Kasbah des Oudaias

Rabat's original fortress, perched at the mouth of the Bou Regreg river. The Almohads built it in the 12th century as a staging post for campaigns into Spain; the Andalusian refugees who arrived after 1609 turned it into a home. The kasbah is now a neighbourhood — blue and white painted streets, flower pots on steps, cats in doorways. The palette echoes Chefchaouen, but the Oudaias came first. The refugees from Andalusia brought their aesthetics with them; they had nowhere else to go. The Andalusian Gardens inside the walls are the city's finest — formal hedges, orange trees, bougainvillea spilling over walls. The Moorish cafe at the garden's edge serves mint tea and pastries with views over the river. The beach below is popular with locals. Best time: Morning (gardens) or sunset (river views) Allow: 1-2 hours Combine with: Hassan Tower and Chellah