Tangier and Tetouan: northern Morocco before Chefchaouen

For many travellers arriving from Spain, Morocco begins in the north. Tangier and Tetouan are the first stages of the routes that head down to Chefchaouen, Fez and the desert, and they deserve more than a quick stop.

Tangier, facing the strait

Tangier looks out over the Strait of Gibraltar and is linked by ferry to the Spanish coast. From 1923 to 1956 it was an international zone, an era that drew writers and artists and can still be felt in its atmosphere.

Its medina climbs up to the kasbah, with views of the sea. On the outskirts, Cape Spartel marks the meeting of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, and the Caves of Hercules are close by.

Tetouan, the white dove

A short distance from Tangier, Tetouan keeps one of the most authentic medinas in the country, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. It was rebuilt at the end of the 15th century by refugees from Al-Andalus, and that Andalusian heritage shows in its white houses, workshops and street plan.

From 1913 to 1956 it was the capital of the Spanish protectorate in northern Morocco, hence the Spanish-style district around the medina.

Into the Rif mountains

From Tetouan, the road climbs into the Rif to Chefchaouen, the blue town. There is more in our article on Chefchaouen.

Routes that start in the north

The 7-day north to south route and the 9-day imperial cities and desert route start in Tangier and pass through Tetouan. If you are unsure which way to travel, read how to choose between north-south and south-north.