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Morocco🇲🇦 | citiesMartil10 km sand strip, evening corniche, fish grills, summer jet skis | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Martil
👌 Worth visitingcity ranked #14
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

Martil is a beach town where most hotels and many cafés shut or thin out after summer, so the place you see in August is not the place you see in November. It sits on Morocco’s Mediterranean coast in the north, about a short ride from Tetouan. I got there in a shared grand taxi from Tetouan, squeezed in the back with a woman carrying a crate of live chickens, and the driver stopped twice so she could hand out eggs to relatives. Skip the beach in July and August if you hate crowds, because the sand is packed by midday; go in spring or autumn instead. Beach lovers and budget travelers will like it most. Nightlife seekers and sightseers won’t.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Morocco Travel Guide.


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✨ Why go?
Ranked #14 city in MoroccoReasons people choose to visit here

Martil works because it gives you a cheap, flat, walkable beach base next to Tetouan, one of northern Morocco’s best medinas. The long seafront corniche is lined with fish grills and ice cream stands, and you can cover the whole town on foot. Rooms are easy to find outside midsummer, which makes it a relaxed place to recover between Chefchaouen and Tangier or before crossing to Ceuta. The Tetouan shared taxis run constantly, so you can sleep by the sea and spend days in the old city. It is a short stop, two or three nights at most, not a destination with big sights.

💡 HighlightsWhat this place is best known for

  1. Martil Beach and Corniche: A wide sandy strip of roughly 10 km of coast with a promenade behind it. Free. Go in the morning or late afternoon, 1 to 3 hours.
  2. Seafront promenade walk: The paved corniche is lined with cafés and grills, good for an evening stroll as families come out. Free, about 1 hour.
  3. Martil fish grills: Stalls near the beachfront serve fried and grilled sardines and calamari, usually about US$5 to 10 a plate. Go at lunch, 1 hour.
  4. Martil Port and river mouth: Small fishing boats rest at the river estuary, and the evening light is good for photos. Free, 30 to 45 minutes.
  5. Dunes and long-beach walk toward Cabo Negro: Quieter sand north of town, best in the early morning. Free, 1 to 2 hours.
  6. Water sports on the beach: Summer operators rent jet skis, kayaks and paddleboards, typically
… read more 👉
  1. Martil Beach and Corniche: A wide sandy strip of roughly 10 km of coast with a promenade behind it. Free. Go in the morning or late afternoon, 1 to 3 hours.
  2. Seafront promenade walk: The paved corniche is lined with cafés and grills, good for an evening stroll as families come out. Free, about 1 hour.
  3. Martil fish grills: Stalls near the beachfront serve fried and grilled sardines and calamari, usually about US$5 to 10 a plate. Go at lunch, 1 hour.
  4. Martil Port and river mouth: Small fishing boats rest at the river estuary, and the evening light is good for photos. Free, 30 to 45 minutes.
  5. Dunes and long-beach walk toward Cabo Negro: Quieter sand north of town, best in the early morning. Free, 1 to 2 hours.
  6. Water sports on the beach: Summer operators rent jet skis, kayaks and paddleboards, typically US$10 to 30 depending on the activity. Go in July or August, 30 to 60 minutes.
From Martil, Tetouan’s medina, Chefchaouen, Cabo Negro and M’diq are all easy day trips. Together the sights take about one relaxed day.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near Martil

Private Transport Chefchaouen to Tangier & Tangier to Chefchaouen

Private Transport Chefchaouen to Tangier & Tangier to Chefchaouen

5.0(79)
From €165
per personViator
Tetouan City Tour with Abir

Tetouan City Tour with Abir

5.0(29) 2h 30m
From €40
per personViator
Private Hammam and Toning Massage Tetouan

Private Hammam and Toning Massage Tetouan

4.6(27) 1h 30m
From €49
per personViator
Private Transport: Chefchaouen to Tetouan & Tetouan to Chefchaoue

Private Transport: Chefchaouen to Tetouan & Tetouan to Chefchaoue

4.9(19)
From €43
per personViator
from Tetouan: 1 day excursion to chefchaouen & Tetouan

from Tetouan: 1 day excursion to chefchaouen & Tetouan

5.0(13)
From €180
per personViator
Private Full-Day Trip From Tangier To Chefchaouen

Private Full-Day Trip From Tangier To Chefchaouen

5.0(7) 8h
From €139
per personViator
Private walking Tour of Tetouan

Private walking Tour of Tetouan

4.3(9) 2h 30m
From €40
per personViator
Discover Tangier in a Full Day Tour with Camel ride

Discover Tangier in a Full Day Tour with Camel ride

4.5(8)
From €100
per personViator
Northern Circuit 5 days 4 nights

Northern Circuit 5 days 4 nights

5.0(5) 120h
From €80
per personViator
Full Day Excursion to Chefchaouen from Tetouan

Full Day Excursion to Chefchaouen from Tetouan

4.8(5) 7h 30m
From €45
per personViator

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🏘️ NeighborhoodsNeighborhood guide to Martil

Martil is small enough to cover on foot, and the useful areas are few. Skip trying to find a hidden center; the town is organized around the sea.
  • Corniche and beachfront: A long promenade backed by cafés, ice cream stands and fish grills, flat and walkable end to end. This is where you eat and watch the evening stroll. In July and August it is loud and packed, so go early or late.
  • Town center around the market: A grid of shops, bakeries and the daily produce market, 10 minutes inland on foot. Worth your time for cheap fruit, sandwiches and fresh bread. Nothing here is a sight, so don’t linger for photos.
  • Beach north toward Cabo Negro: Wide sand with fewer umbrellas and more space to walk. Good for mornings, though it runs past villa developments with little food, so bring water.
  • Port and river
… read more 👉
Martil is small enough to cover on foot, and the useful areas are few. Skip trying to find a hidden center; the town is organized around the sea.
  • Corniche and beachfront: A long promenade backed by cafés, ice cream stands and fish grills, flat and walkable end to end. This is where you eat and watch the evening stroll. In July and August it is loud and packed, so go early or late.
  • Town center around the market: A grid of shops, bakeries and the daily produce market, 10 minutes inland on foot. Worth your time for cheap fruit, sandwiches and fresh bread. Nothing here is a sight, so don’t linger for photos.
  • Beach north toward Cabo Negro: Wide sand with fewer umbrellas and more space to walk. Good for mornings, though it runs past villa developments with little food, so bring water.
  • Port and river mouth: Fishing boats and the Martil river. Decent for a short sunset walk, not for a long visit. Nightlife is mostly café terraces, not clubs.

⌛️ 1 dayA smart one-day plan

A slow beach day with one trip to the old city. 9:00 AM: Corniche breakfast Start with coffee and msemen at a café on the promenade, then walk the sand northward while it is still quiet. 11:00 AM: River mouth and port Walk back along the shore to the estuary, where fishermen mend nets and boats sit on the mud at low tide. 1:00 PM: Fish lunch Eat grilled sardines at a stall near the beach, where locals queue. 3:00 PM: Back road to the dunes Away from the main strip, the quieter southern sand has few people and good swimming spots. 6:30 PM: Evening promenade Join the families walking the corniche as the sea cools, and end with tea or ice cream at a café of your choice.

🌤️ When to go?Weather, crowds, and seasonal trade-offs

June to September is when Martil comes alive, and also when it costs most.
  • Summer (June to September): 24 to 30°C (75 to 86°F), warm sea, long daylight, packed beach and Moroccan holiday crowds. Beds roughly double in price in July and August.
  • Spring and autumn (April to May, October): 18 to 24°C (64 to 75°F), calmer, cheaper, good for walking and day trips.
  • Winter (November to March): 9 to 17°C (48 to 63°F), regular rain, many cafés shuttered, shorter days. Prices are lowest.
Aim for late May or September for warm water without the crush.

source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: good for travelingAPRApril: excellent for travelingMAYMay: excellent for travelingJUNJune: highly recommended for travelingJULJuly: fair for travelingAUGAugust: fair for travelingSEPSeptember: highly recommended for travelingOCTOctober: excellent for travelingNOVNovember: good for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
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🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas and accommodation options

The streets just behind the corniche are the best base for a budget stay in Martil. Hostel beds are scarce in town, so backpackers mostly use cheap guesthouses, small apartment rentals and a few budget hotels, with doubles around US$15 to 35 outside summer. Here you can walk to the beach, cafés and the taxi stand, and the streets feel safe in the evening.

The quieter blocks near the market are a good second choice. They are cheaper and calmer than the seafront, which gets loud with music and traffic until late in July and August. Book ahead in summer, since the town fills with Moroccan families. … read more 👉
The streets just behind the corniche are the best base for a budget stay in Martil. Hostel beds are scarce in town, so backpackers mostly use cheap guesthouses, small apartment rentals and a few budget hotels, with doubles around US$15 to 35 outside summer. Here you can walk to the beach, cafés and the taxi stand, and the streets feel safe in the evening.

The quieter blocks near the market are a good second choice. They are cheaper and calmer than the seafront, which gets loud with music and traffic until late in July and August. Book ahead in summer, since the town fills with Moroccan families. If you want a real hostel scene, Tetouan has more options and is a short taxi ride away.
Best hostels in Morocco


Best quality hotels in Morocco

🚌 Getting aroundHow to get around Martil

Martil has no train station; shared grand taxis and buses from Tetouan arrive near the town center, a flat 5 to 10 minute walk from the beachfront. Most backpackers walk everywhere, because the town is compact and traffic only clogs on summer evenings. Public transport exists mainly to connect with other towns.
  • Walking: Free, and the best option for the corniche, market and beach. Skip taxis inside town since distances are tiny.
  • Grand taxi to Tetouan: Shared white or beige Mercedes cars cost about US$0.70 to 1.20 per seat for the 15 to 20 minute run. They leave when full, so waiting is short in the day and longer at night. Agree the seat price first.
  • Local bus: Cheap at roughly US$0.50, but slow and crowded in summer. Worth using only if no taxi is queued.
  • Petit taxi: Small taxis around town cost
… read more 👉
Martil has no train station; shared grand taxis and buses from Tetouan arrive near the town center, a flat 5 to 10 minute walk from the beachfront. Most backpackers walk everywhere, because the town is compact and traffic only clogs on summer evenings. Public transport exists mainly to connect with other towns.
  • Walking: Free, and the best option for the corniche, market and beach. Skip taxis inside town since distances are tiny.
  • Grand taxi to Tetouan: Shared white or beige Mercedes cars cost about US$0.70 to 1.20 per seat for the 15 to 20 minute run. They leave when full, so waiting is short in the day and longer at night. Agree the seat price first.
  • Local bus: Cheap at roughly US$0.50, but slow and crowded in summer. Worth using only if no taxi is queued.
  • Petit taxi: Small taxis around town cost US$1 to 3. Ask for the meter; in summer drivers may quote flat fares, so negotiate before getting in.
  • Taxi to Cabo Negro or M’diq: Short hops of US$1 to 3 per seat or US$4 to 7 for a whole car. Much easier than waiting for buses that run irregularly.

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)Travel costs and budget guide for Martil

Martil costs around US$35 to 55 per day for a backpacker in high season, and less outside summer.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Dorm accommodation (high season)US$15 to 25Few dorms; cheap rooms or shared apartments instead
Dorm accommodation (off-season)US$8 to 14Prices drop sharply from October
MealsUS$8 to 15Sandwiches, fried fish and market fruit
Local transportUS$1 to 4Shared taxis and walking
City transport passNot availablePay per ride
Basic activities/entry feesUS$0 to 5Beach is free; Tetouan sites are cheap
MiscellaneousUS$3 to 6Water, coffee, sunscreen
Total Daily BudgetUS$35 to 55Cash in dirhams is needed
Eat your main meal at lunch, when fish plates and set menus cost less than at dinner.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🚌 Day tripsWhere to go beyond the main area

Martil sits close to several towns, and shared taxis make day trips easy and cheap.Tetouan Medina: A UNESCO-listed old town of white walls, leather workshops and a calmer, less hassle-heavy atmosphere than Fez or Marrakech. Shared taxi takes about 20 minutes and US$1. Go in the morning and enter via Bab er-Rouah, then wander without a guide. Budget US$10 to 15 including lunch.
👉 Explore TetouanChefchaouen: The blue-washed mountain town is around 1.5 to 2 hours away by taxi to Tetouan then bus, roughly US$5 to 8 each way. The common mistake is arriving at midday in summer, when it is jammed. Leave early, and spring or autumn is best.
👉 Explore ChefchaouenCabo Negro and Restinga: Rocky headlands and quiet sand 10 to 20 minutes away by taxi, US$1 to 3. Good for a half day of beach walking outside … read more 👉
Martil sits close to several towns, and shared taxis make day trips easy and cheap.Tetouan Medina: A UNESCO-listed old town of white walls, leather workshops and a calmer, less hassle-heavy atmosphere than Fez or Marrakech. Shared taxi takes about 20 minutes and US$1. Go in the morning and enter via Bab er-Rouah, then wander without a guide. Budget US$10 to 15 including lunch.
👉 Explore TetouanChefchaouen: The blue-washed mountain town is around 1.5 to 2 hours away by taxi to Tetouan then bus, roughly US$5 to 8 each way. The common mistake is arriving at midday in summer, when it is jammed. Leave early, and spring or autumn is best.
👉 Explore ChefchaouenCabo Negro and Restinga: Rocky headlands and quiet sand 10 to 20 minutes away by taxi, US$1 to 3. Good for a half day of beach walking outside July and August.
Ceuta border area (Fnideq): Fnideq is 30 to 40 minutes away by shared taxi, about US$2 to 3. Coast walks and seafood are the point. Don’t go for the border markets, which are chaotic and not worth the time.

🍲 FoodLocal Flavors for Backpackers

Martil eats from the sea. Look for grilled sardines, fried calamari and fish tagine at corniche grills, where you often pick your fish from the ice and pay by weight, typically US$5 to 10 a plate. Northern Morocco has Spanish influence, so you will find churros, strong café con leche style coffee and sweet pastries at bakeries. The central market sells cheap fruit, olives and fresh bread, ideal for picnics. Street stalls serve fried fish sandwiches and corn on the beach in summer for around US$1.50 to 3. Cafés along the seafront are where locals linger for hours over coffee or fresh orange juice. Alcohol is limited in town, so expect mint tea and juice.

🛡️ SafetyTraveler Safety Guide

Martil is relaxed and safe, including for solo travelers walking the corniche in the evening. In summer the beachfront gets crowded, so keep phones and bags close on the promenade and don’t leave valuables on the sand while swimming. Unlicensed guides and touts are rare here, but drivers may quote inflated taxi fares, so agree prices first. Strong currents and rip tides catch swimmers out, so follow lifeguard flags. Women traveling alone may get comments on busy streets; dress modestly away from the beach and keep walking.
Check Country Safety

FAQTraveler FAQ

Two to three days is enough for Martil, with one for the beach and corniche and one or two for Tetouan (20 minutes, about US$1) and Chefchaouen (1.5 to 2 hours). Beach lovers in summer may stay longer, while others use it as a base for the north coast.
Yes, Martil is safe for solo backpackers, with a relaxed corniche that stays busy into the evening. Watch bags on crowded summer beaches, agree taxi prices first (US$1 to 3 for short hops), and heed lifeguard flags because of currents.
Martil is known for its long sandy beach and seafront promenade, which fill with Moroccan families from June to September. It is also known for fresh grilled fish and its closeness to Tetouan, a 20-minute taxi away, and Cabo Negro.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Moroccan cities near Martil

Explore more nearby:

  • Tetouan—Andalusian medina, artisan quarters, mountain backdrop| 9 km away
  • Tangier—Strait of Gibraltar, literary cafés, whitewashed medina| 52 km away
  • Larache—Atlantic beaches, Spanish fort, fishing port| 93 km away

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We 💚 feedbackFinal thoughts on visiting Martil

Martil pairs best with Tetouan and Chefchaouen on a northern loop, using the town as the beach rest between medinas. I would visit in May, June or September and skip high summer, then keep it to two nights unless you want to do nothing.

✈️ When did I visit Morocco?
In October 2011, I backpacked Morocco for two weeks, with climbing the Mount Toubkal in summer clothing as a highlight.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Morocco, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

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