The Haouz mountains of Tetouan surround the city to the north, beyond the Martil river. They are recognisable by their sharp peaks and their variety: limestone massifs, waterfalls, caves, springs and mountain hamlets. They extend over the communes of Malaliyine, Allyine and Saddina, across Tetouan province and M'diq-Fnideq prefecture.
Jbel Labyad, the highest peak of the Haouz
Jbel Labyad, “the White Mountain”, which locals call Jbel Belouazen, rises to about 838 metres: the highest peak of the Haouz mountains. It offers panoramic views over the city. On its eastern slope lies the village of Belouazen, and on its south-eastern slope the village of El Anser.
Jbel Zemzem, the geological exception
At the centre of the Haouz stands Jbel Zemzem, one of the most unusual mountains of the Rif range. While limestone dominates the Haouz mountains in several places, Zemzem is made of a different structure: Numidian flysch. Between the limestone massif and Zemzem lies the village of Oued Zerjoun, which local memory links to the resistance against the Portuguese. For those curious about rocks: the geology of the Tetouan and Chefchaouen mountains.
The Haouz villages
- Belouazen: one of the best-known villages of the Haouz, at about 200 metres, among orchards.
- El Kouf: the village of valleys and waterfalls, about 20 kilometres north of Tetouan, in two parts, Lower and Upper.
- Boujmil: on the eastern slopes of the Haouz, at about 150 metres.
- Dar Lahjar: a mountain village with an Andalusian heritage, on the eastern edge of the Anjra.
- Saddina: on the western slope of the Haouz, at about 300 metres, with an Andalusian memory.
Peaks and villages in a table
| Place | Altitude | Tribe or commune | Province |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jbel Labyad | 838 m | — | Tetouan province |
| Belouazen | 200 m | Allyine commune | M'diq-Fnideq prefecture |
| Saddina | 300 m | — | Tetouan province |
| Boujmil | 150 m | Allyine commune | M'diq-Fnideq prefecture |
Another mountain by the sea: Jbel Moussa
A little further north, between the communes of Belyounech and Taghramt, Jbel Moussa rises to about 841 metres, a few kilometres from Fnideq and Ceuta. Its area reaches down to the coast, forming a headland at the far northern tip of Moroccan territory. More in mountains facing the sea.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest peak of the Haouz mountains of Tetouan?
Jbel Labyad, or Jbel Belouazen, at about 838 metres.
What makes Jbel Zemzem special?
Its Numidian flysch geology, in the middle of mountains that are mostly limestone.
How far is El Kouf from Tetouan?
About 20 kilometres north of the city, and 10 kilometres west of M'diq.