List of Cities in Morocco
A Complete Regional Guide to Morocco’s Imperial Cities, Tourist Destinations, and Emerging Urban Centers
Welcome to Morocco’s Urban Landscape
Morocco’s urban landscape reflects centuries of history, geography, and cultural diversity. From the bustling Atlantic coast to the remote desert regions, the list of cities in Morocco showcases the country’s remarkable variety and evolution.
With over 256 municipalities and countless towns, Morocco’s cities are organized into twelve administrative regions, each offering distinct characteristics and attractions. This comprehensive guide explores major cities in Morocco, organized by regions, highlighting imperial cities, tourist destinations, coastal communities, and Saharan gateways.
The Imperial Cities of Morocco
Four cities hold special significance in Morocco’s national identity: Fez, Meknes, Marrakech, and Rabat. These imperial cities of Morocco each served as the kingdom’s capital at different periods and together form the cultural backbone of the nation.
Fez: The Spiritual Capital
Founded in the 8th century, Fez stands as Morocco’s oldest imperial city and spiritual heart. Home to the world’s oldest operating university (Al-Qarawiyyin, 859 CE) and the perfectly preserved Fez Medina with over 9,000 streets, this UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts scholars and travelers worldwide.
Region: Fès-Meknès
Key Attraction: Fez Medina, Leather Tanneries
Marrakech: The Red City
Known as the “Red City” for its terracotta walls, Marrakech is Morocco’s most famous imperial city and premier tourist destination. The legendary Jemaa el-Fna Square pulses with storytellers, musicians, and food vendors, while the stunning Koutoubia Mosque dominates the skyline.
Region: Marrakech-Safi
Key Attraction: Jemaa el-Fna, Majorelle Garden
Rabat: Modern Capital
Morocco’s current capital blends royal heritage with modern governance. The Kasbah of the Udayas, magnificent Hassan Tower, and Mausoleum of Mohammed V showcase Rabat’s architectural grandeur, while the city’s calmer atmosphere provides respite from busier imperial centers.
Region: Rabat-Salé-Kénitra
Key Attraction: Hassan Tower, Royal Palace
Meknes: Hidden Gem
Built by Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century, Meknes showcases grand gates and monumental architecture. The stunning Bab Mansour gateway and nearby Roman ruins of Volubilis offer fascinating contrasts between ancient and Islamic heritage in this often-overlooked imperial city.
Region: Fès-Meknès
Key Attraction: Bab Mansour, Volubilis
Major Urban Centers
Beyond the imperial cities, Morocco’s major cities demonstrate the country’s economic dynamism and modernization, serving as commercial hubs and gateways to diverse regions.
Casablanca: Economic Powerhouse
As Morocco’s largest city and primary economic center, Casablanca is a sprawling metropolis of over 3.2 million residents. The magnificent Hassan II Mosque, with its 210-meter minaret towering above the Atlantic, stands as the city’s most iconic monument. While offering fewer traditional tourist attractions than imperial cities, Casablanca represents modern Morocco’s commercial and cultural vitality.
Region: Casablanca-Settat
Significance: Economic & Commercial Center
Tangier: Gateway Between Continents
Perched where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic, Tangier has long held strategic importance. With a population of 1.28 million, this historic city maintains unique cosmopolitan character from its international city period, offering vibrant markets and colonial architecture.
Region: Tangier-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma
Location: Strategic Strait Position
Agadir: Beach Resort Capital
Morocco’s primary beach resort city offers wide sandy beaches, modern hotels, and a pleasant Mediterranean climate. Reconstructed after a devastating 1960 earthquake, Agadir now serves as the main gateway to southern beaches and the nearby Anti-Atlas Mountains.
Region: Souss-Massa
Focus: Beach Tourism
Northern Morocco: Mountain & Coastal Cities
The northern regions combine Mediterranean influences with mountain terrain, creating distinctive urban centers with unique characters.
Tétouan: The White Dove
Often called “the White Dove of Morocco,” Tétouan sits in the Rif Mountains near the Mediterranean coast. The city’s medina features distinctive whitewashed buildings in narrow streets, creating an atmosphere different from the red-clay imperial cities.
Region: Tangier-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma
Character: Mediterranean Influence
Chefchaouen: The Blue City
While smaller than major cities, Chefchaouen deserves special mention as one of Morocco’s most photographed destinations. Nestled in the Rif Mountains, this enchanting city is famous for its distinctive blue-painted buildings and narrow streets offering slower-paced, authentic cultural experiences.
Region: Tangier-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma
Famous For: Blue Buildings
Al Hoceima: Coastal Paradise
Located on Morocco’s Mediterranean coast, Al Hoceima offers beautiful beaches and a relaxed seaside atmosphere. The Ras Mtazi promontory provides spectacular coastal views, while nearby Boufeghal Beach attracts summer visitors seeking alternative coastal experiences.
Region: Tangier-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma
Appeal: Coastal Beaches
Western Morocco: Atlantic Coastal Cities
Morocco’s Atlantic coast features distinctive seaside cities combining fishing traditions with tourism appeal.
Essaouira: Coastal Bohemia
One of Morocco’s most popular tourist cities, Essaouira appeals to travelers seeking coastal charm. Known for its fishing port, windy beaches, and artistic community, this seaside city has become increasingly fashionable. Unlike heat-baked imperial cities, Essaouira enjoys cooling ocean breezes.
Region: Marrakech-Safi
Character: Artistic Coastal Hub
Safi: Industrial Port & Craft Center
A working port city, Safi maintains traditional pottery-making traditions while serving as a commercial hub. The city combines industrial activity with artisan craftsmanship, offering visitors insight into authentic Moroccan life beyond conventional tourism.
Region: Marrakech-Safi
Focus: Pottery & Fishing
Kénitra: Atlantic Gateway
Located on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, Kénitra serves as a major port city and industrial center. The city’s modern infrastructure and commercial importance make it significant in Morocco’s economy, though it attracts fewer tourists than other coastal cities.
Region: Rabat-Salé-Kénitra
Role: Industrial Hub
Southern Morocco: Desert & Oasis Cities
Southern Morocco’s cities provide gateways to Saharan experiences and showcase unique desert culture and traditions.
Taroudant: The Forgotten Jewel
Enclosed by complete medieval ramparts, Taroudant represents an undiscovered alternative to Marrakech. The city retains authentic medina character with fewer tourists, offering traditional markets and genuine Berber culture. Surrounding argan oil cooperatives showcase traditional Moroccan women’s crafts.
Region: Souss-Massa
Feature: Medieval Ramparts
Tiznit: Silver Artisan City
Famous for traditional silver jewelry craftsmanship, Tiznit maintains strong artisan traditions. The city is enclosed by impressive fortified walls built in 1882, giving it distinctive character. Aglou Beach and nearby coastal areas provide natural attractions complementing the medina’s artisan focus.
Region: Souss-Massa
Famous For: Silver Jewelry
Guelmim: Gateway to the Sahara
Located at the transition between Anti-Atlas mountains and the Sahara, Guelmim marks Morocco’s gateway to desert regions. The city hosts a famous camel market and serves as the launching point for desert expeditions into true Saharan terrain.
Region: Guelmim-Oued Noun
Highlight: Camel Market
Dakhla: Atlantic Sahara
Representing Morocco’s most southerly significant city, Dakhla is located in the Western Sahara region and known for exceptional windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions. The city offers unique desert-meets-ocean experiences and pristine beaches with strong Atlantic winds.
Region: Souss-Massa
Appeal: Water Sports Paradise
Southeastern Morocco: Saharan Cities
These desert cities provide authentic Saharan experiences and serve as hubs for exploring Morocco’s vast southern regions.
Ouarzazate: The Movie City
Gateway to the Sahara, Ouarzazate is famous for hosting major international film productions. The city’s dramatic desert landscape and unique light have attracted Hollywood studios for decades. The nearby Kasbah Ait Benhaddou (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Dades Valley make Ouarzazate a crucial hub for desert tourism.
Region: Drâa-Tafilalet
Known For: Film Productions
Errachidia: Desert Center
Serving as the capital of the Drâa-Tafilalet region, Errachidia is a major hub for desert travel. The city provides access to the Ziz Valley and various desert oases, making it an important staging point for Saharan explorations.
Region: Drâa-Tafilalet
Gateway: Ziz Valley
Zagora: Gateway to the Empty Quarter
Famous for its sign reading “Timbuktu 52 Days by Camel,” Zagora marks the edge of the true Sahara Desert. The city serves as the launching point for desert expeditions to the Erg Chech sand dunes, offering authentic Saharan adventure.
Region: Drâa-Tafilalet
Famous: Timbuktu Sign
Merzouga: Desert Sand Dunes
Though small, Merzouga is Morocco’s premier Saharan desert destination. The Erg Chebbi sand dunes provide the classic desert experience, with desert camps offering camel treks and stargazing under pristine desert skies.
Region: Drâa-Tafilalet
Attraction: Erg Chebbi Dunes
Morocco’s Administrative Regions
Morocco is divided into 12 administrative regions, each containing multiple cities and towns with distinct characteristics and cultural identities.
| Region | Major Cities | Population (2024) | Geographic Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceïma | Tangier, Tétouan, Al Hoceima, Fnidek | 4.03 million | Mediterranean & Atlantic Coast |
| Oriental | Oujda, Nador, Berkane, Taourirt | 2.29 million | Eastern Mountains & Border |
| Fès-Meknès | Fez, Meknes, Taza, Sefrou, Azrou | 4.47 million | Historic & Middle Atlas |
| Rabat-Salé-Kénitra | Rabat, Salé, Kénitra, Khemisset | 5.13 million | Atlantic Coastal & Capital |
| Béni Mellal-Khénifra | Beni Mellal, Khénifra, Kasba Tadla | 2.53 million | Central Mountain Gateway |
| Casablanca-Settat | Casablanca, Settat, Berrechid, El Jadida | 7.69 million | Economic & Industrial Center |
| Marrakech-Safi | Marrakech, Safi, Essaouira, Youssoufia | 4.89 million | Tourism & Mountains |
| Drâa-Tafilalet | Errachidia, Ouarzazate, Zagora, Tinghir | 1.66 million | Saharan Oases & Desert |
| Souss-Massa | Agadir, Taroudant, Tiznit, Guelmim | 3.02 million | Southern Coastal & Desert |
| Guelmim-Oued Noun | Guelmim, Tan-Tan | 449,000 | Sahara Gateway |
Planning Your Journey Through Moroccan Cities
Consider these regional combinations for optimal travel experiences across Morocco’s diverse urban landscape.
Classic Imperial Cities Tour
Route: Fez → Meknes → Rabat → Casablanca
Duration: 3-5 days
This essential journey connects Morocco’s four imperial cities in chronological order, showcasing historical capitals and architectural masterpieces. Perfect for first-time visitors seeking cultural immersion and historical context.
South & Desert Circuit
Route: Marrakech → Ouarzazate → Merzouga → Zagora
Duration: 4-6 days
Explore Morocco’s dramatic south, from imperial city to desert oases. Experience Saharan landscapes, traditional kasbahs, and authentic desert culture.
Coastal Journey
Route: Casablanca → Essaouira → Agadir → Tiznit
Duration: 3-4 days
Discover Morocco’s Atlantic coast, from bustling ports to artistic communities to beach resorts. Experience coastal fishing traditions and ocean breezes.
Northern Adventure
Route: Tangier → Chefchaouen → Tétouan
Duration: 2-3 days
Explore northern mountain cities with Mediterranean influences. Discover blue-painted streets, Rif Mountain culture, and coastal charm.
Discovering Morocco’s Urban Diversity
The list of cities in Morocco showcases a nation of remarkable diversity, where ancient traditions meet modern development. From maze-like medieval medinas to contemporary beach resorts, from Saharan desert towns to mountain villages, Morocco’s cities offer experiences for every traveler.
Whether you seek historical enlightenment in Fez’s university quarter, vibrant markets in Marrakech’s Jemaa el-Fna, coastal relaxation in Essaouira’s artistic harbor, desert adventure beneath Merzouga’s stars, or authentic cultural experiences in undiscovered towns, Morocco’s cities invite exploration and discovery.
Each city tells stories of Berber heritage, Islamic civilization, colonial influence, and contemporary Moroccan life. Plan your journey through these fascinating Moroccan cities, and experience the country’s incredible urban tapestry—a blend of past and future, tradition and innovation, that makes Morocco one of North Africa’s most compelling destinations.
Ready to Explore Morocco’s Amazing Cities?
Get expert guidance from a certified tourism guide to plan your perfect journey through Morocco’s imperial cities, desert regions, and coastal destinations. Personalized recommendations and insider tips await.
Contact Mouhssine – Certified Tourism Guide (Ref. 2898 – Ministry of Tourism)
