Discover Rabat Your Way

Morocco’s capital on the Atlantic

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Discover Rabat Individually

Morocco’s capital on the Atlantic

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A magical feast for the senses

A magical feast for the senses

Nature
2/5 Points
Beach
4/5 Points
Culture
5/5 Points
Activity
4/5 Points
Relaxation
3/5 Points

Between fortress, beach & art

Royal city & modern metropolis

Rabat, the royal capital of Morocco on the Atlantic coast, lies about one hour north of Casablanca. As the country’s second-largest city, it is home not only to the royal palace but also to government institutions, universities and consulates from around the world. Spaciously designed and rich in green spaces, Rabat ranks among the Moroccan cities with the highest quality of life.

Parts of the modern city are considered outstanding examples of contemporary urban planning. At the same time, one of Morocco’s most accessible medinas and impressive monuments – several of them UNESCO World Heritage Sites – reveal the city’s fascinating historical depth.

Art. Sport. Shopping. Culture. Rabat captivates with its magical diversity. Whether modern museums or historic landmarks, golf or paragliding, jet skiing or surfing in the Atlantic – here you can enjoy endless activities while discovering the rich craftsmanship of local artisans.

Rabat has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers. The average temperature in August is around 23°C, and July enjoys more than 10 hours of sunshine per day on average. Winters are mild, with an average temperature of 12°C in January, but can be relatively rainy.
1. Sophisticated royal city

Morocco’s modern capital with elegant, spacious urban character.

2. The Bou Regreg Estuary

A scenic setting where Rabat and its sister city Salé meet the Atlantic.

3. Royal golf course

Play at one of Morocco’s most prestigious golf clubs.

4. Marina & seafront promenade

Mediterranean flair with stylish boutiques, cafés and restaurants.

5. Watersports paradise

Wide sandy beaches and excellent wind conditions for sport and adventure.

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Highlights
Pur Life Maroc Destination Rabat Kasbah des Oudaias
Pur Life Maroc Destination Rabat Hassan-Turm Moschee

Fortress on the Oudaya Cliff

This historic fortress complex dating back to the 12th century includes massive defensive walls, the monumental Bab Oudaia gate with delicate reliefs, narrow streets lined with blue-and-white Andalusian houses from the 17th century, and Rabat’s oldest mosque, Jamaa el-Atiq, also known as the Kasbah Mosque. The Andalusian Gardens inside the complex are perfect for a relaxing stroll and beautiful photos.

From the terrace of Café Maure, you can enjoy a wonderful view over the city and the lively beach below.

Rabat’s architectural landmark

Rabat’s most famous monument is the 44-metre-high Hassan Tower, the unfinished minaret of a grand mosque begun in the 12th century under Sultan Yacoub El Mansour. The mosque was intended to become the second largest in the world. Opposite the tower lies the Mausoleum of King Mohammed V, which includes the mausoleum itself, a mosque and a small museum.

The entire complex is considered one of the most beautiful modern monuments of Islamic architecture, featuring fine marble and magnificent carvings across more than 1,000 m².

Pur Life Maroc Destination Rabat Golf
Pur Life Maroc Destination Rabat Surf Badestrand

Royal Golf Dar Es Salam

Located just 15 minutes from the city centre, the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam (18/18/9 holes) lies in the heart of a cork oak forest. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, it ranks among the world’s most prestigious golf courses. For variety, golfers can also try The Montgomerie Rabat (18 holes), about 20 km north of Rabat, featuring gently rolling terrain and water hazards.

After your round, enjoy a drink at the 19 Bar or relax by the club’s pool.

Atlantic beaches

The Plage des Nations Unies near Bouknadel, about 25 km north of Rabat, is popular with surfers thanks to its fine sand and powerful waves. Also nearby is the beach of the fishing village Mehdiya, a long sandy shoreline with excellent surf spots. Around 15 km south, the Plage des Sables d’Or offers calm, shallow waters ideal for swimming, sunbathing and seaside walks.

A hidden gem: Bouznika Beach, about 40 km south of Rabat, known for its crystal-clear water and golden sand.

Story & facts

Rabat appears calm, elegant and surprisingly relaxed to its visitors – making it hard to imagine that the city once had a turbulent past. Founded in the Middle Ages as a fortress of the Almohads, it became, together with its sister city Salé, a notorious centre of piracy and slave trading in the 17th century.

The impressive Kasbah of the Oudaias still reflects this Atlantic spirit of adventure, while the five-kilometre city wall recalls the city’s restless history. Today, however, Rabat is characterised by elegant embassy districts, wide boulevards and lush gardens. As Morocco’s political and diplomatic centre, it presents itself as a stylish and cosmopolitan metropolis.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Surrounded by impressive city walls, Rabat’s medina is known for its Andalusian architecture. Built around the old market, its narrow streets are lined with shops selling ceramics, spices and jewellery. The skyline is dominated by the slender minaret of the Great Mosque, whose origins date back to the Middle Ages.

Lively Atlantic coast

The Atlantic winds create perfect conditions for windsurfing and sailing. Jet skiing, boat tours, kayaking and paragliding promise plenty of excitement. Rabat’s golden city beach is protected by breakwaters, making it suitable even for beginners. At low tide, the beach doubles in size – ideal for games, horse riding or long walks.

Royal Golf Dar Es Salam

Golfers enjoy professional conditions at the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, with challenging fairways and fast, undulating greens. The idyllic 440-hectare course is surrounded by cork oaks, flowers and water features. Connoisseurs appreciate the three courses – Red, Blue and Green – each with different levels of difficulty.

Modern art & sophisticated lifestyle

The Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMVI) presents Moroccan visual art of the 20th and 21st centuries in spacious, light-filled galleries. From here, Avenue Allal Ben Abdallah leads visitors into Rabat’s modern shopping district with its elegant boutiques, terrace cafés and restaurants.

Coastal serenity & nature observation

Early mornings at Rabat’s beaches are peaceful and perfect for jogging, relaxing walks, yoga or meditation by the sea. Particularly beautiful are coastal hikes through macchia vegetation and dunes, or nature and birdwatching in the nearby cork oak forests – the largest in Africa.

A necropolis out of time – Chellah

Located outside the city walls, the sacred site of Chellah is easily recognised by its massive walls and the two octagonal towers at the entrance. The ancient necropolis feels almost enchanted – an oasis of silence. The unique blend of Roman ruins, Moorish medieval architecture and Islamic burial culture makes Chellah one of Morocco’s most fascinating historical sites.

Surroundings

Surroundings

More of Morocco

The best of the region

Discover more Morocco

Our Pur Life Maroc concierge service offers tailor-made travel experiences designed around your wishes. Discover the most beautiful and authentic sides of Morocco up close, guided by our local experts and Pur Life insiders. Immerse yourself in your own personal Pur Life Maroc journey.

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Discover Rabat in a truly individual way. Your private guide opens doors usually closed to visitors – from the peaceful Andalusian Garden and hidden artisan workshops in the Kasbah of the Oudayas to exclusive insights into royal districts. Experience the unique history, culture and hospitality of Morocco's capital beyond the usual tourist paths. 

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Cross the river by boat from Rabat to the opposite shore and discover the historic town of Salé, offering a completely different perspective on the royal capital. Highlights include the beautifully restored Medersa Abou al-Hassan, a 14th-century Quranic school known for its intricate cedar wood carvings, the Grande Mosquée – the third-largest mosque in Morocco – and the atmospheric Marabout tombs. 

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Located about 10 km northeast of Rabat, the Exotic Gardens of Bouknadel cover a 4-hectare private estate filled with ponds, grottos and tropical plants including lianas, giant treesand palm groves. Scenic walking paths reveal constantly changing views throughout the garden. During your visit you can also explore the museum housed in the former residence of French horticultural engineer Marcel François.