Tetouan: The White Dove

Discover the Andalusian-inspired gem of northern Morocco

Culinary Delights

Authentic Tetouan Cuisine

Tetouan is famous for its Andalusian-inspired cuisine that blends Moroccan flavors with Spanish influences and Ottoman touches...

Must-Try Specialties

Tetouan Pastilla - Chicken and almond pie
Rfissa - Traditional celebratory dish
Tetouan Harira - Unique local version
Mrouzia - Honey and raisin lamb
Kaabia - Local sweet pastries
Mint Tea - Tetouan-style preparation

Cultural Treasures

Heritage & Landmarks

Explore Tetouan's UNESCO-listed medina with its distinctive whitewashed buildings and Andalusian architectural influences...

Top Attractions

The Medina - UNESCO World Heritage Site
Escuela de Artes y Oficios - Art school
Fish Market - Vibrant local market
Kasbah - Historic fortress
Museum of Moroccan Arts - Cultural treasures
Mechouar Square - Social heart of the city
Jewish Quarter - Historic Mellah

City Map

Perched between the rugged Rif Mountains and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, Tetouan enjoys a breathtaking natural setting in northern Morocco. Located just 60 km east of Tangier and 40 km south of the Spanish coast, the city has long been a cultural crossroads between Africa and Europe. Its strategic position near Ceuta (a Spanish enclave) and the coastal town of Martil makes it a gateway to both mountain adventures and seaside escapes. The nearby Talassemtane National Park offers stunning hiking trails, while the Mediterranean beaches provide sun-soaked relaxation.

Andalusian Jewel

Medina Living & Culture

Tetouan shines as Morocco's Andalusian gem, boasting stunning whitewashed architecture and a vibrant artisan tradition. The city features historic landmarks like the Spanish Mosque, the Royal Palace, and the iconic Hassan II Square. As the gateway between Morocco and Andalusia, it offers cultural attractions including the Archaeological Museum and the UNESCO-listed medina. Tetouan blends Andalusian influences with Moroccan traditions through its picturesque alleys, historic houses, and authentic markets.

Traditional Kitchens in Tetouan

Andalusian Kitchen Designs

Tetouan's traditional kitchens showcase a harmonious blend of Andalusian elegance and Moroccan craftsmanship. Signature elements include:

Whitewashed walls with blue accents
Hand-painted ceramic tiles with floral patterns
Wood-fired ovens for traditional bread baking
Brass and copper cookware
Open courtyard kitchens with natural light

As Morocco's Andalusian capital, Tetouan features unique kitchen designs in its historic homes that have preserved culinary traditions while adapting Spanish influences.

Tetouan's Signature Dishes

Experience the Andalusian flavors of Tetouan through its most celebrated specialties

Andalusian Dish

Tetouani Pastilla

The unique chicken and almond pie with a touch of cinnamon, wrapped in delicate pastry, showcasing Tetouan's Andalusian influences.

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Celebration Dish

Tetouani Mrouzia

Lamb slow-cooked with honey, raisins and spices, traditionally served during Eid al-Adha celebrations in Tetouan.

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Ramadan Essential

Tetouani Harira

The rich tomato and lentil soup with a unique Tetouani twist, featuring local spices and herbs, traditionally served to break the fast.

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Signature Tagine

Tagine Tetouani

Tetouan's famous fish tagine with preserved lemons and olives, reflecting the city's coastal location and Andalusian influences.

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Street Food

Tetouani Bocadillos

Spanish-inspired sandwiches filled with grilled meats or fish, a popular street food in Tetouan's markets.

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Confections

Tetouani Sweets

Delicate pastries like kaab el ghzal and fekkas, showcasing Tetouan's unique blend of Moroccan and Andalusian patisserie traditions.

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Founded by Andalusian refugees in the 15th century, Tetouan is a city where Moroccan and Spanish influences blend seamlessly. Its UNESCO-listed medina, with whitewashed walls and blue accents, feels like a smaller, more intimate version of Chefchaouen.

The city’s Moorish architecture, ornate fountains, and hidden courtyards reflect its history as the last stronghold of Al-Andalus in Morocco. Unlike more touristy cities, Tetouan retains an authentic, unhurried charm, where artisans still craft hand-painted ceramics, embroidery, and lute instruments using centuries-old techniques.

Tetouan is a haven for artists and food lovers alike. The city’s Dar Sanaa Art School preserves traditional Andalusian music and calligraphy, while its cinema festival attracts filmmakers from across the Arab world.

The culinary scene is equally rich—savor pastela tetouania (a local take on the savory-sweet pie), seafood bastilla, or Rif Mountain honey drizzled over fresh goat cheese. The Spanish Quarter adds a European flair with tapas bars and colonial-era cafés, making Tetouan a delicious fusion of flavors.

Tetouan’s cuisine is a delicious testament to its rich history as a cultural crossroads. Influenced by its Andalusian roots, Spanish heritage, and Berber traditions, the city offers a unique gastronomic identity unlike anywhere else in Morocco.

Tetouan’s cuisine is a journey through time—where Moorish spices, Mediterranean freshness, and mountain Berber traditions come together in every bite.

Whether in a bustling souk or a seaside terrace, dining here is an unforgettable cultural experience.

Tetouan's Authentic Street Food

Discover the Andalusian-Inspired Street Food Culture of Tetouan's White Medina

Breakfast

Tetouani Msemen

Tetouan's version of the flaky, layered pancakes has a distinct Andalusian influence, often served with olive oil and honey or stuffed with spicy sardines. Found throughout the white medina, the best versions are cooked in the Mellah district, where the technique reflects the city's Jewish culinary heritage.

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Ramadan Essential

Tetouani Harira

Tetouan's version of the classic soup includes chickpeas, lentils, and a unique blend of spices reflecting Andalusian influences. Unlike other regions, Tetouani harira often includes seafood. The best versions can be found near the Hassan II Square during Ramadan evenings.

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Grilled Meats

Tetouani Seafood Brochettes

Reflecting its coastal location, Tetouan specializes in seafood skewers - especially swordfish and prawns marinated in chermoula. The most famous vendors are found near the fish market, where the catch comes directly from the Mediterranean. Served with lemon and harissa.

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Confections

Tetouani Andalusian Sweets

Tetouan is famous for its Spanish-influenced pastries like pestiños (honey-coated fritters) and mantecados (shortbread cookies). The best sweet shops cluster around the Spanish Quarter, where recipes blend Moroccan and Andalusian techniques. Don't miss the orange blossom-scented kaab el ghzal.

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Unique Specialty

Tetouani Tapas

Reflecting its Spanish influence, Tetouan has a vibrant tapas culture. Small plates like gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), boquerones (marinated anchovies), and berenjenas con miel (fried eggplant with honey) are served in cafes around the Plaza Primo. Perfect with a glass of mint tea or local wine.

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Tea Culture

Tetouani Mint Tea

Tetouan's tea culture blends Moroccan and Spanish traditions. The tea is served in glass cups rather than traditional glasses, often with pine nuts floating on top. The tea stalls near the Royal Palace are famous for their ceremonial pouring style and accompanying almond cookies.

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Spanish Influence

Tetouani Bocadillos

These Spanish-style sandwiches are a Tetouan street food staple, filled with ingredients like tortilla española (potato omelet), grilled sardines, or chorizo. The best are found in the modern city near the Spanish consulate, where they're served on crusty baguettes with harissa and olives.

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SOME TIPS FOR EXPERIENCING MOROCCAN CUISINE IN TETOUAN:

1. Taste Andalusian-Inspired Dishes

Tetouan's cuisine is heavily influenced by its Moorish-Andalusian heritage. Try:

Pastilla Tetouania - A savory-sweet pie with chicken or seafood, distinct from Fes' version
Briouat - Crispy stuffed pastries with meat or cheese
Hout Quari'a - Spicy fish balls in tomato sauce

2. Explore the Historic Medina's Food Scene

Wander through Plaza Hassan II and nearby alleys to find:

Fresh seafood stalls (try grilled sardines or fried calamari)
M'semen & Harcha - Local pancakes perfect with honey or olive oil
Olive & pickle vendors (Tetouan is famous for its preserved foods)

3. Visit the Old Medina's Food Markets

Explore these vibrant markets:

Souk El Attarine (spice market) for aromatic blends
Souk Nejjarine for traditional woodcrafts and snacks
Sample Bissara (creamy fava bean soup), a local breakfast favorite

4. Visit a Traditional Market (Souk)

Souk El Houts (Fish Market): Try Chermoula-marinated fish
Souk El Fouki: For spices and Tetouan's signature green olives

5. Try Tetouan's Unique Breads

Fougasse Tetouania - Soft, anise-flavored bread with olive oil
Matloue - Fluffy round bread perfect for sandwiches

6. Sip Coffee or Mint Tea in a Historic Café

Relax at Café Madrid or Café Oumara for traditional Moroccan coffee with a Tetouani twist

Tetouan's food blends Moroccan, Spanish, and Andalusian flavors—perfect for an off-the-beaten-path culinary adventure!

TOURISM IN TÉTOUAN

UNESCO Site

Tetouan Medina

Tetouan's whitewashed medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Morocco's most well-preserved Andalusian-style old towns. Wander through its narrow blue-and-white streets filled with artisan workshops and traditional houses reflecting Spanish-Moorish architecture.

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Historic

Royal Palace

The impressive Dar el Makhzen features stunning Hispano-Moorish architecture with seven golden gates. While the interior isn't open to the public, visitors can admire the magnificent facade and beautiful gardens in the Hassan II Square.

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Cultural

Archaeological Museum

Housed in a beautiful former fortress, this museum showcases artifacts from Morocco's ancient Roman sites like Lixus and Tamuda. Highlights include mosaics, ceramics, and jewelry that reveal the region's rich pre-Islamic history.

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Panoramic View

Spanish Mosque

This picturesque abandoned mosque on a hilltop offers the best panoramic views of Tetouan. Built during the Spanish protectorate, it's particularly magical at sunset when the white city glows pink against the Rif Mountains.

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Historic Quarter

(Mellah)

Tetouan's well-preserved quarter dates back to the 15th century when Sephardic Jews fled Spain. Explore the narrow streets, visit cemetery, and see the former homes of wealthy Jewish merchants with their distinctive balconies.

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GEOGRAPHY & LOCATION

Tetouan is a coastal city in northern Morocco, nestled between the Rif Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.

Coordinates: 35°34′N 5°22′W
Area: 120 km² (46 sq mi)
Elevation: 90 m (295 ft)

DEMOGRAPHICS

Tetouan is a mid-sized city with strong Andalusian influences.

City population: 380,000
Metro population: 550,000
Population density: 3,166/km²
Growth rate: 1.8% annually

CLIMATE & WEATHER

Tetouan has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers:

Summer (Jun-Sep): 20-30°C (68-86°F), dry
Winter (Dec-Feb): 8-18°C (46-64°F), rainy
Annual rainfall: 800 mm (31 in)
Record high: 42°C (108°F)

CULTURE & LANGUAGES

Tetouan has a unique blend of Moroccan and Andalusian culture.

Primary language: Moroccan Arabic (Darija)
Local language: Tetouani Arabic dialect
Religions: Predominantly Muslim (98%)
Cultural mix: Andalusian, Arab, Amazigh, Spanish influences

ECONOMY & CURRENCY

Tetouan's economy is based on fishing, agriculture, and tourism.

Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
Key industries: Fishing, citrus fruits, tourism
Major exports: Seafood, oranges, handicrafts
GDP contribution: ~3% of national GDP

TRANSPORTATION

Tetouan has good transportation links to other Moroccan cities:

Sania Ramel Airport (TTU): 6km from city
CTM buses: Connections to major cities
Trains: Connection via Tangier (40km away)
Taxis: Petit taxis (city) and grand taxis (intercity)
Medina: Pedestrian-friendly with narrow alleys

Key Highlights of Tetouan:

UNESCO-listed white medina with Andalusian architecture

Gateway to beautiful Mediterranean beaches like Martil and Cabo Negro

Center of Andalusian-influenced arts and handicrafts

Famous for its seafood and Spanish-Moroccan fusion cuisine

Tetouan: Morocco's Andalusian Gem

Discover the white city with Spanish-Moorish charm

Tetouan is ranked among Morocco's most culturally unique cities

Geography & Location

Tetouan is beautifully situated between the Rif Mountains and Mediterranean coast.

Coordinates: 35°34′N 5°22′W
Area: 120 km² (46 sq mi)
Elevation: 90 m (295 ft)
Medina area: 50 hectares

Climate & Weather

Tetouan enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean climate with mild winters.

Average temperature: 19°C (66°F)
Summer highs: 28-32°C (82-90°F)
Winter lows: 8-12°C (46-54°F)
Annual rainfall: 800 mm (31 in)

Cultural Highlights

Tetouan blends Moroccan and Andalusian influences beautifully.

White Medina - UNESCO World Heritage
Royal Palace with golden gates
Archaeological Museum
Spanish Mosque - Panoramic views

Culture & Heritage

A unique blend of Moroccan and Andalusian traditions.

Strong Spanish cultural influences
Center of Andalusian music
Historic Jewish quarter (Mellah)
Famous for seafood cuisine

Economy & Industry

Tetouan's economy thrives on fishing, agriculture and tourism.

Fishing and seafood processing
Citrus fruit production
Andalusian-style handicrafts
Growing coastal tourism

Transportation

Tetouan is well-connected to northern Morocco and Spain.

Sania Ramel Airport (TTU)
Bus connections to Tangier (40km)
Ferry to Spain from nearby ports
Compact medina walkable

Why Visit Tetouan?

UNESCO-listed white medina with Andalusian charm

Gateway to beautiful Mediterranean beaches

Unique blend of Moroccan and Spanish culture

Famous for its fresh seafood cuisine

Tetouan - UNESCO World Heritage City

Key Information

Tetouan is northern Morocco's cultural gem with strong Andalusian influences, founded in the 15th century. With about 380,000 residents, it's known for its white medina and Spanish-Moorish architecture.

Population: ~380,000
Area: 120 km²
Time Zone: GMT+1
Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD)