Welcome to our guide dedicated to exploration and travel:
→ Make sure to visit our page transport To find out how to travel to Tetouan and its surroundings.
→ Make sure to visit our page transport To find out how to travel to Tetouan and its surroundings.
M'diq
This small coastal town is a hidden gem at the foot of the Rif mountains, facing the Strait of Gibraltar. It boasts a highly coveted beach with crystal-clear waters, which epitomizes this area of the Mediterranean. This little "corner" is bordered to the south by a mini mountain range that stretches along the coastline and overlooks the sea, behind the port of Ain Chejra.
- But M'diq isn't just about the beautiful sandy beach. A little further from the beach, a rocky coastline allows fishing enthusiasts, whether it's line fishing or spearfishing, to indulge in their passion. Beyond this small bay located between the fishing port and the end of the mountain, there lies a calm and serene stretch of water. Year after year, M'diq is building an unparalleled reputation among water sports enthusiasts.
- The magnificent climate and the mountainous landscapes looming behind it make this beach a favored destination for tourists of all kinds. In the summer, the population of the locality nestled against this beach increases significantly. As a small fishing town, this resort attracts seafood enthusiasts who appreciate the local gastronomy. M'diq is also a renowned seaside resort, known for its tourist complexes and hotels. Its fishing port supplies the city of Tetouan and its surroundings.
Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen is a charming small town of around 40,000 inhabitants located in the northeast of Morocco, nestled in the heart of the Rif Mountains, not far from the Mediterranean Sea. Chefchaouen is a delight for tourists, not only for its affordable prices but especially for its picturesque old town recognizable by its houses with whitewashed facades adorned in a very distinctive blue.
- Top 3 Things to Do in Chefchaouen:-
Watch
the
sunset :
If the Chefchaouen Medina is beautiful, it's definitely worth taking the extra step to see it from above during sunset! For this, there's a simple and not-too-steep trail ( honestly, it's done in 20 minutes) that runs alongside both the river (a lively spot that I love here), shepherd houses, and nature before reaching the Bouzzafar Mosque, which offers a magnificent panorama. Beware, the place gets crowded quickly, but if you're not much into hiking like me, it's still a good compromise!
If the Chefchaouen Medina is beautiful, it's definitely worth taking the extra step to see it from above during sunset! For this, there's a simple and not-too-steep trail ( honestly, it's done in 20 minutes) that runs alongside both the river (a lively spot that I love here), shepherd houses, and nature before reaching the Bouzzafar Mosque, which offers a magnificent panorama. Beware, the place gets crowded quickly, but if you're not much into hiking like me, it's still a good compromise!
Get
lost in
the
streets :
Here, it goes up, it goes down, it twists and turns – in short, it's a hilly version of a medina where it's definitely worth getting lost! You'll see residents repainting each street in the evening, children playing among the houses, cats lounging around, and plenty of hidden photo spots. And since some " Instagrammable" spots charge during the day ( haha, you can't fool a Moroccan!), it's better to wander a bit further away quietly. In any case, you'll find your way back easily; the Medina isn't that big and is bordered by the ramparts or the river.
Here, it goes up, it goes down, it twists and turns – in short, it's a hilly version of a medina where it's definitely worth getting lost! You'll see residents repainting each street in the evening, children playing among the houses, cats lounging around, and plenty of hidden photo spots. And since some " Instagrammable" spots charge during the day ( haha, you can't fool a Moroccan!), it's better to wander a bit further away quietly. In any case, you'll find your way back easily; the Medina isn't that big and is bordered by the ramparts or the river.
Bargain in
the Souk :
Clearly, shopping remains one of the main activities in Chaouen. People will tell you it's 10 times cheaper than in big cities, that it's 100% local, blah blah, but let's be real, that's almost always false, haha. However, you'll find plenty of Berber rugs, cushions, or tunics here. The rest ( wicker or leather bags, wooden items, tableware, etc.) will be more interesting in Fes, Tangier, or Marrakech, honestly. Personally, I fell in love with the Terrae boutique where the young designer offers lovely pouches or furniture that's a bit different... Like my famous mini-stool, very practical for the rest of the backpacking trip!
Clearly, shopping remains one of the main activities in Chaouen. People will tell you it's 10 times cheaper than in big cities, that it's 100% local, blah blah, but let's be real, that's almost always false, haha. However, you'll find plenty of Berber rugs, cushions, or tunics here. The rest ( wicker or leather bags, wooden items, tableware, etc.) will be more interesting in Fes, Tangier, or Marrakech, honestly. Personally, I fell in love with the Terrae boutique where the young designer offers lovely pouches or furniture that's a bit different... Like my famous mini-stool, very practical for the rest of the backpacking trip!
Martil
Martil is a small town fully oriented towards tourism. Located on the Mediterranean coast of Morocco, facing the bay of Tetouan, just 70km from Tangier. This small town is a taste of Spain, it's never deserted. And for good reason, it has focused its development around tourism. In this resort, where there is a very beautiful beach, with new luxury estates, and golf courses, everything is planned for visitors to have a good time. The local population is very hospitable, and the beach is renowned throughout the country. Along the beautiful beach of Martil, you will find numerous cafes, restaurants, and hotels. During the day, many sports or cultural activities animate the city. And the atmosphere of Martil doesn't fade away at nightfall. Martil's evenings are famous for their festive atmosphere, especially on the café terraces.
- What to do in Martil?-
The
beach,
with
its
clear
sand
and
gentle
waves,
and
its long
and
beautiful
seaside promenade.
The
imposing
Catholic
church of
Marti
l
, of
Spanish-American
Baroque style
with a large central
dome,
built in
the
1940s
under
Spanish
protectorate,
was
abandoned in
the
1970s.
It
was
restored in 1996
and
became
the
Lerchundi
Cultural
Center,
named
after a
Franciscan
priest
who
lived in
Morocco in
the
19th
century.
Avenue
Mohamed V
,
the
quintessential
pedestrian
and commercial
zone,
lined
with
beautiful buildings
dating
back
to
the
Protectorate
era.
Fort
Martil,
the
most important monument in
the
city.
It
is a
Moroccan-style
artillery
tower.
Since
it
doesn't
have
doors,
it
is
necessary
to enter
through a
window
using a
ladder.
It
is
crowned
with
several
turrets,
and on
its
sides,
several buildings
have
been
constructed
to
make
the
tower
less
conspicuous. In
its
surroundings
are
the
best
seafood restaurants in
the
city.
THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF TAMUDA :
The archaeological site of Tamuda fascinates researchers, archaeologists, and curious visitors alike with its beauty and history, offering a real immersion into the heart of the Mauretanian era and the Roman period. Located in the valley of the Oued Martil , about ten kilometers from the Mediterranean Sea, the city of Tamuda developed at the foot of the Ghomara mountains of the Rif mountain range and is one of the most important ancient archaeological sites in northern Morocco. It continues to impress specialists with its wonderful natural setting and unprecedented archaeological remains, immersing visitors in an ancient atmosphere and a place full of history and mysteries.
Assilah
Asilah is an ancient fortified Portuguese city, much like Essaouira. At the time, the powerful Lusophone empire was not content with trading posts in Asia, South America, or those in Black Africa. The Moroccan kingdom, embroiled in internal power struggles, could not decisively respond until the Battle of the Three Kings in 1578.WHAT TO DO IN ASSILAH?
Relax
and
chill :
Asilah is a great destination in Morocco to relax and enjoy the beach! The city of Asilah is relatively small and quiet, making it soothing and relaxing, especially after staying in cities like Fez or Casablanca, which can be more hectic. Near the Asilah Medina (a 10 to 15-minute walk away) lies Asilah Beach. It's quite spacious, and there aren't too many people! Just outside the Medina, near the Torre de Menagem ( Borj al-Kamra), there's also a tiny beach where you might find fewer crowds! It also offers a magnificent view of the Medina's ramparts!
Asilah is a great destination in Morocco to relax and enjoy the beach! The city of Asilah is relatively small and quiet, making it soothing and relaxing, especially after staying in cities like Fez or Casablanca, which can be more hectic. Near the Asilah Medina (a 10 to 15-minute walk away) lies Asilah Beach. It's quite spacious, and there aren't too many people! Just outside the Medina, near the Torre de Menagem ( Borj al-Kamra), there's also a tiny beach where you might find fewer crowds! It also offers a magnificent view of the Medina's ramparts!
Visit
Medina :
The majority of points of interest in Asilah are clustered within the Medina. As the historical heart of the city, the alleys of the Medina are very pleasant, clean, and peaceful! Many walls of houses in the Asilah Medina are adorned with street art. I will dedicate a future post on this blog to share photos of these street art works that I captured during my stay in Asilah. Visiting Asilah inevitably involves discovering these ephemeral works of street art!
The majority of points of interest in Asilah are clustered within the Medina. As the historical heart of the city, the alleys of the Medina are very pleasant, clean, and peaceful! Many walls of houses in the Asilah Medina are adorned with street art. I will dedicate a future post on this blog to share photos of these street art works that I captured during my stay in Asilah. Visiting Asilah inevitably involves discovering these ephemeral works of street art!
Oued Laou :
Oued Laou is a seaside resort in Morocco. It is located in the Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, 44 km from Tetouan. It becomes a tourist town in the summer thanks to its beach surrounded by mountains and the festivities organized during this season.- A traditional outdoor souk takes place every Saturday. In the Oued Laou valley, about 9 km from the town , lies the protohistoric site o f Kach Kouch . This site attests to the occupation of the region by local populations who engaged in commercial exchanges with the Phoenicians around the 7th century BCE.
La Médina
One of the most beautiful things about Tetouan is, without a doubt, getting lost in the labyrinthine streets of the Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by Muslims and Jews when they were expelled from Spain after the fall of Granada in 1492, this is why it resembles Andalusian villages so much. It is a fortified perimeter of 5 kilometers leading to seven gates that are still preserved today.
→ Visiting this Medina, which is smaller compared to other medinas in Morocco, is an experience that allows you to see how the residents of Tetouan live.
The Royal Palace on Hassan II Square:
The former Plaza de España , which connects the expansion of the city to the Medina, where you can find the Royal Palace, also known as the Khalifa Palace . The Sultan's residence, the former residence of the Sultan under the Protectorate, is now guarded by the army and the police in a fenced area. It is currently guarded by the army and the police in a fenced area. In this square, you will also find the Archaeological Museum and the Modern Art Center.
Bouanane
A beautiful village near Tetouan, Morocco, known for its peaceful atmosphere and stunning landscape. It's an ideal place to relax and experience the traditional life of a Moroccan village.
Ain zarka
Tetouan is nestled between two mountain ranges: to the north lies Djebel Dersa, while to the south are the foothills of the Rif Mountains and Djebel Ghorgiz. There are numerous opportunities for hiking in this still very wild nature. One of these walks, the Water Route, follows the path of a water conduit. Stretching 6-7 kilometers, it connects Aïn Bouanen and Aïn Zarka, two springs where you can enjoy delicious mint teas or eat tajines at the establishments located there.
Kitan
The village of Kitan stands out for its privileged location in a beautiful natural area, surrounded by forests and orchards along the Kitan River, fed by two rivers. " Kitan" is the plural of " Kout," an Arabic name for a village belonging to the Beni Hozmar tribe, used during the founding of the modern city of Tetouan (in the 16th century). A " Kout" is a kind of small fortified fort or square house located around a body of water, whether it be a river, sea, or lake, according to the oral explanations of local residents. It is worth noting that in the second century BC, the Phoenicians established a center near the convergence point of the Kitan River with the Martil River towards the upper part of the river, as many sources mention. On the remains of this center, the current village of Kitan was built and derived its name.location :
The Kasbah Mosque
a significant historical site for the teaching of religion and Sharia law:
The Ethnographic Museum:
Housed in a beautifully restored palace, this museum offers insight into the history and culture of Tetouan and the surrounding region. You can explore traditional crafts, clothing, and artifacts there.