a tourist city in Morocco.  Which is surprising given its proximity to Spain and the ties that bind them together.  However, if you are short on time and passing by in the north it makes a fantastic stopover between Tangier and Chefchaouen. 

We truly found the medina a fascinating and beautiful old city to explore.  It is particularly friendly and welcoming.  

I would describe it as a unique and underrated stop in north Morocco.  We would all recommend it as a hidden gem!  

Other things to do in Tetouan 

There are plenty of other historic, cultural and food-things to do in Tetouan.  If you have a rental car, it is well worth the short drive to nearby Plage Martil on the Mediterranean coast.   

Or continue onwards to Tangier or Chefchaouen.  

A small white mosque on the beachfront at Plage Martil.

Other things to do in Tetouan with kids 

We found Tetouan and nearby Martil a great spot for the kids.  

The evenings are a popular time of day for families in the summer months.  And Tetouan doesn’t have the pressure of being a touristic destination like Marrakech or Fes, so the pace is less hurried. 

Here are some ideas for things to do in Tetouan with kids. 

Choosing a treat from the beautifully stocked cabinets at Patisserie Rahmouni.

Getting around in Tetouan 

Tetouan is made for exploring on foot.  All the above things to do in Tetouan can be reached in walking distance. 

We recommend starting at Place Moulay el Medhi.  

Find parking on Avenue Hassan II and take the stairs up towards the old city. 

Getting there with public transprot

Unlike most of the touristic cities in Morocco, Tetouan doesn’t have connections by rail.  (There isn’t a train station in Tetouan!).  The closest railway connection is to Tangier. 

Therefore, the only options with public transport to Tetouan and by road (bus) or air. 

Tetouan Samia Ramen Airport is just 15 minutes from the city centre with domestic and international flights.  The airport is served by multiple lowcost airlines including Ryanair, Air Arabia, Iberia, TUI fly Belgium and Royal Air Maroc. 

There are multiple buses daily from Tangier to Tetouan with SupraTours and CTM. 

It is easy to book a bus ticket online with SupraTours or CTM.

Getting there by car 

Renting a car is a great option for travel in Morocco.  It is the best choice for a flexible itinerary and Tetouan makes an ideal stopping point between Tangier and Chefchaouen. 

Most rental car companies offer one-way rates for an itinerary starting or ending in Tangier.

Where to eat / Bakeries, cafes and restaurants in Tetouan 

North Moroccan cuisine is a fabulous mix of Amazigh, Arab, Andalusi, and Mediterranean cuisines.  I vote the best way to find cafes in Tetouan is to stop in and try a few different tastes at several!

Otherwise try some of the fabulous street food and pastries in the Mellah and food market of the medina. 

The very friendly bakers and servers at Patisserie Rahmouni in Tetouan.
And mountains of Chebakiya.

Where to stay in Tetouan 

Tetouan is commonly a stopover destination en route to Tangier or Chefchaouen.  However if you are looking to stay in Tetouan there is a range of accommodation. There are options in the Medina and hotels nearby on the beachfront town of Martil.  

We book all our accommodation in Morocco through Booking.com.

Motorhome parking in and near Tetouan 

The best daytime parking close to the medina is in guarded parks on the street along Avenue Hassan II or overnight at Martil Beach. 

PLAGE MARTIL – AVENUE PRINCE HERITIER

About: Large sealed parking lot for day and night with guard who stays on site. No services, beach and shops and restaurants nearby.  

There is a mmall Carrefour supermarket in Martil.   

More about planning for travel in Morocco and beyond

These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel. 

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