Is Marrakech the Capital of Morocco? The Short Answer

No, Marrakech is not the capital of Morocco. The capital is Rabat. Many travellers get confused because Marrakech is so famous, and because it is the starting point for most trips to the Sahara.

Quick Facts

Question	Answer
Capital of Morocco	Rabat
Largest city	Casablanca
Marrakech is known as	The Red City and a former imperial city
Where is Marrakech	Central-southern Morocco, at the foot of the High Atlas Mountains
Why visit	Medina, souks, gardens, palaces and the gateway to the desert

Why Do People Think Marrakech Is the Capital?

• It is the most visited city for many travellers, with a famous medina and square
• Marrakech was a capital in the past, under several historic Moroccan dynasties
• Its name is closely linked with Morocco, and in the past the name was used for the whole country
• Most desert tours start from Marrakech

The Imperial Cities of Morocco

Morocco has four historic imperial cities: Marrakech, Fez, Meknes and Rabat. Each one served as a capital at different times in history. Today, Rabat is the political capital, where the government and the royal palace are based.

What to Do After Marrakech

From Marrakech, the classic journey is south to the Sahara. Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes are about 560 km away, usually 9 to 10 hours by road. Read our guide to the Morocco desert tour from Marrakech, or see where Marrakech is in Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Morocco?

Rabat is the capital of Morocco.

What is the biggest city in Morocco?

Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco.

Is Marrakech worth visiting?

Yes. It is one of the most vibrant cities in Morocco and the usual starting point for the Sahara.

How far is Marrakech from the desert?

Merzouga is about 560 km from Marrakech, a full day by road. Agafay is about 1 hour away, but it is a stony desert without sand dunes.

Plan Your Desert Trip

Ready to go beyond Marrakech? Contact us on WhatsApp and we will help you plan your Sahara days.