Larache is one of the oldest Moroccan cities, it is a harbour town located in the region of Tangier Tetouan, in the north of Morocco, the city of Tetauon was founded back in the 7th century when a group of Muslim soldiers from Arabia extended their camp at Lixus onto the south bank of the Loukos River.

As of 1471 the city of Larcahe was inhabited untill Sultan Mohamed esheikh Essadi, decided to repopulate it and build a stronghold on the plateau above river Loukos, Sultan Mohamed esheikh Essadi constructed a fortress at the entrance to the port as a means of controlling access to the river, the Kasbah which was built in 1491 by Moulay en Nassar later became a pirate stronghold, the year 1610, the town of Larache passed to Spanish hands who stayed there unitl 1689 but mainly used the ports as trading stops and never really administered the town.

Sulatn Moulay Ismail finally retook iLarache in 1689, the Province of Larache was created on October 14, 1985, it belongs to Wilaya of Tétouan which belongs to the economic area of Tangier-Tétouan, the city of Larcahe is bordered in the North by the Province of Tétouan and the Province of Tangier-Asilah.

In the South by the Province of Kénitra, and the East by the Province of Chefchaouen, and it is also bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the west.

The Province of Larache covers a surface around 2.783 km². Its population is of order of 431.476 (Census of 1994), including 201.485 in the urban communes and centres, and 229.991 in the rural communes. The rate urbanisation is located at 46,7%. As for the average density, it is of 155 habitants/km²

The sectors commercial and industry are considered among the economic activities most significant of the Province. This sector is cantered mainly on agro-food while an adapting with the geo-economics structure of the area. Indeed, the agricultural and maritime vocation of the Province, caused an implantation of  industrial fabric rich and diversified to emphasize the agricultural produce and the products of the sea. 

The Province of Larache enjoys rich natural potentialities and significant tourist assets. The following table presents some statistical data on the major capacity  of the sector.

Stork's Castle



 


























While being an old Spanish fortress, it is now turned into a focal point of Larache.
Its interior is well guarded by well-kept tall walls and canons, but the people of Larache have taken over the nearby park which provides for such good shelter in hot summer months. One of the few place in Larache servicing as a hang-out for the young and the beautiful is right here.

Old prison

The old Spanish prison has now been turned in the town's archeological museum. Being so small, there is litte space for exhibited items. The small collection covers Roman coins and other relics from Lixus, 3 km north. The best with the old prison, is found with the surroundings and the small building itself. The view from here is stunning, especially at sunset, overlooking the Loukos river and the hills of Lixus.

City Cliffs

Just down from town centre the wildest cliffs of Larache are found. While the spot is soooo beautiful, it is criminally polluted. If you put on sandals, and step carefully over the garbage of the locals, you will soon find yourself in the area where fierce waves keep everything tidy.





Watching the brave kids jumping into water without fear and swimming around with the elegance of seals is great. This point is just 20 metres away from Larache downtown.

Larache

Larache retains much of the Spanish touch from the period of colonization, and is a summer resort very much popular among Moroccans, especially emigrated Moroccans on holiday in the old home town. Larache has much of what is found in other cities in this part of Morocco, cities like Asilah, Tangier, and Tetouan. Whitewashed houses, blue doors, close connection to the sea, and long beaches. But there are a bit more traces of the Spanish past than in the others.

 

There is a relaxed atmosphere to Larache, no hustling, lots of Moroccans with the best intentions in mind, little difference between the sexes. Social life in Larache is highly developed, with long mingling hours in the evenings. The long, clean, tree-sheltered beach is filled up through the summer with emigrated Moroccans, coming from several countries in Europe, using their new tongue.

A large part of the expatriates come from London, UK, which is signalled by all the young bouys running around in Arsenal football suits.