Tangier, Chefchaouen & Tetouan
Tangier
Famous for its fascinating blend of European and Moroccan influences, the city of Tangier sits on the northern coast of Morocco and is a popular tourist destination.
Tangier is a fascinating destination thanks to its fascinating history, lively markets, and beautiful setting.
Let’s have a look at a complete guide that includes everything from the best attractions and restaurants to the most well-liked pastimes and modes of transportation in the city.
Tangier’s Main Attractions
Several major attractions in Tangier highlight the city’s rich history and stunning scenery.
Within the ancient Kasbah’s walls is the interesting Kasbah Museum, where visitors can learn more about the city’s rich history. It preserves and displays relics from Tangier’s past and culture, such as ceramics, textiles, and traditional Moroccan art. The Kasbah is a historic district of the city that is comprised of winding alleys, whitewashed homes, and quaint courtyards.
Those interested in nature should definitely check out the Caves of Hercules. Just west of Tangier, these fabled caverns are renowned for their spectacular vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and towering rock formations. The caves’ entrance is shaped like Africa, which only adds to their attractiveness. The Cap Spartel Lighthouse is conveniently close by, standing tall at Africa’s furthest northwest tip with commanding vistas of the Strait of Gibraltar.
The medina of Tangier is a chaotic labyrinth of streets teeming with marketplaces, local stores, and classic cafes. As they take a stroll through the medina, tourists can take in the lively ambiance, buy traditional Moroccan goods like handicrafts, spices, and fabrics, and sample the delicious local fare.
Where to Dine?
Tangier’s culinary scene is diverse and sure to please even the pickiest eater.
Those in search of upscale cuisine often head to El Morocco Club. It’s housed in a gorgeous riad and provides a menu that combines Moroccan and international flavors to great effect.
You may get a feel for the local cuisine at Café Hafa, a famous tea house with a view of the Strait of Gibraltar. Tourists may kick back with some Moroccan pastries and mint tea and take in the breathtaking vistas.
What to Do?
Tangier is home to a variety of activities and attractions beyond just seeing the sights and tasting the cuisine.
As the first piece of American public property outside of the United States, the American Legation Museum is a must-see for any culture vulture. The museum displays artwork, artifacts, and archival materials that shed light on the longstanding relationship between Morocco and the United States.
Located close to the medina, the Mendoubia Gardens provide a tranquil escape with its winding paths, gurgling fountains, and verdant foliage. It’s a lovely place for a picnic or a stroll at your own pace.
Tangier is home to several beautiful sandy beaches where sunbathers and sea swimmers can relax or participate in a variety of water sports.
How to Get There?
The city’s Ibn Battuta International Airport offers flights to and from major European and Moroccan destinations. Tangier is conveniently located for domestic and international visitors thanks to the frequent high-speed train service that connects it to major cities like Casablanca and Rabat. And if you want to travel to the neighboring country of Spain, there are ferry routes that connect Tangier to that country as well.
Where to Go After Tangier?
1. Tetouan
The northern Moroccan city of Tetouan is a cultural treasure trove with stunning examples of Andalusian architecture and fascinating history. Tetouan provides a glimpse into traditional Moroccan culture with its restored medina, beautiful scenery, and handcrafted goods.
Let’s have a look at a comprehensive guide that covers everything from the city’s top sights and restaurants to its most popular activities and transportation alternatives.
Tetouan's Main Attractions
Tetouan’s principal draws are rooted in its rich cultural history.
Tetouan’s Medina is a fascinating maze of winding alleys, crowded marketplaces, and ornately decorated houses that has earned it a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The medina’s elaborate architecture, colorful mosaics, and beautiful entrances are all hallmarks of the region’s Andalusian heritage. The medina’s artisan quarters are open to tourists, where traditional ceramics, textiles, and metalwork are still made.
In the middle of the medina sits the Ethnographic Museum, where visitors can learn about the history and culture of Tetouan. The museum displays regional attire, handiwork, and musical instruments, providing insight into local culture.
Another must-see is the Archaeological Museum, which features antiquities from the Roman, Phoenician, and Islamic periods.
The adjacent Rif Mountains are a haven for hikers in search of stunning scenery. Just a short drive from Tetouan is the lovely village of Chefchaouen, famous for its blue-painted streets and buildings. Discovering its picturesque backstreets and relaxing in its tranquil atmosphere is an absolute necessity.
Where to Dine?
Tetouan has many restaurants where you may try the regional cuisine.
El Basilo Restaurant ranks the popular Italian eatery as one of Tetouan’s best. Its prime location in the city has made El Basilo Restaurant a must-stop for countless visitors to Tetouan, and its reputation for serving up authentic Italian fare has helped cement its status as a Tetouan institution.
Both locals and tourists agree that Resting Restaurant is among the best in all of Tetouan. The restaurant specializes in serving Mediterranean cuisine, including many popular Moroccan dishes and beef skewers.
In these restaurants, guests may experience authentic Moroccan culture while dining on authentic Moroccan cuisine.
What to Do?
Tetouan is full of exciting opportunities, beyond only taking in its famous sights and delectable cuisine.
The mission of the School of Arts and Crafts is to promote and preserve traditional Moroccan arts and crafts. Visitors can see skilled craftspeople as they create one-of-a-kind works of art in wood, pottery, and fabrics. Students who are interested in acquiring these age-old skills can enroll in the school’s workshops and classes.
Although not accessible to the general public, the Royal Palace is a sight to behold for its magnificent gates and ornate interior. Beautiful grounds create a serene and picturesque setting around the palace complex.
How to Get There?
Getting to Tetouan shouldn’t be that difficult. Tangier Ibn Battuta Airport is the closest airport, and it has frequent flights to and from major European and Moroccan towns. The trip to Tetouan from Tangier takes around an hour by car. Tetouan is also easily accessible from other major cities in Morocco via public or private transportation.
2. Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen, located in the Rif Mountains, is a beautiful city known as the “Blue Pearl” of Morocco. Chefchaouen’s blue-painted streets, bustling markets, and breathtaking mountain views make for an unforgettable vacation. Let’s dive into a comprehensive description of the city, including its most notable landmarks, restaurants, activities, and transportation alternatives.
Chefchaouen's Main Attractions
Chefchaouen is known for its tranquility and distinctive blue buildings.
The city’s old medina, with its winding alleys and blue-painted buildings, is fascinating to wander. The strange atmosphere created by the many colors of blue makes every turn a photo opportunity.
Visitors can take in the vibrant ambiance, dine at outdoor cafes, and shop for traditional goods at the plaza known as Plaza Uta el-Hammam in the Medina.
The Kasbah is a famous building in Chefchaouen. The Kasbah, once a palace, is now a museum in the middle of the medina and dates back to the 15th century. There are displays inside showcasing regional artifacts, historical artifacts, and cultural practices. The rooftop patio offers breathtaking views of the city and the mountains beyond.
The stunning scenery in and around Chefchaouen is sure to wow any outdoor enthusiasts. There are many beautiful hiking routes in the Rif Mountains, including the well-known route to the Spanish Mosque.
Just outside of town is another beautiful natural attraction called the Akchour Waterfalls. The serene oasis in the highlands is created by the clear rivers pouring through the luxuriant vegetation.
Where to Dine?
Indulge in regional cuisine at one of the many restaurants in Chefchaouen. The medina is home to numerous cozy eateries serving authentic Moroccan fare.
This cozy family-run eatery serves up cosmopolitan fare as well as traditional Moroccan dishes, and it’s especially popular for its late-afternoon lunch service. The front terrace at Les Raisins, a favorite of both locals and visitors, offers picturesque views, especially around sunset.
This cozy eatery is loved by the community for its reasonable prices and traditional Moroccan fare.
Assada goes above and above by also providing the most tantalizing fruit juice shakes. Enjoy a delicious meal al fresco in the open air on the patio, which features stunning panoramas.
What to Do?
There are many things to do in Chefchaouen besides just checking out the city’s top sights and eating its delicious cuisine.
The city is well-known for its woven items and other traditional textiles. Intricately woven carpets, blankets, and apparel can be found at the local markets and shops, as can other one-of-a-kind gifts.
Gallery-goers can also see works created in Chefchaouen that were influenced by the city’s stunning landscape.
How to Get There?
Chefchaouen is usually reached by taking a trip from a larger city in Morocco, like Tangier or Fez. Tangier Ibn Battuta Airport and Fez-Sass Airport are the two closest airports. To get to Chefchaouen from these larger cities, you can either take public or private transportation.
The three enthralling cities of Tangier, Tetouan, and Chefchaouen in northern Morocco each offer travelers something special. Tangier’s cultural richness and seaside allure are magnets, while Tetouan’s preserved Medina and artifacts are a draw.
Chefchaouen’s blue-washed streets and serene mountain scenery are hard to resist. Experience the lively marketplaces of Tangier, learn about the city’s history in Tetouan, and get lost in the charming blue passageways of Chefchaouen for an unforgettable trip. When taken as a whole, they showcase the richness of Morocco’s natural and cultural diversity.
These cities collectively display the wide range of Morocco’s natural and cultural attractions and experiences.
