On Morocco's Mediterranean coast, less than an hour from Tangier, lies a region that blends heritage and seaside: Tetouan, the "white dove," listed by UNESCO for its whitewashed, Andalusian-influenced medina, and right next door, the beach towns of Martil and M'diq, where sandy shores and a marina fill up every summer. Here's everything you need to plan your stop on this still under-the-radar stretch of Moroccan coastline.
Tetouan — the white dove and its UNESCO medina
Built between the Rif Mountains and the Mediterranean, Tetouan carries an architectural heritage rare in Morocco: that of Andalusian families who arrived from Spain in the 15th and 16th centuries and shaped its whitewashed medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Narrow lanes, pristine facades and Andalusian courtyards earned it the nickname "white dove." Take time to wander the mellah, the old Jewish quarter, and Hassan II square, home to the royal palace. The Ensanche, the district built in the early 20th century in Spanish colonial style, adds a second architectural layer, with its wide avenues and Art Deco buildings.
Martil — the beach at Tetouan's doorstep
Just minutes from the airport, Martil is the closest beach town to Tetouan: a sandy beach that stretches along the bay, a lively seafront promenade by evening, and a very Moroccan atmosphere, popular with local families and Spanish visitors alike in summer. It's the ideal spot to combine a morning in Tetouan's medina with an afternoon by the water.
M'diq and Cabo Negro — marina, beaches and golf
A little further north, M'diq grew from a fishing port into a full-fledged resort town, with its marina, beaches and seafront hotels. Right next door, Cabo Negro adds a golf course facing the Mediterranean, set among pines and dunes. Both towns make for a relaxed stay, with seafront walks and easy days in the sun.
Chefchaouen and Tangier, an easy drive away
This stretch of coast also makes an excellent base for exploring northern Morocco. The blue city of Chefchaouen is just over an hour's drive away, and Tangier, with its strait views and lively medina, sits at a similar distance. A private driver makes stringing these stops together simple, door to door.
When to go
Summer (June to September) is high season on this coast: the Mediterranean is at its warmest, Martil and M'diq's beaches fill up, and the mood is festive. Spring and autumn bring milder temperatures, ideal for exploring Tetouan's medina without summer's heat or crowds. For the country-wide picture, see our guide to the best time to visit Morocco, and for the rest of the coastline, our Morocco beaches guide.
Getting there — Tetouan Airport
Tetouan Sania Ramel Airport (TTU) serves the region directly: Tetouan's city centre is just minutes away, as are the beaches of Martil and M'diq. Since hotels and residences are spread along the coastline, a private transfer booked in advance remains the simplest way to arrive: your driver meets you at the terminal with a name sign, tracks your flight in case of delay, and takes you straight to your door at a fixed price agreed in advance. See Tetouan transfers. New to Morocco's airports? Our Morocco airports guide covers them all, and our getting around Morocco guide details the other options.
Where to stay
Options range from riads and small hotels in Tetouan's medina, for a heritage-rich stay, to beachfront resorts in Martil and M'diq, for direct beach access. Cabo Negro adds golf-oriented addresses. Wherever you stay along this coast, the medina, the beaches and the marina stay just a short drive from each other.
FAQ — Tetouan, M'diq and Martil
Where are Martil and M'diq relative to Tetouan?
Martil is about 7 km from Tetouan Airport, and M'diq about 12 km — a few minutes' drive for either.
Which airport serves this region?
Tetouan Sania Ramel Airport (TTU) serves Tetouan, Martil and M'diq directly.
How long does it take to reach Chefchaouen or Tangier from Tetouan?
Chefchaouen is about 65 km away, just over an hour's drive, and Tangier sits at a similar distance — both make for an easy day trip.
Why visit Tetouan's medina?
For its Andalusian heritage, unique in Morocco, its whitewashed medina listed by UNESCO, and the contrast with the Ensanche, the Spanish colonial-style district.
Martil or M'diq — which one for the beach?
Martil is closest to Tetouan and very lively in summer; M'diq adds a marina and the nearby Cabo Negro golf course. Both are equally good for a relaxed seaside stay.
How do I get to my hotel in Martil or M'diq from the airport?
The simplest way is a private transfer booked in advance: your driver meets you with a name sign and takes you straight to your hotel, at a fixed price.
Planning a stop on the Mediterranean coast? Book your transfer to Tetouan, Martil or M'diq at planmorocco.com — fixed prices, French- and English-speaking drivers, available 24/7.