Exploring Morocco’s Coastal Cities: A Full Guide

Exploring Morocco’s Coastal Cities: A Full Guide

Morocco is known for its amazing destinations like Fez, Marrakech, Merzouga, and Ouarzazate, but what about the coastal cities and the beautiful beaches? Morocco’s coastline extends to over 1,200 Miles along the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, offering a diverse choice of cities each one has its unique charms, history, and attractions. Let’s discover these captivating destinations.

Tangier: A Getaway to Africa

Tangier, also called "Bride of the North", is located in Northern Morocco, just 14 km from Spain and at the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, which has helped to make it a point of contact between many civilizations, including the Carthaginians, Romans, Phoenicians, Berbers, Vandals, Spanish, Portuguese, French and English, where many peoples have lived throughout history. Tangier has been a strategic point between Africa and Europe since the 12th century.

Tangier has a sense of exotic mystery, the most interesting history, beautiful sights, and unspoiled beaches, it’s considered one of Morocco's greatest cultural cities. Tangier's artistic, natural and architectural wealth makes the city even more unique. While visiting the city, make sure to visit the following main attractions :

Medina : One of the best ways to tour the Medina is to let yourself be guided by the narrow streets and discover the history of each corner of the old town.

Cap Spartel: Also known as Cap Ampelusium or Cap des Vignes, rises to over 315 meters above sea level. This remarkable site is perfectly situated where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Breathtaking sunsets and beach bars make this an attractive spot for visitors.

Caves of Hercules: A very popular tourist attraction with a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean. The cave has 2 entries, one across the ocean and the other through the land. The Ocean opening is known as The Map of Africa as it is believed that the Phoenicians created this opening and its shape looks like the Map of Africa.

Perdicaris Park : Better known as the Rmilat forest, a 70 hectare park, once the playground of Perdicaris, boast hundreds of Eucalyptus trees from Australia, introduced in 1919, as well as California, Canary, and Coconut palm trees. It's a great place to visit if you want to spend a moment close to nature and far from the hustle and bustle of the center of Tangier, and where the view is magnificent.

Rabat: Morocco’s Capital City

Rabat is the official Capital of Morocco, a city with a rich and diverse history, founded in the 12th century (1150) by the Almohad dynasty, which is known now as The Kasbah of the Udayas, Rabat was originally named « Ribat Al Fath » which means « The Camp of Victory » in Arabic. Rabat is one of the 4 Imperial Cities of Morocco too. The city’s strategic coastal location on the Atlantic Ocean made it a significant site for defense purposes and trade. The French colonization in the early 20th century shaped Rabat with modern infrastructure blending it its historical roots. With its traditions and modernity, Rabat stand sas a testament to Morocco’s diverse heritage.

Rabat is situated on northwest Morocco's Atlantic coast, directly opposite Salé City. The city was considered all the past years as the administrative capital of Morocco, now the government is working on the tourism sector as Rabat is considered a very underrated city when it comes to tourism, they believe that it has the potential to be a city known among Morocco visitors just like Marrakech and Casablanca.

Rabat is a city full of cultural and historical attractions. Some of the must-visit sites include :

Hassan Tower: It’s an unfinished minaret, and was intended to be the tallest minaret or the largest mosque in the world in the 12th century. Despite its incomplete state, the tower remains an iconic monument and a symbol of Rabat that represents a masterpiece of Almohad architecture.

The Mausoleum of Mohammed V: It was built to honor the King of Morocco the late Mohammed V, a masterpiece of modern Alaouite architecture, which is known for its elegant design with the green dome, inside are the tombs of Mohammed V and both his sons King Hassan II and Prince Moulay Abdellah.

Kasbah of The Udayas : A UNESCO World Heritage site and a timelkess emblem of Rabat’s rich heritage, If you wander in its narrow alleys you’ll witnedss a glimpse of the city’s past, from the Great Gate of the Kasbah (Bab Oudaya) to the Andalusian Gardens, with a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean. This site tells tales of dynasties and cultures.

Essaoouira : Mogador

Essaouira is located on the Atlantic coast and was founded in the 18th century by Sultan Mohammed Ben Abdellah, it was designed by European architects and it became a port for international trade.

Learn More about Essaouira. Why should you visit Essaouira?

Agadir : Sun, Sea and Sand

Located on the southern Atlantic coast of Morocco and positioned near the foothills of the Anti-Atlas Mountains. Agadir is approximately 235km west of Marrakech. Agadir’s history dates back to the 16th century, It was initially established as a strategic trading port by the Portuguese, and it became a center for commerce and fishing.

After the earthquake struck the city in 1960, Agadir experienced significant destruction to be rebuilt again with a modern infrastructure transforming it into a contemporary metropolis. Despite the problems, Agadir has preserved its cultural heritage and continues to perform as a  tourist hub in Morocco.

The great weather throughout the year makes Agadir a unique destination that you can visit anytime. Agadir has a desert climate which is slightly Hot (Not like Marrakech) in Summer (June – August) and a pleasant Winter (December – February), and is usually dry all year.

You can explore the Marina, it’s a great place to go for a walk, have a meal, or do some people-watching. Take a day trip to Paradise Valley which is 1 hour from Agadir, is a beautiful oasis, perfect for hiking, Natural Pools, or having a picnic.

Taghazout is also a beautiful destination when visiting Agadir, it’s  30-minute drive. It’s a small town located just north of Agadir. It's a popular spot for surfers and backpackers, with a more laid-back atmosphere than Agadir, it also has a variety of cafes and restaurants with mesmerizing views.

The best time to visit Agadir is from April to October, when the weather is warm and sunny.

Casablanca : An Economic Powerhouse

Casablanca is located on the central-western coast of Morocco, along the Atlantic Ocean. Its story dates back centuries, with its strategic location along the Atlantic coast attracting various civilizations. However, it was during the French colonial era in the early 20th century that Casablanca began to transform rapidly. The French developed the city's infrastructure, modernized its architecture, and expanded its port, positioning it as a major trading hub.

Casablanca offers a distinctive travel experience, combining its historical charm with a cosmopolitan atmosphere. The first site you must visit when traveling to Morocco is the Hassan II Mosque along thr Atlantic Ocean, it’s the second largest functioning mosque in Africa, and the only mosque that non-muslims are allowed to enter.

There is a lot more to see along the coastline of Morocco, cities rich in History, culture, and beautiful landscapes and nature, each of these destinations provides unique experiences for visitors. You can immerse yourself and explore the scenic beaches and create unforgettable memories. Morocco’s coastline invites you to discover its diverse and mesmerizing landscapes.