Centre & plains
Royal capital & Andalusian gardens
Rabat, the Kingdom's capital and a UNESCO site, blends Hassan Tower, the Oudayas kasbah and a peaceful medina facing the Atlantic. Salé shares the Bouregreg estuary, while Kénitra and the Mamora — the world's largest cork-oak forest — open onto Sidi Boughaba lagoon and ancient Banasa. A royal, green and calm region, ideal as a first taste of Morocco.
Best period
March–June · Sept–Nov
Ambience & flavours
Royal pastilla · Andalusian gardens · evenings by the Bouregreg
Key cities
Rabat
The Kingdom's UNESCO-listed capital, with Andalusian gardens and an ocean front, a living museum-city.
Suggested itineraries
Royal Rabat in 3 days
Hassan Tower, Oudayas, Chellah and a crossing to Salé on the other bank of the Bouregreg.
Capital & forest in 5 days
Rabat-Salé, Mehdia beach, Mamora forest and the Roman site of Banasa.
Royal & Atlantic in 7 days
The capital-forest-lagoon triangle in depth, with Salé and the Mamora truly explored.
When to go — month by month
January
Cool and damp, perfect for indoor museums and the dry medina.
February
Some rain, but mildness already noticeable.
March
Bright spring, Oudayas gardens in bloom.
April
Ideal across the region, perfect temperatures.
May
Late spring, swimming possible at Mehdia.
June
Lovely weather, pleasant evenings by the Bouregreg.
July
Heat moderated by the Atlantic, lively beaches.
August
Welcome sea breeze, summer festivals in Rabat.
September
Best season: gentle warmth, low crowds.
October
Golden light, magical photos at Chellah.
November
First rains, quiet and cosy medina.
December
Mild winter, frequent rain but coastal mildness.
Festivals & events
Must-see
Sites in this region· 8
Kasbah des Oudayas
UNESCORabat
12th-century Almohad citadel overlooking the Bouregreg mouth, with blue-and-white lanes and an Andalusian garden.
Tour Hassan & Mausolée Mohammed V
UNESCORabat
Unfinished 1195 minaret commissioned by Yacoub el-Mansour, beside the white-marble royal mausoleum of Mohammed V and Hassan II.
Nécropole de Chellah
UNESCORabat
Site blending the ancient city of Sala Colonia with a medieval Merinid necropolis, full of storks and gardens.
Médina de Rabat
UNESCORabat
17th-century Andalusian medina, part of the UNESCO listing 'Rabat, modern capital and historic city'.
Médersa Bou Inania de Salé
Salé
Merinid Quranic school founded in 1341 by sultan Abu al-Hassan, with zellige tilework and carved cedar.
Bab Mrisa
Salé
Monumental 13th-century Merinid gate once opening on a canal so galleys could enter the city.
Gastronomy & flavours
Crafts & shopping
What to pack
Light rain jacket for Atlantic humidity, comfortable shoes for the medina and modest dress for the Mohammed V Mausoleum.
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