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
- Tamuda BayNeighborhoodEmerging beach destination with nearby Rif Mountains.
- Rif MountainsTrailGranite mountains with quiet hiking trails behind Tamuda Bay.
- Tetouan Museum of Modern ArtMuseumCastle-like landmark, formerly a railway station.
- Patisserie RahmouniRestaurantFamily-run spot for honey-soaked Moroccan sweets.
- EnsancheNeighborhoodDistrict built around the medina in the Spanish era.
- Hassan II SquareSightPalm-framed square fronting the Royal Palace.
- El ReductoRestaurantRiad restaurant with a bird's-eye view of the city.
- Royal Mansour Tamuda BayHotelBeach resort opening in 2024.
- Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay’s Medi-SpaPlaceOffers nighttime swims with underwater 'stars'.
- Fahs LamharTrailAccessible trail with granite cliffs and lowland pastures.
- Edificio La Unión y El FénixSightSpanish building topped with a giant green-winged goddess.
- Le MéditerranéeRestaurantServes paellas and Mediterranean seafood with sea views.
- Royal Artisan SchoolPlacePreserves ancient artisan techniques.
- Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de las VictoriasPlace of worship
- Elsewhere
- Kasbah MuseumMuseumTangier, MoroccoHoused in an 18th-century fort overlooking the sea.
- Cap SpartelSightTangier, MoroccoHeadland where Atlantic and Mediterranean meet.
- Parque Marítimo del MediterráneoSightCeuta, Spain56,000sq metre swathe of greenery designed by César Manrique.
- Cafe BabaCaféTangier, MoroccoTangier institution for kif and mint tea.
- Kasbah Museum of Mediterranean CulturesMuseumTangier, MoroccoCovers Ibn Battuta's explorations and the Marinid dynasty.