7 days
The Mediterranean coast
From Tangier to Saïdia: Andalusian medinas, Rif coves and the Marchica lagoon.
- TangierDay 1
- TetouanDay 2
- Al HoceimaDay 3–5
- NadorDay 6
- SaïdiaDay 7
© Zaka Ziko / Unsplash
Overview
A week-long road trip along the Mediterranean coast road, for travellers who want to see a different Morocco. The pace alternates between towns and beach days. The road between Tetouan and Al Hoceima is slow and winding: allow most of the day. A rental car is essential.
- 7 days
- Mid-range
- Moderate
- May – Oct
The route
Day by day
Tangier, between two seas
Plan for the day
- Kasbah and medina
- Cape Spartel and the Caves of Hercules
- Tea at Café Hafa
- Fish at the port
- Guesthouse in the kasbah
Tetouan and the coast
Travel Tangier → Tetouan · ~1 h
Plan for the day
- Tetouan medina
- Afternoon in M'diq or Cabo Negro
- Grilled fish in M'diq
- Hotel on the coast
The Mediterranean coast road
Travel Tetouan → Al Hoceima along the coast · ~ h
Plan for the day
- Coast road via Oued Laou and El Jebha
- Stops at coves
- Arrival in Al Hoceima in the evening
- Picnic on the way, dinner at the harbour
- Hotel in Al Hoceima
- Leave early and fill up before leaving Tetouan.
Al Hoceima's beaches
Plan for the day
- Morning at Cala Bonita or Quemado
- Afternoon at Sfiha
- Seafood at the harbour
- Hotel in Al Hoceima
Al Hoceima National Park
Plan for the day
- Coastal hike with a local guide
- Bades bay
- Simple lunch in the village
- Hotel in Al Hoceima
- Walking shoes and plenty of water: few places to buy supplies.
Nador and the Marchica lagoon
Travel Al Hoceima → Nador · ~ h
Plan for the day
- Drive east
- Marchica seafront
- Sunset over the lagoon
- Fish from the lagoon
- Hotel in Nador
Saïdia
Travel Nador → Saïdia · ~ h
Plan for the day
- Drive to Saïdia
- Afternoon on the beach
- Moulouya estuary
- Dinner by the marina
- Hotel in Saïdia
- You can fly home from Oujda or Nador airports.
Best time
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May ✓
- Jun ✓
- Jul ✓
- Aug ✓
- Sep ✓
- Oct ✓
- Nov
- Dec
Practical tips
- Dropping the car in Oujda or Nador avoids backtracking.
- In July and August, book every night in advance.
Experiences along the way
Where next?
More plans
Nador and Saïdia with the family
Four days between the Marchica lagoon, Saïdia beach and the Beni Snassen mountains.
- Nador
- Saïdia
Morocco in 7 Days
Marrakech, the road of kasbahs, a night in the Sahara and the Fes medina: the great classic.
- Marrakech
- Aït Ben Haddou
- Merzouga
- Erg Chebbi
- Fes
Dakhla, ocean and desert
Five days between the lagoon, the White Dune and the Atlantic, with or without kitesurfing.
- Dakhla