Entered through the Bab Al Khemis, an imposing Hispano-Moorish structure, Larache's blue-and-white medina has changed little over the years. Mostly residential, it's arranged around the Zoco de la Alcaiceria, a colonnaded marketplace, where fresh produce and household goods are sold from open-fronted stores, wooden carts or straight off the cobbles. To the north is a maze of narrow lanes leading to the ruined Saadian Fortress. South, up the hill, is the handsome Music Conservatory and a scenic lookout.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Medina
19.53 MILES
Asilah’s compact medina is surrounded by sturdy stone fortifications built by the Portuguese in the 15th century. Enter through the Bab Al Kassaba and…
Lixus Ruins
2.37 MILES
Set on a hill with spectacular views over the Loukos Estuary, the Carthaginian and Roman ruins of Lixus are evocative reminders that settlements on this…
Place de la Libération
0.05 MILES
Built by the Spanish, who called it Plaza de España (some locals still do), this grand oval-shaped plaza is the town's focal point. Decorated with palm…
Merja Zerga National Park
28.46 MILES
Don't miss a boat trip on the Merja Zerga (Blue Lagoon), roughly 1km south of town. Part of a 70 sq km namesake national park (4 sq km of water, the rest…
Rada Beach
11.97 MILES
The wide sweep of Rada Beach – also known as Mounir Beach after the beach’s well-known cafe owner – is 22km from Asilah (7km of it down a dirt road) and…
Sidi Mghayet Beach
13.44 MILES
Around 15km from Asilah – including 4km down a dirt road – Sidi Mghayet is one of Asilah’s more remote beaches and one of the quietest. During July and…
Had Gharbia Souq
25.17 MILES
An interesting trip from Asilah is a visit to the lively Sunday market in the village of Had Gharbia, 14km northeast of town, inland off the road to…
Monoliths of M’Soura
18.46 MILES
The mysterious Monoliths of M’Soura make an interesting half-day trip from Asilah. This prehistoric site consists of a large stone circle (actually an…
Nearby Larache attractions
1. Galerie Lafnar
0.03 MILES
In an interesting old funduq (ancient inn used by caravans), this art gallery sells work by local artists, as well as staging occasional exhibitions. Just…
2. Place de la Libération
0.05 MILES
Built by the Spanish, who called it Plaza de España (some locals still do), this grand oval-shaped plaza is the town's focal point. Decorated with palm…
3. Music Conservatory
0.16 MILES
A wonderful example of Hispano-Moorish architecture, the town's crenellated music conservatory features ornately decorated balconies, zellige (colourful…
4. Lookout
0.19 MILES
With stunning views over the port and estuary, this lookout is a popular meeting spot. On the way you'll pass the crumbling 17th-century fortification…
5. Ras R'mel Beach
0.65 MILES
Larache has a small rubbish-strewn strip of sand below the town, but the best beach is across the Loukos Estuary, an 11km drive from the town centre. In…
6. Jean Genet’s Grave
0.68 MILES
French literature buffs mays want to head to the old Spanish cemetery, the final resting place of Jean Genet (1910–86). If the gate is locked, ring the…
7. Lixus Ruins
2.37 MILES
Set on a hill with spectacular views over the Loukos Estuary, the Carthaginian and Roman ruins of Lixus are evocative reminders that settlements on this…
8. Rada Beach
11.97 MILES
The wide sweep of Rada Beach – also known as Mounir Beach after the beach’s well-known cafe owner – is 22km from Asilah (7km of it down a dirt road) and…