The ‘white dove of the Mediterranean sea’ with 20°C March weather gets first UK flights

From March 29, UK travellers will for the first time be able to fly directly to Tétouan in Morocco, as Royal Air Maroc begins a twice-weekly service.

This new route, operating on Thursdays and Sundays from London Gatwick, opens up a culturally rich yet largely unknown destination, which was previously only reachable with a connection via Casablanca or other hubs.

The launch reflects not only the airline’s broader expansion — tied to the opening of a new air base at Tétouan–Sania R’mel Airport — but also a growing appetite for off-the-beaten-track North African travel.

Morocco has seen a surge in UK visitor numbers in recent years, with British arrivals reaching one million in 2025, helped by increased flight capacity and rising anti-tourist sentiment in hotspots like Spain and Greece.

But while the majority head to Marrakesh or beach destinations like Agadir, but Tétouan is an enticing alternative for holidaymakers looking to explore the country’s northern charms.

With a vivid mix of Hispano-Moorish architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage medina, a charming coastline and the scenic Rif Mountains on its doorstep, the ‘white dove of the Mediterranean sea’ has a lot to offer.

Lonely Planet describes Tétouan — which sits around 37 miles from Tangier, just south of the Strait of Gibraltar — as ‘a jewel of a town’, while travel blogger Stephanie Granados of WanderlustBeautyDreams calls it ‘Morocco’s hidden gem’.

‘I truly don’t understand why the city is bypassed by the majority of tourists,’ adds Els, who runs My Feet Are Meant to Roam. ‘There are plenty of things to do in Tétouan and I found it to be one of the most pure and interesting places I visited in northern Morocco.’

Thinking of seeing it for yourself? Here’s everything you need to know.

Things to do in Tétouan

At the heart of Tétouan lies a historic medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its whitewashed lanes, tiled courtyards and strong Andalusian influence.

Rebuilt by refugees from southern Spain in the late 15th century, it feels markedly different from the souks of Marrakesh or Fez, with artisan workshops producing traditional embroidery, leather goods and zellij tiles.

The Royal Palace square offers a grand introduction to the city’s Hispano-Moorish architecture, but to get a deeper insight into its past, the Tétouan Archaeological Museum is a must-visit, with artefacts from Phoenician, Roman and indigenous societies who called it home over the years.

Beyond the city walls, nature takes centre stage. The rugged peaks of the Rif Mountains rise dramatically behind Tétouan, offering hiking trails and panoramic views, while the Mediterranean beaches of Martil are just a short drive away, popular for swimming and seafood lunches.

Food is a major highlight in general; Tétouan’s cuisine blends Moroccan and Andalusian traditions, with dishes such as seafood pastilla and slow-cooked tagines reflecting its coastal setting.

Meanwhile, evening strolls through Place Moulay El Mehdi, with its Spanish-era arcades and cafés, provide a relaxed way to soak up the city’s unique cross-cultural atmosphere.

Best time to visit Tétouan

Although it depends what you’re looking for in a getaway, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal for visiting Tétouan, as temperatures are warm but comfortable and the surrounding landscapes are at their most appealing.

Thanks to its position between the Mediterranean and the foothills of the Rif Mountains, the city enjoys a milder climate than many inland Moroccan destinations, with daytime highs in spring in the low-to-mid 20°C — ideal for exploring the medina’s narrow lanes, visiting museums and taking day trips without the intense heat that can build in summer.

July and August bring the warmest conditions, often climbing above 30°C, but this is also when nearby beach resorts such as Martil are at their liveliest, drawing domestic and international holidaymakers.

Meanwhile, winter (December to February) is quieter and cooler at between 13°C and 18°C, with occasional rainfall — yet this is still far milder than the UK, and an off-season escape means fewer crowds and better accommodation rates.

Flight prices and journey time

According to Skyscanner, flights on the new direct Royal Air Maroc route from Gatwick start at £90 return for September.

In April however, you’re looking at between £91 and £175 for a round trip, depending on the dates you choose.

In terms of the journey time, it takes around three hours on average to getfrom London to Tetuan S. Ramel Airport, then you’re looking at 10 to 15 minutes in a taxi to reach Tétouan city centre.

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