Are you looking for the best day trips from Benalmadena to Morocco?
In that case, you came to the right place.
I have done this day trip myself just recently, and can recommend a local company offering the best value for money and best experience.
This article will give you a comprehensive guide for planning your day trip, including an itinerary, practical tips and details for booking your day trip to Morocco.
Let’s dive in!
PS: this article contains affiliate links, I will earn a small fee if you use them, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping me run this blog!
Is Morocco Worth Visiting on a Day Trip?
Yes, it most certainly is!
Of course, there is plenty to do on Costa del Sol, so venturing out to Morocco is not a must, but it would be a shame to miss out on the opportunity to experience Africa on a day trip without the hassle of having to drive there yourself.
The travel time to Morocco is long, but even with that in mind, you will have plenty of time to explore and experience Morocco in an authentic way.
If you’re on a tight schedule and you have only a few days to spend in Southern Spain, I would recommend sticking to the local destinations here.
On the other hand, if you have more than a week to explore and you’ve seen everything Benalmadena offers, why not book a trip to experience something completely out of the ordinary?
Bonus Tip:
Video: My Day Trip to Tetouan
I completely understand that it can be hard to imagine what to expect, so I hope that this short video from my trip to Tetouan will give you a good idea, and get you excited about the trip!
How to Plan a Day Trip from Benalmadena to Morocco
That’s pretty easy – book it with a local tour company.
I do not recommend trying to drive there on your own with a rental car (for the reasons I will explain at the end of the article) and public transport is not an option either.
How to book your day trip with a local company:
- choose a day from the calendar on this page
- add the number of people
- from the list, select the card with pick up location in Benalmadena
- click book now and pay for your trip
- you will also get free cancellation and option to pay it later
- you will receive email notification with the trip details
- no need to print the vouchers, you can save them on your phone
- the tour company won’t even check the voucher, they have your name on the list
Tetouan or Tangier: Which Day Trip Should You Book?
There are two options for a day trip to Morocco – Tangier and Tetouan.
I booked the tour of Tetouan and I’m very happy I did because as I was told by our local guide, it’s much less touristy and crowded compared to Tangier. The Medina in Tangier attracts a lot of crowds, and with that comes unwanted attention from locals and sellers, more beggars, and overall, you will feel more like a tourist being chased to buy something.
There are two other trips available for Tangier with pick up from Benalmadena, but they come with mixed reviews so I would recommend only considering Tetouan for your trip to Morocco.
3 Reasons for Booking a Day Trip from Benalmadena to Morocco by Bus
If you’re not 100% whether to drive or book a local tour, here are a few things you should consider:
1. You Get an Expert Local Guide in Morocco
I cannot stress how important it is to have a local guide with you while visiting Morocco.
Not only will they ensure you’re safe and show you the best places, but they will also offer insights into their culture and history you won’t read from books.
In Morocco, only licensed guides can do tours in cities like Tetouan, and with this trip you will get a local guide that is from the city of Tetouan and spent his whole life there.
2. Hassle Free Border Crossing
The time at the border crossing, especially on the Moroccan side, can be substantial; we were told it’s normal to spend an hour waiting to cross.
Thanks to our friendly local guide, who knew how things work and knew people working there, we were able to cut the travel time in a half.
3. A Tour is The Cheapest Option
Getting a tour from the local company is often the cheapest option available, especially if you take into account the cost of renting a car, petrol, tolls on roads, parking fees, the cost of the ferry tickets and also paying a local guide to take you through the city.
Best Time of Year to Do a Tour from Benalmadena to Morocco
You can visit Morocco anytime during the year and will have a great trip.
The only thing I would remind you of is the fact that in wintertime, the sea can be pretty rough, so the one-hour crossing by ferry can be a bit unpleasant.
In summer, Morocco tends to be even hotter than Spain, so you need to be prepared and wear appropriate clothing and sun protection.
I would personally say that the ideal time is in spring or autumn. In spring, during the celebration of Ramadan, the city is especially quiet, so you will have the whole Medina pretty much to yourself.
Itinerary For Your Day Trip from Benalmadena to Morocco
- pick up in Benalmadena before 7am
- travel by bus towards the Strait of Gibraltar
- as you arrive at Algeciras port, your guide will secure your ferry ticket, and you will board the ferry
- you will take the fast 1 hour ferry to Ceuta (Spanish territory in North Africa)
- you will board a local bus with a local tour guide and continue to the borders
- after arriving in Tetouan, you will start your day with a guided tour of the Medina
- your tour also includes lunch in a typical Moroccan restaurant in Medina
- you will also see the royal palace, a brief stop at a rug shop, a local natural pharmacy, city center and learn everything about the local history
- you will return back to Benalmadena via Algeciras, same way as you left, sometime before 11pm
Practical Tips: Day Tour from Benalmadena to Morocco
- book this trip as soon as possible – it sells out fast
- this trip is only available once a week
- it is a full-day bus trip, so you will spend a lot of time in the bus (take snacks & reading)
- long sleeve top and closed-toe shoes are required
- the duration of the trip depends on local traffic, ferry schedules, and the amount of time required for border crossing
- there is no free time included on this trip for safety reasons – the Medina is huge and its very easy to get lost
- you will need a valid passport for your trip to Morocco – EU citizens can enter without visa
- the ferry crossing was very easy and comfortable, you’re unlikely to get seasick
- do not bring large backpacks with you
- the trip is not suitable for small kids
What You Will See on Your Day Trip
The main highlight of this day trip to Teouan in Morocco is the ancient Medina.
This UNESCO World Heritage site is a treasure trove of diverse cultures and breathtaking architecture. Its narrow, winding streets invite you to explore the rich blend of Andalusian, Moroccan, and Ottoman influences that shape this city.
The markets, or souks, are a vibrant part of life here, filled with the aromas of spices and leather, and bursting with color from textiles, ceramics, and other goods. These markets are where the heart of Moroccan culture beats the strongest, offering a glimpse into the local way of life.
The Medina is also a cultural hub, home to many mosques and madrasas (Islamic schools), each with its own story and beauty. Visiting Tetouan’s Medina offers a unique chance to dive deep into Moroccan history, culture, and art. It’s a captivating experience, showing the harmony of different cultures and the living traditions of Moroccan craftsmanship.
Private Day Tour to Tangier
If you prefer traveling on your own with a private tour, you can book this one available for Tangier with pick up only available from Malaga. Tetouan is unfortunately not available as a private tour.
Other Day Trip Transport Options
Don’t want a tour? Here are other options for this day trip!
Day Trip with a Rental Car
If you prefer to drive to Morocco yourself, that is certainly an option but keep in mind it is very likely to take much longer and cost more.
Not just that, but most car rental companies do not allow you to take the car beyond the borders of Europe and if they do, it’s with hefty extra charges.
The journey from Benalmadena to Tetouan would take approximately 4 hours one way, that’s without the time required for border crossing and at the border control, which is around 2 hours.
You also need to remember that you need to arrive at the port well ahead of time to load the car into the ferry for crossing.
The ferry tickets for the journey between Algeciras and the port of Cueta start from 28 euros one way (including your car) and you can get them on the website of Balearia.
Here is an overview of the journey on a map:
Day Trip to Morocco by Bus
If you would like to consider the option of using public transport, I’m sorry to say that it’s not an option for a day trip.
There are no trains available as far south as Algeciras, and using the local buses would take a whole day, so it’s not an option you should consider.
Cultural Etiquette and Tips for Morocco
- Respect local customs – Dress conservatively, especially when visiting a mosque or Medina. For women, this means covering shoulders and knees, while men should opt for pants rather than shorts.
- Tipping practices – Tipping is expected in Morocco for almost every service. From restaurant servers to tour guides, a small tip is always appreciated.
- Language Tips – While Arabic and Berber are the primary languages, French is widely understood. Knowing a few basic phrases in any of these languages can go a long way. “Shukran” (thank you) is one of the essential phrases you should use.
- Safety Tips – As in any tourist destination, keep an eye on your belongings and be wary of pickpockets, especially in crowded markets (souks).
What to Pack for Your Day Trip
- Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so comfy footwear is a must.
- Water Bottle: Stay hydrated as you explore. It can get quite warm, especially in the summer months.
- Sunscreen and Hat: Protect yourself from the Moroccan sun.
- Local Currency (Dirhams): It is not necessary to change your Euros to Dirhams, locals will happily accept your payments in Euros or with a card
- Your Passport: most countries do not need VISA to enter Morocco, but be sure to check this before your trip
What Souvenirs to Bring from Morocco
- Berber rugs, known for their vibrant colors and intricate patterns, make a stunning addition to any home. Each rug carries the heritage of its weaver, a piece of Moroccan artistry and tradition. These can be shipped to your home.
- Produced exclusively in Morocco, this versatile oil is used for cooking, skin care, and hair treatment, making it a perfect, multipurpose souvenir.
- Equally essential are Moroccan spices. Ras el hanout, saffron, and cumin will bring the flavors of Moroccan cuisine into your kitchen, a spicy reminder of your travels.
Final Thoughts
I hope this article covered everything you need to know about planning your day trip from Benalmadena to Morocco, and I hope you are as excited as I was about visiting Africa (for the first time for me!).
If you do have some questions that were not answered in here, please leave a comment below the article and I will be happy to help!
Thank you for reading!
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