About Tetouan: Overview & What to Expect
Tetouan is a historic northern Moroccan city with a distinctive Andalusian influence. Its UNESCO-listed medina, traditional architecture and proximity to Mediterranean beaches make it an interesting base for exploring the region.
Set in northern Morocco between the Rif Mountains and the Mediterranean coast, Tetouan is known for its well-preserved medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site shaped by centuries of Andalusian influence following the arrival of Muslim and Jewish refugees from Spain. The old town's whitewashed houses, intricate ironwork and tiled courtyards reflect this blended Spanish-Moroccan heritage, distinguishing it from medinas further south. The city also served as the capital of the Spanish protectorate in the 20th century, leaving behind a distinct colonial-era new town alongside the historic core. Nearby beaches along the Mediterranean coast and the mountainous Rif countryside add to the area's appeal for day trips.
