Tetouan

Overview

For people coming into Morocco through Ceuta, Tetouan is most likely to be there first encounter with Morocco. Take a deep breath when you get out of the bus, because you will be besieged. Students and touts will try to get your attention, try to make you buy hashish and pickpockets are never far away. The people of Tetouan have a reputation of being influenced by the aggressive mentality of the Rif Berber tribes and thus the tourist hustlers seem even more assertive. Once you⿿ve gotten used to Moroccan street life, it can be a very rewarding city.

It's a shame to just change buses here, because the medina is filled with beautifully white-washed and tiled buildings. It may be wise to employ an official guide from the tourist office to lead you through the medina. The tourist office is at 30 Rue Mohammed V. Much like Tangier and Chefchaouen, the architecture of the medina is dominated by an Hispanic influence, as it was built by Muslim refugees from Spain in the 15th century. The Mellah, or Jewish quarter, is an interesting place (south of the Place Hassan II on the Rue de la Luneta) with its tall, square houses and iron balconies with ornately decorated windows. The fascinating, winding disorder of the Andalucian medina contrasts well with the grandeur of the Spanish new town.

You do not need a guide to visit the new town, to walk around the ramparts or to visit the museums. The impressive and formal buildings built...more

History