Chefchaouen to Tetouan tickets

About the ride from Chefchaouen to Tetouan

With its sky-blue buildings and charming medina, Chefchaouen continues to rise as a top travel destination in northern Morocco. 

With narrow alleyways and a picturesque setting in the Rif Mountains, it is also a favorite spot for the social media crowd. 

However, 39 miles (63 kilometers) to the north is another charming city that hasn't fully emerged onto many travelers' itineraries — Tetouan.

Besides being Morocco's second largest port on the Mediterranean, Tetouan's boxy, blinding white architecture and location between the mountains and the sea make it a place worth seeing.

Strategically located between Chefchaouen and the Straits of Gibraltar, your travels will likely bring you through Tetouan at some point or another anyway, so why not take a few days to enjoy it? 

Below, we'll outline just how quick and easy it will be for you to get there.

Unmissable things to do in Tetouan

With access to the blue waters of the Mediterranean and the stunning scenery of the Rif Mountains, Tetouan has more than a few things worth experiencing to fill your days. 

Here are some of the top things to see in Tetouan:

1. Wander through the medina. Tetouan's medina, nestled in the heart of the city, is framed by several miles of protective walls and can be accessed through seven grand entrances. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its well-preserved Andalusian architecture.
   
   

Have fun wandering through the souks and stalls of this ancient playground and pick up some great local handicrafts.

2. Get cultured in the many museums. For a deep dive into local culture, choose a museum, any museum.
   
   

The Archeological Museum traces the area's history from prehistoric to Roman to Islamic times and features a sweet garden.

The Ethnographic Museum — in a 19th-century fortress — showcases all sorts of jewelry, costumes, and weapons from ages past.

If you prefer more modern tastes, the Museum of Modern Art is the place for you.

3. Spend some time at the shore. No matter your taste or budget, the coastline around Tetouan will have something for you.

For luxury beach resorts, head to swanky Tamuda Bay.

For nature lovers, nearby Smir Laguna is a popular reserve for migratory birds.

Day trippers will love M'diq Beach for its seafront boulevard and fantastic seafood.

And history buffs will get a kick out of Martil, Tetouan's port, which was once a pirate's lair.

4. Head for the Rif Mountains. Outdoor enthusiasts, get ready!

Besides the usual suspects of mountain biking, hiking and canyoning, you can also go wildlife spotting for eagles or the Barbary macaque. 

A 2.5-hour drive from Tetouan is Talassemtane National Park — a natural jewel offering excellent camping opportunities.

What to expect when traveling from Chefchaouen to Tetouan

With a distance of 39.2 miles ( 63 kilometers), the journey from Chefchaouen to Tetouan should only take about 1-1.5 hours. 

You can expect the road to be scenic, with wonderful views of the fir and pine forests of the Rif Mountains. Because of the winding terrain, top speeds are limited, which gives you more time to take in the impressive panoramas.

How to get from Chefchaouen to Tetouan

The primary options for getting from Chefchaouen to Tetouan are by minivan or bus. Each has its pros and cons in terms of price and comfort. 

Below, we break down your choices to see which fits your budget and itinerary:

Minivan

Minivans are the more expensive option, with a starting price of around $31 per passenger. The upside is that they are also the most flexible, and you have the convenience of getting picked up and dropped off at your hotel of choice in both Chefchaouen and Tetouan. 

Minivans are air-conditioned, and most have reclining seats, TV screens, and charging ports. Some even have WiFi. 

Passengers are allowed at least one large bag apiece; depending on the operator you choose, you might have more. 

Usually, a minimum of two to three people are required to make a booking.

With dozens of departure times available daily, you have greater flexibility when choosing your travel schedule.

If convenience and comfort matter, a minivan is a great way to go.

Bus

Like most places in the world, taking a bus is the most budget-friendly way of getting between cities. 

With prices starting from about $5 per ticket, they offer a surprising amount of comfort for a low price.

Buses are run by CTM — the national bus line — and make the trip in 1-1.5 hours. 

All the buses have air conditioning, and some have reclining seats, charging stations and WiFi.

Be sure to check the baggage rules as you book. Some buses only include a 15 lb (7 kg) handbag or backpack per passenger. You'll need to pay the driver an additional 5 MAD (¢.50) per extra bag. 

There are multiple departures throughout the day from the CTM Station in Chefchaouen to the CTM Station in Tetouan. From there, you'll have to make your way to your hotel at your own expense.

When is the best time of year to visit Tetouan?

Head to Tetouan in the summer months, from June to early September. Temperatures hover around a comfortable 82°F (28°C), which makes for perfect touring weather or days at the beach.

Winters can get downright chilly—especially in the mountains—with lows dipping to 42°F (6°C). Definitely not a time for the beach! 

Keep in mind, too, that February and March are the rainiest months, so if you plan to spend time outdoors, you might want to come at another time.

How many days do I need in Tetouan?

Give yourself at least two days to fully explore the medina and a couple of museums. 

If you're going to work in some time at the beach or the mountains, add another 2-3 days to your stay. 

Where to travel after Tetouan

Given its excellent location in the north of Morocco, head to Tangier. A bus can get you there in about one hour. From there, you can travel further north into Spain.