Tétouan

Tétouan's medina is the most Andalusian in Morocco — a direct consequence of 300,000 Muslim and Jewish refugees who fled Spain after 1492 and rebuilt their lost cities here. The result is a UNESCO World Heritage medina unlike any other in Morocco: whitewashed walls, wrought-iron balconies, Moorish arches, and a Spanish-influenced daily rhythm.

Founded in the 13th century but largely destroyed by the Portuguese in 1437. Rebuilt from 1484 by Moorish refugees from Granada, who gave it its distinctly Andalusian character. Spain occupied the city from 1860 to 1956, leaving a second layer of Spanish architecture and culture. The city's mellah (Jewish quarter) was inhabited by Sephardic Jews until emigration in the mid-20th century.

Andalusian music (malhun and gharnati) is performed at the Royal Conservatory. The embroidery tradition (Tetouani broderie) uses silk thread in distinctly Andalusian floral patterns. The medina's white-and-blue architecture is maintained as a cultural obligation — repainting in any other color is prohibited.

• ✓Only 40km from Tangier — easily combined as a day trip.
• ✓The medina is compact and relatively easy to navigate without a guide.
• ✓The nearby beaches of Martil and Cabo Negro are excellent in summer.

CTM buses from Tangier (1h), Chefchaouen (1.5h), Rabat (4h). No airport or train.