Northern Morocco

Northern Morocco, just across the Strait of Gibraltar: Tangier, the blue mountain town of Chefchaouen, Tetouan and the Mediterranean coast, where Andalusian flavor is strongest.

This region is defined by administrative region and includes Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima and the Oriental region, covering the Rif Mountains, the Mediterranean coast and the northeastern border area.

Highlights: Tangier's Kasbah, Grand Socco market, Caves of Hercules and Cap Spartel, plus the café culture left by the Beat Generation; Chefchaouen's blue-and-white medina and the nearby Akchour Waterfalls and God's Bridge; the Andalusian-style architecture of the Tetouan medina (a UNESCO World Heritage Site); Asilah's murals and seafront ramparts; the coast of Al Hoceima National Park; and the Oriental region's Oujda, Saïdia beach and Figuig oasis.

Classic itineraries: take a ferry from Tarifa or Algeciras in Spain to Tangier, spend 3–4 days in the north (Tangier–Asilah–Chefchaouen–Tetouan), then head south to Fez; or use the region as the start or end of a Morocco loop.

Getting there: Africa's first high-speed rail line (Al Boraq) links Tangier and Casablanca in about 2 hours; Chefchaouen is reached only by long-distance bus. Note: the Rif Mountains are a cannabis-growing area, so firmly decline anyone who tries to sell it to you.

Destinations

• Chefchaouen
• Tangier

Itineraries

• Northern Morocco: Tangier, Blue City & Fes – Enter the Rif Mountains from the strait port city, then head south to Roman ruins and the Imperial City of Fes.
• Andalusia to the Sahara Crossing – Cross the sea from Seville via Tarifa, traveling through the Blue City, Fes, and the desert to Marrakech
• Classic Imperial Cities & Sahara Loop – Head north from Casablanca to the Blue City and Fes, then cross the desert and gorges to Marrakech.
• Morocco Rail Journey: North to South – Skip the car rental and private drivers; connect Tangier to Marrakech via high-speed and standard trains
• Andalusia & Strait of Gibraltar Road Trip – Drive from Málaga via Ronda, Gibraltar, and Tarifa to Seville, with a day trip across the strait to Tangier