8 Best Medinas in Morocco

The most beautiful Medinas in Morocco

Morocco has numerous impressive medinas, making it hard for travelers to choose which one stands out the most. Is it the medina of Fes, having over 9000 alleys where one alley leads to another alley, or perhaps it is Marrakech and its lively medina with its vibrant souks and magnificent main square and vibrant souks. Honestly it all depends on the preference of the travelers. Nonetheless, one thing is for certain Morocco has numerous medinas and all are special and charming.

In this article, we have summarized a list of the top 8 best medinas in Morocco, attracting you to discover what each medina has to offer. All have special attributes whether it’s the old historical medina of Fes or the beautiful and colorful medina of Chefchaouen, each medina will offer you something unique and memorable.

Furthermore, every single medina has its own fascinating history, which makes you want to learn more and more about the rich culture and history of Morocco. Some captivating medinas and cities may not be familiar to you such as the Sefrou medina, where you can explore the ruins and remnants of Berber architecture. Or discover the following hidden gem in the medina of Tetouan, it is located in the North of Morocco.

Essentially, for those who have a passion for culture, history and captivating architecture a visit to our first 5 mentioned medinas is a must. In case you want to dive deeper and discover more beautiful medinas then keep reading our blog. Be prepared by the astonishing riad offers each medina holds.

1 – The Medina of Fes, the largest in the world

Are you ready to go back in time and for your heart to slow down and race fast at the same time?

Then the historical medina of Fez is your getaway. This medina deserves the number one spot on our list. The medina of Fes is one of the largest and most traffic-restricted historical centers in the world, this is caused by the remarkable size of the medina. There is more to Fes’s medina that contribute to the charms of this historical must-see destination. The vivid colors, the aroma sensations, the traditional craft stalls and its authenticity will create an unforgettable journey. Exploring the narrow streets will take you back in time and make you feel like you are living in a bubble.

2 – The Medina of Rabat the capital of Morocco

Rabat located along the Atlantic Ocean was established in 1912 by refugees from Andalusia. Before the establishment there was no modern town that existed, the only thing that was there was the medina of Rabat. A bit hard to imagine as it is one of the biggest cities of Morocco. The medina of Rabat will give you a more relaxed and laid back experience compared to other medinas. Visitors enter Rabat medina through Souika Street and notice immediately it’s less crowded in comparison to other medinas. Rabat’s medina is known for its mint tea leaves, carpets, wooden artwork and leather goods.

3 – The Medina of Marrakech

At the heart of the lively and vibrant city of Marrakech lies the medina, one of the liveliest areas in the entire country that attracts international as well as national tourists. We cannot forget about the iconic main square, Jemaa el-Fna, located right next to the medina wall. The characteristic red walls symbolize Marrakech, this color is also shown in the Moroccan flag, which reflects a connection with the culture and history of Morocco. Delve yourself into the crowded streets and get carried away by the music, the shows, and unique aromas in this magical place. This is one magical medina you will regret if you don’t add it to your bucket list of medinas of Morocco.

4 – Tetouan, recognized as a World Heritage Site

Tetouan, for many an unknown tourist destination, is located in the northern-part of Morocco. A hidden gem in Morocco is the medina of Tetouan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although the medina of Tetouan has many similarities to the other medinas in Morocco, it distinguishes itself by having a lot of Spanish and Andalusian culture. The medina’s almost perfect state of preservation makes this place even more special. You will be transported to another era when walking through its cobblestone streets. If you’re a fan of the series, The Time Between Seams, you’ll be excited to learn that several scenes took place here. Discover why Tetouan is mindblowing and will leave you breathless.

5 – Asilah, the cleanest Medina in Morocco

Asilah is known to have the cleanest medina of Morocco. Allow us to provide you with more information regarding Asilah! This small town is a treasure that still needs to be discovered by many people. Even though Asilah does not have the biggest medina it sure is one of the most appealing and charming ones. There are several factors which make Asilah a very captivating destination such as its cleanliness, its location (along the Atlantic Ocean) and the Sea Gate known as Bab el Bhar. You will have incredible landscapes in this beautiful place. If you are planning to visit Asilah during the summer you may consider visiting the Cultural Festival, where several artists paint murals on the white walls of the medina.

6 – Chefchaouen the blue city

The Chefchaouen medina is a dream coming true. With many blue painted walls which makes this place even more charming. Watch out for the cobblestone streets and make sure to wear comfortable shoes during your journey in this surreal atmosphere.

This shade extends to nearly every corner. It covers the walls of the houses and the stairs leading to the hill’s summit. This unique feature makes it one of the most Instagrammable cities in Morocco.

Chefchaouen is located at the foot of the majestic Rif Mountains. Wandering around its narrow streets, with picturesque views and the calm sounds of birds, will make you feel like you are in another world.

7 – the Medina of Essaouira, Mogador

Located along the Atlantic coast, Essaouira Beach is very popular among surfers and beloved by seagulls. This place has seen a significant increase in tourism. The surge began after it served as the backdrop for the city of Astapor in the series Game of Thrones.

Many Game of Thrones fanatics and surfers continue to revisit this beautiful place. The architecture is a mixture of Arabic, Muslim and European influences. Making Essouira a unique and spectacular place.

8 – The Medina of Tangier

Tangier is known for its artistic background, both historical and contemporary. Although Tangier is an ancient city, it is also a very modern city that attracts artists from all over. The main square of Tangier is Petit Socco. It’s a hotspot for artists and the central hub of the medina. Tangier is renowned for the American Legation Museum. Morocco holds historical significance as the first country to recognize the United States in 1777. When visiting Tangiers, we recommend combining it with Chefchaouen.