Mediterranean & Rif
Strait, blue medinas & wild coves
On the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier blends a cosmopolitan past with a lively medina, while Chefchaouen spills its indigo lanes down the Rif slopes. Andalusian Tetouan, artistic Asilah and the secret coves of Al Hoceima complete an untouched Mediterranean coast. Akchour hides waterfalls and natural bridges deep in Talassemtane National Park.
Best period
April–June · Sept–Oct
Ambience & flavours
Mint tea facing the strait · grilled fish · Andalusian medinas
Key cities
Tanger
Cosmopolitan gateway to the strait, with a labyrinthine medina overlooking two seas and a modern corniche facing Spain.
Chefchaouen
The Rif's blue pearl, indigo lanes, Berber crafts and hikes in Talassemtane National Park.
Suggested itineraries
Northern essentials in 3 days
Cosmopolitan Tangier, blue Chefchaouen and a hop to Andalusian Tetouan.
North coast & Rif in 7 days
From the strait to the Mediterranean, from Andalusian medinas to the Akchour waterfalls.
Grand northern tour in 14 days
A slow immersion between Atlantic and Mediterranean with coves, medinas, parks and Rif villages.
When to go — month by month
January
Cool and damp, quiet medinas but Rif showers likely.
February
Rif rainfall, rough sea — good hotel rates.
March
Almond blossom, end of winter, hiking at Akchour feasible.
April
Mild spring, ideal for medinas and coast, lush landscapes.
May
Spring peak, coves accessible, long days.
June
Warm sea, beaches still uncrowded.
July
High season, hot medinas, pleasant coast.
August
Summer peak, beaches very busy with Moroccans.
September
Golden light, sea still warm, late season.
October
Mild autumn, Akchour hikes superb.
November
First rains, hushed atmosphere in Chefchaouen.
December
Mild coastal winter, snow possible at Rif high altitudes.
Festivals & events
Must-see
Sites in this region· 10
Médina de Tanger
Tanger
Tangier's old town overlooks the Strait of Gibraltar with whitewashed alleys, souks and blue terraces facing the sea.
Kasbah de Tanger
Tanger
Former sultans' citadel overlooking the medina, with Dar el Makhzen palace turned into a museum of Mediterranean cultures.
Cap Spartel
Tanger
Dramatic headland at Africa's north-west tip where Atlantic meets Mediterranean; 19th-century listed lighthouse.
Grottes d'Hercule
Tanger
Legendary sea caves 14 km from Tangier; the opening to the ocean traces a mirrored map of Africa.
Médina de Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen
The famous blue city of the Rif, founded in 1471, where every alley, door and step is painted in indigo blue.
Cascades d'Akchour
Chefchaouen
Popular hike in Talassemtane National Park to the twin Akchour waterfalls and the natural arch known as God's Bridge.
Médina de Tétouan
UNESCOTétouan
Andalusian medina inscribed UNESCO since 1997, refuge for Muslim and Jewish families expelled from Spain in the 15th century.
Site archéologique de Lixus
Larache
Phoenician then Roman city above Larache, one of Morocco's oldest ancient sites.
Gastronomy & flavours
Crafts & shopping
What to pack
Walking shoes for Chefchaouen's steep lanes, a windbreaker for the strait and modest clothing in the medina.
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