Located between the dramatic Rif Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, Tetouan is one of Morocco’s most fascinating and underrated destinations. Known as “The White Dove” because of its cascade of whitewashed buildings, the city blends Andalusian heritage, Spanish colonial architecture, vibrant artisan traditions, and beautiful coastal scenery.
While cities like Marrakech and Fez attract most travellers, Tetouan offers a quieter and more authentic cultural experience. I visited recently not knowing what to expect and found it be a charming, authentic and friendly glimpse into the real Morocco.
From wandering its UNESCO-listed medina and historic Jewish quarter to relaxing on nearby beaches and strolling along the Mediterranean corniche, there are countless things to do in Tetouan, Morocco.
Whether you’re spending a day or several nights in northern Morocco, in this guide I’ll highlight some of the best things to do in Tetouan, Morocco to help you experience the city’s rich culture, history, and landscapes.
Before we dive into the best things to do in Tetouan – here are some suggestions as to where to stay in Tetouan.
Hotel Blanco Riad – A stylish centrally located riad with traditional stylings and pretty courtyard.
Sofitel Tamuda Bay – Glamorous resort on the beach, slightly out of town in the upmarket Tamuda Bay area.
Al Mandari Hotel– Light and airy hotel with a lovely sun terrace and central location.
Riad Dar Achaach – Colourful riad with gardens and a pretty pool area.
How to get to Tetouan
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Flying to Tetouan
Tetouan is served by Sania Ramel Airport (TTU), a small airport located just a few kilometres from the city centre. In March 2026 a new flight from London Gatwick launched direct to Tetouan making it significantly easier for British travellers to reach northern Morocco without needing to connect through other Moroccan cities.
If flights to Tetouan are limited on your travel dates, another easy option is flying into Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport, which is about an hour away by car.
Getting to Tetouan from Tangier
Just go to the main bus station on Rocade 9 Sud to get the bus from Tangier to Tetouan. There are a number of buses leaving throughout the day. You can also get the Grand Taxi from the same bus station – the taxi bays are marked by destination. Alternatively, you can book a full day trip to Tetouan from Tangier here.
Driving to Tetouan
If you’re planning to explore northern Morocco more extensively, renting a car can be a great option. Tetouan is located along the scenic coastal region of the Tanger–Tetouan–Al Hoceima area, and driving offers flexibility to visit nearby beaches and mountain villages.
Rent your car here.
Top things to do in Tetouan
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Explore the UNESCO-Listed Medina of Tetouan
Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tetouan’s medina is widely considered one of the most authentic and best preserved in Morocco. Its origins date back to the late 15th century when Andalusian Muslims and Jews fled Spain after the Reconquista and rebuilt the city, bringing with them distinctive architectural styles and cultural traditions.
I spent quite a few hours just wandering round, taking in the sights and browsing the shops. Walking through the Medina really feels like stepping back in time. There are narrow alleyways weaving between houses and you might worry that you’ll get lost, but luckily if you spot where the floor is marked with 3 wider stones it means it leads to the outside. Having said that, getting ‘lost’ amongst the streets is easily one of the most rewarding things to do in Tetouan, Morocco.
If you’d like to take a guide to make sure you don’t miss out on some hidden spots then you can book a private guided tour of Tetouan Medina here.
Visit the talented craftspeople of Tetouan
Unlike some of Morocco’s more tourist-heavy medinas, Tetouan’s remains very much a living community. Craftspeople can still be seen weaving textiles, crafting ceramics, shaping leather goods, and hammering copper.
Head to Tiendas de Hamido / Hamido Artesania Tradicional (N 11, Sahat Tasfid, Tetouan 93000) – a beautiful square with carpet sellers all around. If you head upstairs you’ll be able to see the talented rug makers weaving by hand. It’s quite a talent to behold and if you’re particularly taken by the designs you’ll be able to take one home with you!
Visit Place El Feddan
One of the most important public spaces in the city and a must-see among the many things to do in Tetouan, Morocco is visit Place El Feddan.
Located just outside the medina walls, this large square serves as one of Tetouan’s main gathering points and a gateway between the historic medina and the newer parts of the city. The square was redesigned in recent years and now features elegant paving, fountains, and impressive views of the surrounding architecture.
It’s a great place to pause during a day of sightseeing. Locals often gather here in the evenings, and the open space provides a beautiful vantage point for photos of Tetouan’s white hillside buildings that I thought were particularly pretty.
Visit Hassan II Square and the Royal Palace
Another key landmark and one of the classic things to do in Tetouan, Morocco is visiting Hassan II Square, located near the entrance to the Medina. Overlooking the square is the impressive Royal Palace (Dar al-Makhzen), an elegant building showcasing traditional Moroccan design with ornate gates and colourful tiles.
Whilst you aren’t allowed to enter the palace itself, the square is a beautiful place to admire the architecture and watch everyday life in the city. The plaza also connects the historic medina with Tetouan’s Spanish colonial district. Grab a seat at a nearby café, order a glass of mint tea, and take in the atmosphere.
Opposite the palace on the other side of the square is the Teatro Español. It was built in 1913 for live theatre before being converted to a cinema in 1950. It is one of the last remaining relics of the Spanish colonial era in Tétouan, still in operation.
Discover the Jewish Quarter (Mellah)
Exploring the Jewish quarter, known as the Mellah, is another historically important experience among the many things to do in Tetouan, Morocco.
Tetouan once had one of the most significant Jewish communities in northern Morocco. Tetouan was once home to a large Sephardic Jewish community, who had migrated from Spain following the Reconquista and the Spanish Inquisition. contributing to the city’s cultural and economic development. Gates previously separated the Mellah from the rest of the town and were closed at night for security.
The Mellah is located near the medina but stands out architecturally. Many houses here feature balconies overlooking the street, a style influenced by Spanish architecture and less common in traditional Moroccan homes. Visiting the Mellah adds another layer of history to your journey and is one of the most meaningful things to do in Tetouan, Morocco.
Explore Tetouan’s Spanish Colonial District
Another unique experience among the many things to do in Tetouan, Morocco is wandering through the Spanish colonial quarter known as El Ensanche.
Tetouan served as the capital of Spanish Morocco between 1912 and 1956, and the influence of that period is still visible today. As you move away from the medina, the streets open up into wide boulevards lined with pastel buildings, decorative balconies, and art deco facades.
Palm-lined avenues and relaxed cafés give this part of the city a Mediterranean feel that contrasts beautifully with the winding alleys of the medina.
Many of Tetouan’s cafés, bakeries, and restaurants are located here, making it a great place to stop for lunch or an evening stroll. One of main streets to walk along is Av. Mohamed V and it’s a great place to stop for a coffee and people watch.
Exploring this district highlights the city’s unique cultural mix and is one of the most fascinating things to do in Tetouan, Morocco.
Visit the Tetouan Archaeological Museum
Established in 1939, the museum houses artefacts discovered across northern Morocco. Inside, you’ll find Roman mosaics, pottery, coins, sculptures, and everyday items that illustrate life in Roman North Africa. Some of the mosaic floors are particularly impressive, showcasing intricate designs and mythological scenes.
Although relatively small, the museum provides excellent insight into the region’s ancient past. For travellers interested in ancient history, visiting the Tetouan Archaeological Museum is one of the most informative things to do in Tetouan, Morocco.
Walk Along the Corniche in Martil
Located just 10km from Tetouan, Martil is a lively seaside town popular with locals. Its long promenade runs along the Mediterranean shoreline and offers beautiful sea views.
The corniche is especially lively in the evenings when families gather for walks, cafés fill with people enjoying the cool sea breeze, and the sunset colours the sky over the water.
Seafood restaurants, cafés, and ice cream stands line the promenade, making it a perfect place for a relaxed evening. I enjoyed a really nice meal at l’horizon which is over the water at the end of the small pier. It’s quite high end, with plenty of meat & vegetarian options.
Enjoy Tetouan’s Local Cuisine
The city’s cuisine reflects both Moroccan and Andalusian influences. Traditional dishes such as tagine and couscous, and pastilla are widely available. Tetouan is close to the sea, so seafood dishes are also common – grilled fish, seafood tagines, and calamari appear on many menus.
One of my favourite foodie spots was at Da la Medina Restaurant which is 128 years old. It has a courtyard area and traditional styling with coloured glass and tiles. I ordered the chicken tagine with olives & lemon.
Final Thoughts
Tetouan may not be Morocco’s most famous destination, but it’s undoubtedly one of its most rewarding. Its rich Andalusian history, vibrant artisan culture, historic Jewish quarter, beautiful public squares like Place El Feddan, and proximity to both mountains and beaches make it a truly unique place to explore.
From wandering the UNESCO-listed medina to walking along the corniche in Martil, there are countless unforgettable things to do in Tetouan, Morocco. I was very pleasantly surprised by what a lovely and laidback city it is and would really recommend it for travellers seeking an authentic northern Moroccan experience.
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