Moroccan cities: Morocco has captivated and attracted travelers for thousands of years, from the glittering waves of the Mediterranean to the sandy plains of the Sahara.
Morocco’s strength comes in its central position for trade with the rest of Africa; as a result, the country has seen many influences interwoven with its unique Berber customs. Moroccan cities, whether modern metropolises or ancient medieval towns, are waiting for you to discover. Here is our selection of the top cities in Morocco to help you plan your next vacation.
Top 10 Moroccan cities
MARRAKECH
Marrakech is an unusual destination. You will undoubtedly carry a piece of Marrakech with you as a memorable dream because it is a land full of surprises! You’ll be astounded by its numerous markets, gardens, palaces, and mosques. Marrakech, also known as the Red City, is the Kingdom’s fourth largest city after Casablanca, Fez, and Tangiers, with over a million residents, and it is the country’s tourist capital. Marrakech is more than a city; it is a pearl polished by history that has always welcomed visitors with open arms.
ESSAOUIRA
Essaouira has a high tourist potential, owing to its natural, historical, and cultural qualities, and has thus become a popular tourist destination. Its medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the islet of Mogador, its 18th-century harbor, and beaches that allow water sports make the province a quality tourist destination. Essaouira is a fishing port city on the Atlantic coast with a population of around 78,000 people. The city located 173 kilometers north of Agadir, 174 kilometers west of Marrakech, and 316 kilometers south of El Jadida.
A vibrant coastal resort overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, it is a wonderful delight of old-style architecture while remaining modern, with hotels housed in traditional Moroccan Riads within the old town, which is becoming increasingly English-speaking.
CASABLANCA
Casablanca has evolved from a tiny town to one of the largest in Morocco as a result of new kinds of modern architectural development, and it has become a significant industrial and commercial center more receptive to the Western way of life than other Moroccan cities. Casablanca, Morocco’s economic capital and largest city, is located on the Atlantic coast and is surrounded by gorgeous beaches, making it a popular seaside vacation. It is located around 80 kilometers south of Rabat and 100 kilometers south of El Jadida along the highway. It has a population of about 4 million people, making it the most populous city in the Maghreb.
AGADIR
The ocean has long beaches that stretch for around 10 kilometers. The softness here is that of fine sand and the sun’s caress. It is a year-round paradise, only three hours from the major European capitals. Agadir is a city in southwest Morocco on the Atlantic coast in the Souss region, 508 kilometers south of Casablanca, 173 kilometers from Essaouira, and 235 kilometers west of Marrakech. It is in a wonderful position and has an exquisite temperature that will make you forget about your concerns. It is surrounded by palm-fringed boulevards and waterfront bars. Because of its sophistication and the large number of visiting visitors, Agadir, Morocco’s leading coastal resort, has a noticeably Western vibe.
FES
This royal city is Morocco’s traditional cultural capital. Its magnificent madrassas, a cradle of knowledge, are its colourful symbol. This fortified city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will transport you to the Middle Ages. The entry to the Bab Bou-Jeloud area is through its massive 1913 gate, which is ornamented with blue and green tiles, the city’s colors. Fez is divided into two sections: the old city and the new city.
TANGIER
Tangier has long been an unofficial cultural hub for a variety of writers and artists from throughout the world, and it also attracts property developers, primarily from the Rif and abroad. It is located on the Strait of Gibraltar, which connects Africa and Europe, about 15 kilometers from the Spanish shore, on the edge of the Rif mountain range, and provides a magnificent view of the opposite side. Tangiers has traditionally served as a vital strategic location. With a history of two thousand five hundred years, it now has a population of one million people and is one of the oldest cities in North Africa. Its medina, Kasbah, bazaars, and souks are among the most vibrant in the country, and its beaches are spectacular, stretching for about 7 kilometers. Tangiers became a popular destination for the international jet set in the last century. Tangier, an important seaside resort, with a diverse hotel and tourist infrastructure, as well as a medina that draws a large number of guests and where Spanish is more commonly spoken than French.
RABAT
It is a coastal town with a nearly 60-kilometer-long coastline with a succession of rocky creeks or fine sandy beaches, and its hinterland offers great ecological diversity for hiking. Rabat, Morocco’s administrative capital, is located on the Atlantic coast, on the left (or south) bank of the Bouregreg River, opposite the city of Salé. These two cities are for this reason termed “twin cities”. It has a population of little more than a million people. Rabat is a first-class tourist attraction thanks to its mild climate all year, excellent location on the Atlantic’s shore, and incredibly rich history. It has a distinct historical history that reflects the diverse civilisations that have shaped the Two Banks of the Bouregreg over the millennia. Rabat is one of the few cities in Morocco that has managed to retain its historical and cultural legacy. A set of sites in Rabat have been placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as cultural treasure since June 2012. There are ministries and the governmental administration, as well as the Royal Palace.
EL JADIDA
The fortifications of the Portuguese city, with their bastions and ramparts, are an early example of Portuguese military architecture of the Renaissance, and are classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Portuguese cistern, the fortification of Mazagan, and the Manueline-style Church of the Assumption are the only remaining Portuguese structures. It is one of the emerging cities in the tourist area, attracting more and more local and foreign visitors. It is located 96 kilometers from Casablanca and has a growing population of 300,000 people, the majority of whom speak French as a second language. Retirees flock to the area because of its oceanfront position, pleasant microclimate, high quality of life, and low cost of living. El Jadida is a city of the future, with the “new” city of El Jadida being developed on the route to Azemmour and promised to be carbon neutral.
MERZOUGA
The dunes around Merzouga hamlet are situated in the Moroccan desert cities. Merzouga is famed for its massive sand dunes in the province of Errachidia’s Draa-Tafilalet region. There are numerous activities offered, like camel riding, quad biking on the dunes, sandboarding, nights under the stars, and strolling in the desert to enjoy the beauty and changing color of the dunes. Merzouga is the ideal location for an adventure.
OUARZAZATE
The film industry has dubbed it The Hollywood of Morocco or Holly-Ouarzazate. It is a caramel-colored oasis heightened by the brilliant blue of the North African sky, with its many adobe Kasbahs, parched mountains and plains, lush green valleys and oases, palm groves, and communities of red or ochre soil that contribute to the region’s charm and tourist attraction. The Kasbah of Taourirt, which belonged to the Glaoui and was built in the middle of the 18th century, is the city’s icon. It is shown on the new 50-dirham notes and is located near the medina. This Moroccan cities is the nerve center of a huge region of southern Morocco, lying at the confluence of the valleys of the Ouarzazate and Dades rivers (from the High Atlas), which create the Draa river downstream of their junction. Ideal for relaxing vacations in a beautiful setting.
Asilah
Asilah is a colorful tiny city with beautifully colored murals on the walls. The medieval fortified coastal city is a dynamic and entertaining place where the cultures of Spain and Morocco collide.
Explore the old city and experience the artistry and tradition that oozes from every street. The beachfront promenade is ideal for a leisurely bike through the attractive eateries and ocean vistas.
Larache
This laid-back summer city is popular with domestic tourists throughout the summer months. The River Loukas flows quietly through Larache, and the spectacular ruins of Lixus, where the famous Gardens of the Hesperides are claimed to have been located, are close.
The Spanish quarter of this city is still very much alive – don’t be shocked if you come across tapas bars and Spanish churches.
Tinghir
Tinghir, located in the Todra Valley, is nestled between the High Atlas Mountains and the lovely sands of the Sahara. Tinghir is a historic French village that has blossomed into a metropolis brimming with blooming flower gardens, gorgeous Kasbahs, and attractive small lanes.
Hike up to the peak for excellent views of the surrounding countryside, which are overlooked by the ruins of the 18th century Glaoui Palace.
Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen is one of Morocco’s most attractive cities, with its distinctive blue-washed houses and red-tiled roofs. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, the city’s narrow labyrinth of lanes conceal plazas and historic kasbahs.
With Moroccan cities and Andalusian roots, this town is a hub of creativity and progress. It’s also a great area to spend a few days eating good food, speaking with people, and exploring the nearby hills.
Tetouan
Tetouan, which translates as “the water springs,” is a small city in northern Algeria that stands at the foot of the Rif Mountains. The city is an important port on the Mediterranean Sea and was once the capital of Spanish Morocco.
Its streets are filled with square, white-washed, Spanish-style houses and broad boulevards – make sure to explore the city’s lovely medina and feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Meknes
The historic city of Meknes, which dates back to the 11th century, was formerly the capital of imperial Morocco. The Sultan at the time built towering walls and massive doors to safeguard the city, as well as costly and opulent Moorish-Spanish-style buildings.
The city’s many monuments reflect the city’s historic blend of European and Islamic style. The mosaic tiled Bab Mansour Leleuj, as well as the Bab Mansour Leleuj, are both wonderfully gorgeous. The mausoleum of Sultan Moulay Ismael, who made Meknes his city, is a majestic display of grandeur, complete with fountains and ornamental gardens.
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