Tétouan.

Quick facts

Currency

Moroccan dirham (MAD).

Language

Moroccan Arabic (Darija) day to day; Spanish and French are widely used.

Time

GMT (UTC+0) all year.

Plugs

Type C and E (European two-pin), 230 V.

Best time to visit

April to June and September to October, when the weather is mild. Winters can be wet.

About Tétouan

• Tétouan was rebuilt at the end of the 15th century by Muslim and Jewish refugees from Spain, and its medina has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.
• From 1913 to 1956 it was the capital of the Spanish protectorate; the Spanish-built new town, the Ensanche, lies outside the walls.
• The School of Arts and Crafts, Dar Sanaa, opened in 1919 and still teaches traditional crafts at Bab el-Okla.
• Tamuda, about 6 km from the city by the Martil river, was founded by Mauretanian Berbers in the 3rd century BC and later rebuilt as a Roman fort.

Getting around

Taxis

Petit taxis are cheap within the city: ask for the meter or agree the fare first. Grand taxis run to the beach at Martil.

From the airport

Sania Ramel Airport (TTU) is about 6 km from the city’s bus station. Petit taxis on the main road outside, using the meter, cost less than the rank at the terminal. Royal Air Maroc has had a base here since March 2026, with flights to Casablanca and several European cities. Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport (TNG) is the larger alternative; Tangier is about 60 km away.

Coaches

CTM coaches use their own station; other companies use the main bus station (gare routière), with the grand-taxi rank beside it. Watch out for touts at the bus station. There is no passenger railway.

Staying safe

The UK government’s advice for Morocco applies in Tétouan too: a threat of terrorism in busy tourist places, and pickpocketing, unofficial guides and card fraud in tourist areas. It has no separate warnings for the city.

• Official guides carry a badge; ask to see it if someone offers to show you around.
• Keep your card in sight when paying, and check goods before you leave a shop.
• Avoid quiet streets and empty beaches after dark.
• Many beaches have few or no lifeguards, and safety signs may be minimal.
• Moroccan sources also give 19 for police and 15 for fire and rescue.

Emergency numbers

Police

190

Ambulance and fire

150

Gendarmerie (outside cities)

177

Places to eat nearby

Well-known restaurants near the sights, listed for convenience. Apollonaut has no connection with them and takes no bookings. Price levels (€ to €€€) are a rough guide; check opening times before you go.

• Blanco Riad Medina, near Place Hassan II · Moroccan, with modern touches €€
• El Reducto Medina, near Place Hassan II · Moroccan and Spanish €€
• Dar La Médina Tetawen Medina, Rue Jamaâ Kbir · Traditional Moroccan, roof terrace €
• Restinga Ensanche, Avenue Mohammed V · Moroccan and Spanish, seafood, in a courtyard €
• La Esquina del Pescado Ensanche, Avenue Chakib Arsalan · Spanish-style fish and seafood €€
• Café Al Amal Outside Bab el-Okla, beside Dar Sanaa · Café: Moroccan breakfast and lunch €