Where Is Morocco Located? A Quick Geography Guide for Travellers
Morocco is located in the far northwest corner of Africa, where the continent almost touches Europe. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Algeria to the east, and the disputed territory of Western Sahara to the south. At its narrowest point, only about 14 kilometres of sea — the Strait of Gibraltar — separate Morocco from Spain.
What continent is Morocco in?
Morocco is in Africa — specifically North Africa, part of the region known as the Maghreb. But because it sits at the crossroads of Africa, Europe and the Arab world, its culture is a blend of Amazigh (Berber), Arab, and Mediterranean influences, which is a big part of what makes it feel so unique.
Three countries in one: coast, mountains and desert
For its size, Morocco packs in an extraordinary range of landscapes. You can stand on an Atlantic beach in the morning, cross the snow-capped High Atlas mountains by afternoon, and reach the edge of the Sahara by nightfall. That variety — coast, mountains and desert within a few hours’ drive — is exactly why it is such a rewarding place to tour.
How to get to Morocco
Most visitors fly into Marrakech, Casablanca, Fes or Tangier, all of which have international airports. If you are already in southern Spain, you can also cross by ferry — the fast boat from Tarifa to Tangier takes about an hour, which makes Morocco an easy add-on to a European trip.
Time zone, money and language
Morocco runs on Western European Time and is usually just an hour or so different from the UK and Spain, so jet lag is rarely an issue for European visitors. The currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD), and while Arabic and Amazigh are the official languages, French is widely spoken and English is common in tourist areas.
Where is Morocco? — FAQs
Where is Morocco located?
Morocco is in the far northwest of Africa, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, Algeria and Western Sahara, and only about 14 km from Spain.
What continent is Morocco in?
Morocco is in Africa, in the North African region known as the Maghreb, with strong Arab, Amazigh and Mediterranean influences.
How far is Morocco from Spain?
At the Strait of Gibraltar the two countries are only about 14 km apart, and a ferry from Tarifa to Tangier takes roughly an hour.
What countries border Morocco?
Morocco borders Algeria to the east and the disputed territory of Western Sahara to the south; the Atlantic and Mediterranean form its western and northern coasts.
Now you know where it is — the next step is seeing it. We run private tours across Morocco, from the coast to the Atlas mountains to the Sahara. Tell us your dates and we will plan the route around you.
