What do Tetouan, Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, El Jadida, Safi and Agadir have in common? They are all popular coastal cities to visit for a Morocco holiday. Vacationers flock to Morocco’s coastal playground for more than the cliche surf and turf, and exploration of these coastal wonders is easy with daily ferry transport through the Atlantic.
The question is: What differentiates Morocco’s coastal cities from those of other countries?
Firstly, Moroccan coastal cities are drenched in culture. The evidence of this is widespread. Tetouan has Spanish-Moorish architecture that still echoes the not-so-far imperialistic past. Rabat, the capital of Morocco, is a caricature of warring empires of the past. The history of Rabat encompasses the new neighborhoods, as well as the old Medina. Meanwhile, El Jadida is home to impressive Portuguese settlements and archeological ruins that remind visitors of its charming history.
Secondly, Moroccan coastal cities are eclectic and diverse. Demographically speaking, Moroccan cities have high levels of diversity. For example, in the northern cities, you’ll see more of a Spanish influence, whereas, you’ll see more of a French influence in the south. Morocco exhibits a melange of cultures on the coast that reflect this demographic diversity.
Finally, Moroccan coastal cities are hot spots for shopping. Shoppers and traders in the coastal Kasbahs are numerous. Products come into the ports fresh off the boats, and by products, I mostly mean seafood. Fish in the souks are hauled straight from the ports to restaurants and fish markets. The seafood is cheap, fresh and delicious. Safi, one of the main fishing ports in Morocco, is especially renowned for sardines. If fish isn’t your thing, you might prefer visiting the streets of coastal Casablanca, home of fashion and more modern shopping options. “Casa” is a contemporary runway full of international companies-in many ways, a shopper’s dream.
Besides the idiosyncratic characteristics of Moroccan cities, there’s also the obvious: They all overlook the sea. Morocco’s coastal cities boast bourgeois beach resorts, hidden beaches and a Mediterranean sea breeze. From the culture to the material, it’s easy to understand why Moroccan coastal cities are prime vacation locations.