If you’re interested in discovering Morocco, do yourself a favor and don’t just go to Marrakech.
In this article, we share our one-week itinerary in Northern Morocco. A wilder, more authentic Morocco, nestled between beaches and mountains. A great destination for the whole family and all types of travelers.
From cosmopolitan Tangier—the White City—to the stunningly photogenic blue town of Chefchaouen, and the surprising captivating Tetouan with its beautiful Rif mountains backdrop, we spent an unforgettable week in this part of Morocco.
Whether you’re a history and architecture lover, a fan of narrow alleys and old doors, a souk enthusiast or simply looking to relax, you’re in the right place!
We truly loved this springtime escape to Northern Morocco. A family trip with our 4-year-old daughter and 13-month-old son that we won’t soon forget!
Tangier
Our travel goals
This trip originated in a desperate need for some sunshine and relaxation, after a hectic start to the year. We also craved a real change of scenery and had a strong desire to explore new horizons.
So, the idea was to combine sightseeing and exploring the region with some well-deserved downtime in a wonderful hotel set on a stunning beach in Tamuda Bay. It turned out to be the perfect base for discovering this part of Morocco.
In just one week, we managed to visit three cities, spend quality time with our children at the beach and pool, drive through the Rif landscapes, and unwind. A very successful trip! Our daughter cried when it was time to leave…
Our itinerary
One of the best things about this region is that everything is close by—no drive longer than 1.5 hours. With kids, it’s key to keep travel times short. By timing our drives with nap time (parenting level: expert 😉), we managed to see everything we wanted, and the kids did great.
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Step 1: Tangier
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Step 2: Chefchaouen & the Rif Mountains
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Step 3: Tetouan
On the map
Northern Morocco
Tangier, M’diq, Tetouan, Chefchaouen
Step 1
Tangier: the White city
As soon as we landed, we headed straight for the historic center. We parked in a secure car park near the Grand Socco, playing it safe since our luggage was in the car.
Grand Socco Square & Bab El Fahs
From there, we did a loop around the old town’s main spots.
Rue d’Italie
A little taste of Sevilla, don’t you think?
Tangier from the city walls
Streets and doors
Bab El Bhar & view over Tangier port
Place de la Kasbah
Kasbah Mosque
Verdict
Tangier stole our hearts! We adored the city’s blend of influences—a reflection of its rich and complex history. Those Andalusian touches that reminded us of Sevilla or Cordoba, the whitewashed alleys that brought back memories of Ostuni in Puglia, traces of the French protectorate and beautiful mosque architecture… Seriously: what’s not to like?
The kids were fascinated by the souks. As far as I’m concerned, I really loved the upper part of the medina around the Kasbah square.
We felt completely safe. The government has invested millions in surveillance cameras in the medina, which definitely enhances the sense of security. The streets were also impressively clean—much cleaner than in Marrakech, for example.
With small kids: the medina can be explored on foot by a toddler with good stamina, or it’s easily doable with a stroller. Let us know if you’d like our stroller-friendly walking route. You’ll be happy to share it with you 😉
Step 2
Chefchaouen: the Blue city
To be honest, I was concerned about Chefchaouen being packed with tourists and feared that the whole “blue city” concept might feel overrated. But I was pleasantly surprised!
Here is why:
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Not everything is blue so it’s not as artificial as one may fear.
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The drive to get to Chefchaouen is stunning and gives a great glimpse of rural Morocco (not to be missed).
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If you pick the right time and season, it’s totally possible to enjoy Chefchaouen peacefully, without the crowds and oppressive heat.
The classic postcard view of Chefchaouen !
From Tetouan to Chefchaouen, you drive through the Rif Mountains. In April, after a few days of rain, everything was green and in bloom. So beautiful! Along the road, we saw farmers at work and lively villages, as well as lakes and impressive dams.
Rif between Tetouan & Chefchaouen
Arriving in Chefchaouen, you know that you’ve reached a tourist destination. Clean, safe, and more upscale than nearby villages.
We started our loop at Uta El Hammam Square, home to the Kasbah and the Great Mosque.
This is where I kicked off a treasure hunt I had planned for my 4-year-old daughter. It was the perfect way to engage her in the visit. She loved hunting for decorated doors, fountains, and other treasures. If you’re interested in my “Arabian Nights” themed treasure hunt ideas for a 4-year-old, feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to share them!
Kasbah
Place Uta El Hammam
Where did you learn how to walk?
Our best advice: get lost in the small streets and enjoy!
Must-See Spots:
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Uta El Hammam Square
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El Haouta Square
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Sidi Bouchka Street
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Hassan I Avenue
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And plenty of charming alleys not marked on any map!
In April, if you get an early start, you might just have the place to yourself, with a perfect 22°C !
El Haouta Square
Good to know
To the East of the medina, there’s a trail that leads to a nearby waterfall. We didn’t go, but it could be a great addition to your visit.
If you’re traveling with kids, we strongly advise against using a stroller in Chefchaouen. My husband was a hero, carrying a 12kg baby + stroller through narrow, uneven stairways—not ideal, very exhausting. Unlike Tangier, Chefchaouen is not stroller-friendly.
Where to Eat with a view in Chefchaouen?
We stopped mid-morning to feed our two little hungry monsters. I had spotted Café Clock, a café/riad run by a young, dynamic team. There’s often live music and you can enjoy your meal on the rooftop with stunning views over the city and mountains.
Note: before noon, they only serve a breakfast set menu—generous enough to work for a quick lunch. Don’t expect gourmet cuisine, but the value for money was fair and the view made it totally worth it.
Note to parents: no baby changing table (but I doubt that’s better elsewhere in town).
What to do around Chefchaouen
If you have more time and no young kids, the area is full of hiking trails, waterfalls, and other natural attractions.
Step 3
Tetouan
Tetouan’s medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was the pleasant surprise of our trip. The unexpected highlight! We hadn’t read much about it and didn’t expect much—which made it even more memorable.
We did a big loop starting from Bab Okla. We saw very few tourists, which was great.
Bab Okla
Highlights of Tetouan: the Royal Palace, the Jewish Quarter, the souks, the artisans’ quarter …
Royal Palace Square
The best way to explore Tetouan? Just get lost in it!
We also loved Feddan Square, with a stunning view over the hillside of white houses. It’s a city of contrasts, where Moroccan soul meets Spanish colonial heritage. Fascinating. If you have time, consider hiring a local guide to truly discover the city—I wish we had!
Feddan Square
Here’s a tip: for an amazing view over the city, go to the Andalusian House cooperative and ask if you can access the rooftop. You’ll walk through a beautiful traditional house and arrive on a 360° panoramic terrace. Of course, it’s expected that you buy something from the cooperative on your way out.
Verdict
We absolutely loved our one-week family trip to Northern Morocco. This region is off the classical touristic path and has so much to offer. Tangier and Tetouan felt authentic and rich in culture, the mountain landscapes were breathtaking, and overall, it’s a welcoming destination.
We highly recommend the Tangier–Tetouan–Chefchaouen combo, ideally paired with a seaside break in the beautiful Tamuda Bay. Even the King of Morocco vacations here—need we say more?
Practical aspects
How to Get to Tangier and Northern Morocco?
TraTransavia flies direct from Paris Orly to Tangier. I’m not thrilled about their near-monopoly on this route, but we didn’t have much choice.
When to visit Tangier?
We can only speak from experience—spring is ideal. Quiet streets, sunny and mild weather, blooming countryside.
What’s the weather like in April in Northern Morocco
We had sunny days (except for a cloudy first day) with perfect temps around 23–24°C. Evenings can be cool, but a light jacket does the trick. A windbreaker is a good idea as it can get breezy. Too chilly to swim in the sea for me.
Entry requirements for Morocco?
You’ll need a passport, but no visa is required (at least for us French tourists).
Important health note: there’s been a measles outbreak in Morocco for several months. Transavia warned us the day before departure, which sent me into a panic with a 13-month-old baby. We strongly recommend getting the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine well before your trip for proper protection.
Currency exchange
The local currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD). Roughly 10 MAD = 1 euro. We exchanged a small amount at the airport, near baggage claim. Card payments are widely accepted.
Where to rent a car?
We rented from Sixt at Tangier airport and were happy with both the service and the car.
Where to Stay in Northern Morocco?
There’s something for every budget. We went all out and stayed in the most luxurious hotel in Northern Morocco: Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay. Our full review is coming soon!
Just a few minutes away, a St Regis recently opened. We dined there—while we much preferred our own hotel, it’s a solid (very international) option.
Nearby, there’s also a Sofitel, though from the outside, it didn’t impress us much.
In Tangier, you’ll find charming boutique stays (more suitable if you’re traveling without kids) in the medina, and elegant villas outside the city. Be sure to check carefully—some guesthouses don’t allow children.
Is Morocco a Good Destination for Families?
Absolutely! Aside from the measles concern, Morocco is a great destination with kids. Little ones are naturally drawn to the colorful souks and variety of items. My 4-year-old daughter, deep in her “Aladdin” phase, spent her time looking for magic lamps!
Some hotels (especially in Marrakech) offer kids’ clubs, which can be a lifesaver for parents.
If you’re traveling with a baby, two key tips:
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Bring baby food from home (we didn’t pack light). Even at the local Carrefour, we found very limited options.
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Stroller use can be tricky in parts of Morocco. Chefchaouen is a stroller nightmare. Tangier and Tetouan are much more manageable.
April 2025
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