Most Beautiful Cities in Morocco (Ranked) – 15 Stunning Places to Visit

Morocco is a country with many different landscapes. It has big mountains, long beaches and the wide dry desert. But Morocco is also very famous for its old cities. Many people ask me what is the most beautiful city to visit in Morocco. It is a hard question because every place has a different feeling and a different color.

Some cities are red like the earth, some are painted blue, and some are white near the blue ocean. If you plan to travel here, you want to know which places are the best to spend your time.

In this guide I will show you the 15 most beautiful cities in Morocco. I will rank them so you can see the top ones first. You will learn why they are beautiful, what things you should not miss, and how many days you need to stay. I will also share some simple itineraries to help you plan your trip very easily.

Quick Answer (Featured Snippet)

If you are looking for a fast answer to know the most beautiful cities, here is a quick list. Morocco has many stunning places, but the most beautiful cities have old medinas, nice colors and rich culture.

The top 5 most beautiful cities in Morocco are:

1. Marrakech
2. Fes
3. Chefchaouen
4. Essaouira
5. Rabat

These five cities give you the best mix of old history, beautiful streets to walk in, and very nice photo spots.

How We Ranked “Beautiful” (Your Differentiator)

When we say a city is beautiful, it means many things. We do not just look at nice buildings. We want to give you a real list that helps you travel better. Here is how we ranked these 15 cities.

We looked at 5 important criteria:

• Architecture & medina atmosphere: The old buildings must have traditional designs. The old markets (medinas) must feel alive and have a nice old feeling.
• Scenic setting: The city needs a nice background. It is beautiful if it is next to the ocean, high in the mountains, or near the desert.
• Photogenic streets & viewpoints: The city must have nice streets where you can take good photos. It needs good places to watch the sunset from the roof.
• Cultural depth: The city needs to have real local life. We look for traditional crafts, local food, and old history that you can feel.
• Ease of visiting: A beautiful city must be easy to walk in. It should also be easy to reach by train or car, or good for a simple day trip.

Map + How to Use This List (Planning Intent)

Morocco is a big country. You cannot visit all the 15 cities in one trip. You need to pick 2 or 3 cities by vibe for your holiday.

If you like old history and big palaces, you should pick the imperial cities like Fes, Marrakech or Rabat. If you like the ocean and fresh air, you should pick coastal cities like Essaouira or Tangier. If you like quiet nature, choose mountain cities like Chefchaouen.

When you look at this list, think about your time.

• For a day trip, pick a small city near your main hotel.
• If you have 2 nights, choose a medium city where you can relax.
• If you stay 3+ nights, you need a big city like Marrakech or Fes so you do not feel bored.

The 15 Most Beautiful Cities in Morocco (Ranked)

Here is our ranked list of the stunning places you should visit. I put the most famous and beautiful ones first.

1) Marrakech (The “Red City” + Gardens + Riads)

Marrakech is the most famous city in Morocco. Everyone calls it the Red City because the old walls and houses are painted in a warm pink and red color.

• Why it’s beautiful:
  • The red walls look very warm when the sun goes down.
  • It has many secret green gardens hidden behind old doors.
  • The traditional riads inside the medina have beautiful tile work and small pools.
• Don’t miss:
  • Walking in the big Majorelle Garden.
  • Watching the busy Jemaa el-Fnaa square at night.
  • Seeing the beautiful Bahia Palace architecture.
• Best photo spots:
  • The tall Koutoubia Mosque with the palm trees.
  • A high rooftop cafe looking at the sunset over the medina.
• How long to stay: 3 to 4 nights.
• Best for: Culture, food, and first-time visitors. You can find more things to do in Marrakech in our guide.

2) Fes (Medieval Medina + Crafts)

Fes is the old spiritual heart of the country. It is a very big and very old city that feels like walking in the past.

• Why it’s beautiful:
  • It has the largest car-free medina in the world with thousands of small streets.
  • You can see people making traditional crafts by hand just like 500 years ago.
  • The old Islamic schools (Madrasas) have incredible wood and stone carvings.
• Don’t miss:
  • The Chouara Tannery where they color the leather.
  • The Bou Inania Madrasa for beautiful architecture.
  • The big Blue Gate (Bab Boujloud) at the entrance of the old city.
• Best photo spots:
  • The colorful leather pools at the tannery from a high balcony.
  • The detailed mosaic tiles on the walls of the Blue Gate.
• How long to stay: 2 to 3 nights.
• Best for: History lovers and walking in the old streets. Read why is Fes called the spiritual heart of Morocco.

3) Chefchaouen (Blue Mountain City)

Chefchaouen is a small town in the Rif Mountains. It is famous everywhere because all the houses in the old town are painted blue.

• Why it’s beautiful:
  • Every street and wall is a different shade of blue. It looks very peaceful.
  • The city sits high in the green mountains, so the air is very clean.
  • It has a very slow and relaxed feeling, different from the big busy cities.
• Don’t miss:
  • Walking with no map in the small blue streets.
  • Hiking up to the Spanish Mosque to see the city from above.
  • Drinking sweet mint tea in the main square Uta el-Hammam.
• Best photo spots:
  • The small stairs decorated with colorful flower pots.
  • The panoramic view from the Spanish Mosque at sunset.
• How long to stay: 1 or 2 nights.
• Best for: Couples, taking photos, and relaxing. Check the things to do in Chefchaouen.

4) Essaouira (Coastal Charm + Ramparts)

Essaouira is a small coastal city next to the Atlantic Ocean. It is painted white and blue, and there are many seagulls flying in the sky.

• Why it’s beautiful:
  • The old stone walls (ramparts) next to the ocean look very strong and historic.
  • The small medina has wide streets and is very clean and calm.
  • The blue fishing boats in the port make a very nice colorful picture.
• Don’t miss:
  • Walking on the old city walls and looking at the big ocean waves.
  • Eating fresh fish cooked outside near the port.
  • Buying local wood crafts made from Thuya wood.
• Best photo spots:
  • The Skala de la Ville with the old brass cannons pointing to the sea.
  • The busy port with the blue boats and fishermen.
• How long to stay: 2 nights.
• Best for: Families, beach walking, and a calm atmosphere.

5) Rabat (Elegant Capital + Ocean Views)

Rabat is the capital city of Morocco. It is very elegant, very clean, and it has wide streets with many green palm trees.

• Why it’s beautiful:
  • It has a very nice mix of old history and modern clean streets.
  • The Kasbah of the Udayas is a beautiful small neighborhood painted blue and white near the river.
  • It has nice ocean views and a long beach promenade for walking.
• Don’t miss:
  • The Hassan Tower and the beautiful Mausoleum of Mohammed V.
  • Walking inside the quiet Kasbah of the Udayas.
  • The Chellah, which is an old Roman and Islamic ruin with many stork birds.
• Best photo spots:
  • The big unfinished pillars at the Hassan Tower.
  • The blue and white walls inside the Kasbah gardens.
• How long to stay: 1 to 2 nights.
• Best for: Quiet culture and safe easy walking. Discover the things to do in Rabat.

6) Tangier (Sea Views + Creative History)

Tangier is in the very north of Morocco. It is the door between Africa and Europe. You can see Spain across the water from here.

• Why it’s beautiful:
  • The city looks over the Strait of Gibraltar where two seas meet.
  • The old Kasbah sits high on a hill with amazing views of the blue water.
  • It has a very international feeling because many famous writers and painters lived here.
• Don’t miss:
  • Drinking a coffee at Cafe Hafa looking at the sea.
  • Walking in the small streets of the Kasbah museum area.
  • Visiting the Caves of Hercules near the city.
• Best photo spots:
  • The sea view from the high walls of the Kasbah.
  • The traditional architecture of the Grand Socco square.
• How long to stay: 2 nights.
• Best for: Creative history and ocean views. Read is Tangier worth visiting.

7) Casablanca (Modern + Hassan II area)

Casablanca is the biggest city in Morocco. It is very busy and modern, but it has some very beautiful old buildings too.

• Why it’s beautiful:
  • It has the giant Hassan II Mosque, which is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world.
  • The downtown area has special Art Deco architecture from the French time.
  • The Corniche area near the sea is very nice for a sunset walk.
• Don’t miss:
  • Taking a tour inside the beautiful Hassan II Mosque.
  • Walking near the beach at the Corniche.
  • Seeing the old buildings in the central Mohammed V Square.
• Best photo spots:
  • The huge minaret of the Hassan II Mosque with the ocean behind it.
  • The traditional tiles inside the mosque courtyard.
• How long to stay: 1 night.
• Best for: Modern city life and big landmarks. Check is Casablanca safe.

8) Meknes (Underrated Imperial Beauty)

Meknes is an old imperial city near Fes. Actually, I am in Meknes right now, and it is a very calm and beautiful place. It is smaller than Fes but very historic.

• Why it’s beautiful:
  • It has very big and impressive old city walls and giant gates.
  • The atmosphere is very quiet and not full of tourists.
  • It is surrounded by green farm lands and olive trees.
• Don’t miss:
  • The giant Bab Mansour gate, it is the most beautiful gate in Morocco.
  • The old Royal Stables (Heri es-Souani) where the king kept thousands of horses.
  • The Roman ruins of Volubilis which are very close by.
• Best photo spots:
  • The big columns inside the dark Royal Stables.
  • Standing in front of the massive Bab Mansour gate.
• How long to stay: 1 night or a day trip from Fes.
• Best for: Quiet history and easy walking.

9) Tetouan (Andalusian feel)

Tetouan is a beautiful white city in the north, near the mountains. People call it the White Dove because of its color.

• Why it’s beautiful:
  • The medina has a very strong Spanish and Andalusian style.
  • The white houses look very nice against the dark green mountains.
  • The old town is very clean and well preserved by UNESCO.
• Don’t miss:
  • Walking in the white medina and seeing the local people working.
  • Visiting the local art schools where they teach traditional crafts.
  • Seeing the royal palace square.
• Best photo spots:
  • The view of the white city from the hill outside the medina.
  • The green tile doors on the white walls.
• How long to stay: 1 night or a day trip from Tangier.
• Best for: Authentic local culture and Spanish history.

10) Asilah (Art walls + small coastal charm)

Asilah is a very small and peaceful town on the Atlantic coast. It is very famous for its art and clean streets.

• Why it’s beautiful:
  • The medina is very small, quiet, and painted bright white and blue.
  • Every year, artists come to paint big beautiful murals on the city walls.
  • The ocean crashes right against the old Portuguese stone walls.
• Don’t miss:
  • Walking in the medina to find the new street art paintings.
  • Watching the sunset from the sea wall.
  • Eating fresh seafood in a small local restaurant.
• Best photo spots:
  • The colorful art murals on the white houses.
  • The round stone tower looking at the ocean.
• How long to stay: 1 night.
• Best for: Relaxing, art lovers, and a slow day.

11) Ouarzazate (Kasbah city vibe)

Ouarzazate is known as the door to the desert. It is in the dry south and looks like an old movie set.

• Why it’s beautiful:
  • The buildings are made of red earth and mud, blending with the desert landscape.
  • It is surrounded by beautiful dry mountains and palm trees.
  • The light here is very golden and warm.
• Don’t miss:
  • The big Kasbah Taourirt in the middle of the city.
  • Taking a small trip to see the famous village of Aït Ben Haddou.
  • Visiting the cinema studios where they make famous movies.
• Best photo spots:
  • The high walls of Kasbah Taourirt.
  • The full view of Aït Ben Haddou village from across the dry river.
• How long to stay: 1 night.
• Best for: Desert landscapes and old earth architecture.

12) Ifrane (Alpine-style streets)

Ifrane is very different from other Moroccan cities. It is high in the Middle Atlas Mountains and looks like a small town in Europe.

• Why it’s beautiful:
  • The houses have red sloping roofs like in Switzerland.
  • It is surrounded by big cedar forests and green parks.
  • In the winter, it has white snow which looks very magical.
• Don’t miss:
  • Walking in the clean green parks in the center.
  • Taking a photo with the famous stone lion statue.
  • Visiting the cedar forest outside the city to see the wild monkeys.
• Best photo spots:
  • The stone lion statue.
  • The European style houses with the green trees.
• How long to stay: A day trip from Fes.
• Best for: Fresh mountain air and a quick nature break. Check if can you ski in Morocco.

13) Agadir (Beach + promenade)

Agadir is a modern city in the south. It was rebuilt after an earthquake, so it does not have an old medina, but it is very beautiful for holidays.

• Why it’s beautiful:
  • It has a very long and wide sandy beach.
  • The city is very open, bright, and sunny almost all year.
  • The long beach promenade is very nice for walking with family.
• Don’t miss:
  • Swimming or relaxing on the big beach.
  • Going up to the old Kasbah hill to see the city from the top.
  • Walking in the large Souk El Had to buy local spices.
• Best photo spots:
  • The panoramic view from the Kasbah hill at sunset.
  • The big marina with the white boats.
• How long to stay: 2 to 3 nights.
• Best for: Resort holidays, families, and warm winter sun.

14) El Jadida (Coastal Portuguese heritage)

El Jadida is a quiet coastal city south of Casablanca. It has a very nice old Portuguese history.

• Why it’s beautiful:
  • The old Portuguese city (Mazagan) is a small fortress near the sea.
  • It has old stone walls and quiet narrow streets.
  • The underground water cistern is a very dark and beautiful historic place.
• Don’t miss:
  • Walking on the old fortress walls next to the ocean.
  • Visiting the underground Portuguese Cistern.
  • Eating local food in the quiet old town.
• Best photo spots:
  • The light shining on the water inside the dark underground cistern.
  • The old church tower in the fortress.
• How long to stay: A day trip from Casablanca or 1 night.
• Best for: Quiet history and ocean views.

15) Dakhla (Lagoon city escape)

Dakhla is in the very far south of Morocco. It is a small city on a peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and a calm blue lagoon.

• Why it’s beautiful:
  • The contrast between the yellow desert sand and the blue water is amazing.
  • It has very clear water and beautiful white sand dunes.
  • It is very wild and natural, far away from big city noise.
• Don’t miss:
  • Doing kitesurfing in the windy lagoon.
  • Taking a boat to see the Dragon Island.
  • Eating very fresh oysters from the sea.
• Best photo spots:
  • The white sand dunes going down into the blue lagoon.
  • The colorful kites in the sky over the water.
• How long to stay: 3 nights.
• Best for: Water sports, nature lovers, and remote escape.

Most Beautiful Cities by Vibe (Fast Decision Block)

If you are not sure which cities to pick for your holiday, here is a fast way to choose by the feeling of the place.

• Best for culture/medinas: If you like history, old markets, and traditional life, you must visit Fes, Marrakech, and Meknes. These are the old imperial cities.
• Best coastal beauty: If you want fresh air, seafood, and the sound of the ocean, choose Essaouira, Asilah, and Tangier. They are very relaxing.
• Best mountain scenery: If you like nature, clean air, and quiet streets, go to Chefchaouen and Ifrane. They are very good for taking photos.
• Best modern + landmarks: If you like clean streets, nice restaurants, and big famous buildings, visit Rabat and Casablanca.

3 Ready-to-Copy Itineraries (Matches Ranking Intent, Better Structure)

It is hard to plan a trip with so many cities. Here are three simple itineraries you can copy for your holiday.

5 Days: “Iconic Beauty” (Marrakech → Essaouira)

If you only have 5 days, you should focus on the south.

• Day 1 and 2: Arrive in Marrakech. Walk in the red medina, see the big palaces, and eat in the busy square.
• Day 3: Take a bus or car to Essaouira (3 hours). Walk on the old beach walls and eat fresh fish.
• Day 4: Relax in Essaouira, buy some souvenirs, and enjoy the calm white streets.
• Day 5: Drive back to Marrakech airport to go home.

7 Days: “Imperial + Blue City” (Rabat → Fes → Chefchaouen)

If you have one week and you like history and colors, this is the best route.

• Day 1: Arrive in Rabat. See the Hassan Tower and the Kasbah of the Udayas near the ocean.
• Day 2 and 3: Take the fast train to Fes. Spend two days walking in the giant old medina and seeing the leather tannery.
• Day 4 and 5: Drive north to the blue city of Chefchaouen. Relax in the mountains and take beautiful photos in the blue streets.
• Day 6: Drive back down, maybe stop in Meknes for a quiet evening.
• Day 7: Go to the airport to leave.

10 Days: “Best of Morocco” (Casablanca/Rabat → Fes → Chefchaouen → Marrakech → Essaouira)

If you have 10 days, you can see the best parts of the whole country.

• Day 1: Arrive in Casablanca, see the giant mosque, then take a short train to sleep in Rabat.
• Day 2 and 3: Travel to Fes. Explore the old medina and the crafts.
• Day 4: Take a day trip up to the blue city Chefchaouen, then come back to Fes.
• Day 5 and 6: Travel a long way down to Marrakech (by train or flight). Spend two days seeing the red city, the gardens, and the big square.
• Day 7 and 8: Go to the quiet coastal city of Essaouira to rest after the busy days. Walk on the beach.
• Day 9: Return to Marrakech for your last shopping in the souks.
• Day 10: Fly home. You can read more in our guide how many days do I need in Morocco.

Best Time to Visit for Beautiful Light + Weather (Practical SEO)

If you want the cities to look their best for your photos, you need to come in the right season.

The best time to visit Morocco is in the Spring (March to May) and the Autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is very warm but not too hot. The sky is very clear and blue. The light in the afternoon, called the golden hour, makes the red walls of Marrakech and the blue walls of Chefchaouen look very beautiful.

You should avoid the summer if you can. In July and August, it is very hot, especially in Marrakech and Fes. It is hard to walk in the medina when the sun is very strong. If you come in summer, it is better to stay in the coastal cities like Essaouira or Tangier. Check our full guide on the best time to visit Morocco.

Tips to Enjoy These Cities (Safety + Hassle-Free)

Visiting these beautiful cities is very fun, but you need some simple tips to make it easy.

First, navigating the old medinas in Fes and Marrakech is difficult. The streets are like a maze. It is very good to hire an official local guide for your first day. They will show you the best places and keep you safe from getting lost.

Second, be aware of small scams. Sometimes young boys will tell you “the road is closed” to make you follow them and ask for money. Just say “no thank you” and keep walking. Morocco is very safe for tourists. You can read more about it in is it safe to travel to Morocco right now and common scams to avoid in Morocco.

Finally, if you travel with your family, choose a nice riad to sleep in. It is quiet and the staff will help you with everything. Read more in is Morocco safe for kids. Always ask before taking a photo of a local person in the street.

FAQs (FAQ Schema + Featured Snippets)

Here are some common questions people ask when they plan to visit the beautiful cities in Morocco.

What is the most beautiful city in Morocco?

Many people agree that Marrakech is the most beautiful city because of its red walls and beautiful palaces. But if you like quiet places, Chefchaouen is considered the most beautiful because it is painted completely in blue.

Which city is best for first-time visitors?

Marrakech is the best city for first-time visitors. It has a big airport, many beautiful riads, and it is very easy to find good restaurants and tours. It gives you a great first taste of the country.

Is Chefchaouen worth it?

Yes, Chefchaouen is definitely worth it. It is a very unique place in the world. The blue streets are very calm and it is a perfect place to take photos and relax in the fresh mountain air.

Best coastal city in Morocco?

Essaouira is the best coastal city for visitors. It has a beautiful old medina, big historic walls next to the ocean, and a very relaxed feeling. Tangier is also very good if you want to see the north.

How many days do you need in Morocco?

You need at least 7 to 10 days in Morocco to see a few beautiful cities without rushing. With 10 days, you can see the imperial cities like Fes and Marrakech, and also visit a coastal city or the mountains.

Is Morocco safe to visit?

Yes, Morocco is generally very safe to visit. Millions of tourists come every year. Violent crime is very low. You just need to use normal travel sense in crowded markets to protect your bags from pickpockets. You can read our guide on whether is Morocco safe for solo travelers.

Conclusion

To summarize, Morocco is full of stunning places. From the busy red streets of Marrakech to the quiet blue mountains of Chefchaouen and the white beaches of Essaouira, there is a beautiful city for everyone.

I hope this ranked list helps you decide where to go. Remember to pick cities that match your vibe and use our simple itineraries to plan your time. I encourage you to read the links for each city to find out more. Pack your bags and come enjoy the warm culture and beautiful colors of Morocco!