A road trip along Morocco’s Mediterranean coast

With its luxurious coastal resort towns, tiny villages with medieval character, and low-key bays and lagoons just waiting to be explored, Morocco’s Mediterranean coast is a perfect destination for an unforgettable road trip.

You can look forward to visiting several big cities such as Tangier and Tetouan, two lovely Spanish enclaves, and an amazing national park on this coastal road trip. You can also spend time in villages like El Jebha and Nador for a more authentic slice of Moroccan life. Along the coast, Saidia and Al Hoceima are seaside resort towns with all-inclusive 5-star hotels and picturesque beaches.

To help you plan this coastal trip, we’ve compiled a road trip itinerary that includes a list of places to visit, where to stay, where to eat, and much more…

Where to start and end your Mediterranean coast road trip in Morocco

The city of Tangier is probably the best place to begin your road trip along the Mediterranean coast in Morocco. From renting a car to getting food and other necessities, you can purchase everything needed for a memorable coastal trip in this vibrant city with a multicultural heritage. Tangier has an international airport (Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport), making it super easy to organize this Moroccan seaside trip. As for your final destination, Saidia first comes to mind. With its gorgeous beaches with golden sands and crystal-clear waters, it is one of the most visited seaside resorts in Morocco. What’s also great is that Saidia is just 53 km from the Moroccan city of Oujda where you will find the international Oujda Angads Airport.

Mediterranean coast road trip in Morocco duration

How long will it take me to do this coastal road trip? It really depends on what you are looking to get from your vacation in Morocco. It takes about 10 hours by car to get from Tangier to Saidia and there are many cool places to visit along the way. We believe it is worth spending at least 5 to 7 days exploring the Mediterranean coast in Morocco. You can book accommodation in Tetouan, Al Hoceima, Melilla, and Saidia. As a bonus, we’ve added descriptions of our favourite hotels, resorts, and riads in these cities.

A road trip along Morocco’s Mediterranean coast itinerary

Tangier

Kick off your road trip along the Mediterranean coast in Morocco in Tangier, a charming city known for its gorgeous palaces, palm-shaded squares, and colourful medina. The good news is that most of the popular tourist attractions in Tangier are concentrated around the historical area, which means you can easily explore the city on foot. Discover the historical medina, visit the beautiful Grand Socco Square, and spend an hour at the American Legation Museum. Don’t miss the Kasbah and its 3 fabulous museums: the Kasbah Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Ibn Battouta Museum. Before embarking on your road trip along the coast, enjoy a cup of Moroccan mint tea at the legendary Café Hafa.

Ceuta

Your next stop on this seaside road trip is the town of Ceuta, one of the two Spanish enclaves in Morocco. Located on a peninsula just across the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain, this popular seaside resort boasts fantastic architecture, palm-fringed sunbathing areas, and beautiful Royal Walls from the 16th century. Check out the popular Playa de la Ribera or spend an hour or two at the Parque Marítimo del Mediterráneo, a seafront playground with 3 saltwater swimming pools and a bunch of tapas bars and restaurants. Museum lovers should not miss the Military Museum of the Legion which houses an extensive collection of paintings, flags, and photographs that tell the story of the Spanish Legion.

Tetouan

Drive along the newly paved N16 road until you reach Tetouan, a beautiful city with Hispano-Moorish roots, fabulous museums, and an ancient medina. See a permanent collection of the finest contemporary art and sculpture from all over Morocco at the Tetouan Modern Art Center. There is also the city's Archaeological Museum which houses mosaics, vases, lanterns, mosaics, inscriptions, and memorials from the ancient Roman city. You can explore the city’s UNESCO-listed medina and its white-washed and tiled buildings. Wish to go for a swim in the crystal-clear blue waters of the Mediterranean? Not far from Tetouan, you will find seaside resorts such as Martil, Cabo Negro, and M'diq.

Where to stay in Tetouan

• Blanco Riad: With elegant arches and a lovely courtyard with a central fountain, this beautiful boutique riad is situated inside the old 19th-century Spanish Consulate. Blanco Riad offers 8 bright and cosy rooms, each fitted with velvet sofas and mosaic-tiled floors. Guests can enjoy beauty treatments, relax in the garden, and dine at the on-site restaurant that focuses on Moroccan cuisine.

• Sofitel Tamuda Bay Beach and Spa: If you wish to stay right on the beach, book your stay at the 5-star Sofitel Tamuda Bay Beach and Spa. You will be staying in the coastal village of M'diq. With a private beach area, a state-of-the-art spa centre with a Turkish steam bath, and an outdoor pool, this lush resort is all about elegance and luxury. The resort boasts 2 on-site restaurants, a bar, and about 100 nicely decorated rooms and suites with private bathrooms.

Where to eat in Tetouan

• El Reducto: Situated inside a boutique riad, this Spanish-run restaurant is one of the most popular places to eat in Tetouan. El Reducto is spread across 3 floors including a picturesque rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city. What’s good to order here? Meat lovers can order the mouthwatering lamb tagine or go for the chicken pastille. If you are a vegetarian, we recommend getting the delicious couscous with vegetables. Pair your meal with a glass of Moroccan wine or a bottle of cold beer.

• Restinga Restaurant: Located in the centre of Tetouan, Restinga Restaurant is a beautiful dining establishment with an adorable courtyard and a giant tree in the middle. On the menu, you will find everything from fresh seafood and fish to meat and desserts. The complimentary olives are tasty, as well as popular dishes like chicken couscous, fish soup, and beef tagine with plums. We should also mention that Restinga is one of the few restaurants in Tetouan that serves alcohol.

El Jebha

The next stop on your road trip adventure along Morocco’s Mediterranean coast is the small port town of El Jebha. Located right between Tetouan and Al Hoceima, this tiny Moroccan town is known for its rocky beaches and a small mountain range. You can go swimming in the clear blue waters or hike the nearby mountains for panoramic views of the sea. Don’t miss the fabulous Lhwat Beach, one of the best beaches on the Mediterranean coast in Morocco. This beach is only accessible by boat, but you will find many taxi boats near the port. The best way to experience Lhwat Beach is by renting a kayak from one of the local beach companies.

Al Hoceima National Park

Covering nearly 300 kilometres of impressive canons, limestone cliffs, and pine forests, Al Hoceima National Park is one of the most remote and isolated areas along this Mediterranean coastal trip in Morocco. Whether you wish to explore 30 kilometres of well-marked trails across the park, enjoy activities such as mountain biking and quad rides, or discover hidden coves and beaches, there is so no shortage of fun things to do at this charming national park. You will probably come across a few Berber settlements, as well as rare species of birds and reptiles. Don’t miss the nearby city of Hoceima, one of the most popular resort towns in Morocco which is famed for its all-inclusive hotels and resorts. Some of the must-visit beaches in the area include Corniche Morro Viejo, Plage Quemado, and Plage Calabonita.

Where to stay in Al Hoceima

• Radisson Blu Resort Al Hoceima: Nestled in one of Al Hoceima’s picturesque bays just 200 meters from the beach, this iconic 5-star resort on the Mediterranean coast is a great place to spend the night. Radisson Blu Resort boasts a large outdoor pool, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, a beautiful garden, and a spa and wellness centre. Dining options are plentiful and include the Cedar restaurant, the Fish House, the Island, and Saffron. For stunning views and cocktails, pay a visit to the on-site Penthouse bar.

• Mercure Quemado Al-Hoceima Resort: This all-inclusive resort is located just a stone’s throw from the gorgeous Quemado Beach on Morocco’s Mediterranean coast. From a lovely terrace and an outdoor pool to a fitness centre, a few bars, and a posh nightclub, Mercure Quemado Al-Hoceima Resort truly has it all. The resort has 169 air-conditioned rooms with modern décor to choose from, as well as a business centre and a restaurant that focuses on Moroccan and international cuisine. After a day of hiking in the nearby national bar, relax your muscles at the on-site spa.

• Suite Hotel Mohammed V by Accor: With fully furnished rooms, a business centre with conference rooms, and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, Suite Hotel Mohammed V by Accor is where you can spend a night or two on your road trip along the coast. The lovely Quemado Beach and the city center are just a 5-minute walk away. Enjoy fresh seafood at the on-site restaurant, relax in the garden, or have a glass of wine or a cocktail at the bar in the lobby.

Melilla

The next stop on your coastal trip along the Mediterranean coast is the Spanish enclave of Melilla. Stop by the large fortress of Melilla la Vieja which is home to museums and churches. To enjoy panoramic sea views, you can follow the path up from the Puerta de la Mariana to the fort’s highest point. History lovers can spend an hour or two and the Museo Histórico Militar de Melilla which houses 500 artefacts ranging from flags to weapons. Don’t miss the Playa de la Ensenada de los Galápagos, a small cove that can be accessed via a tunnel. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. There is a part of the city called the Golden Triangle which houses a bunch of cool modernist buildings such as the House of Crystals, the Melul House, the Palace of the Assembly, the Tortosa House, and many others. Nature lovers visiting Melilla should not miss the beautiful Hernandez Park, a historic garden with ancient palm trees and rare plants.

Where to stay in Melilla

• Hotel Melilla Puerto: Located close to the promenade and the beach, Hotel Melilla Puerto offers 139 rooms and suites with comfortable beds, minibars, and spacious bathrooms with complimentary toiletries. Most rooms have sea views. If you wish to stay in shape, visit the on-site fitness centre. The hotel restaurant, La Almoraina focuses on Mediterranean cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests say how breakfast at Hotel Melilla Puerto is delicious and includes cold cuts, pastries, fruits, and gluten-free options.

• Parador De Melilla: There is an old-fashioned vibe to this place. Nestled atop a hill in Lobera Park and surrounded by lush greenery, Parador De Melillaboasts boasts 40 nicely decorated rooms. Most rooms come with panoramic views of the coast and the city. To reach the hotel you need to climb a big hill, but in return, you get spectacular views from your private balcony. Guests can cool off in the seasonal outdoor pool, relax and read a book in the lush gardens, and grab a drink from the on-site bar/lounge. Parador De Melilla has a restaurant that specializes in Mediterranean, European, and African cuisine.

Where to eat in Melilla

• Restaurante El Rincón-Casa Sadia: If you are craving tasty Moroccan food, make a reservation at El Rincón-Casa Sadia. The star of the menu is the soft lamb couscous. Seafood lovers can order cooked shrimp or grilled swordfish in green sauce. If you prefer meat, go for the chicken/beef skewers. Don’t leave this place before trying their wonderful tea with herbabuena.

• Restaurante El Caracol Moderno II: This traditional restaurant in Melilla is all about simple, yet delicious Moroccan food. The lamb is heavenly and the Turkish kefta is cooked to perfection. Guests can also order the signature chicken pie or try the vegetarian couscous. What we like about Restaurante El Caracol Moderno II is that the portions are huge. It is a popular eatery, so make sure to reserve a table.

Nador

Your next destination on this road trip is Nador, an up-and-coming coastal resort town known for its large salt lagoon (Mar Chica). For trinkets, souvenirs, and fresh produce, visit the bustling Souk Oulad Mimoun market. Travelers can also walk along the beautiful Corniche, one of the recent developments in the city. Venture outside the city gates and go to Cape of Three Forks for breathtaking panoramic views. We should also mention that Nador is among the richest birdwatching sites in the country. Wish to spend a day on the beach? Plage Sid El Bachir is one of the best beaches in the Nador region.

Saidia

You’ve made it to Saidia, the last stop on your road trip along Morocco’s Mediterranean coast. A popular beach town, Saidia has a lovely white golden sandy beach and numerous upscale resorts. The city itself is small with about 4,000 residents. Outside the resorts, there is not much to see and do here. You can shop in one of the malls and visit the city’s 19th-century fort. The main reason why tourists flock to this coastal town is the 14-kilometer-long Plage Saidia, one of the longest beaches in Morocco.

Where to stay in Saidia

• Be Live Collection Saidia: An elegant all-inclusive hotel with 2 swimming pools and a private sandy beach, Be Live Collection Saidia is all about luxury. Pamper yourself with a visit to the hotel’s award-winning spa and enjoy a wide range of body treatments. There are 4 fabulous restaurants to choose from, as well as 4 different bars/lounges. You will also find tennis courts and a fitness centre here at Be Live Collection Saidia. In the evening, dress to the nines and dance the night away at the on-site Theatre Disco Bar.

Radisson Blu Resort Saidia: With nearly 400 bedrooms, the all-inclusive Radisson Blu Resort Saidia is one of the largest resorts in the city. With a large outdoor and indoor swimming pool, direct access to a beautiful beach, several bars, and a spa centre that offers facials and massages, this 5-star property has everything needed for an unforgettable vacation in Saidia. For delicious Spanish food, visit Sal's restaurant. If you prefer Asian cuisine, go to Banzu. There is also the Moroccan restaurant Mosaico.

Morocco’s Mediterranean Coast Tour Map