A 2-day loop from Tangier via Tétouan and Chefchaouen is one of the most efficient self-drive itineraries in northern Morocco: short distances, dramatic Rif scenery, and two very different medinas. The key to enjoying it is timing the mountain road in daylight and parking outside the medinas so you walk the best parts without vehicle stress.
Table of Contents
Quick Answer
Route Snapshot and Realistic Drive Times
Day 1 Plan: Tangier → Tétouan → Chefchaouen
Day 2 Plan: Chefchaouen → Tangier
Best Stops and Viewpoints Without Overstuffing the Day
Parking in Tétouan
Parking in Chefchaouen
Road Notes for the Rif Section
What Car Makes Sense for This Loop
Practical Checklists
FAQ
Conclusion
Quick Answer
Do this loop as Day 1: Tangier → Tétouan (medina walk + lunch) → Chefchaouen (sunset and overnight), then Day 2: Chefchaouen morning + return to Tangier early afternoon. Keep the mountain driving to daylight, park outside each medina, and build buffers for photo stops because the Rif stretch invites them.
Route Snapshot and Realistic Drive Times
Use these planning anchors (add buffers for stops and urban traffic):
Tangier → Tétouan: roughly 50–60 minutes
Tétouan → Chefchaouen: roughly 1h–1h15
Chefchaouen → Tangier: roughly 1h45–2h
Operational takeaway: the driving is not “long,” but the loop feels best when you treat it as two half-days of driving, not one continuous rush.
Day 1 Plan: Tangier → Tétouan → Chefchaouen
08:30–09:30 | Depart Tangier
Start with fuel, a phone mount, and offline maps downloaded. Your goal is to arrive in Tétouan with calm parking options.
10:15–13:30 | Tétouan: medina walk + lunch
Tétouan’s medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site—compact, walkable, and ideal for a focused 60–90 minute loop rather than an all-day wander. For quick context before you arrive, use Medina of Tétouan (formerly known as Titawin).
Suggested structure:
60–90 minutes: medina lanes + artisan streets + photos
45–60 minutes: lunch
20–30 minutes: regroup and prep for the mountain leg
14:00–15:30 | Drive Tétouan → Chefchaouen (daylight only)
This is the scenic Rif section. Drive it in daylight, and budget extra for one controlled photo stop so you do not feel forced to rush.
16:00–19:30 | Chefchaouen: check-in + golden hour
Chefchaouen is compact and best done on foot once you park. If you want a concise factual overview before arrival, use Chefchaouen.
Evening rhythm that works:
Check-in, park once, walk
One slow medina loop
Optional sunset viewpoint if it does not create a late return walk/drive
Overnight: Chefchaouen.
Day 2 Plan: Chefchaouen → Tangier
08:30–11:30 | Chefchaouen morning
Morning is the calmest time for photos and a relaxed walk:
Medina loop
Café stop
Optional viewpoint (only if you remain on schedule)
12:00–14:00 | Return to Tangier
Return in early afternoon so you avoid fatigue and keep daylight margin.
Optional: If you want a more “loop-like” feel, add one short stop on the way back, but do not over-stack stops and end up arriving tired.
Best Stops and Viewpoints Without Overstuffing the Day
Use a disciplined stop strategy:
One intentional stop on the Tétouan → Chefchaouen drive (photo + stretch)
One optional stop on Day 2 return (only if you have time)
Avoid constant micro-stops. The loop feels premium when you arrive relaxed.
Parking in Tétouan
Park on the edge of the medina and walk in.
Take a photo of the parking location (street sign or landmark).
Do not leave valuables visible.
Time saver: if a spot looks stressful, take the next workable spot and walk 6–10 minutes.
Parking in Chefchaouen
Park outside the medina near your accommodation if possible.
Carry what you need in one trip (small backpack/duffel).
Expect some walking, this is normal and improves the experience.
Road Notes for the Rif Section
Curves and elevation changes: drive smoothly, avoid late overtakes
Keep more distance behind trucks (stone-chip risk)
Avoid night driving on the mountain leg if you can, daylight is calmer and more forgiving
What Car Makes Sense for This Loop
You do not need an SUV.
Compact hatchback or small sedan: best balance (easy parking + stable enough for the Rif)
Automatic: comfort upgrade if you dislike stop-start in towns
Bigger vehicle: only if you truly need luggage volume
Prioritize: good tires, strong brakes, and working AC.
Practical Checklists
Before leaving Tangier
Fuel topped up
Offline maps downloaded
Phone mount + charging cable
Cash for small parking and quick purchases
At each parking moment
Photo of where you parked
Valuables out of sight
Quick door check before walking away
For the mountain leg
Start it in daylight
One planned stop only
Drive smoothly; no last-second decisions
FAQ
How long is the Tangier → Tétouan drive?
Usually around 50–60 minutes depending on where you start and local traffic.
How long is the Tétouan → Chefchaouen drive?
Typically around 1h–1h15, plus photo stops.
How long is Chefchaouen → Tangier by car?
Often around 1h45–2h depending on conditions.
Where should I park in Tétouan and Chefchaouen?
Park on the edges and walk. Avoid pushing the car into medina interiors.
Is this loop doable with kids or a small group?
Yes. Keep Day 1 simple and make Day 2 a relaxed morning then return.
Do I need a 4×4 for the Rif section?
No. This itinerary uses paved roads; a well-maintained compact car is sufficient.
Conclusion
This 2-day Tangier → Tétouan → Chefchaouen loop works because it is realistic: short drives, big scenery, and walking-focused medinas. If you keep the mountain leg in daylight, park outside the old towns, and resist overstuffing the schedule, it will feel smooth and premium rather than rushed.
