The 13 most beautiful towns in Morocco, not to be missed!

Morocco is a multi-faceted country, offering a wealth of culture and breathtaking landscapes. Here is a selection of the 13 most beautiful cities in Morocco that will make you fall under the spell of this magical country. Each of these cities has its own unique character and a fascinating story to tell. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!

1. Marrakech, the dazzling Red City

Marrakech is often considered to be the emblematic city of Morocco. Nicknamed the ‘Red City’ because of its terracotta buildings, Marrakech is a true architectural and cultural gem. Jemaa el-Fna square is the beating heart of the city, where storytellers, musicians, dancers and merchants mingle. The Bahia Palace, the Koutoubia and the Majorelle Gardens are all must-sees to discover the soul of Marrakech.

Strolling through the narrow streets of the medina, you’ll be amazed by the colourful and lively souks, where the scents of spices and orange blossom mingle. Marrakech is also the ideal base for exploring the Atlas Mountains and the surrounding Berber villages.

2. Fez, the enchanting Spiritual Capital

Fès, the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities, is a cultural and spiritual treasure trove. The medina of Fès el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a maze of narrow streets, mosques and sumptuous palaces. The Al Quaraouiyine Mosque, founded in 859, is the oldest surviving university in the world and bears witness to the importance of Fès in the country’s intellectual and religious history.

Morocco’s spiritual capital is also packed with must-see sites such as the Royal Palace, the Marinid Tombs and the Dar Batha Museum, home to a superb collection of local arts and crafts. Don’t forget to lose yourself in the souks of Fez, renowned for their leather, carpets and jewellery.

3. Casablanca, the seductive modern metropolis

Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city and its main gateway. This modern, dynamic metropolis is a fusion of tradition and modernity. The Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in the world, is an architectural masterpiece that dominates the Casablanca coastline. The Habous district, with its narrow streets and traditional shops, contrasts with the boulevard de la Corniche, lined with beaches and trendy restaurants.

The city also boasts a thriving arts and culture scene, with museums, art galleries and festivals throughout the year. Casablanca is also an ideal destination for shoppers, with its luxurious shopping centres and local markets.

4. Chefchaouen, the enchanting Blue Pearl

Perched on the Rif mountains, Chefchaouen is a city of a thousand shades of blue. Its narrow streets, whitewashed houses and blue-painted wooden doors make it a haven of peace. The medina of Chefchaouen is an ideal place to stroll and discover the local crafts, particularly Berber fabrics, pottery and jewellery.

Place Outa el Hammam, lined with cafés and restaurants, is the heart of the town and a must-see meeting place. Don’t miss a visit to the Kasbah, a former fort that now houses a museum and an Andalusian garden. Chefchaouen’s surroundings also offer plenty of opportunities for hiking and nature excursions.

5. Essaouira, the majestic City of the Winds

Essaouira is a charming, windswept coastal town bathed by the Atlantic Ocean. Its history is marked by Portuguese, French and Berber influences, which have shaped its architectural and cultural heritage. Essaouira’s medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is surrounded by ramparts and imposing towers. The port, bustling with fishermen and merchants, is a real invitation to discover the local flavours.

The city is also renowned for its music festivals, notably the Gnaoua and World Music Festival, which attracts artists and spectators from all over the world every year. Essaouira is also a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, such as surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing.

6. Rabat, the elegant capital

Rabat, the capital of Morocco, is an elegant and refined city that has preserved its old-world charm. The Royal Palace, the Hassan Tower and the Mohammed V Mausoleum all bear witness to the history and grandeur of this imperial city. The Rabat medina, with its lively alleyways and colourful souks, is a real trip back in time.

The Jardin des Oudayas, in the district of the same name, offers a breathtaking view of the ocean and the estuary of the Bouregreg river. The city is also home to several museums, including the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, which presents temporary and permanent exhibitions by Moroccan and international artists.

7. Tangier, the fascinating Gateway to Africa

Tangier, located in the far north of Morocco, is a cosmopolitan and historic city, a veritable gateway to Africa. The Tangier medina, with its winding streets and white houses, offers an exceptional panorama of the Strait of Gibraltar and the Spanish coast. The Kasbah, which overlooks the medina, is home to the Dar el-Makhzen Palace, now a museum.

The city has long been a meeting place and source of inspiration for many artists and writers, including Paul Bowles, Henri Matisse and William Burroughs. The Café Hafa, opened in 1921, is an emblematic Tangier venue, where part of the city’s cultural history has been written. The beaches in and around Tangier are also a major attraction for visitors seeking relaxation and a change of scenery.

8. Meknes, the sumptuous Imperial City

Meknes is one of Morocco’s four imperial cities, often dubbed the ‘Moroccan Versailles’ because of its splendour and grandiose monuments. The Dar El Makhzen Palace, residence of Sultan Moulay Ismaïl, is an architectural masterpiece that bears witness to the splendour of that era. The Place El Hedim, at the entrance to the medina, is a lively place where merchants, musicians and acrobats mingle.

The city is also home to a number of historical and cultural sites, including the Bou Inania Mosque, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismaïl and the Dar Jamaï Museum, which displays collections of Moroccan arts and crafts. The ruins of the Roman city of Volubilis, near Meknes, are another must-see for history and archaeology enthusiasts.

9. Agadir, the resplendent Pearl of the South

Agadir is a modern, dynamic city on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. It is renowned for its fine sandy beach, lined with palm trees and restaurants, as well as its seafront promenade. The Agadir marina, with its luxury yachts and boutiques, is a popular place to relax and shop.

The Kasbah of Agadir, perched on a hill, offers a panoramic view of the city and the ocean. The Souss-Massa National Park, just a few kilometres from Agadir, is a protected area home to exceptional flora and fauna, including the famous bald ibis. Agadir is also the ideal base for exploring the Berber villages of the High Atlas, as well as the Paradise Valley and its waterfalls.

10. Ouarzazate, the impressive Gateway to the Desert

Ouarzazate is a town at the gateway to the Sahara Desert, often referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Desert’. It is famous for its kasbahs and breathtaking landscapes, which have been used as backdrops for many films and TV series, including Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator and Game of Thrones. The Taourirt Kasbah, the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah and the Tifoultoute ksar all bear witness to the region’s rich architectural and cultural heritage.

The town is also an ideal base for exploring the Dades and Todra gorges, as well as the Merzouga and Chegaga dunes. Ouarzazate is also renowned for its local crafts, notably its carpets and pottery, as well as its gastronomy, based on local produce.

11. Asilah, the sublime jewel of the Atlantic coast

Asilah is a charming coastal town on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, just a few kilometres from Tangier. The medina of Asilah, surrounded by Portuguese ramparts, is a real architectural gem, with its cobbled streets and white houses with colourfully painted doors. The port of Asilah, bustling with fishermen and merchants, is a must for sampling seafood.

The town is also renowned for its cultural festival, held every August and attracting artists and visitors from all over the world. Asilah’s beaches, notably the Plage de Rmilate and the Plage des Tomates, are havens of peace and relaxation, ideal for lovers of swimming and water sports.

12. Taroudant, the friendly Little Marrakech

Taroudant is a town in the heart of the Souss valley, often nicknamed the ‘little Marrakech’ because of its atmosphere and architecture, which are similar to those of the famous red city. Taroudant’s medina, surrounded by terracotta ramparts, is home to lively and colourful souks, where you can pick up local produce such as argan oil, honey and spices.

Place Assarag, in the heart of the medina, is a lively meeting place, bustling with merchants, musicians and storytellers. Taroudant’s gardens, such as the Claudio Bravo garden or the Villa Botanika garden, are oases of greenery and tranquillity, ideal for recharging your batteries. Taroudant is also an ideal base for exploring the High Atlas Mountains and the surrounding Berber villages.

13. Tetouan, the elegant White Dove

Tetouan is a city in northern Morocco, close to the Mediterranean Sea. It is often nicknamed the ‘white dove’ because of its whitewashed houses and peaceful charm. Tetouan’s medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a maze of narrow streets and lively squares, where Andalusian architecture and local craftsmanship mingle.

The city is also home to a number of cultural and historical sites, including the Royal Palace, the Hassan II Mosque and the Archaeological Museum, which displays collections of prehistoric, Roman and Islamic artefacts. Tetouan’s beaches, particularly Martil and Cabo Negro, are a favourite destination for bathing and water sports enthusiasts.

As you can see, Morocco is a country with a thousand and one facets, where each city tells its own story and offers unique experiences. Whether you’re a fan of history, architecture, culture, nature or just relaxing, these 13 Moroccan cities will win you over and provide you with unforgettable memories. Don’t hesitate to add them to your list of dream destinations and plan your next trip to Morocco now!