List of Cities in Morocco
A complete list of cities in Morocco by administrative region, covering imperial capitals, coastal hubs, and key cities in southern Morocco.
Overview & Table of Contents
This guide offers a clear, structured view of Morocco’s main cities and regions, using approximate 2024 estimates for population figures.
Executive Summary
This article provides a practical list of cities in Morocco, organized by official administrative regions and key travel themes.
It highlights Moroccan imperial cities, major economic centers, coastal destinations, and cities in southern Morocco that serve as gateways to the Sahara.
Population numbers are indicative only and are based on approximate 2024 estimates, so they should be read as rounded reference values rather than official census data.
Morocco’s Urban Landscape
Morocco’s urban network reflects centuries of history and diverse geography. From Atlantic ports to desert oases, the list of cities in Morocco illustrates how culture and trade shaped each region.
The country is officially divided into twelve administrative regions and several provinces and prefectures. Each area has its own leading cities, economic role, and cultural landmarks that matter for both residents and visitors.
Moroccan Imperial Cities: Historic Core of the List
Four imperial cities – Fez, Meknes, Marrakech, and Rabat – form the historical backbone of the kingdom and remain central to Morocco’s cultural and political identity.
Fez: The Spiritual Capital
Fez is the oldest imperial city and a major religious and scholarly center. Its medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contains thousands of narrow streets and historic buildings.
Region: Fès-Meknès
Key Attraction: Fez Medina, Al-Qarawiyyin University
Marrakech: The Red City
Marrakech is a major tourism hub known for its red walls, lively Jemaa el-Fna square, and historic monuments that attract visitors year-round.
Region: Marrakech-Safi
Key Attraction: Jemaa el-Fna, Koutoubia Mosque
Rabat: Modern Capital
Rabat serves as the political capital and hosts key national institutions, embassies, and cultural landmarks along the Atlantic coast.
Region: Rabat-Salé-Kénitra
Key Attraction: Hassan Tower, Royal Palace
Meknes: Architectural Gem
Meknes combines monumental gates, palaces, and nearby Roman ruins, offering a quieter imperial city experience compared to Marrakech and Fez.
Region: Fès-Meknès
Key Attraction: Bab Mansour, Volubilis (nearby)
Major Urban Centers and Economic Hubs
Several large cities act as economic engines, industrial zones, and transport nodes, complementing the historic imperial centers.
Casablanca: Economic Powerhouse
Casablanca is the country’s largest city, the main financial center, and home to one of the biggest ports on the Atlantic.
Region: Casablanca-Settat
Role: Financial and industrial hub
Tangier: Northern Gateway
Tangier overlooks the Strait of Gibraltar and links Morocco to Europe through major port and rail infrastructure.
Region: Tangier-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma
Role: Strategic maritime gateway
Agadir: Atlantic Resort City
Agadir combines a long beach, hotel infrastructure, and road links that facilitate access to the Anti-Atlas and southern coast.
Region: Souss-Massa
Role: Tourism and services
Northern Morocco: Mountain and Mediterranean Cities
Northern Morocco combines Rif mountain landscapes with Mediterranean coastal towns, offering varied scenery and culture.
Tétouan: The White Dove
Tétouan lies near the Mediterranean and is known for its white medina, Andalusian heritage, and proximity to seaside resorts.
Region: Tangier-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma
Character: Mediterranean and mountain setting
Chefchaouen: Blue Mountain Town
Chefchaouen is famous for blue-painted alleys and a relaxed atmosphere in the Rif Mountains.
Region: Tangier-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma
Character: Scenic mountain town
Al Hoceima: Mediterranean Bay
Al Hoceima offers beaches, coves, and a calmer environment on the Mediterranean coast.
Region: Tangier-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma
Character: Coastal and nature-focused
Atlantic Coastal Cities
The Atlantic façade of Morocco gathers fishing ports, fortified towns, and larger industrial cities.
Essaouira: Historic Port
Essaouira combines a fortified medina, active fishing harbor, and strong winds that attract surfers and kitesurfers.
Region: Marrakech-Safi
Character: Artistic coastal town
Safi: Port and Pottery Center
Safi is a working port and a reference for traditional ceramics, linking industry and craft.
Region: Marrakech-Safi
Role: Industrial port and artisan center
Kénitra: Modern Port City
Kénitra plays an important industrial and logistical role on the Atlantic near the capital region.
Region: Rabat-Salé-Kénitra
Role: Port and industrial base
Cities in Southern Morocco: Desert and Oasis Gateways
Southern Morocco features historic market towns and oases that connect the Atlantic, Anti-Atlas, and Sahara.
Taroudant: Walled Market Town
Taroudant is known for its intact ramparts and traditional markets, often compared to a smaller, calmer Marrakech.
Region: Souss-Massa
Feature: Medieval-style walls
Tiznit: Silver and Heritage
Tiznit stands out for its jewelry craftsmanship and historic walls, with coastal areas such as Aglou nearby.
Region: Souss-Massa
Feature: Silver workshops and fortifications
Guelmim: Sahara Gateway
Guelmim sits between the Anti-Atlas and the desert and is known for its camel market and role as a stop on southern routes.
Region: Guelmim-Oued Noun
Role: Entry point to Saharan routes
Dakhla: Atlantic Sahara Peninsula
Dakhla is located on a narrow peninsula in the far south and offers a combination of desert landscapes and a protected lagoon.
Region: Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab
Appeal: Water sports and coastal desert scenery
Southeastern Saharan Cities
The southeastern part of the country gathers oases and desert gateways that structure travel towards the dunes and valleys.
Ouarzazate: Film and Desert Hub
Ouarzazate hosts film studios and offers access to valleys, kasbahs, and desert areas east of the Atlas.
Region: Drâa-Tafilalet
Known For: Film locations and nearby kasbahs
Errachidia: Ziz Valley Center
Errachidia is a regional center that connects the High Atlas passes with oases in the Ziz Valley and beyond.
Region: Drâa-Tafilalet
Role: Administrative and logistical hub
Zagora: Desert Route Town
Zagora is a departure point for excursions towards desert landscapes and former caravan trails.
Region: Drâa-Tafilalet
Feature: Access to dunes and palm groves
Merzouga: Dunes and Desert Camps
Merzouga is close to the Erg Chebbi dunes and known for desert camps, camel rides, and stargazing.
Region: Drâa-Tafilalet
Attraction: Erg Chebbi dune area
Morocco’s Administrative Regions
Morocco is divided into twelve administrative regions. Each region includes several provinces and prefectures and has one or more leading cities.
The figures below are approximate 2024 estimates and are intended as indicative values only.
| Region | Major Cities | Population (approx. 2024) | Geographic Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceïma | Tangier, Tétouan, Al Hoceima, Fnidek | 4.03 million | Mediterranean and Atlantic coast |
| Oriental | Oujda, Nador, Berkane, Taourirt | 2.29 million | Eastern border and plateaus |
| Fès-Meknès | Fez, Meknes, Taza, Sefrou, Azrou | 4.47 million | Historic heart and Middle Atlas |
| Rabat-Salé-Kénitra | Rabat, Salé, Kénitra, Khemisset | 5.13 million | Capital area and Atlantic plain |
| Béni Mellal-Khénifra | Beni Mellal, Khénifra, Kasba Tadla | 2.53 million | Central Atlas and agricultural lands |
| Casablanca-Settat | Casablanca, Settat, Berrechid, El Jadida | 7.69 million | Economic core and Atlantic corridor |
| Marrakech-Safi | Marrakech, Safi, Essaouira, Youssoufia | 4.89 million | Atlas foothills and coastal strip |
| Drâa-Tafilalet | Errachidia, Ouarzazate, Zagora, Tinghir | 1.66 million | Oases and Saharan valleys |
| Souss-Massa | Agadir, Taroudant, Tiznit | 3.02 million | Southern coast and plains |
| Guelmim-Oued Noun | Guelmim, Tan-Tan | 0.45 million | Transition to Saharan areas |
| Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra | Laayoune, Boujdour, Tarfaya | ~0.37 million | Atlantic Sahara corridor |
| Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab | Dakhla | ~0.15 million | Southern Atlantic Sahara |
Suggested Itineraries Across Moroccan Cities
The following routes help structure trips around history, coastal landscapes, and desert experiences.
Imperial Cities Circuit
Route: Fez → Meknes → Rabat → Casablanca
Duration: 3–5 days
This route focuses on the four main imperial and administrative centers, combining heritage sites with modern urban areas.
Southern and Desert Loop
Route: Marrakech → Ouarzazate → Merzouga → Zagora
Duration: 4–6 days
This loop highlights mountain passes, valleys, oases, and dunes for travelers interested in desert landscapes.
Atlantic Coast Journey
Route: Casablanca → Essaouira → Agadir → Tiznit
Duration: 3–4 days
This itinerary focuses on fishing ports, beaches, and coastal towns along the Atlantic seaboard.
Northern Highlights
Route: Tangier → Chefchaouen → Tétouan
Duration: 2–3 days
Travelers can combine Strait of Gibraltar views, mountain scenery, and historic medinas in northern Morocco.
FAQ about Moroccan Cities and Regions
How many administrative regions does Morocco have?
Morocco is officially divided into twelve administrative regions, each with its own regional council and capital city.
Which cities are considered the main imperial cities in Morocco?
The four principal imperial cities are Fez, Marrakech, Rabat, and Meknes. Each of them served as the capital at different periods in the country’s history.
Are the population figures in this guide exact?
No. All population numbers in this guide are approximate 2024 estimates and should be used as indicative values for planning, not as official census data.
What are the main cities in southern Morocco?
Key southern cities include Agadir, Guelmim, Taroudant, Tiznit, Laayoune, and Dakhla, which connect coastal areas, plains, and desert zones.
How is the territory organized below the regional level?
Below the regional level, Morocco is organized into provinces and prefectures. Each province groups several communes, towns, and rural areas under the same administrative framework.
Plan Your Trip with a Certified Morocco Guide
If you want a tailored route through Morocco’s main cities and regions, a certified guide can help you choose the right itinerary, season, and local experiences.
Contact a licensed professional to receive a customized plan based on your budget, travel pace, and interests.
Get Your Custom Morocco City Itinerary
