![\"Morocco's](\"https:\/\/maroclovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/most-beautiful-medinas-in-Morocco.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nThis opinion is completely independent<\/strong>, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.<\/p>\n\n The medina refers to the historic center of a city in the Arab-Muslim world. <\/p>\n\n In Morocco, these fortified districts are home to souks, mosques, public fountains and traditional houses organized around narrow streets. Each medina has its own identity, shaped by its history and geography. These are fascinating places to explore! <\/p>\n\n These areas remain places where people and craftsmen perpetuate ancestral know-how. Urban density and vernacular architecture create a microclimate that protects against summer heat. <\/p>\n\n Did you know that the medina of Tetouan is unique in Morocco? We were fascinated to explore it. Spread out on the slopes of the Dj\u00e9bel Dersa mountain, it occupies a special place in the country’s history: as early as the VIII\u1d49 century, its location made it a strategic passage between the kingdom and Andalucia. Destroyed and then completely rebuilt after the Spanish Reconquest, it owes its current appearance to the Andalucia refugees who recreated a veritable art of living here. <\/p>\n\n Another distinctive feature is its unmistakable green-and-white visual identity. Nicknamed “the white dove” for its immaculate walls, Tetouan also features touches of green on doors, windows and minarets. Although green appears in various architectural traditions throughout the Arab-Muslim world, its use in Tetouan is above all the result of a local evolution: the city gradually adopted it, particularly under the Spanish protectorate, until it became a distinctive element of its visual identity. If you’ve ever explored other Moroccan medinas, you’ll notice that this chromatic duo doesn’t exist anywhere else with such consistency. <\/p>\n\n Its organization, combined with lively craftsmanship and architectural simplicity, creates a peaceful, authentic atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n Exploring the medina is one of the highlights of your visit to Tetouan<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Select by city:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n To stroll through this medina is to enter a blue-and-white world you won’t see anywhere else. Every alleyway, colorful doorway and flower-filled staircase was transformed into a postcard setting during our visit. <\/p>\n\n Did you know that painting walls blue keeps insects away and protects homes from the heat of the mountains? <\/p>\n\n Here, we discovered murals by numerous artists that adorn the streets. Look up to see every nook and cranny, sometimes a little cul-de-sac hides artistic wonders or flowery arrangements. <\/p>\n\n Exploring the medina is one of the highlights of your visit to Chefchaouen<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n Marrakech’s Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the historic heart of the city. We wandered through its narrow streets lined with traditional riads and colorful boutiques, where Arabo-Andalusian architecture reveals all its splendor. The ochre walls are home to architectural treasures such as carved fountains, finely crafted cedar wood doors and courtyards adorned with zellij. <\/p>\n\n You’ll be transported to a world where craftsmen perpetuate age-old skills, from tanners to coppersmiths, to weavers who create magnificent fabrics on their traditional looms.<\/p>\n\n Exploring the medina is one of the highlights of your visit to Marrakech<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n It’s time to book! F\u00e8s el-Bali, Morocco’s largest medina, took us back in time. It is considered the oldest medina in the world. Built in a basin near the Sebou River by Moulay Idriss II, who ruled Morocco in the 9th century, it takes its name from “f\u00e8s”, which means “pickaxe” in Arabic. <\/p>\n\n We were impressed by this labyrinth of 14,000 listed buildings, where 137 mosques rub shoulders with 23 public hammams. The two main arteries, Talaa Kbira and Talaa Sghira (“big and little rise” in Arabic), will guide you through thisUNESCO<\/a> world heritage site. <\/p>\n\n As you wander through the narrow streets, you’ll discover such marvels as the 13-window hydraulic clock facing the M\u00e9dersa Bouanania, the interconnecting terraces and the historic fondouks. This thousand-year-old city is also home to Al-Quaraouiyine University, the world’s leading university and a testament to the intellectual importance of Fez. <\/p>\n\n Exploring the medina is one of the highlights of your visit to Fez<\/a>. Arriving in the city, we were immediately captivated by the beauty of the Asilah medina. You’ll stroll through alleys with white walls, punctuated by blue, green or yellow doors that create a surprising contrast. Every turn reveals a postcard setting, where the atmosphere invites you to take a leisurely stroll. We particularly appreciated the cleanliness of the premises and the harmony of colors that transform every street corner into a work of art. <\/p>\n\n At the western end of the ramparts, we made our way to the Caraquia viewpoint, one of the most striking panoramas of our stay. This belvedere overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, the perfect place to contemplate the infinite seascape in front of you. You can listen to the soothing sound of the waves breaking on the rocks while admiring the sunset or the horizon. In the medina, it’s the only vantage point offering a view of both the city walls and the vastness of the ocean.<\/p>\n\n Find out more about Asilah.<\/a><\/p>\n\n Read all our tips<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n To immerse yourself in local craftsmanship by wandering among colorful pottery, traditional fabrics and spice stalls in Meknes is to discover a more intimate atmosphere than in the neighboring medinas. The medina of the imperial city is aUNESCO<\/a> World Heritage Site. Founded in the 11th century by the Almoravids as a military settlement, Meknes became the capital under the reign of Moulay Isma\u00efl, founder of the Alaouite dynasty. <\/p>\n\n We enjoyed this Hispano-Moorish-style city surrounded by high walls pierced by more than 20 gates, 9 of them monumental. Here, we saw the meeting of Arabo-Andalusian and European styles in 17th-century Maghreb. Sheltered by high defensive walls pierced by nine monumental gates, you’ll discover twenty-five mosques, ten hammams, palaces, vast granaries, remnants of fondouks and private dwellings. <\/p>\n\n Indeed, Meknes is distinguished by the gigantic appearance of its ramparts, which reach 15 meters in height. It’s a medina on a human scale, where we enjoyed getting lost, stopping, observing and listening to the heartbeat of the city. <\/p>\n\n Exploring the medina is one of the highlights of your visit to Meknes<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n Essaouira is a maritime medina with a distinctive character. Built in the 18th<\/sup> century by French architect Th\u00e9odore Cornut for the Alawite sultan Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah, it blends European and Moroccan influences. <\/p>\n\n The checkerboard layout, unusual for a medina, facilitates orientation. The ramparts overlook the Atlantic Ocean, offering spectacular views. We enjoyed the mild climate, although the wind blows constantly (hence the nickname “City of the Trade Winds”). The medina attracts artists and craftsmen, especially those who make markers from the local wood, thuya. The fishing port enlivens the seafront, where fishermen bring in sardines and fresh fish every morning. <\/p>\n\n Essaouira’s relaxed atmosphere contrasts with the hustle and bustle of other Moroccan medinas. The locals welcome visitors without undue commercial pressure. We appreciate the bohemian atmosphere. <\/p>\n\n All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay at Maroc a success will soon be available in a single ebook!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Coming soon!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Rabat’s medina offers an authentic experience far removed from the mass tourism found in other Moroccan cities. We particularly appreciated its lively but less frenetic atmosphere than that of Marrakech. <\/p>\n\n Take a stroll through the maze of narrow streets, and admire the traditional architecture with its ornate doors, whitewashed walls and Merinid fountains. Exploring the medina is one of the highlights of your visit to Rabat<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n Taroudant embodies the authentic Morocco of the south, far from the usual tourist circuits. Nicknamed “little Marrakech”, we were charmed by its ochre ramparts stretching for 6km. Its position at the foot of the Atlas and Anti-Atlas mountains creates a spectacular mountain setting. See all Taroudant attractions (coming soon).<\/p>\n\n Tangier occupies a strategic position facing the Strait of Gibraltar, at the crossroads between Africa and Europe. Its medina bears the traces of multiple influences: Phoenician, Roman, Arab, Portuguese and Spanish. The city’s cosmopolitan character is reflected in its architecture and atmosphere. We felt this uniqueness during our visits: Tangier is unlike any other Moroccan city. <\/p>\n\n And neither does its medina. Petit Socco, the former market square, is the historic heart of the town. The Kasbah dominates the medina and port, housing the Kasbah Museum and gardens with sea views. Steep alleyways lead to legendary caf\u00e9s, home to 20th-century<\/sup> writers and artists. <\/p>\n\nThe medinas: historic centers<\/h2>\n\n
1. Medina of Tetouan, UNESCO world heritage site<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Tetouan](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Maroc-Lovers\/Tetouan\/Old-city-medina\/i-sSgSXbb\/0\/KPKWbmQpr7DmqKZWtQhbdnH3fGsxHmWm9Kzq47DzS\/L\/medina-old-city-tetouan-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhy we love it<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Bab](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Maroc-Lovers\/Tetouan\/Old-city-medina\/i-tWtcFKT\/0\/MkPvw9GXgZWGZJTFf5r6ZF66w8N64nxMVH6DTfNP7\/L\/medina-old-city-tetouan-3-L.jpg\")
Practical advice<\/h3>\n\n
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WHERE TO STAY IN Morocco<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Riad](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Maroc-Lovers\/Marrakech\/O%C3%B9-dormir\/i-j72vBRm\/0\/KmLdzd5VL3xVkjpcbkwtH4XDphP4v5cdk5P2DkCRV\/L\/Riyad%20Al%20Moussika%20Marrakech-3-L.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n2. Chefchaouen: the blue medina<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Chefchaouen](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Maroc-Lovers\/Chefchaouen\/i-t3xkL4r\/0\/NBNSWGxW8xGF6gQddfttsbvPrZPpFTfchCxHnVtHt\/L\/chefchaouen-morocco-02-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhy we love it<\/h3>\n\n
![\"blue](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Maroc-Lovers\/Chefchaouen\/i-JTGPZwr\/0\/KjhchJMnm3WqfZ8tH2CcWtmFdTcXFXK78h9T3WBGR\/L\/chefchaouen-morocco-10-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nPractical advice<\/h3>\n\n
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3. Marrakech medina: the labyrinth!<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Marrakech](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Maroc-Lovers\/Marrakech\/Best-of\/i-fz6PxNG\/0\/NK4CZdS2BPCHhRNfcS5JJmzfRR5KbQcwVbZtGXKzL\/L\/best%20thisng%20to%20do%20marrakech-24-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhy we love it<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Marrakech](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Maroc-Lovers\/Marrakech\/Best-of\/i-WSL66R4\/0\/M3TBSRSm5HFFGLXqCMkRGH7FX5V6fPbr9VsPzCXWP\/L\/best%20thisng%20to%20do%20marrakech-49-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nPractical advice<\/h3>\n\n
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![\"Morocco](\"https:\/\/maroclovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/maroc-plane.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n4. Medina of Fez, a thousand-year-old labyrinth and the oldest in the world<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Fez](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Maroc-Lovers\/Fez\/City\/Fez-El-Bali-old-medina\/i-JMKn7KN\/0\/Kt8LXhBgGtQncmSMCkwxQ4vN7Ns8R3zCJGZXn7kMm\/L\/fez-medina-morocco-L.jpg\")
Why we love it<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Medina](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Maroc-Lovers\/Fez\/City\/Fez-El-Bali-old-medina\/i-9G6qT57\/0\/Mv7ww7V2QF6xwsPF5XdcGvLcF7Ggmb8DVLsS7nGpL\/L\/fez-medina-morocco-1-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nPractical advice<\/h3>\n\n
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5. Asilah: the white medina and its colorful gates<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Asilah](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Maroc-Lovers\/Assilah\/i-ZR374ww\/0\/KVKBrgdKhsgqpGZQ6dQBhG723QkHvCskws5qbKvK9\/L\/asilah-morocco-old-city-13-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhy we love it<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Asilah](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Maroc-Lovers\/Assilah\/i-bMK96nK\/0\/Lc9FfJMXS5ww8KZGCdvdw7DtCdtp65br7xzdN6RLJ\/L\/asilah-morocco-old-city-19-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nPractical advice<\/h3>\n\n
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OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN MOROCCO<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Driving](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Travel\/Morocco-all\/Morocco\/i-KDMQCZb\/4\/NXBrCVn8rWSm5NQQ9T5SCqjxhchbDNJ26tPBjGcZS\/S\/P1000664-S.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n6. Meknes medina<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Meknes](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Maroc-Lovers\/Meknes\/El-Hedim-Square\/i-FPt9dRw\/0\/NZnqdw6WxcFhC73JK6gdwJkPQGLmWjMj4r7Ztfksm\/L\/el-hedim-square-meknes-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhy we love it<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Meknes](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Maroc-Lovers\/Meknes\/Old-city\/i-FkWFTPQ\/0\/MFtFJhcjqBnfM82FdrQ2zmRqmmK5pWMZvFxCZvmFn\/L\/meknes-old-city-2-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nPractical advice<\/h3>\n\n
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5. Essaouira: the windy medina<\/h2>\n\n
![\"medina](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Maroc-Lovers\/Essaouira\/Medina-souk\/i-PNhsbdQ\/0\/LBksW9ZrhQkHSPXh25S4z48k85kWqjMZp23csKkNs\/L\/medina_souk_essaouira-1-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhy we love it<\/h3>\n\n
![\"medicinal](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Maroc-Lovers\/Essaouira\/Medina-souk\/i-fh9phb6\/0\/KMgzQfgkTx5sjNf4Lgk44CVQkHmpvhQnvt7P8wBRk\/L\/medina_souk_essaouira-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nPractical advice<\/h3>\n\n
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A LITTLE MORE PATIENCE<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
![\"Box](\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ebooks_CorseNormandie_FR.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n7. Rabat medina<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Rabat](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Maroc-Lovers\/Rabat\/Medina\/i-4BMvX5J\/0\/LH7d9hqSTWz2HfP2CnKWtqqjXfctRr8GSn54L55bJ\/L\/old-town-rabat-morocco-03-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhy visit?<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Rabat](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Maroc-Lovers\/Rabat\/Medina\/i-vqfDdRp\/0\/NPDRcgtDVdD2wxzqhqxdVCgdjMxnvRpM4mb5CJ3zV\/L\/old-town-rabat-morocco-17-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nPractical advice<\/h3>\n\n
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9. Taroudant<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Ramparts](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Maroc-Lovers\/Taroudant\/Porte-Bab-El-Kasbah\/i-MbvhrVH\/0\/LZj2BB3SVRLJcTzH9Nkj5ZBqG2CTcT973BQWjftp6\/L\/porte_bab_el_Kasbah-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhy we love it<\/h3>\n\n
![\"medina](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Maroc-Lovers\/Taroudant\/Medina\/i-jcvHSH5\/0\/Nfbq543R42Jj3KwKzRQSch82mbPJ4fQdZq2gwpjS8\/L\/medina_taradouant-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nPractical advice<\/h3>\n\n
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10. Tangier Medina<\/h2>\n\n
![\"medina](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Maroc-Lovers\/Tangier\/Old-city-medina\/i-vzCbFxX\/0\/LkrSwrL4fWTqWDC84d7XtbQ3n6Nr8GRn6JXNRRX22\/L\/medina-old-city-tangier-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWhy we love it<\/h3>\n\n
![\"architecture](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Maroc-Lovers\/Tangier\/Old-city-medina\/i-d93HLrJ\/0\/LX9wxxmdxfKc4MBM3PW5dpKFvLLvjQksdqqMDbq42\/L\/mosque-old-city-tangier-L.jpg\")
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