Attractions & Things to Do in Tetouan

Attractions & Things to Do in Tetouan, Morocco’s Trendsetting Destination

Tetouan is an atmospheric city with a pretty medina that is a tourist attraction.

Morocco’s Rif Mountains region, which is one of the best places to visit in the country for hiking, Tetouan and its surrounding area is an excellent base for trekkers and nature lovers here to set out and explore Morocco’s northern hill country.

Nearby is the famous Rif town of Chefchaouen, where the medina is painted in blue. As well as the plentiful trekking opportunities from here, one of the top things to do is simply stroll and photograph the alleys while exploring the old town.

To help you decide what to include on your trip, see our list of the top attractions and things to do in Tetouan.

Brief Information about Tetouan

Tetouan’s medina (Old Town) has retained its authentic Andalusian soul, which makes this town the most Hispano-Moorish influenced of Moroccan cities.
This is a thoroughly atmospheric place to explore, and architectural historians regard it as the country’s finest preserved medina.
Every twist and turn down an alleyway brings you to a new picture-perfect local scene, with lots of lovely, slightly crumbling buildings lining the narrow lanes.
A couple of traditional houses within the medina have been opened up to the public in recent years as small museums and cultural centers. They are well worth seeking out during your medina strolls.
Of particular note, Dar El Oddi (on Derb Oddi) is a painstakingly restored medina mansion that now hosts the Visions of Tetouan picture and photograph collection, which traces the city’s history from the 16th to the 20th century.

Tetouan’s Souk District

The medina’s souk district is a fun place to barter for goods, snack to your heart’s content from the many stalls, and get involved in the bustling local action.

El Fouki Market is where Tetouan locals go to buy their bread. You’ll find loaves of all shapes and sizes fresh from the oven on sale here, including the traditional flat, round loaves.

Guersa El Kebira is where the clothing and textile traders set up shop, with wonderful local textiles to buy.

The El Hot Market is where you’ll find beautiful ceramic work and goldsmith-handcrafted jewelry. For shoppers looking for a special gift, the souk district is not to be missed.

You’ll find prices here are cheaper than in the more tourist-orientated markets of Fes and Marrakesh.

Talassemtane National Park

Lying just southeast of Tangier and Tetouan, the Rif Mountains are a paradise for hikers, trekkers, and mountain bikers.

Talassemtane National Park is one of the most popular, and most convenient, areas of the Rif Mountains to explore, with trailheads beginning at Chefchaouen.

Walks here, between isolated villages, take in the best of the Rif’s lush, thickly forested hills; distinct wind-carved geological features; and panoramas that at times stretch out to the Mediterranean.

There’s excellent bird-watching potential (including buzzards and golden eagles) on hikes, and the chance to spot Barbary apes.

Trekking, and all other activities within the national park, including guide hire, can be organized in Chefchaouen.

Resort Beach Break on Cabo Negro Beach

While Agadir on the Atlantic Coast remains one of Morocco’s most popular beach escapes, the resort towns of the Mediterranean are hugely popular with domestic tourists.

During July and August, when the temperatures soar inland, Moroccans decamp to Cabo Negro Beach (13 kilometers northeast of Tetouan) in their droves. The wide sandy shoreline here is one of north Morocco’s best beaches and is dotted with resorts usually offering all-inclusive beach break deals.

Outside of the peak summer season, Cabo Negro hits the snooze button and the beach is often quite empty. If you’re in Tetouan during spring or early fall and fancy a lazy beach day, this is the place to lay out your beach towel and soak up the sun with few other beachgoers in sight.

Obviously if you day-trip here from Tetouan in summer, prepare for the beach to be crowded.

Morocco’s Northeast Coastline

The northeast coastline of Morocco is home to breathtaking scenery and is prime country for hiring a car for the day and taking a road trip.

The winding highway hugs the shore, taking you past petite villages and lovely beaches at every twist and turn.

It’s a slice of rural, coastal Moroccan life that’s hard to beat, plus you’re likely to spot a patch of sand along the way that is completely empty, great for impromptu picnicking and a quick swim.

Head southeast from Tetouan, following the coastal highway down to El Jebha village, for the best of the panoramic views on offer.