Tetouan, this name translates directly to “the eyes” and indirectly to “the water springs”. The latter holds quite true for the city, as it is one of the major Moroccan ports along the Mediterranean Sea.
A port city, it is one of most popular tourist destination in Morocco. the white-washed buildings and old medina still sees many visitors each year.
The true beauty and charm of Tetouan vacations lie in its magnificent beaches. They are some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean and are complete with luxury resorts and great hotels for visitors.
Each town is a bit different—some have luxurious beach resorts while others are more simplistic and offer only small riads and homestays for their visitors.
Depending on how you want your trip to Morocco to look and where you want to stay, each town can offer something different for every traveler.
Those who bring a family or wish to relax in just one place may choose the larger resorts, while those that want more adventure may travel along the small coastal towns.
Most popular in the summer, the beaches of Tetouan flourish in the warmer months with locals and visitors alike. There are many great places to stay in Tetouan and each offers their own unique spin on a beach Moroccan destination.
These resorts and towns will give you a good idea of what Tetouan has to offer and where you should stay when visiting.
Table of Contents
When to Visit
The Tetouan coastline is most popular vacation destination in the summer months of July and August. This is when the warm winds come in and the temperatures stay high and hot. You can expect average temperatures from 25 to 35 Celsius in the summer months.
Though Morocco is more conservative overall, you will see people in shorts or swimsuits on the beaches, as in these cities and towns it is more acceptable for beach activities during the summer season.
Though it can be quite busy during this time, the bustling summer streets are a joyous place to be, and this time of year means more activities, excursions, and restaurants are open in the area.
You will see many European visitors as well as locals coming up for the sun and sand to enjoy the warm weather of Tetouan.
Coast
Restinga Smir
Once a small fishing village, this beachfront location becomes alive in the summer with many hotels, restaurants, bars and more. It is a great place to find a hotel to enjoy a beach vacation in Morocco.
The Hotel Smir offers you good accommodations that keep you very close to the beach. They also offer you great activities like sailing, kayaking, basketball, archery and more. Our favourite out-of-the norm accommodation is the Jawhara Smir residences.
M’diq
Staying in M’diq can be quite a similar experience to Restinga Smir with its smaller feel and great summer activities. You can expect many nightclubs and great restaurants here, too. To really get a feel for M’diq, choose accommodations from home renters on sites such as Airbnb.
There are even luxury apartments complete with pools for guests. Many even come with private pools, beachfront access and a Moroccan resort feel.
Martil
Martil is a sea resort northeast of Tetouan, Morocco in the Mediterranean Sea. It’s a wonderful seaside landscape against the backdrop of mountains and beautiful corniche.
Where to Stay
Marina Smir Thalasso and Spa
Located in the heart of the action, this luxurious resort offers a perfect getaway for families. Impressive design and comfortable pools and hammams make this a relaxing getaway. Each room has a beautiful view and many overlook the ocean.
Visitors rave about the great food and friendly service, too. It is also near the marina and you can relax with a massage and walk along the beach each night.
Club Med Yasmina
This all-inclusive hotel is filled with great activities and things to do. There are great restaurant options and multiple pools and restaurants and bars. Part of a well-known resort chain, you can expect the service to be perfect for your family. With daily activities for the children, it can free up your time to
Omeya Suites Hotel
This hotel is located in Martil, which comes alive during the summer months with bustling streets, ice cream shops, golf courses and great restaurants. This area is growing, and it’s best to stay in a bed and breakfast or homestay until more developments are built.
The Omeya Suites is just that—a lovely little place with great access to the town and all the things to do.
Hotel Kabila
Only ten minutes from Tetouan, this resort sits on its own private beach. Decorated in the traditional Moroccan style, this hotel offers an on-site restaurant and the chance to hear the waves wash along the shore every day as you relax on the sandy beaches.
Sofitel Tamuda Bay Beach and Spa
Relax, rejuvenate, and recharge. These are three things that can easily be done in this luxury hotel. Trendy bars and restaurants, luxurious pools and spa treatments await, and it’s all situated on one of the best beachfronts on the Mediterranean
Opening in April of this year, we expect great things from what promises to be a great Moroccan beach resort.
Things to do During Your Stay
The most popular activities on the beaches of Tetouan involve water, of course. You can go fishing, surfing, paddle boarding, diving, or hop a boat at the marina. Many resorts also have activities such as tennis, mini-golf and horseback riding that are great activities fro families, couples, or single travelers.
Since all the resorts are so close to the city, it is easy to stop into the port city and take a look around on a day trip. Tetouan is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site medina. If you’ve seen other medinas in Moroccan cities, it is easy to notice that Tetouan’s is relatively smaller.
But, it remains the most untouched by outside forces, and thus holds a certain beauty and uniqueness for those that visit and walk along the walls and travel through the gates and many squares.
Visit the fish markets and souks near the medina for authentic local cuisine and some great shopping with lovely Moroccan items for purchase. Tetouan also has a few small museums that are home to both interesting modern art and archeology and history.
When visiting the beaches of Tetouan, any type of traveler can enjoy what the Mediterranean shores on Morocco have to offer. Whether you seek a luxury hotel that promises a week of relaxation, or an adventurous ride along the coast with nothing but a backpack, the beach resorts and towns along the coast are sure to please.
You can also check out Our Tetouan City Guide!