Tetouan, in Morocco, is a Hispanic Moorish city called ‘La Blanca,’ located in the fertile valley of the Martil River with the Rif mountain ranges as a backdrop. This city has about 300,000 inhabitants and dominates the Oued Martil valley. Its crenelated walls, terraces, and gardens make up a beautiful landscape that is exploited by tourism. There is an excellent contrast between the new city’s very Spanish architecture and the Medina, of much more discreet tones. In the market, the women dress in red and white striped cotton fabrics that are not seen anywhere else in Morocco.
We can include the city of Tetouan in the list of places to visit. We will discover a true jewel, a city little exploited touristically, whose historic center was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Tetouan
The Medina of Tetouan, Morocco’s Tetouan, was destroyed by the Iberians in the early 15th century after reaching its zenith in the 11th and 12th centuries. The Iberians demolished it in the early 15th century, but the Medina is still there. This traditional Islamic city was rebuilt at the end of the 15th century by Sidi Ali Al Mandari, who had been emigrating from the Andalusian town of Granada to escape the persecution of the Inquisition. Tetouan has flourished as a dynamic center of economic, social, and cultural activities where Christians and Jews coexist peacefully. This city reflects an incredible variety of cultural influences such as Moroccan, Andalusian, Ottoman, and even European. Tetouan has contributed to enriching the history of Morocco in the last five centuries.
Why Visit Tetouan ?
One of the most charming cities in Morocco is Tetouan, which combines Andalusian and Moroccan styles to create a unique cultural experience. It has one of the best-preserved medinas in the country, which is on the UNESCO list. It has narrow streets, traditional markets, and beautiful whitewashed houses. Tetouan isn’t crowded like other prominent cities, so tourists can enjoy its history and lively local life without dealing with the usual crowds.
Along with its long past, Tetouan is also a gateway to the Mediterranean. Martil and Cabo Negro are two beautiful beaches that are only a short drive away. The Rif Mountains circle the city, making it an excellent place for nature lovers who like to hike and see beautiful scenery. Tetouan has a great mix of history, nature, and peace, whether you’re interested in its cultural past or want to relax by the sea.
Top Attractions in Tetouan
The Medina of Tetouan
The Medina of Tetouan has seven access doors. Several mosques and the Museum of Moroccan Art contain a beautiful collection of regional costumes and typical Moroccan musical instruments. The houses seen here are primarily on the ground floor and white, creating a harmonious environment ideal for enjoying pleasant walks. There are also artisans, such as weavers, jewelers, furriers, etc., who do fabulous work that we can acquire as souvenirs of the trip through Tetouan and Morocco.
Arab Aristocratic Houses
The first thing that stands out in Tetouan is the beautiful houses of the Arab aristocrats, who are the descendants of those expelled from Al-Andalus by the Reconquest. Its homes are magnificent, with exquisitely carved ceilings painted with Hispano-Moorish designs. You will also find the peculiar work of the Tetouan tiles on the floors and columns. In this city, you can feel the Arab essence of Seville, Granada, Córdoba, and, in general, Andalusia.
The Museum of Moroccan Art
The Museum of Moroccan Art contains a beautiful collection of regional costumes and typical Moroccan musical instruments.
The Archaeological Museum
When touring Tetouan, we can visit other sites, such as the Archaeological Museum, which contains valuable archaeological material from Roman ruins discovered in the region.
Plaza Hassan II and the Royal Palace
A big square in the middle of Tetouan connects old and new. Before Plaza Hassan II, a big house home to the Sultan when Spain was in charge, it is now a real palace.
Plaza de Mulay Mehdi (Formerly Plaza Primo de Rivera)
We will highlight the Plaza de Mulay Mehdi, formerly Plaza Primo de Rivera, among its squares and streets. It is the center of the capital of the Protectorate, where the Church of Nª Srª de las Victoria of 1919 is located, with its mission house. In the surroundings, you will find many details that evoke the Spanish times of Tetouan. This square has been the scene of the adaptation to the screen of the novel by María Dueñas El Tiempo entre Costuras, for example, in the location of the reception of Serrano Suñer.
The Spanish Protectorate Neighborhood
An example is a trendy neighborhood built during the Spanish Protectorate. It was beautifully designed and complementary to the old Medina, the vital center of the city. Today, it constitutes a recognizable singular urban piece that plays an essential role in the whole of the town, between the old Medina and the new neighborhoods. It represents the most relevant physical trace of the Spanish presence in Morocco. It is an exciting area to see in Tetouan.
Mohamed V Street
Mohamed V Street and the monumental square of Hassan II, formerly Feddan, were restored for the king’s first visit in the 1980s. The Royal Palace is located there. In this square, you can also appreciate the old Spanish commissioner.
The Mellah (Jewish Quarter)
There are more unique places to visit in Tetouan, such as the Mellah or Jewish quarter. You can see their former home, Franco, located near Bab el Okla.
Spanish Architectural Landmarks
Spanish construction can also be seen at the train stations, which appear in some scenes from the movie El Tiempo entre Costuras. The old bus station in the city is also an example of Spanish construction.
Where to Stay in Tetouan
There are many places to stay in Tetouan that combine the traditional beauty of Morocco with modern conveniences. Here are four well-known places to think about:
Riad El Reducto
A small hotel with rooms and suites that are beautifully decorated in a style that mixes Spanish and Moroccan styles. Spa services, like massages, are available to hotel guests, and the hotel has gotten great reviews for its comfort, cleaning, and service.
Al Mandari Hôtel Tétouan
This hotel is close to stores and restaurants, and some rooms have decks with views of the mountains. It offers free Wi-Fi, an airport bus service, and car rentals.
Riad Dar Achaach
This riad is in a garden and has a terrace. The rooms are calmly decorated and have views of the garden. Every room has a flat-screen TV and a bathroom. There is also free Wi-Fi and parking at the site.
Prestige Hotel & Spa
This is a very good hotel with modern rooms and villas. It has a gym, free Wi-Fi, and a front desk that is open 24 hours a day. People who have stayed there have said how clean, comfortable, and professional the staff is.
Exploring the Culture of Tetouan
Local Culture: The architecture, way of life, and customs of Tetouan show that it has a lot of Andalusian and Moroccan cultures mixed together. The medina of the city is a unique cultural hub because it has been shaped by Spanish and Arab cultures for hundreds of years. The people there are very connected to traditional Moroccan ways of life and art.
Food: The food in Tetouan is a mix of Moroccan and Spanish tastes. People like Mediterranean foods like couscous, tagine, and fish. Traditional sweets like baklava and kabab el ghazal can also be found in the city, which is great for food lovers.
Music: Andalusian, Arabic, and Moroccan traditions can be heard in Tetouan music, which shows the city’s rich cultural history. Gnawa and classical Andalusian music are very popular, and you can see many of them in the city’s cultural venues. In Tetouan, music is an integral part of celebrations and holidays.
Clothes: When there are cultural events in Tetouan, people often wear traditional Moroccan garments. People who live there wear the djellaba and the kaftan. Women wear them with headscarves, and men wear them with tarbouchs. Andalusian style can also be seen in the city’s clothes, which have their own designs and embroidery.
Things to Do in Tetouan
Explore the Medina
You have to walk through Tetouan’s UNESCO-listed medina. The winding, narrow streets are full of traditional markets called souks, art studios, and pretty houses painted white. It’s a great spot to learn about the history and culture of the city while shopping for handmade items like jewelry, textiles, and art.
Take a trip to the Museum of Moroccan Art
This museum has an amazing collection of traditional clothing, singing instruments, and Moroccan art. It’s a great place to learn about Tetouan’s artistic history, which includes inspirations from both Andalusia and Morocco.
Check out the Quarter of the Spanish Protectorate
Take a walk through this area, which was built during the Spanish Protectorate, and look at the Spanish-style homes. The location is very different from the medina. It shows Tetouan’s unique past and how Spanish and Moroccan cultures have mixed.
Take it easy at the beach
Beautiful beaches, like Martil and M’diq, are close to Tetouan. You can spend the day swimming, resting, or doing water sports. They are beautiful and quiet places to get away from the city.
Best Time to Visit Tetouan
When is the best time to visit Tetouan? Spring (March- May) and fall (September–November). The weather is mild and pleasant during these times, with temperatures just right for visiting the city and its surroundings.
In the spring, temperatures in Tetouan are mild, ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). This makes it a great time to go hiking. The city’s gardens and scenery are also in full bloom, making your trip even more beautiful.
The weather stays warm in the fall, with temperatures between 20°C and 28°C (68°F and 82°F). Also, now is a great time to do things outside, like go to the beach or walk through the Medina.
It can get very hot from June to August, with temperatures often above 30°C (86°F), which could make exploring the outdoors less enjoyable. Temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) in the winter (December to February)., so it’s still a great time if you want fewer people.
How to Get to Tetouan
By Plane
An airport called Sania Ramel (TTU) is the closest to Tetouan. It’s only 10 km from the city center. There are a few foreign connections at the airport, but most flights are in the United States. You can also fly into Tangier Ibn Battuta Airport (TNG), which is about 60 km from Tetouan and has more flights to and from other countries. You can get to Tetouan by cab or shuttle from either airport.
By Train
By train, you can get to other parts of Morocco from Tetouan. High-speed TGV trains leave from Tangier and other big towns like Rabat and Casablanca. The Tetouan train stop is about a 10-minute taxi ride from the city center. This is an easy and beautiful way to get to the city.
By Bus
Many buses from big towns like Tangier, Rabat, and Fez go to Tetouan. Two of the best and most secure ways to get to Tetouan by bus are the CTM and Supratours. Going to the city by bus is an easy and inexpensive way to get there.
By Car
You can rent a car and drive to Tetouan if you’d rather have more freedom. It’s easy to get to by car, especially from Tangier (an hour’s drive) and Marrakech (six hours). When you drive, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Tétouan called the White Dove?
It is called “The White Dove” because many houses are painted close to the Mediterranean Sea. The name could mean many things, but the two most common ones relate to its past. During the 1800s, Spanish officials ordered that buildings be painted white to keep them clean and cool. This was done even after the Spanish left, giving the city its famous look. In Arab culture, the dove stands for cleaning and peace, which shows the town’s commitment to religious and cultural harmony. “The White Dove” fits Tetouan’s calm and friendly personality.
What is Tetouan known for?
Tetouan has a lot of history and is a unique mix of Muslim and Andalusian styles. The Medina, on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is famous for its clean Andalusian architecture, twisting streets, and busy markets. The Spanish-Moroccan Cultural Center and the Abdelkrim El Khattabi Museum are just two of the many galleries, museums, and cultural centers in Tetouan that are well-known for their arts and culture scenes. Traditional foods like tagine and couscous are served in the city’s food, which has Andalusian flavors. People also enjoy the beaches in the Mediterranean, such as Martil and Cabo Negro Beach. The markets in Tetouan show off local arts and crafts, such as leatherwork, textiles, and ceramics. This makes the city a place with lots of history, culture, and natural beauty.
