The whole Atlantic coast of Morocco was home to man even before he looked like us. Several successive prehistoric civilisations prospered there: the Acheuleans, the Mousterians, the Aterians… Reliefs of their hunts, their tools and their bones are moving testimonies to the history of Humanity.

The best finds are at the Archaeological Museum of Rabat. During the era of ancient exploration, the fertile oueds and natural ports attracted the Phoenicians and Greeks to the island of Mogador opposite Essaouira, Lixus or Kouass (near Tangiers). Rome could not ignore such a generous coast.

Soon, temples, forums and spas fashioned the appearance of towns such as Sala (Rabat) or Ksar Seghir (Tangiers). The trendy destination of the time was Volubilis (Meknès). This site, on the Unesco world heritage list, shows the high level of the Roman luxury industry that decorated the villas of rich families with fabulous mosaics.

Originating from the Berber village of Tinmel (to be visited from Marrakech), the Almohads took back Morocco from the Almoravids before extending their empire from the Maghreb to Muslim Spain (Andalusia). Moroccan towns owe them their walls and monumental gates, built in a quality that may still be admired today. To choose your favourite era and find out how to access these sites, consult our guide.