Are you thinking about booking a day trip from Fuengirola to Morocco?
I think that’s a fantastic idea!
I have just returned from this day trip a few days ago, and I couldn’t recommend it more.
I took my mum with me, and even though we spent a lot of time on the bus to get there, the trip was a fantastic experience, and I recommend everyone to visit.
In this article, you will find detailed options for planning this trip, including recommendations for the local tour company I used myself.
Let’s get into it!
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, it’s not around the corner, and you will spend some time traveling by bus, but I think the journey justifies the day trip and makes it certainly worthwhile.
I especially recommend it if you’re staying in Fuengirola for a longer period of time, and you feel like you want a change of scenery and experience something very different.
Bonus Tip:
Video: My Day Trip to Tetouan from Fuengirola
If you’re not sure what to expect, I think this short video will give you a very good idea about the trip I took with the local tour company. As I mentioned before, I loved this trip and I’m confident you will like it too.
The video doesn’t feature all the parts of the day, as I was busy taking photos and didn’t have time to create also video material.
How to Plan a Day Trip from Fuengirola to Morocco
The easiest way to plan this day trip is to book it with a local tour company on Costa del Sol.
There are a few local companies offering this trip, and the one I recommended has the best reviews and also the best price for the trip.
Here are step by step instructions for booking this day trip:
- 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 Fuengirola
- there are two pick up locations in Fuengirola – Los Boliches or close to the main train station of Fuengirola
- in the window with pick up location you will also see the pick up time and map of the location
- click book now and pay for your trip
- you will also get free cancellation and an 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 from Costa del Sol or Fuengirola – 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.
Tangier is a much bigger and more modern city so that it won’t feel as authentic as Tetouan. 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.
Tangier is also much busier as it’s easily accessible via ferry from the port of Tarifa.
3 Reasons For Booking This Day Trip by Bus
These are just a few reasons you should consider when booking your tour:
1. You Get a Licensed Local Guide in Morocco
If you haven’t been to Morocco before, you probably don’t know that you need to hire a local guide from Morocco. You need someone local who can navigate the local customs, and by law they are also required to have a license.
I’ve read plenty of stories about tourists arriving in Morocco and getting scammed by the first ‘guide’ they encounter at the borders. Don’t be one of them!
This tour is run with a local guide that is native to Tetouan, and once you enter Morocco you will also get two additional local guides – one of them is a local police officer assigned by the town hall.
That’s not because it’s a scary or dangerous place, but for logistic reasons – its incredibly easy to get lost in the maze of cobblestone streets of the Medina, and having extra pair of eyes with you will be a big help.
2. Free Cancellation For Your Tour
In case your plans change, you can cancel this trip up to 24 hours before, for a full refund.
That’s peace of mind in case the weather turns bad, or you just don’t feel like venturing out to the African continent anymore.
3. Save Money and Time
Booking a local tour will not only save you a lot of money, but also a lot of time.
Having a local tour guide form Morocco cut the waiting time at the borders in half (30 minutes instead of the usual 1 hour), and we were able to see the best places in the Medina without getting lost.
If you take into account the cost of the ferry tickets, local tour guide, transport to and from Fuengirola, it actually works out much cheaper to pay for a tour than to do this trip on your own.
Best Time of Year to Do a Tour from Fuengirola to Morocco
You can do this trip anytime during the year; I don’t think there are any special considerations to take into account.
The only thing I would say is that you should keep in mind the ferry crossing – from the port of Algeciras to Ceuta it takes about 1 hour, and if the sea is rough you can get seasick. That’s more likely in the winter months and in bad weather.
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 Fuengirola
Here is an itinerary of what you can expect when you book the day trip with the local tour company:
- pick up in Fuengirola around 7.15 am, you should be there at least 15 minutes before the bus departure
- the bus will drive towards Strait of Gibraltar, with final stop at Algeciras port
- 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 Fuengirola via Algeciras, in late evening hours, around 11pm
Pick up Locations in Fuengirola
There are two pick up locations for this trip from Fuengirola, either Los Boliches – opposite the Los Boliches train station, or near the tourist office close to the main train station in Fuengirola.
I used the one in Los Boliches, and we were picked up around 7.15 am. The bus is coming from Malaga, so if there is a delay in picking you up, don’t panic, they will come and get you!
Ferry Crossing from Algeciras to Ceuta
The ferry crossing takes about one hour, and there are only a few of these available each day.
The total travel time to Morocco will depend on the traffic on the way to Algeciras, as that will determine whether you catch the right ferry or not. In my case, we were able to make it to the 10am ferry, so we were on location in Tetouan around lunchtime.
The ferry is run by company called Balearia, the ferries are very modern, with lots of comfortable seats available through the deck. Some of the boats also have an outdoor deck (we had this on the way back), and all of them have a bar or two, and even small souvenir shops.
The sea was pretty calm on our way to Ceuta, but you could feel the boat moving a bit. If you’re worried about getting seasick, I would recommend taking some travel medicine beforehand.
Border Control
Ceuta is a Spanish territory on the coast of Africa, so after you arrive in the city, you need to drive south to the Spanish and Moroccan borders. Depending on the traffic there, you should expect to spend around 1 hour crossing it. Thanks to our guide and less traffic we were able to leave in just around 30 minutes.
They do stamp your passports with entry and exit dates, and Moroccan police will check the stamps on entry and exit, so these things take a long time, especially if they’re doing this for 50 people in the bus.
There is no photography allowed on the borders, we were reminded of this about ten times – they do take this very seriously.
Practical Tips: Day Tour from Fuengirola 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 to See in Tetouan, Morocco
There are two main places that this tour will focus on: the ancient Medina and the Royal Palace.
Your tour also includes lunch in an authentic Moroccan restaurant in the heart of the Medina, a visit to a carpet shop, and a visit to a local natural pharmacy where you can buy real Moroccan argan oil, local spices, and much more.
Medina of Tetouan
The Medina of Tetouan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, presents a unique blend of Andalusian and Moroccan cultures, reflecting its historical role as a major point of contact between Morocco and Andalusia.
Established in the 3rd century and rebuilt in the 15th century after the Reconquista, it hosts narrow streets filled with vibrant markets, artisans’ workshops, and stunning examples of Andalusian architecture. Key sights include the Royal Palace, several historic mosques, and the Jewish Quarter, making it a living museum of Moroccan history and culture.
Royal Palace of Tetouan
The Royal Palace of Tetouan, dating back to 1740, served as a political hub during the Spanish protectorate until Morocco’s independence in 1956-1957. Originally the Dar al-Emrat, it later became a royal residence, incorporating the former governor’s palace and Spanish consulate.
Located in Place El Mechouar, within Tetouan’s medina, this historic site, though not open to the public, showcases a blend of Moroccan and Spanish architectural styles, reflecting the region’s rich cultural heritage and historical significance.
Other Day Trip Transport Options
Don’t want a tour? Here are other options for this day trip!
Day Trip with a Rental Car
Driving down to Morocco on your own?
That’s, of course, an option you can consider, but heads up – it’s probably gonna stretch your schedule and your wallet a bit more than you’d expect. Most places where you’d rent a car might give you the side-eye if you mention taking it out of Europe. If they do let you brace yourself for some serious extra fees.
The trip from Fuengirola to Tetouan would take about 4 hours, if you’re thinking of driving all the way to Tarifa port it’s even longer. Plus, don’t forget, you’ve gotta get to the port early to get your car on that ferry.
Speaking of ferries, a ticket that’ll carry you (and your ride) from Algeciras to Cueta costs around 28 euros for a one-way trip.
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.
- Tipping practices – Tipping is expected in Morocco for almost every service.
- Language Tips – While Arabic and Berber are the primary languages, French is widely understood.
- Safety Tips – As in any tourist destination, keep an eye on your belongings and be wary of pickpockets.
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 – they can ship these to your address
- Argan oil – famous in Morocco for its quality and good price
- Moroccan spices – saffron, cumin and ras el hanout
Final Thoughts
Phew, we covered a lot, right?
If there is some burning question I didn’t answer in the article, leave a comment below and I will be happy to help. As I mentioned earlier, booking this trip with a local company is a great option because you can always change your mind later and get a full refund.
Thank you for reading!
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