Explore northern Morocco through three stops full of character. Discover the blue alleys of Chefchaouen, the Andalusian heritage of Tetouan and the cosmopolitan energy of Tangier, via the spots of Belyounech and Dalia Beach. Stop in Rif villages, enjoy Mediterranean views and end your route facing the Strait of Gibraltar. An ideal trip combining culture, photography and coastal discoveries.
Day-by-day programme
Fez → Chefchaouen, the Blue Pearl
Morning : leave Fez early and climb through the Rif with fine views over the wadis and olive trees.
Afternoon : check in to your riad, then explore the blue medina up to Plaza Uta el-Hammam and the red Kasbah.
Evening : a 15-minute walk to the Spanish Mosque for the sunset that sets the whole valley ablaze.
Chefchaouen → Tetouan, the White Dove
Morning : a calm morning in the Chefchaouen medina, then the road to Tetouan (1 h 15).
Afternoon : Tetouan’s UNESCO-listed medina, with Hispano-Moorish architecture strongly reminiscent of Andalusia, the Mellah and the Royal Palace square.
Evening : tea in the Ville Nouvelle (Ensanche) from the Spanish protectorate era, then dinner in a riad.
Tetouan → Belyounech
Morning : head north past M’diq and Fnideq, then take the steep mountain road down to Belyounech, a fishing village at the foot of Jbel Moussa (the “Dead Woman”), right at the Ceuta border.
Afternoon : Belyounech beach, with turquoise, clear water reputed to be the best diving and snorkelling spot in northern Morocco, below rocks plunging into the sea.
Evening : a local guesthouse, or back up to Fnideq / Ksar el-Majaz for the night.
Belyounech → Dalia Beach → Tangier
Morning : take the RN16 coastal road west to Dalia Beach (Eddalya), a vast stretch of fine white sand and calm, crystal-clear water, facing the cargo ships crossing the Strait.
Afternoon : a fresh-fish lunch by the water, then on to Tangier by the A4 motorway (about 45 minutes).
Evening : a drink at the legendary Café Hafa at sunset, facing the Spanish coast.
The spirit of Tangier
Morning : Tangier’s Kasbah, cobbled lanes and the Dar el-Makhzen museum, then a walk down through the Grand Socco to the medina.
Afternoon : a short excursion west: Cape Spartel, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, and the famous Caves of Hercules, before returning your vehicle or preparing to leave.
Concierge tips
Parking in Belyounech
The village is very steep and spaces near the beach are limited: arrive before 10 am, especially on a sunny weekend, to find a spot in the small dirt car park above the village.
Belyounech’s shoreline
Unlike Dalia, a fine-sand beach, Belyounech has small stones at the water’s edge: bring water shoes, plus a mask and snorkel.
Supplies
Dalia and Belyounech are semi-wild areas: a few small cafés or fish sellers in season, but only basic facilities and no ATMs. Bring cash dirhams for parking and meals.
Stops and rest points
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1
FezStart
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2
Chefchaouen3 h 30 drive · 1 night recommended
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3
Tetouan1 h 15 drive · 1 night recommended
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4
Belyounech1 h 15 drive · 1 night recommended
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5
Dalia Beach1 h drive · Short stop (2 to 3 h)
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6
Tangier45 min drive · 1 night recommended
Must-sees
- The blue alleys of the medina
- Tetouan's medina (UNESCO heritage)
- Belyounech: snorkelling and diving below Jbel Moussa
- Dalia Beach facing the Strait
- Café Hafa at sunset
- Cape Spartel and the Caves of Hercules
Route map
Open in Google MapsMore itineraries
Fez → Essaouira → Agadir → Sidi Ifni
Atlantic coast · Villages · Wild beaches
