National GeographicAug 21, 2026
Could This City-Beach Break be Morocco's Next Big Hit?
With a UNESCO-listed medina, Mediterranean beach culture and new direct flights, this slice of northern Morocco could become the country’s next big getaway destination.
19 things in this story
- Kasbah MuseumMuseumHoused in an 18th-century fort overlooking the sea.
- Cap SpartelSightHeadland where Atlantic and Mediterranean meet.
- Cafe BabaCaféTangier institution for kif and mint tea.
- Kasbah Museum of Mediterranean CulturesMuseumCovers Ibn Battuta's explorations and the Marinid dynasty.
- Elsewhere
- Tamuda BayNeighborhoodTetouan, MoroccoEmerging beach destination with nearby Rif Mountains.
- Rif MountainsTrailTetouan, MoroccoGranite mountains with quiet hiking trails behind Tamuda Bay.
- Tetouan Museum of Modern ArtMuseumTetouan, MoroccoCastle-like landmark, formerly a railway station.
- Patisserie RahmouniRestaurantTetouan, MoroccoFamily-run spot for honey-soaked Moroccan sweets.
- EnsancheNeighborhoodTetouan, MoroccoDistrict built around the medina in the Spanish era.
- Hassan II SquareSightTetouan, MoroccoPalm-framed square fronting the Royal Palace.
- El ReductoRestaurantTetouan, MoroccoRiad restaurant with a bird's-eye view of the city.
- Royal Mansour Tamuda BayHotelTetouan, MoroccoBeach resort opening in 2024.
- Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay’s Medi-SpaPlaceTetouan, MoroccoOffers nighttime swims with underwater 'stars'.
- Fahs LamharTrailTetouan, MoroccoAccessible trail with granite cliffs and lowland pastures.
- Edificio La Unión y El FénixSightTetouan, MoroccoSpanish building topped with a giant green-winged goddess.
- Le MéditerranéeRestaurantTetouan, MoroccoServes paellas and Mediterranean seafood with sea views.
- Parque Marítimo del MediterráneoSightCeuta, Spain56,000sq metre swathe of greenery designed by César Manrique.
- Royal Artisan SchoolPlaceTetouan, MoroccoPreserves ancient artisan techniques.
- Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de las VictoriasPlace of worshipTetouan, Morocco
