Tetouan

2 3

SPAIN
Tetouan

MEDITERRANEAN SEA

Saïdia

Rabat

ATLANTIC OCEAN

5 Editorial
Zagora 6 The City in History
8 The Highlights
ALGERIA
CANARY ISLANDS 10 The main monuments to visit
12 Tetouan, the arts capital of Northern Morocco
14 The highlights of the region
16 Tamuda Bay
20 The Region
26 Information and useful addresses

MAURITANIA
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Editorial

Nestled in the Rif mountainside and overlooking the Mediterranean

waters, Tetouan, a Spanish-Moorish town, makes the best from mixing
cultures and is the guardian of its finest traditions in order to offer a
unique setting for tourists looking for well-being and authenticity.

Mysterious, sometimes distant, Tetouan, nicknamed the «white dove» or

«the daughter of Granada» by the Arab poets, is a historical place. You
won’t be able to resist the charm of its beautiful streets and alleys nor the
moving remains of the Andalusian and Mediterranean civilization. Here
the memories of a rich history are written on every wall and every facade
for the passers-by to read. Its round the year mild and temperate climate
and beautiful beaches make it a popular tourist destination.

Looking for a sunny place, where to relax? Near Tetouan, the Tamuda
Spanish-Moorish Bay beach resort offers the opportunity to do just that combining the
Architecture softness of the Mediterranean beaches and the sensuousness of the
Andalusian lifestyle.

As for nature and adventure fans, the wild and breathtaking landscapes of
the Rif Mountains are marvels to be explored.
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The City in History

Tetouan, the beautiful Andalusian

Historically the city is supposed to When Granada fell in 1492, many
have been founded during the third Muslims and Jews left southern Spain
century BC, based on the archaeolo- to escape the Spanish Inquisition and
gical excavations in the ancient city of they settled in Tetouan. The city be-
Tamuda. Phoenicians and Romans came a host city for the Andalusian
were the first to settle on this land civilization from the late fifteenth
and build a city which was destroyed century.
and rebuilt several times over the in- During the seventeenth and eighteenth
vasions. In the fifteenth century the centuries the city grows due to its sta-
Merinides built the walled city of Te- tus as a Mediterranean port where
touan to control the rebellious tribes goods transited to and from the capi-
Roman Mosaic of View of the Square o Feddane and the royal palace
of the Rif. tal, Fez.
Tamuda

After the War of 1860, the Spanish again economically and artistically.
managed to occupy the town and left This period was also characterized by a
only after payment of a compensation in political struggle between the Spanish
1862. The Spanish occupation resumed administration and the nationalists
in 1913, Tetouan became the capital of of Tetouan, whose main figure is Ab-
the Spanish Protectorate in northern delkhalek Torres.
Morocco and will remain so until the
signing of the independence agreement
in 1956.
During this period, Tetouan flourished

Medina alley

Inside a typical residence of the Medina of Tetouan

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The must-visits

60 km from Tangier, Tetouan is cha- century, the transfer of the Mellah dis-
racterized by the architecture of its trict in 1808, and the opening of the
houses built in the Andalusian style walls in the twentieth century in or-
imported from Seville and Granada. der to connect the new Spanish (En-
With its green and white houses, sanche) district to the Medina .
its crenellated ramparts and shady The medina of Tetouan is the liveliest
squares, the Medina of Tetouan is a place in town. Here, the souks are
UNESCO World Heritage site since well separated, each trade occupying
1997. a specific perimeter. Its large mellah
(Jewish quarter) was called Little Je-
With five kilometers long rampart rusalem. The Tarafin Street bordered
walls, the medina is accessible through with jewelers leads to the Hassan II
its seven magnificent carved doors square and to the Royal Palace, a fine
Oqla Bab, Bab Saaida (east), Bab example of Spanish-Moorish architec-
Mqabare and Bab Ejjyafe (North), ture.
Bab Nouader (west), Bab Toute, Bab
Remouz (south).The seven gates in The medina has retained its past dy-
the fortifications of the medina are namic nature, the artisans perpetuate
historical testimonials of the city and their know-how and the houses are
A house entrance in the its successive waves of immigration, well preserved by the descendants’ Rampart-Wall of the Medina of Tetouan
medina the arrival of the Andalusians in the owners.
fifteenth century, and then the Moo- These old houses built around a patio
rish invasion in the early seventeenth reflect the high degree of sophistication

of domestic architecture. Medina has This network provides the houses and
benefited from a rehabilitation pro- buildings, fountains, mosques, and
gram financed by the Junta de Anda- hammams with drinking water, along
lucía. a spring line coming out at the foot
of Jebel Dersa. This network is similar
Its uniqueness lies in the development to the one developed by the Romans
in the fifteenth century of a network in Volubilis, and seems to have been
of pipelines coming from the water adopted by the Andalusians. Even
springs of the city. In Berber lan- today, some houses keep these water
guage, «Titaouin» means «Springs». fountains from the past.
This is where the houses and many
fountains get their water from through
the Skoundou (Spanish segundo),
a network of underground pipelines.
Square Moulay El Mehdi

Ethnographic Museum
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The main monuments to visit

The succession of twentieth century in the 30s. Its large documentary

Spanish architecture and the many resources have turned it into a reading
unique buildings give the city a modern and research place dedicated to the
prestigious cachet in particular with history of Morocco. This avenue also
the European colonial architecture passes through the Square Moulay El
that combines Baroque and Art Deco Mehdi where is located the Church of
influences. Gardens, public areas and Our Lady of Victory, built in 1919.
broad avenues have been created to Square Al Adl, where you will find the
enhance the rich urban heritage. courthouse and the cinema Avenida,
is a legendary place in the city. As
From the Palace Square starts the for the Spanish theater built in the
Mohammed V Avenue where you can 30s, it has been restored. Near Bab
admire Dar Tair known for its statue Okla. stands the school of traditional
on the top floor. On this avenue, arts and crafts «Dar Sana» with its
there is the ancient Spanish casino neo-Arabic architecture. It stands as
The School of Arts and Crafts or Dar Sanaa of Tetouan is one of the architectural jewels of the city.
Dar Taïr dating from the 20s, and Tetouan’s a showcase for the different artistic
General Library and Archives built expressions which have flourished for

centuries in Tetouan .The artisans are The latter is a masterpiece of Tetouan.

working on wood painting, embroidery, When entering, you can enjoy a
zellige, copper, leather, stucco or garden with a pool in the center and
marquetry with the same expertise as a wall fountain adorned with zellige
their ancestors four centuries ago. a design similar to those found in
the Andalusian palaces of Granada.
The two highlights of Tetouan remain Today, this museum present, with
the Archaeological Museum where lies a permanent exhibition, traditional
the ancient history of the city, luxury costumes and musical instruments,
mosaic works, Roman bronze figurines, traditions, the habits and customs of
coins collections from the Punic period the city of Tetouan and its region.
and the Ethnological Museum of
Moroccan Arts Tetouan established in
1929.

Spanish architecture of the twentieth century Embroidery from Tetouan

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Tetouan, the arts capital of Northern Morocco

Visitors find it Andalusian, Otto- year since 2004 the International

man, European. Tetouan is just all Festival of Comic Strips.
that. From this excitement is born a
true art of living that still continues Tetouan stands apart by its nume-
today through its craftsmen and ar- rous festivals, the most important
tists. Land of the arts, from music to of which are the International Fes-
visual arts, the city is home to artistic tival of Mediterranean Cinema crea-
movements, which influences go far ted in 1985, the International Lute
beyond the region. Festival, the International Festival
of Comic Strips and the Women’s
Like any other artistic capital, Voices Festival, a tribute to all those
Tetouan had to have its School of who worked tirelessly to take their
Fine Arts, founded in 1947 by Don city into the XXI century, while pre-
Mariano Bertucci, Spanish orienta- serving its authenticity and versatile
list painter and great fan of Moroccan identity.
Wall Fresco of Carlos art. National Institute of Fine Arts
Gallegos
since 1993 , this school has since
2000 a department for the teaching
of comic strip art and hosts every

Dar Sana Jbala dance

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The region highlights

The zellige craftsmanship is one of the Tanners’ souk is also the tex-
the most distinctive artistic pro- tiles and clothes market, «Guersa
fessions of the city of Tetouan. El Kebira» where all types of multi-
colored fabrics, plain or embroide-
It is defined by its shaping tech- red are sold and where «Jebliates”
nique, colors and surface finishes (Rif’s women) dressed in traditio-
that give it a special uniqueness nal costume sell their «Mendils»,
and authenticity. red, white and blue striped pieces
of cloth.
Tetouan is also known for the Tetouanese embroidery is cer-
mastery of its craftsmen in wood tainly one of the most original in
Zellige of Tetouan Riad Al Ochak
painting. The craftsmen who spe- Morocco. Its success is due to its
cialize in this type of craft usually multiple origins, with both local
work with mineral powder paint. and Ottoman and Arabic-Andalu-
Their work is very varied and very sian influences.
beautiful.
As for culinary art, Tetouan is a is reputed to be one of the best Located below the old medina,
Leather working is a very old craft in this combination of many influences in Morocco. Tetouanese dishes, Riad Al Ochak covers about five
city, as evidence by its tanneries. But (Rif, Andalusian, Jewish...), and including sweet and sours, chic- acres. Created in 1929, the gar-
ken with caramelized raisins for den, a perfect replica of the famous
example, are pure delight. Other gardens of the Palace Alhambra in
typical recipes: the chicken and Granada, has been extensively res-
eggs pastilla without almonds, tored and now offers
the tahliya, the gazelle horns, the Its colorful flower beds, its stately
ktayefs, and of course the Jben, a trees and numerous ponds and
creamy white cheese wrapped in fountains. The garden is part of
palm leaves and prepared in wo- the city’s heritage and most people
men’s co-operatives. are used to gathering there in the
late afternoon seeking quiet mo-
ments of relaxation.
The Jben is a specialty of the
north, wrapped in palm leaves
and sold by women in the
souks
The textiles and clothes market «Guersa El Kébira»
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Tamuda Bay

From Tetouan’s Garden of the

Hesperides to the beaches of
Tamuda Bay

Less than five miles away from the Tamuda Bay is characterized by
center of Tetouan, bordering the its hilly landscape, covered with
Oued Martil lies the archaeolo- green forests, overlooking translu-
gical site of Tamuda, concealing cent blue waters. This new beach
Roman remains. Homer regarded resort, located on the M’diq-Fni-
the land of Jebala as a country of deq coastline, covers an area of
legend. This region is believed to a hundred acres with a hotel in-
be the place where were located the frastructure designed to provide
famous gardens of the Hesperides. luxury and relaxation. It includes
It is even said that Hercules came an eighteen hole golf course, a
there to «steal the golden apples.» lakeside town, the Smir Laguna,
where you can watch many species
Tetouan and its heavenly of migratory birds. There is also a
beaches water park that delights the young
and old, shops, restaurants, lively
The Spanish-Moorish character of pubs especially during the sum-
the Tetouan area is illustrated by the mer, and two marinas Kabila and
beaches, where several ceramic wall Smir.
Archaeological Site Tamuda Tamouda Bay Beach
covered houses are found along the
coastline. Renowned for its idyllic Tamuda Bay also offers spas cen-
beaches of golden sand, relaxing, well ters where everything is done to
being and easy living are the rule. ensure your stay will be relaxing all

along .Fitness is also on the menu to the city at the bottom of a road
with a sauna and steam room, cus- on the right, you can access to an
tomized treatments, first grade authentic and endearing fishing
equipments, professional staff, pool port.
and private beach, everything is de- The place is very popular on sum-
signed for your well-being. mer evenings, as people gather
to have grilled sardines, accom-
Mdiq is a popular beach resort, panied by mint tea. M’Diq is re-
where life goes on at a leisurely nowned for its quality restaurants
pace. Seaside, pedestrian streets, where you can enjoy many fish and
Paseo Maritimo wide beach walk on the seafront, seafood specialties for a very affor-
everything has been renovated for dable price.
the visitors’ delight. At the entrance

Tamouda Bay
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Tamuda Bay

Fishing ports and marinas

Perched on the top the hill, Cabo houses is a very pleasant beach re-
Negro is an ideal destination for sort. Many restaurants and cafes
a relaxing holiday along the Me- border the cornice where families
diterranean. Pretty whitewashed enjoy walking.
buildings, colorful gardens, the
resort attracts tourists in parti- Marina Smir, luxurious ultra mo-
cular with its sandy beaches and dern marina in the heart of a pri-
horseback riding. The Royal Golf vileged location facing the Medi-
Club, designed in the truest Bri- terranean hosts the largest yachts
tish tradition, is one of the finest and offers over 450 berths. Near
golfing heritage of Morocco with the Marina Smir resort are other
an eighteen-hole course nestled in popular resorts such as Kabila,
a forest of Mediterranean trees. Ksar Rimal, Restinga...

Marina
Martil is known for its fishing Fishing Port in M’diq
port formerly a pirate lair. Loca-
ted near Tetouan, Martil with its
with blue and white whitewashed

Between rest and activities

The Tetouan coast offers many ac- Strait is a true paradise for scuba
tivities combining rest and discove- diving among the diverse fauna
ry. These beaches will spoil all those and flora (coral, sea fan, sponges,
seeking peace and quiet. There you groupers, barracudas, Jack Cre-
can admire the natural beauty of the valles, sunfish, rays, moray eels
Mediterranean, far from the bustle ...) .Two diving stations located in
of the city and the hectic pace of the Marina Smir will help you make
large beach resorts. your holiday unforgettable.
Quail, woodcock, teal, grouse,
For the more active, you can choose partridges, pheasants ... abound
from jet skiing, water skiing, wind- in season and will delight hunters.
surfing, banana boats, big game or Nature lovers and hikers will be
traditional fishing, sea kayaking, spoiled with the beautiful lands-
Cabo Negro Golf surfing or sailing. capes of the Moroccan Rif.
For those seeking adventure, the
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The Region

On the roads to the Rif

If Tetouan is sure to delight art twenty mosques and sanctuaries,
and culture fans, its hinterland the city of Chefchaouen is imbued
is also appealing with different with an atmosphere of deep sere-
charms: The Rif is the kingdom nity. The new inhabitants built
of wilderness, mountains, wadis, their houses blue and white with
canyons, forests. Breathe, this is small doors leading onto Andalu-
paradise for nature lovers. sian style patios. The city charm
also comes from its alleys where
From Oued Laou to Martil you will not hesitate to get lost but
through Asilah, the coastline of- where you will always find your way
fers scenic landscapes where the back. It is nice to walk in the cob-
Rif dips into the Mediterranean. bled streets, to dream while resting
The beautiful and wild nature in in one of the varied little squares
the back country is the green lung shaded by fig trees and drinking
of the Tetouanese region. mint tea. Nearby stands the Kas-
bah built in the seventeenth cen-
Chefchaouen, the blue city tury by Moulay Ismail to defend
You cannot visit Tetouan without the city from invaders. The Kas-
Woman of Chefchaouen going to Chefchaouen. Its name bah conceals pleasant and peaceful Alley in the medina of Chefchaouen
means in Rif Berber language Andalusian gardens and a small
«horns» because of the mountain museum where you can admire
peaks which dominate and sur- the pottery craft of the Rif, regio-
round the city. Chefchaouen hos- nal costumes and musical instru-
ted the Muslim refugees following ments, wooden chests for wedding
the fall of Granada. With some days. Chefchaouen, Intangible Cultural Heritage of Hu-
manity

The city of Chefchaouen was listed in the Intangible Cultural Heritage

of Humanity by UNESCO in 2010. It is its unchanged nutritional
model, «Mediterranean Diet», which earned the city this inscription
(olive oil, cereals, fruits and vegetables, fresh or dried, a small pro-
portion of fish, dairy products and meat, and many condiments and
spices).The source of Ras El Ma, which comes down from the moun-
tain offers a refreshing sight. At the foot of the city two collective wash
houses are still used by residents to wash their clothes. The collective
granaries Akrar El Kelaa are also a historic must visit site.
The Kasbah of Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen
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The Region

Chefchaouen THC
The region of Chefchaouen in views and deep gorges combine
Morocco is a pioneer for the pre- closely. The park hosts over 1,380
servation of the environment and plant species, including many en-
sustainable and responsible de- demic plants such as the Moroc-
velopment. The «Tourist Host can fir and the black pine tree, the
Country» helped develop the rural last representatives of a unique
areas of the region through routes ecosystem and today endangered
leading to places where you can species. The park is a unique re-
meet people and discover their way fuge for over thirty-five species of
of life away from the known itine- mammals, including the famous
raries circuits. magot monkey, living in the many
Magot monkey in caves scattered in the mountains, Akchour
Morocco Talassemtane National Park a wildlife rich with over a hundred
Talassemtane listed species some as emblematic
Talassemtane National Park of- as the golden eagle or the buzzard.
fers a landscape of rare quality
God’s Bridge in Akchour
where rock formation, forests, vast
An impressive natural geological trekking, hiking, climbing, ca-
arched formation, carved in the ving, hunting, fishing, canyoning.
red rock, god’s bridge overlooks
the crystal clear waters of the Oued A network of rural houses ma-
Farda. You can also visit the wa- naged by the local people, hiking
terfalls of Cherafat, a place where trails, guides familiar with the na-
the quiet atmosphere interferes with tural environment and the local
the melodies composed by the wa- traditions: everything is in place
terfalls. to facilitate your stay.

God’s Bridge in Akchour Ecotourism and excursions

The area around Chefchaouen of-
fers a range of activities such as

Talassemtane National Park

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The Region

From the authentic Mediter-

ranean landscape of the Oued
Laou to the Lau Bokkoya high
lands
Going down to the coast, on the fortress dating from the fifteenth
road to Oued Laou, along the century. The small fishing port of
barren mountains and spectacu- El Jebha, nestled in the shade of
lar gorges, the beautifully rugged a white mountain, is a must-visit.
landscape evens out towards the
Oued Laou river mouth where Farther Northeast, Cala Iris is a
beaches and hidden coves alter- wonderful place by the sea with
nate. sandy and pebble beaches. A few
Oued Laou is a small village on kilometers away is the Torres
the road to Targha where you can beach. The hinterland of Cala
stop and enjoy the hospitality of Iris is perfect for pleasant walks
the locals. Early in the morning through beautiful cedars and pines
the farmers bring their fresh pro- forests.
ducts (figs, cheese, eggs ....) on
Oued Laou Pottery The crystal clear water of the Al Hoceima coast
the water banks near the boats. Al Hoceima.
Fish lovers will find a wide range Its name comes from al Khozama
of species. Targha, located East of (lavender), a plant growing widely
Oued Laou, stretches at the foot in the central Rif Mountains.
of two large rocky peaks on one Thanks to its geographical situa- climate, where the mountain and ghlands, towering cliffs and an
of which hung the remains of a tion, Al Hoceima enjoys a pleasant the sea live together harmoniously. area located at sea
The area is home to a multitude of The water is unique by its extra-
bays, coves and beaches with large ordinary clarity hosting a remar-
stretches of calm, clear waters, per- kable sea life. The simultaneous
fect for various water sports and lei- presence on the park of three spe-
sure beach resorts. cies of dolphins: Common dol-
Besides the beach, it is recom- phin, Blue and White dolphin and
mended to tour the various coope- bottlenose dolphin, is a remar-
ratives in the region known for the kable fact in the Mediterranean.
diversity of their local products such The park offers a particular orni-
Dolphin in the Mediterranean as medicinal and aromatic plants, thological interest: 69 species of
honey, traditional pottery and bas- birds, with specifically one of the
ketry products. world’s largest concentrations of
osprey. It is also the home to rare
Al Hoceima National Park species like the monk seal and the
Al Hoceima National Park covers Audouin’s Gull.
a land area with the Bokkoyas Hi-
Oued Laou Beach
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Information and useful addresses

Useful information Useful addresses and contacts

Entry formalities Regional Tourist Office:
A valid passport for a stay of less than 30, Av Mohamed V, BP 62 TETOUAN
90 days is required. An identity card Tel : 05 39 96 19 15
may suffice, depending on country Fax: 05 39 96 19 14
of origin, if the trip is organised by
a travel agency for a group of over 8
people. A visa is required for some Regional Tourism Council:
nationalities – enquire at a Moroc- Tangier–Tetouan
can consulate or diplomatic represen-
tation in your country. No specific Rue des Amoureux –Parc Books Tanger
vaccinations are required for entry Tél : 05 39 94 93 95
into the Kingdom of Morocco. If you Fax: 05 39 94 95 39
are bringing your pet along with you, crttangertetouan@yahoo.fr
however, you will need to be able to
produce an anti-rabies certificate less
than 6 months old. Sania R’mel Tetouan Airport
Call centre: 080 1000 224
Changing money
Moroccan currency is the dirham, made Golf: Cabo Negro Royal Golf
up of 100 centimes. Foreign currency Tel: 05 39 97 81 41
must be exchanged at banks or other www.golfdumaroc.com
accredited establishments.
Weather forecast: www.meteoma.net
Time zone
Morocco is in the Greenwich time zone,
and time is G.M.T. Office des Changes (Currency
regulation authority): www.oc.gov.ma
Emergency phone numbers

Police 19 Events calendar:

Fire Brigade 150 March: Mediterranean International Film
Directory enquiries 160 Festival
Road safety services 177 July: The Voice of Women Festival

For further information: www.visitmorocco.com

Moroccan National Tourist Office

www.visitmorocco.com