Morocco

Morocco is a country where ancient medinas, desert landscapes, and mountain villages meet. Marrakech dazzles with its souks, gardens, and busy squares, while Fes preserves winding alleys and centuries-old craftsmanship. The Atlas Mountains offer hiking, Berber villages, and snowy peaks, while the Sahara stretches south with endless dunes and camel treks. Coastal cities like Essaouira and Casablanca add ocean breezes and colonial charm. Moroccan cuisine bursts with flavors, tagine stews, couscous, and sweet mint tea are daily staples. Colorful, layered, and full of life, Morocco offers adventure, culture, and hospitality at every turn.

Most travelers start in Marrakech, with its maze-like medina, bustling souks, and rooftop cafés, but there’s so much more. Fes preserves medieval traditions, Chefchaouen paints itself in shades of blue, and the windswept Atlantic coast offers surf towns like Essaouira. Adventure seekers head to the Atlas Mountains for hiking or cross the Sahara to sleep under the stars at places like Merzouga or Zagora. Morocco feels alive, layered, and full of contradictions, modern yet deeply traditional.

The great imperial cities of Marrakech, Fez and Meknes have medieval qualities, and offer visitors a unique insight into the country’s history. There are extraordinary art collections, fascinating markets and squares filled with snake charmers and storytellers, as well as the world’s most imfamous hash. There really is something here for everyone, from deserted sun-baked beaches and centuries-old medinas through to great shopping and off-piste desert driving.

Traveling in Morocco is affordable. You’ll find budget riads, mid-range hotels, and luxury kasbahs, often within steps of major attractions. Food is one of the highlights: tagines, couscous, fresh bread, olives, and sweet mint tea are everywhere. Street food is excellent and cheap. Western food is common in tourist areas, especially Marrakech, but it’s the local flavors that steal the show.

Getting around is easy and flexible. Trains connect major cities, and buses and grand taxis reach more remote towns. You can also rent a car if you want freedom to explore rural areas. Arabic and Berber are the main languages, but French is widely spoken, and English is common in tourist spots. Morocco is safe, though pickpocketing and scams can happen in crowded areas, especially in medinas. Modest dress and a little street smarts go a long way.

Families: Morocco is a fantastic destination for families seeking culture and adventure , camel rides in the Sahara, colorful souks, and family-friendly riads. Marrakech, Essaouira, and the Atlas Mountains offer safe, engaging options for all ages.

Couples: Morocco is romantic and exotic , think sunset camel treks, rooftop dinners overlooking medinas, and spa retreats in restored riads. Top spots include Marrakech, Chefchaouen, and luxury desert camps near Merzouga.

Backpackers: Morocco is backpacker-friendly with budget hostels, cheap transport, and strong routes linking Marrakech, Fes, Chefchaouen, and the coast. Hiking in the Atlas Mountains and exploring desert towns are classic backpacker experiences.

Digital Nomads: Marrakech, Casablanca, and Taghazout have good internet and growing coworking scenes. Morocco offers affordable living and a vibrant culture, making it an appealing short- to mid-term nomad base.

Luxury Travelers: Morocco is known for its stunning riads, luxury desert camps, and world-class service. Marrakech, Ouarzazate, and the coast boast high-end resorts blending history, design, and modern comfort.

Foodies: Moroccan cuisine is legendary , tagines, couscous, pastilla, and vibrant spices. Markets, food tours, and cooking classes in Marrakech and Fes offer immersive foodie experiences.

Beach Bunnies: Morocco’s Atlantic coast offers long beaches , surf spots in Taghazout, laid-back Essaouira, and resorts in Agadir. The Mediterranean coast near Al Hoceima is also scenic, though beaches are more rugged.

Nature Buffs: From the towering Atlas Mountains and verdant oases to the golden dunes of the Sahara, Morocco’s natural diversity is stunning. Hiking, canyoning, and desert safaris are highlights.

History Buffs: Morocco brims with history , ancient medinas in Fes and Marrakech, Roman ruins at Volubilis, and kasbahs along caravan routes. Heritage is deeply woven into the urban fabric.

Culture Vultures: Music, art, architecture, and traditions thrive , festivals, handicrafts, hammams, and daily life in the souks offer deep cultural immersion. Marrakech and Fes are hotspots for cultural tourism.

Adventure Seekers: Trekking in the Atlas Mountains, sandboarding in Erg Chebbi, surfing, and mountain biking make Morocco a top adventure spot. Well-developed tours and good infrastructure support a wide range of activities.

Solo Travelers: Morocco is safe and welcoming, with good infrastructure and friendly locals. Solo travelers should be prepared for some hassle in tourist areas but will find it easy to join tours and meet others.

Party Animals: Nightlife exists in Marrakech, Casablanca, and tourist zones, with bars, clubs, and lounges. Alcohol is available but expensive, and nightlife is limited outside major cities.

Wildlife Watchers: Morocco is better known for landscapes than wildlife, but birdwatching in wetlands and desert oases is rewarding. The Souss-Massa National Park and Merja Zerga are top spots for migratory birds.

LGBTQ+: Homosexuality is illegal, and public LGBTQ+ expression is not accepted. Tourist areas are discreetly tolerant, especially in Marrakech’s upscale venues, but caution and discretion are essential.

Why Go to Morocco?

• Marrakech’s Medina and Djemaa el-Fna: Dive into a whirlwind of markets, food stalls, snake charmers, and ancient palaces.
• Atlas Mountains and Berber Villages: Hike trails around Imlil, climb Mount Toubkal, or sip mint tea in a tiny mountain village.
• Sahara Desert Adventures: Ride camels across Erg Chebbi or Erg Chigaga dunes and camp under endless stars.
• Fes’s Ancient Labyrinth: Explore the world’s largest car-free urban area, with medieval alleys, mosques, and centuries-old tanneries.
• Coastal Charm in Essaouira: Wander through a laid-back port town with sea breezes, seafood grills, and whitewashed alleys.
• Chefchaouen’s Blue Streets: Get lost in a blue-painted mountain town that feels more like a dream than a real place.
• Spices, Markets, and Street Food: Taste Morocco’s flavors at markets packed with dates, nuts, spices, and pastries.

Who Might Not Enjoy Morocco?

• Travelers Uncomfortable with Hustle and Aggressive Sales Tactics: In cities like Marrakech and Fez, tourists often face persistent vendors, unofficial guides, and intense bargaining pressure, which can feel overwhelming for some.

• Visitors Expecting Total Peace and Solitude: Morocco’s medinas (old city centers) are lively, crowded, and noisy. While rural areas are quieter, major tourist spots are bustling and chaotic.

• Luxury-Only Tourists Outside Major Cities: While Marrakech, Casablanca, and a few resorts offer high-end accommodations, luxury experiences can be inconsistent elsewhere. In smaller towns, options may be basic despite high prices.

• Strict Vegetarians or Vegans: Moroccan cuisine features vegetables but also relies heavily on meat, particularly lamb and chicken. Plant-based travelers may need to plan carefully, especially in rural areas where vegetarian options aren’t widely understood.

• Travelers Sensitive to Heat or Dust: Morocco’s summers are extremely hot, especially in desert areas like Merzouga. Dust, dry air, and intense sun can make travel physically taxing.

• Those Seeking Western-Style Nightlife: Morocco’s nightlife is subdued compared to European or American standards. Alcohol is available but limited, and most nightlife is concentrated in upscale hotels or private clubs.

• Tourists Requiring Personal Space and Privacy: In busy souks (markets) and crowded areas, personal space is minimal. Travelers unaccustomed to close-quarters interaction or frequent street encounters may feel stressed.

• Visitors Uncomfortable with Conservative Social Norms: Morocco is moderate by regional standards but still conservative compared to Western countries. Modest dress and respectful behavior are expected, especially outside of tourist hubs.

• Travelers Wanting Highly Polished Tourism Services: While Morocco’s tourism sector is extensive, infrastructure can be uneven. Transport delays, inconsistent hotel quality, and variable service standards are common, especially outside major cities.

Highlights

Marrakesh: the former capital is a cultural hotpot and is well-known for its markets and festivals. With a stunning backdrop of the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains, it is one of the most popular places to visit in Morocco, don’t forget your long hair and rizla papers.

Fez: explore the maze of winding streets and be sure to visit the medina of Fez el-Bali, one of the largest living medieval cities in the world.

Rabat: this imperial city attracted Muslims that were driven out of Spain in the early 17th century. It is a city of contrast, with a rich history and a modern heart.

Aït Benhaddou: now under UNESCO protection, this is one of the best-preserved kasbahs in the region and has featured in as many as 20 films.

Hassan II mosque: the third-largest religious monument in the world, holding up to 25,000 worshippers and 80,000 more in the esplanades around it. It was completed in 1993 and took 10,000 craftsmen five years to build.

Djemaa el-Fna: the square is lively throughout the day, but at dusk, you can witness one of the most amazing scenes you will likely see anywhere. Snake charmers, jugglers, musicians, storytellers and acrobats fill the square.

Shopping: one of the largest markets in the world is in the old part of Fez – Fez El Bali. Look out for some wonderful handicrafts, carpets, rugs and ornate metalwork.

Golf: the sport has become very popular in Morocco, partly because of the international success of King Hassan II. Some of the best courses are found at the Royal Dar es Salaam Golf Club in Rabat.

Trekking: the mountain ranges provide some excellent trekking and walking opportunities. Many companies sell organized trips which are available year-round.

Skiing: one of the few places you can ski in Africa, there are a handful of small resorts here which will appeal to those with a sense of adventure. Don’t expect anything like European standards.

Pony treks: a number of companies provide pony treks in the Middle Atlas from February to April. Camel riding is also available in the Sahara Desert area in the southwest.

Surfing: Morocco has some excellent surfing, best enjoyed late autumn through March. Agadir has numerous good breaks and uncrowded beaches.

There are no particular inoculations needed for a trip to Morocco. Take the normal precautions with food and drink bottled water not the mineral-rich tap water, which could have you stationed next to a toilet for a few days. Women should avoid walking alone as they are likely to attract unwanted attention in the form of hissing, whispers and offers of free sex. If you hear ‘what’s your size baby?’ just ignore it and keep walking; sunglasses and covering up help too. Moroccan toilets; bring your own toilet paper and expect the worst. Faux guides and touts hang around tourist areas looking for unsuspecting visitors. If you don’t want to use their services, then avoid eye contact as they can be very persistent. Sure, plenty of people come for the dope, but be careful who you buy from or what you buy for that matter; you could end up spending your holiday money on a baksheesh or a night in smoking lawn clippings.