Things To Do
in Martil
Martil is a small coastal town in northern Morocco on the Mediterranean, known for its sandy beach, seaside promenade (corniche) and relaxed resort vibe. Once popular with Spanish-era holidaymakers, it blends Moroccan and Andalusian influences with a lively summer scene and quiet off-season rhythms. The town is a convenient base for exploring Tetouan's UNESCO-listed medina, the Rif Mountains and nearby coastal attractions like Cabo Negro.
Visitors will find fresh seafood, a small marina, and easy access to outdoor activities such as swimming, boating and hiking in the surrounding hills.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at the airport and take a scenic drive to Martil, where you can enjoy the beautiful coastal views along the way. Once settled into your accommodation, take a leisurely stroll on the beach to soak in the refreshing Moroccan breeze. Enjoy a light brunch at a beachfront cafe, relishing local pastries and mint tea.
Spend the afternoon exploring the charming streets of Martil, filled with small shops and cafes. Visit the local market to experience the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps buy some handcrafted souvenirs. Don’t miss out on tasting some delicious Moroccan street food for lunch.
As the sun begins to set, find a picturesque spot along the beach to admire the breathtaking views. Dine at a local seafood restaurant, enjoying fresh catches prepared with Moroccan spices. Cap off the evening with a walk along the shore, under the stars and the moonlight reflecting on the water.
Start your day with breakfast at a traditional Moroccan cafe, indulging in khobz (bread) and harira (soup). Visit the nearby historical city of Tetouan, known for its UNESCO-listed Medina and stunning architecture. Explore the vibrant craftsmanship in the artisan workshops, where you can see local artisans at work.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch in Tetouan, sampling regional delicacies before continuing your exploration of the city’s rich history. Spend the afternoon visiting the Archaeological Museum to learn more about Morocco’s past and heritage. Wander through the colorful streets, taking in the sights and sounds of local life.
Return to Martil and unwind at your accommodation before heading out for dinner. Discover a local diner where you can savor traditional tagine and couscous dishes. Enjoy the relaxed ambiance and perhaps listen to live music as you finish your evening.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| ☕Coffee / Tea at café | $1.50-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (in town) | $1-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (double/night) | $45-90 |
| 🐟Seafood platter (restaurant) | $12-30 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful Mediterranean beaches and relaxed seaside atmosphere
- Close access to Tetouan, Rif hiking and other northern Morocco highlights
- Fresh seafood and authentic local culture with fewer tourists than Tangier
- Convenient base for day trips to Chefchaouen, Tetouan and the Rif
- Limited nightlife and cultural attractions within Martil itself outside summer
- Fewer card-friendly businesses — reliance on cash
- Seasonal crowding and price increases during summer months
- Public transport options within town are limited compared to larger cities
- "Salam ʿalaykum" - Hello / Peace be upon you
- "Shukran" - Thank you
- "Bslama" - Goodbye
- "Besh-hal hada?" - How much is this?
- "Smeḥ liya" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Ma fhemtsh" - I don't understand
- "Fin kayn ...?" - Where is ...?
Places to Visit in Martil
Visit one of these nice places.
Long sea-facing walkway ideal for sunrise/sunset shots, people-watching, and capturing the mix of local life and holiday atmosphere.
Early-morning scenes of fishing boats, nets and fishermen — great for colorful, authentic images.
Wide sandy stretches perfect for sunset silhouettes, reflections and long-exposure shots of waves.
Nearby Tetouan’s medina rooftops offer panoramic views of whitewashed buildings and the Rif foothills — best for townscape photography.
Short drives inland lead to viewpoints with dramatic sea-and-mountain compositions, especially from Talassemtane National Park.
Food in Martil
Martil Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh sardines grilled with lemon and olive oil — a local specialty available at beachfront grills and the fish market area.
Must-Try!
Couscous topped with a mix of local seafood (mussels, shrimp, fish) — common in seaside restaurants around Martil and Tetouan.
A slow-cooked stew of seasonal vegetables and spices; widely available and a good vegetarian option in local restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small local market near the marina where boats land fresh fish in the morning — great for photos and buying seafood for grilling.
A short ride away, Tetouan’s markets offer olives, spices, pastries (kaab el ghazal, chebakia), roasted nuts and street snacks like brochettes and msemen.
Seasonal stalls on Martil’s corniche selling grilled seafood, juices and simple sweets — busiest in summer evenings.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Start interactions with Salam (hello) and a handshake among men; use both hands or the right hand for giving and receiving items. Polite small talk before business is common.
Dress modestly in public, especially outside tourist beaches — shoulders and knees covered is respectful. Swimwear is fine on beaches but avoid topless sunbathing.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially women and in conservative areas; many locals appreciate the courtesy.
Haggling is normal in souks and informal markets; start lower and negotiate politely. Fixed-price shops and supermarkets are not typically open to bargaining.
During Ramadan, be discreet when eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours; some restaurants remain open for tourists but show respect.
Safety
Tipping in Martil
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory. Round up taxi fares, leave small change for cafe servers, and give 5–10% in restaurants if service isn’t included. Tip guides and drivers modestly for good service.
Cash (Moroccan dirham) is king in Martil; many small shops and cafes don’t accept cards. Major restaurants and hotels may accept cards, but ATMs are best for cash withdrawals — carry small denominations for markets and taxis.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
June–September: Hot and sunny with busy beaches, outdoor cafes and peak tourist activity. Expect higher prices, crowded corniche and plenty of seasonal vendors; bring sun protection and book accommodation early.
September–November: Warm days and cooler evenings, fewer crowds, good time for hiking and exploring Tetouan. Occasional rain increases toward November.
December–February: Mild but rainy and windier; beach time is quieter and many seasonal businesses reduce hours. Temperatures remain comfortable compared with inland winters, but pack a rain jacket.
March–May: Blossoming landscapes, pleasant temperatures and lower crowds — ideal for outdoor activities, coastal walks and mountain hikes.
Martil at Night
Hiking in Martil
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short drive inland from Tetouan, this park features cedar forests, narrow gorges and waterfalls — ideal for day hikes and nature photography.
Popular hikes to waterfalls, natural pools and the famous rock arch; about 1.5–2 hours’ drive from Martil and well worth a day trip.
Numerous local trails accessible from Tetouan and surrounding villages offer shorter walks, village-to-village routes and panoramic coastal viewpoints.
Coastal mountain near the Strait with commanding sea views; routes vary in difficulty and require proper footwear and local guidance for safety.
Airports
How to reach Martil by plane.
Main international airport serving northern Morocco, about 60–75 km west of Martil (roughly 1–1.5 hours by car), with good connections to Europe and domestic destinations.
Small regional airport serving Tetouan area; limited scheduled flights — check availability seasonally and for charter services.
Regional airport to the east (1.5–2 hours by car) serving flights to Europe and domestic routes — an alternative depending on scheduling and onward travel plans.
Spanish enclave across the coast; no large commercial airport directly accessible, but ferries and occasional air/heli links connect the region. Most international travelers use Tangier or Nador.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Indigenous Berber (Amazigh) communities from the Rif region make up a significant portion of the local population, contributing to local language, traditions and crafts.
Arab Moroccan residents live and work in Martil and the surrounding towns, blending cultural practices and contributing to the town’s commerce.
Summer visitors include Moroccans from other regions, Spanish and European tourists; the population swells seasonally with holidaymakers.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport locally — played and followed enthusiastically at community and regional levels.
Volleyball, beach football and swimming are common along the Martil shore during the summer season.
Windsurfing, paddleboarding and small-boat activities take place seasonally depending on weather and local operators.
With the Rif Mountains nearby, hiking and trail running are popular outdoor pursuits among locals and visitors.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Martil.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are more limited than in large cities; ask for vegetable tagine, salads, lentil dishes and couscous without meat. Carry snacks if you have strict needs and confirm ingredients (e.g., use of fish stock) when ordering.
Vegan choices are available but require clarification (many dishes use butter or honey). Request simple salads, stewed vegetables and couscous, and specify no butter/yogurt.
Traditional Moroccan cuisine has many gluten-free elements (grilled meats, fish, salads), but breads and some pastries contain gluten; ask cooks about preparation to avoid cross-contamination.
Most meat is halal; seafood is widely consumed. Alcohol is available in certain establishments, but not ubiquitous.