If you're looking for beauty in Morocco, head north! My journey to Tetouan in 2025 began with a small detour to a place called Ain Al-Hisn, a rural community nestled between Tetouan and Larache, about 30 minutes away from Tetouan city. The lush green landscape and peaceful atmosphere offered an instant sense of calm – the perfect way to start our adventure before diving into the vibrant energy of Tetouan.
Tetouan, known as "The White City" or "The White Dove," is one of Morocco's oldest cities, located in the northern region close to the Mediterranean Sea. What makes this city special is how it beautifully blends Andalusian spirit with authentic Moroccan flavor. Known for its art and music, Tetouan sits conveniently close to Tangier, Martil, M'diq, and even Chefchaouen, making it an ideal base for day trips around northern Morocco.
The Journey Begins: Ain Al-Hisn
Before reaching Tetouan itself, we stopped at Ain Al-Hisn, a small rural community that offers a refreshing break from city life. After the recent rainfall that blessed our country, the landscape was particularly vibrant and green.
We paused at a local restaurant that serves traditional Moroccan dishes, but honestly, what drew us there wasn't just the food but the panoramic views. The restaurant offers a magical setting where you can feast your eyes on the stunning scenery. You don't necessarily need to eat a full meal here – many visitors simply enjoy a pot of tea or coffee while taking photos of the breathtaking landscape.
Tetouan: The White Dove of Northern Morocco
After bidding farewell to Ain Al-Hisn, we continued our journey to Tetouan, the main destination of our trip. Known as "The White City" or "The White Dove," Tetouan is one of the oldest cities in Morocco, situated in the northern part of the country near the Mediterranean Sea.
What makes Tetouan truly special is how it combines Andalusian influence with authentic Moroccan style. It's a city celebrated for its art and music, and its strategic location near Tangier, Martil, M'diq, and Chefchaouen makes it perfect for exploring the northern region. You can easily plan day trips from here to these nearby destinations.
Plaza Feddan: The Heart of Tetouan
Our first stop in Tetouan was Plaza Feddan, also known as the New Feddan Square. This place holds special significance in the city and is considered one of its most important squares. It stands out for its historical value, architectural beauty, and social activities.
The square is located near the walls of the old medina, close to one of the seven main gates called Bab Al-Okla. For families visiting Plaza Feddan, there's a children's play area nearby where kids can enjoy themselves. The square serves as a perfect introduction to the city's character before venturing into the old medina.
Wandering Through the Ancient Medina
From Plaza Feddan, we made our way into the heart of Tetouan – its ancient medina. Surrounded by seven gates, the old city features narrow alleys painted white with colorfully painted doors.
Here, even though people can tell you're a visitor, they smile and treat you like one of their own. Walking through these streets, you can smell the pleasant scent of bygone times while admiring the distinctive traditional character of Andalusian buildings adorned with Moroccan decorations.
The medina is well-connected, with signs pointing to all the gates you might want to exit from. For example, one gate leads to the Palace Square, famous in Tetouan, while another path takes you back to Plaza Feddan that we visited earlier. Of course, you might simply want to wander through the streets, observing local life and soaking in the amazing Andalusian atmosphere.
A Taste of Spain in Morocco
As we continued exploring the center of Tetouan, we came across the Catholic Church, one of the city's well-known landmarks. Standing in front of this church, you might feel like you're in Spain rather than Morocco – a testament to the unique cultural blend that defines this city.
Shopping in the Medina
The old medina of Tetouan is a shopper's paradise. Here, you can find absolutely everything you're looking for, from antique items to modern products. All traditional crafts are represented – pottery, leather goods, traditional utensils – and you can also pick up souvenirs for your friends and loved ones.
Sweet Flavors of Northern Morocco
No visit to northern Morocco would be complete without trying the region's famous sweets. We couldn't leave without purchasing some authentic Tetouan cookies, known locally as "fqas Tetouani."
In the shop, we found an array of delightful options – almond sweets, peanut treats, sablé cookies, and other traditional confections that looked similar to "maqrout" but with different fillings. These sweets are perfect to enjoy with a cup of Moroccan tea or to take home as edible souvenirs.
Northern Moroccan Cuisine
Beyond sweets, northern Morocco has its own special culinary delights. Among the must-try dishes in the north are "croquettes" – either chicken, fish, or even cheese-filled. You'll find these served in both large restaurants and small snack shops throughout the region.
We also recommend trying "bocadillos" (sandwiches), one of the most popular street foods in the area. These simple yet delicious sandwiches reflect the Spanish influence on northern Moroccan cuisine.
Borj Al-Hafa: Coffee with a View
As we made our way down from the old medina, we headed to Borj Al-Qa'a Al-Hafa, where we found a café called Borj Al-Hafa. This traditional café boasts impressive views of the mountains surrounding Tetouan.
Whether you're looking for accommodation, a place to have a northern-style breakfast, or simply want to enjoy a coffee with a mountain view, this area has you covered. The café itself embodies the northern traditional style in every corner – from its wooden furniture and decorative elements to the spectacular views it offers.
As you explore different areas of the café, you'll discover traditional clothing displays and musical instruments that are famous in Tetouan and the northern region in general.
A Perfect Mint Tea Moment
Facing the Beni Anan mountains and taking in the spectacular view, I ordered a northern-style mint tea. As a tea enthusiast, this was a special moment for me – sitting with my companions, sipping mint tea, and honestly not wanting to leave this beautiful spot.
Beyond Tetouan: Martil and M'diq
When we talk about Tetouan, we must mention Martil and M'diq, as they're only 15 minutes away. You can easily visit these coastal towns to enjoy the sea breeze, walk along the shore, or relax at one of the many cafés overlooking the sea in either Martil or M'diq.
Before ending our trip, I didn't forget the sweets I'd purchased in Tetouan. I brought them with me to enjoy in front of the beautiful views of Martil. Sitting there, I realized I had only shown you a small part of what Tetouan has to offer – this city left me with many more experiences than I could fit into one video or article.
Tetouan's Lasting Impression
My journey through Tetouan in 2025 was filled with unforgettable experiences – from the peaceful countryside of Ain Al-Hisn to the historic medina, from panoramic mountain views to delicious sweets and cuisine. Tetouan truly embodies the saying that "for beauty, one must head north."
As they say in Morocco, "Let each day pass with happiness." I hope this glimpse into Tetouan inspires you to discover this northern gem for yourself. There's so much more to see and experience than what I've shared here.
Have you visited Tetouan or any part of northern Morocco? What was your favorite experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's continue exploring Morocco together!