Portugal and Morocco: A Detailed Comparison

Nov 09, 2025 0

Embark on a journey to explore the captivating landscapes, rich history, and vibrant cultures of Portugal and Morocco. This article provides a comprehensive comparison of these two fascinating countries, offering insights into their geography, historical relations, and the unique experiences they offer to travelers.

Location of Morocco and Portugal

Geographical Overview

Morocco, officially the Kingdom of Morocco, is a country located in the Maghreb region of North Africa. It overlooks the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, with land borders with Algeria to the east and Western Sahara to the south. Morocco also claims the exclaves of Ceuta, Melilla and Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera, all of them under Spanish jurisdiction, as well as several small Spanish-controlled islands off its coast. The capital is Rabat and the largest city is Casablanca. Morocco spans an area of 710,850 km2 and has a population of over 36 million.

Morocco is 4.84 times bigger by total area compared to Portugal: 172,414 sq mi vs 35,608 sq mi. The map above outlines the borders of Morocco and Portugal but is not accurate for size comparison because it's a 2d map with Mercator projection that distorts territories near the poles. The farther a country is from the equator, the more magnified it gets.

Total agricultural land encompasses all areas used for agriculture: territories under permanent and temporary crops and pastures. Arable land encompasses fields utilized for temporary crop production, pastures, market or kitchen gardens, and temporarily fallowed land. Permanent cropland refers to farmland for the long-term cultivation of crops, such as coffee, cocoa, and rubber, which do not require replanting after each harvest.

Historical Relations

Morocco-Portugal relations cover a period of several centuries largely historic, and to present not particularly substantial relations. Initial contacts started in the 8th century, when Muslim forces invaded most of the territory of the Iberian Peninsula.

Following the invasion of southern Iberian Peninsula by the Umayyad Caliphate with the Berber Commander Tariq ibn Ziyad in 711, during the 8th century Arab and Berber armies invaded the rest of Iberia, and even went beyond to Southern France, and as far as Poitiers and the Rhône valley, until the turning point of the Battle of Tours in 732. The Rio Douro eventually became the boundary between Christian and Muslim lands.

Portugal started to invade and occupy parts of coastal Morocco in 1415 with the conquest of Ceuta, which was besieged unsuccessfully three years later by the Moroccans. Then under Afonso V of Portugal, Portugal conquered Alcácer Ceguer (1458), Tangiers (won and lost several times between 1460 and 1464) and Arzila (1471). Portugal and Spain had passed an agreement in 1496 in which they effectively established their zones on influence on the North African coast: Spain could only invade and occupy territory east of Peñon de Velez.

Altogether, the Portuguese are documented to have seized six Moroccan cities and built six stand-alone fortresses on the Moroccan Atlantic coast, between the river Loukos in the north and the river of Sous in the south. Of the six stand-alone fortresses, four only had a short duration: Graciosa (1489), São João da Mamora (1515), Castelo Real of Mogador (1506-10) and Aguz (1520-25). The Portuguese had to abandon most of their settlements between 1541 and 1550 following the offensives of Mohammed ash-Sheikh, particularly the fall of Agadir in 1541 and the capture of Fez (1549).

The Battle of Ksar El Kebir in 1578 was a landslide loss, as the Portuguese king Sebastian of Portugal was killed in the encounter and his army eliminated by Moroccan forces in alliance with the Ottoman Empire. Tangier was ceded to England in 1661 to encourage England to support Portugal in the Portuguese Restoration War, and Ceuta was handed over to Spain in 1668 through the Treaty of Lisbon, which recognized the House of Braganza as Portugal's new ruling dynasty and its rule over Portugal's remaining overseas colonies. These events essentially ended Portugal's direct involvement in Morocco.

Cultural and Culinary Experiences

Discover the rich cultures of Portugal and Morocco on this well-rounded highlights trip that takes you from Porto to Casablanca. Perfect for those visiting Portugal and Morocco for the first time, you'll try new foods and delve into history while on guided tours in Coimbra, Lisbon, Marrakesh, Rabat, and Casablanca.

Immerse yourself in the rich culinary traditions of Portugal and Morocco on this food-focused tour. Throughout the adventure, you'll savor the flavors of Porto, Lisbon, Marrakesh, and Essaouira, partake in cooking classes, visit vineyards, and dine with locals in their homes.

Portugal:

Your tour begins in Porto, delving into the region's culture while joining a food tour and a guided city walk along Boavista Avenue and Santa Catarina Street.
Then, spend a day in the Douro Valley wine tasting and relaxing on a river cruise before transferring to Coimbra to explore a university dating back to 1290.
After a stopover in the quaint town of Tomar, you'll arrive in Lisbon, Portugal's vibrant capital.
Kickstart your trip with three fun-filled days in Porto, sampling local cuisine and sipping port wine, joining a private walking tour complete with stops at the São Bento railway station and Santa Catarina Street, and relaxing on the nearby Matosinhos beach.
Then, travel down the Atlantic coast, stopping to admire Aveiro's canals and Nazaré's powerful waves before reaching Lisbon.
Next, continue south to Lagos in the Algarve region and soak in superb coastal views while on a private boat cruise to the majestic Benagil Cave and past the Alfanzina Lighthouse.

Morocco:

Waking up to the second half of your trip, you'll hop on a flight bound for Marrakesh, Morocco.
Enjoy the buzzing city while weaving between locals in Jemaa el-Fna, the central market square, and through the Jewish Quarter and Majorelle Gardens.
Head to Essaouira for a food-focused city tour and mini-cooking class, then continue to Rabat, where you'll visit the Royal Palace, relax in the Andalusian Gardens, and admire the handicrafts in Musée des Oudaïas.
You'll also spend a day in Chefchaouen before transferring to Casablanca to visit Hassan II Mosque and catch your onward flight.
A flight to Marrakesh awaits you on Day 9, and after getting your first taste of Morocco on a street food tour, you'll spend the following days browsing souks, wandering the Majorelle Gardens, and joining a cooking class at Amal Center.
Then, transfer to Essaouira, where you'll tour an argan oil co-op, enjoy a mouthwatering seafood lunch, and savor coastal views until it's time to end your adventure in Casablanca.
Next up is a flight to Marrakesh, and after getting your bearings while sampling street food and joining a half-day guided tour, you'll have time to wander the city at your leisure.
Afterward, transfer to Rabat and fill a day exploring the Royal Palace and Chellah Necropolis until continuing to Fes.
En route, stop off at the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the Imperial city of Meknes, then enlist the help of a guide to discover Fes' medieval medina and iconic souks.
The last leg of your journey brings you to Casablanca, where you'll spend time in the Habous Quarter before catching your flight home.

Adventure and Outdoor Excursions

On this thrilling adventure across Portugal and Morocco, your days are filled with scenic outdoor excursions, unique activities, and authentic foodie experiences. Perfect for intrepid travelers, you'll embark on hikes in Peneda-Gerês National Park, the Mira De Aire Caves, Sintra, and through Berber villages near Boumalne Dades.

Your adventure begins in Porto, where you'll settle into your stay during a walking tour of the historic downtown, hop on two wheels for a morning e-bike excursion, and head to Peneda-Gerês National Park for a 4WD tour.
A transfer to Lisbon is next on the agenda, and after stopping to explore the impressive Mira De Aire Caves en route, you'll tour the "City of Seven Hills" by tuk-tuk.
On the morning of Day 8, fly to Marrakesh and spend your time in "the Red City," cooking alongside a local, taking to the skies during a hot-air balloon ride, and enlisting the help of a guide for a city tour.
Next, rise early and transfer to Boumalne Dades, stopping to admire the ancient earthen buildings of Aït Benhaddou.
Spend the following day hiking through Berber villages before continuing to Merzouga.
Here, you'll set off on a camel ride and overnight in a desert camp until it's time to return to Marrakesh for a final day of exploring.

Historical and Cultural Heritage

Discover Portugal and Morocco's rich history and cultural heritage on this knowledge-packed tour. From Porto's UNESCO-listed center to Fes' medieval medina, this itinerary takes you across the history-filled landscapes of both countries with stops in Evora, Lisbon, Marrakesh, and Casablanca.

Your journey begins in Porto, where you'll delight in an evening indulging in local cuisine before spending the following day learning about the city's history, heroes, and battles on a guided city tour.
Next, venture north to Guimarães, Portugal's national birthplace, and continue your trip back in time during a stop at the University of Coimbra, established in 1290.

Atlantic Coast Adventure

Experience Portugal and Morocco's vibrant cultures and stunning landscapes on this two-week adventure featuring the Atlantic coast. Starting in Porto, you'll dive into the country's fantastic food scene and relax on the nearby Matosinhos beach.

Read also: Explore Portugal and Morocco

Then, admire the mighty waves of Nazaré, the mansions in Cascais, and the famous Benagil Cave in the Algarve before flying to Marrakesh. Next, continue south to Lagos in the Algarve region and soak in superb coastal views while on a private boat cruise to the majestic Benagil Cave and past the Alfanzina Lighthouse.

Spain, Portugal & Morocco Guided Tour

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Portugal? Uncover the Wonders of Spain, Portugal & Morocco on a 17-Day Guided TourTraverse Spain, Portugal and Morocco on this 17-day guided tour.

In Madrid, visit the Prado Museum and learn about the origins of the city with a Local Expert.
In Lisbon explore the Belém Quarter with a Local Expert and visit the National Coach Museum.
In Fes, tour the Medina and learn about renowned local crafts.
Travel to the white-washed village of Alfarnatejo, then discover the oldest olive grove in the region, where you’ll taste freshly pressed oils and dine on a traditional meal in the home of a Spanish family.

Choose your Start City and Group SizeChoose to start in Lisbon or Madrid, and travel in a Classic or Small Group.

Jamie in Porto | Jamie Oliver

The table below summarizes key aspects of Portugal and Morocco for a quick comparison:

Feature	Portugal	Morocco
Location	Southern Europe	North Africa
Capital	Lisbon	Rabat
Size	35,608 sq mi	172,414 sq mi
Historical Influence	European maritime power	Berber, Arab, and European influences
Cuisine	Seafood, pastries, wine	Tagine, couscous, mint tea