The Northwest Region of Morocco is just across the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain. At its closest point, Spain is just 13 kilometers to the north. From 1912, until independence in 1956, this area was part of the Spanish protectorate. Today, only the Spanish enclaves, Ceuta and Melilla remain. These small cities are the European Union’s only land borders with the continent of Africa.

This region, also known as the Northern Rif, contains a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The Mediterranean coastline is characterized by jagged cliffs and rugged mountains. There are many places in the northwest that offer expansive views of the ocean from high craggy cliffs. In the north, there is less distance between cities than in the south because the area is more condensed. The Northwest Region of Moroccan can be well covered in the span of a week, or less.

If looking for natural beauty, cultural heritage, and amazing history, the north of Morocco will not disappoint.