Tetouan sits in the Martil Valley in northern Morocco, a few miles south of the Strait of Gibraltar and about 60 kilometres from Tangier. It is one of Morocco's two major Mediterranean ports, and its old city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. The city is nicknamed "Granada's Daughter" for the Andalusian refugees who rebuilt it, and its medina reflects that heritage in its crafts, architecture and daily life.
For a visitor, the practical question is simple: base yourself inside the medina or just outside its walls. The medina is compact and walkable, and the places to stay cluster around its squares and along the main avenue that runs past the old city. This guide covers the areas named in the source material, what kind of traveller each suits, and how each connects to the sights.
Best areas to stay in Tetouan
1. The Medina
The medina is the historic heart of Tetouan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Staying here puts you inside the old city's lanes, close to its crafts workshops and traditional architecture. It suits travellers who want to be in the middle of the historic fabric and are comfortable with narrow streets and a car-free environment.
Accommodation in the medina includes restored riads, some of them in historic houses. One practical point: the medina is where you will find traditional guesthouse-style lodging, and you should expect to walk to reach your door.
2. Place Moulay El Mehdi and the area around Avenue Moulay Abbas
This area sits outside the medina walls, near the modern city centre. It suits budget travellers and those who want straightforward, no-frills lodging within walking distance of the old city. You find small hotels and pensions here, with rooms ranging from basic singles to simple doubles.
It is a practical base if you want to be close to the medina without staying inside it, and it connects easily to the main avenue and the city's central squares.
3. Place El Ouessaa
This square lies within the medina and is home to restored historic houses used as guest accommodation. It suits travellers looking for a traditional setting with more character than a standard hotel, including those willing to pay mid-range or higher for a restored property.
The practical advantage is that you are inside the medina, close to its monuments and workshops, while the square itself gives you a recognisable point to navigate back to.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Small pensions and basic hotels, often with shared toilets and paid showers, and simple rooms with a sink. Breakfast may be included at the lower end of this range.
- Mid-range: Restored riads and small hotels with private rooms, free breakfast and Wi-Fi, and a restaurant on site. Rooms range from small doubles to larger ones.
- Splurge: Historic riad properties in the medina with palatial suites, antique furniture and traditional decor, terraces and on-site dining.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in the medina. It puts you inside the UNESCO-listed old city, within walking distance of its crafts and monuments, and gives you the most direct sense of what makes Tetouan distinct. If you prefer to be just outside the walls, the area around Place Moulay El Mehdi is a practical alternative with easy access to the medina.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to stay inside the medina or outside it?
Inside the medina you are within the historic old city and close to its crafts and monuments, but you will be walking through narrow lanes. Outside it, around Place Moulay El Mehdi and Avenue Moulay Abbas, you get simpler lodging and easier access by road, still within walking distance of the old city.
What kind of accommodation can I expect in the medina?
The medina has restored riads, including historic houses, with rooms ranging from simple to palatial suites, traditional decor and on-site dining. Some serve breakfast and offer Wi-Fi.
How do I get to Tetouan?
Tetouan lies about 60 kilometres from Tangier and a few miles south of the Strait of Gibraltar, along the Martil Valley. It is one of Morocco's two major Mediterranean ports.
When is the best time to visit?
The source material does not cover seasons or weather, so check current conditions before you book.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you decide.