Tangier to Tetouan by Car: A UNESCO Medina Within Reach
About an hour east of Tangier, Tetouan offers a World Heritage medina, Andalusian history and easy access to the Mediterranean coast. Here is how to make Tangier to Tetouan by car in comfort.
Why Do Tangier to Tetouan by Car
Tetouan lies about 60 km east-southeast of Tangier, a few miles south of the Strait of Gibraltar. Its medina was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1997. The modern city was rebuilt in the late 15th century by refugees from Granada, which earned Tetouan the nickname “Granada’s daughter”, and the Andalusian influence is visible in its architecture and food. In 2017 it also joined UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network for its crafts and folk arts.
Read more about the city on Wikipedia.
Tangier to Tetouan by Car: The Drive
The trip is roughly 60 km and takes about an hour. Leave Tangier early to enjoy the medina before the midday heat. On the way back, plan to reach the main roads before the evening rush if you want to avoid traffic around the city.
What to See in Tetouan
- The whitewashed lanes of the medina, with workshops for leather, wood and textiles.
- The traditional crafts school and the artisans’ quarter.
- Local pastries and a mint tea in a café on the main square.
- The nearby coast at Martil and M’diq, perfect for a beach stop on the way home.
Practical Tips for Tetouan
Park outside the medina walls and enter on foot. Wear comfortable shoes for the cobbles, keep your bag in front of you in crowded alleys and agree prices before you buy crafts. In summer, the coastal roads are busy at weekends.
Continue to the Blue City
Chefchaouen is only another hour from Tetouan, so you can turn this trip into a two-stop day or an overnight journey. Read our guide to Tangier to Chefchaouen by car, or return to the Tangier travel guide for more ideas.
Best Time for Tangier to Tetouan by Car
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons to drive from Tangier to Tetouan by car, with mild temperatures that suit a long walk through the medina. In summer, start early and combine the morning in the old town with an afternoon on the beaches of Martil or M’diq. Winter can bring rain, but the narrow lanes of the medina keep the visit pleasant and quiet.
Taste the Local Flavours
Look for Andalusian-style pastries and a tagine at a family restaurant near the main square. Many visitors also stop for a coffee before heading back to Tangier.
Which Car to Take
A comfortable sedan or compact SUV is ideal for the road to Tetouan.
Questions About This Trip
How far is Tetouan from Tangier?
About 60 km, so Tangier to Tetouan by car takes roughly one hour.
Can I visit Tetouan and the beach in one day?
Yes. A Tetouan day trip from Tangier easily covers the medina in the morning and a stop at Martil or M’diq on the coast in the afternoon.
Is it easy to park in Tetouan?
Yes, outside the medina walls. Use a guarded car park and keep valuables out of sight.
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