Tetouan is the pride of modern Moroccan tourism. It is a splendid city with its white houses built on a hill above the valley of the Oued Martil with its beautiful eucalyptus, cypresses, almond and orange trees.

The city was founded in 1307 by the Merinid sultan Abou Thabit. It once was a favorite among the pirates of the region, but Henry III ended their hegemony when he destroyed the city in 1399. But, it was not until the 16th century that the city was rebuilt by Muslims and Jews banished from Andalusia. Still later, Moulay Ismail transformed the city into the main  trading center with the West. In the 1860’s the city was besieged by the Spanish, who made it their protectorate in the 20th century.

The city still had the earmarks of the Spanish presence. Its atmosphere is Andalusian as are its costumes, style, food, art and traditions.

Nonetheless, the city is an important site for Islam and Moroccan culture. Tetouan has a university named after Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah, a Museum of Moroccan Art and Folklore, and a conservatory for Andalusian music.

Facing the Mediterranean coast, the city’s many beaches and seaside resorts stretch for about fifty kilometers. The region offers emerald waters and unmatched tourist facilities that make vacationing here a delight.

The Mosque of Sidi Es Saidi, Tatouan