Larache: Between Spanish Heritage and the Ancient City of Lixus
Published on 10 juillet 2026
An Atlantic port with a Hispano-Moorish atmosphere, Larache guards at its gates the ruins of Lixus, one of Morocco's oldest cities.
On the Atlantic coast between Tangier and Rabat, Larache carries in its architecture the memory of a 20th century spent under Spanish administration, and guards at its gates one of the country's oldest archaeological sites.
A city shaped by the Spanish protectorate
From 1911 to 1956, Larache was administered by Spain as part of the protectorate over northern Morocco. This period left a lasting mark on the city's appearance: Place de la Libération, the former Plaza de España, and many buildings in the town centre still reflect this distinctive Hispano-Moorish atmosphere. French writer Jean Genet, charmed by the town's simplicity and beauty, chose to be buried here, in the old Spanish cemetery overlooking the ocean.
Lixus, one of Morocco's oldest cities
On the outskirts of town, on the right bank of the Loukkos river, the Lixus archaeological site unfolds over a thousand years of history: a Phoenician trading post from the 7th century BC, later a prosperous Roman city under Emperor Claudius, exporting garum and salt. The site preserves a rare theatre-amphitheatre complex and was put forward by Morocco for UNESCO World Heritage status as early as 1995.
Continue the discovery
The Larache destination page brings together all the town's sites available to book.
Practical information
Larache sits on the road axis between Tangier and Rabat, making it an easy stop to add to a northern Morocco itinerary. Spring or autumn are best for visiting the archaeological site, which is outdoors and offers little shade.