Atlantic Coastal Plain

Morocco has the broadest plains and the highest mountains in North Africa. The country has four main natural regions. An area of highlands, called Er Rif, runs parallel to the Mediterranean coast in the north, from Tangier to the Algerian border. Er Rif forms a barrier, preventing easy access to the coast from central Morocco. The Atlas Mountains, the second region, extend across the center of the country from the southwest to the northeast.

The Taza Depression lies between Er Rif and the Atlas Mountains, allowing passage across the northern interior of Morocco into Algeria. Broad coastal plains along the Atlantic Ocean form the third region, framed by Er Rif and the Atlas Mountains. Finally, plains and valleys south of the Atlas Mountains merge with the Sahara along the southeastern border of Morocco. Most Moroccans inhabit the Atlantic coastal plain. Sandy beaches interrupted by rocky outcrops line the Atlantic coast of Morocco, with particularly fine beaches from Agadir south, sharp drops to the Mediterranean along Er Rif, and stunning Mediterranean beaches along the Tangier Peninsula.