Planning a visit to North Africa? Don’t miss our full checklist of the perfect locations to go to in Morocco!
Some of the perfect Morocco locations are already world-famous, although you might not realise.
Morocco is filled with wealthy historical past, intense tradition, breathtaking pure magnificence and infinite alternatives for travellers to excite the senses.
Walking by any Moroccan vacation spot, you’ll be able to scent recent mint leaves, incense, fragrance, leather-based and smoky coals scorching beneath a roasting tagine.
You can hear locals talking Arabic and French, generally Spanish within the north. Sultry Arabic music floats from outlets and the day by day “Call to Prayer” bellows from Mosque audio system 5 instances a day.
You can really feel the warmth of northern Africa warming your pores and skin whereas your ft trod alongside stone alleyways, or alongside sandy coastlines.
Your line of imaginative and prescient is filled with vibrant conventional clothes, patterned pottery and ceramics, towering piles of spices, bustling fruit markets and streets congested with automobiles, motorbikes and donkeys.
Travelling by the nation you’ll stumble throughout attractive seashores, rugged mountain ranges, golden desert sands, winding roads, farming villages, waterfalls, forests, Mosques, museums, historical Roman ruins, tanneries, Medinas and a lot extra.
With such variety, it may be overwhelming making an attempt to plan a visit to go to Morocco.
The nation is filled with well-known vacationer points of interest and hidden gems, however fortunately there’s something for everybody.
The Best Places to Visit in Morocco
This article lists among the most iconic and must-see locations to see in Morocco.
The locations are organised into three classes: cities, seaside cities, and locations of pure magnificence.
Hopefully, this checklist will assist you to decide the perfect locations to go to in Morocco that fit your journey fashion, and can persuade you to ebook a visit to go to Morocco.
1) Marrakech
The most visited metropolis in Morocco, Marrakech is a bustling hub of travellers and locals alike.
It showcases conventional Moroccan tradition in an accessible approach for vacationers, with a sprawling Medina promoting handicrafts and souvenirs and the Instagram-famous Jardin Majorelle boasting attractive structure and landscaping.
Jema El Fnaa is the principle sq. of Marrakech, although I consider the true attraction of the town lies exterior this space.
Jema El Fnaa is insanely touristy and locals right here exploit animals for vacationer images.
Try to keep away from this mess and enterprise to different areas of Marrakech for a greater expertise.
Visit Saadien’s Tombs for 70 Dirhams and marvel on the intricate paintings and design that adorns the tombs of the Moroccan Saadien Dynasty from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
Afterward, stroll by the native avenue market on Derb Demnat Street and bask in recent dates, cactus fruits and juicy peaches.
Sip mint tea in a restaurant, flick thru distinctive pure cures in a natural drugs store, and benefit from the paintings within the Museum of Photography.
Marrakech is the proper gateway into Moroccan tradition so it’s an awesome first cease for travellers.
2) Rabat
Morocco’s capital metropolis is full of points of interest and historic monuments making it top-of-the-line locations to go to in Morocco.
Visit the Modern Art Museum and National Archaeological Museum for an enlightening perception into Moroccan tradition and artwork.
Or tour the Royal Palace and see the place Moroccan royalty lives.
Other spectacular architectural constructions embody the Kasbah of the Udayas, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and its neighbour, the Hassan Tower, which was meant to be the most important minaret on the planet however to at the present time stay unfinished.
All three of those are situated alongside the Bou Regreg River that snakes by the town.
After immersing your self within the historical past of Rabat, head simply south of the town to lounge on Temara Beach or Skirat Beach.
Temara is nearer to the town and a bit extra accessible.
But Skirat is called being certainly one of Morocco’s most lovely and well-maintained seashores.
3) Fez
Known because the cultural capital of Morocco, Fez is known for its historic significance and its well-preserved conventional tradition.
Tourism is on the rise as Fez turns into extra well-known.
There are loads of backpacker hostels, good motels, and fancy Riads to go well with each traveller.
However, Fez nonetheless feels very genuine and travellers could expertise a little bit of tradition shock right here.
Fez’s Medina is the oldest on the planet and is alleged to have over 9,000 streets.
Prepare to get misplaced within the Medina as a result of it’s inevitable. But the sensory overload and cultural perception you’ll discover on this maze of streets are nicely well worth the chaos.
Having an offline navigation app like Maps.Me can very extraordinarily useful that will help you discover your approach out of the Medina.
While gallivanting by the Medina, cease on the Chouara Tannery, the most important tannery on the planet.
Here you’ll be able to watch locals make leather-based utilizing conventional strategies.
Someone will normally hand you a mint sprig as you stroll in so you’ll be able to maintain it below your nostril and block out among the robust, pungent aromas of the tannery.
Venture exterior the Medina to see the extra trendy dimension of Fez.
Bab Bou Jeloud, or the “Blue Gate,” and the Royal Palace are two very lovely and well-maintained sights to see in Fez.
Just have an open thoughts when travelling by Fez and respect the authenticity of the town.
Take a guided tour of the Fez Medina by reserving this tour on Get Your Guide!
4) Tangier
For anybody travelling to Morocco from southern Spain, that is the primary Moroccan metropolis you’ll expertise.
Located on the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier is an effective transition metropolis between Europe and Africa.
It is a port metropolis on the water, however the seashores aren’t as good as others in Morocco.
So travellers to Tangier ought to focus extra on the historic and cultural points of the town.
A cultural crossroad, right here you’ll find conventional north African influences within the Old Town and Medina, the place the buildings are painted a cultured white.
Visit Cafe Hafa, a well-known seaside cafe that serves conventional drinks and snacks and presents a beautiful view of the ocean.
In the Medina you may as well discover the Phoenician Tombs, the Old Kasbah, a Kasbah Museum and Dar el Makhzen, a historic masterpiece that was a sultans palace however its now a museum of artifacts.
For a neighborhood meals expertise, go to the Berber Farmer’s Market on Thursdays and Sundays for recent produce.
Or enterprise to the huge Grand Socco Market, open on daily basis.
There can also be a New Town often called Ville Nouvelle, which exudes a cultured French environment with its intricate structure and spacious boulevards full of outlets.
Place De France is the beating coronary heart of the Ville Nouvelle, and this is likely one of the finest locations to go to in Morocco for locating fashionable cafes and eating places.
READ MORE: Plan your journey to expertise Porto, Portugal
5) Casablanca
Though Rabat is the nation’s capital metropolis, Casablanca is the most important metropolis with a inhabitants of about 3.4 million.
This busy coastal metropolis is likely one of the extra developed locations in Morocco, with a thriving leisure scene and rising enterprise sector.
As Casablanca is likely one of the extra trendy cities in Morocco, right here you’ll find worldwide delicacies, casinos, nightclubs, high-end purchasing and one of many world’s largest purchasing centres, the Morocco Mall.
In distinction to the Old Medina, the town additionally has a New Medina constructed within the Thirties, referred to as the Quartier Habous.
This New Medina is way cleaner and extra refined than the Old Medina, although it showcases trendy European affect reasonably than authenticity.
Casablanca’s ocean isn’t the nicest for swimming.
But a pleasant stroll or jog alongside the Corniche, or oceanfront boulevard is a good way to benefit from the ocean breeze.
On this seaside sidewalk you’ll find the Hassan II Mosque, arguably the perfect attraction in Casablanca.
As one of many largest mosques on the planet, the impeccable design and sheer dimension of this non secular landmark is a feast for the eyes.
Because of the basic movie of the identical title, Casablanca can also be maybe essentially the most well-known and finest locations to go to in Morocco.
6) Meknes
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Meknes is the proper vacation spot for historical past lovers and people with a cultural curiosity.
This is likely one of the 4 imperial cities of Morocco and was a Moroccan capital metropolis within the seventeenth Century.
Because Meknes is much less common than close by Fez, travellers can revel within the city’s historic significance with out all of the crowds of the larger cities.
The Medina of Meknes dates again to the ninth Century and is guarded by the gorgeously tiled Bar Mansour Gate.
Wander by right here for a glance into Morocco’s previous and bask in a couple of native handicrafts.
Stop by the Meknes Museum to discover vibrant Moroccan artwork together with rugs and textiles, pottery and ceramics, and clothes and jewelry.
Other highlights of Meknes embody the Museum of Moroccan Art, also referred to as Dar Jamai, the Borj Belkari Museum of Pottery, The Mausoleum of Sultan Moulay Ismail and the Royal Stables Ruins.
One of Morocco’s most well-known and well-preserved ruins, Volubilis, lies simply north of Meknes and makes an superior day journey from the town.
7) Chefchaouen
Nestled towards the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen often is the most picturesque place in Morocco.
Travellers flock right here from all around the world to {photograph} the “Blue Pearl of Morocco,” as this small metropolis is commonly referred to as due to its blue-painted dwellings.
Strolling by Chefchaouen appears like a dream due to all of the blue paint.
Whether it’s pale pastel blue or deep royal blue, the hue mixes with the swish structure to make each single avenue appear to be one thing from a postcard.
You will perceive why it is likely one of the finest locations to go to in Morocco when you spend a couple of hours wandering by the town.
The most scenic place within the metropolis is the Old Town, and essentially the most photographed spots listed here are “Blue Street,” Place El Haouta and El Asri Street.
All of those reveal some attractive shows of blue paint and unimaginable design.
So it’s undoubtedly value ready amongst the crowds to see these sights.
If you discover early within the morning, you’ll beat many of the crowds.
To see the extra native aspect of Chefchaouen, enterprise wherever exterior the crowded Old Town and also you’ll discover tremendous low-cost cafes and native markets.
These will likely be higher in your pockets than consuming in one of many many vacationer eating places.
Check out this put up for extra nice issues to do in Chefchaouen!
8) Al Hoceima
Located on the Mediterranean Sea, Al Hoceima is the proper seaside getaway for these travelling by the north of Morocco.
The Spanish helped to develop the town within the early 1900s, and these days Al Hoceima serves as an vital port city and has a thriving fishing trade.
The seashores listed here are among the nicest and cleanest within the nation.
Quemado Beach is only a quick stroll from the town centre. Calabonita Beach is understood for its crystal clear, turquoise water.
Other pretty seashores within the space embody Thara Youssef, Sfiha, Matadero, and Souani.
Al Hoceima can also be located on the northern fringe of the Rif Mountains, so there are many rugged cliffs to boost the surroundings.
Al Hoceima National Park has numerous alternatives for mountaineering, mountain biking, and admiring the dramatic, seemingly untouched pure magnificence.
9) Safi
This lesser-known Moroccan coastal metropolis is good for surfers and seaside bums.
Safi isn’t very touristy, which is nice for experiencing the native tradition.
The Medina is filled with outlets promoting attractive ceramics and conventional cafes promoting recent sardines, sugary mint teas and hearty tagines.
The Main Beach consists of an enormous stretch of golden sand framed by an extended sidewalk and hipster cafes.
During winter, the waves entice surfers from all around the globe, and all yr around the water is chilly and refreshing.
Drive about quarter-hour north of Safi Main Beach to Lalla Fatna Beach for a extra secluded sunbathing spot.
You will discover on the seashores that the majority native girls gown conservatively.
If you’re a lady, there aren’t any concrete guidelines as to what you’ll be able to and might’t put on on the seaside.
But you might select to cowl up as a lot as potential to mix in with the locals and present respect for his or her tradition.
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10) Asilah
Asilah is a cultural melting pot residing on the Atlantic Ocean, making it top-of-the-line locations to go to in Morocco.
Here you’ll find fortifications constructed by the Portuguese, an Old Town with Spanish affect, and whitewashed buildings that resemble these of Greece.
Through all this multiculturalism, the Moroccan attraction nonetheless shines by with the standard markets of the town.
Thursday, specifically, is the busiest market day, the place native artists showcase their work and travellers can store for conventional items and souvenirs.
Art lovers may also go to the well-known artwork gallery often called Aplanos, or attend the Annual Arts Festival in August.
To benefit from the ocean, the 2 closest seashores to the town centre are Asilah Beach, about 4km north of the town middle, and Paradise Beach, about 7km south of the town middle.
The additional distance to Paradise Beach could also be value it, as this seaside is greater and fewer crowded than Asilah seaside.
11) Essaouira
This charming coastal city is a well-liked day journey from Marrakech, although some travellers choose to remain there a couple of days.
Previously often called Mogador, this port city has a wealthy historical past within the Caravan Trade Route.
Locals from the Sahara Desert and the Atlas Mountains used to journey to Essaouira to export their items to the world.
Although these days the town has change into extra of a relaxed vacationer vacation spot and top-of-the-line locations to go to in Morocco.
The metropolis is framed by fortifications that King Mohammed III of the 18th Century constructed to guard the vital commerce middle.
Climb up these partitions to really feel the fierce Atlantic wind in your pores and skin and look out over the ocean and the close by seaside.
Make certain to discover the colorful and charismatic Medina, which has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
And take a look at the native fish market should you can stand the pungent seafood scent.
Whether you might be driving to Essaouira or taking a day journey from Marrakech, you’ll most probably cross goats in timber on the outskirts of the town.
This space of Morocco is sprawling with Argan timber, and goats actually climb into the timber to eat the nuts, seeds and fruits.
You could have to tip the native farmer who owns the goats if you wish to take images. But it’s value it to seize this outrageous sight.
Book your journey to Essaouira immediately on Get Your Guide!
12) The Atlas Mountains
A visit to Morocco can be incomplete with out exploring the breathtaking Atlas Mountain Range.
Many folks view Morocco as scorching and arid. But on the excessive altitudes of the Atlas you’ll find cooler temperatures and generally even snow.
The Atlas Mountains are stuffed with little Berber villages and cities, however Imlil makes an awesome place to begin for adventures into the realm.
Imlil is well accessible from Marrakech by a shared taxi. And you will see that there are a couple of low-cost hostels and plenty of good guesthouses for vacationers.
From Imlil you’ll be able to start the multi-day trek to the summit of Mount Toubkal, the very best mountain in northern Africa.
There are additionally many day hikes in Toubkal National Park accessible from Imlil, together with a circuit across the hills of the village and a full day hike to a waterfall.
Whether you select a couple of shorter hikes or one lengthy trek, you might be assured to seek out majestic mountain peaks, tiny distant villages with pleasant locals, and plenty of wildlife together with sheep, donkeys and goats.
Asni is one other close by village to Imlil, which is a bit smaller and fewer touristy.
You may also use this city as a base for mountaineering Toubkal National Park.
Oukaimeden is one other common vacation spot within the Atlas Mountains, because it is likely one of the few snowboarding locations in Morocco.
On the drive into the mountains from Marrakech, you’ll most probably journey alongside the Tizi n’ Tichka Pass, which is a heart-stopping, winding street slicing straight by the cliffs.
The drive isn’t for the fainthearted, however the views and gorgeous and you may at all times belief your native Moroccan drivers.
Visit the Atlas Mountain Range with a camel journey, solely discovered on Get Your Guide
13. Ouarzazate
Located in between the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert, many desert excursions cross by right here on the best way to the Sahara.
If you aren’t doing an organized tour, try to enterprise out right here to the “Hollywood of Morocco.”
The space’s rugged, dusty desert-like panorama crammed with kasbahs, palaces and rustic dwellings attracts filmmakers from all around the world.
Movies and reveals filmed in Ouarzazate embody Gladiator, Game of Thrones, Ben Hur, Mummy, The Hills Have Eyes and Kingdom of Heaven.
You can take a guided tour of Atlas Film Studios to study concerning the movie making course of. Plus there may be additionally a Cinema Museum that showcases paintings utilized in movies.
About 30km northwest of Ouarzazate lies one other conventional Moroccan hilltop city additionally used for filming motion pictures.
Aït Benhaddou is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and few native households nonetheless dwell within the tiny village, promoting their conventional souvenirs to vacationers.
About 130km northeast from Ouarzazate is the scenic Dades Valley.
Though it’s a bit removed from Ouarzazate, it’s on the path to the Sahara. So in case you are driving previous it in any case it’s best to undoubtedly cease right here.
The Dades River has carved winding curves and valleys into the arid cliffside, and Todra Gorge, specifically, is a well-liked picture alternative right here.
14) Sahara Desert
Some folks go to Morocco solely to see the Sahara Desert.
As the most important scorching desert on the planet, the Sahara is actually a pure phenomenon.
Morocco is probably essentially the most handy gateway into this sea of sand.
The best method to go to the desert is to ebook a tour from Marrakech.
Although it’s potential to do by yourself by public transport and discovering lodging in one of many close by cities.
Most excursions embody spherical journey transport from Marrakech, which takes about 10 hours so be ready for an extended day of journey.
But upon reaching the desert, you’ll be able to take pleasure in camel treks, free time to discover the dunes, conventional meals, stargazing, and fantastic hospitality.
Merzouga is likely one of the hottest desert cities because it’s situated proper subsequent to the huge Erg Chebbi Dunes.
Though this spot could be very near the Algerian Border, nation strains don’t appear to matter in any respect as you gaze throughout seemingly infinite ripples of soppy golden sand.
Another location for seeing the Sahara is the desert city of Mhamid, which results in the Erg Chingaga Dunes.
Both dunes are lovely, although the latter is a bit much less touristy. No doubt the Sahara Desert is likely one of the finest locations to go to in Morocco.
Book a 3-day Safari Desert immediately!
15) Ouzoud Waterfalls
While staying in Marrakech, escape the town and enterprise to Ouzoud Waterfalls.
This space could be very distant and there’s no direct public transport from Marrakech, so the simplest possibility is to ebook a day tour.
For about 200-250 Dirhams, you’ll be able to ebook a day journey with any of the numerous tour businesses in Marrakech, and also you’ll get round-trip transportation in a comfortable minivan.
This is a full-day journey, because the drive takes about 3 hours every approach and also you’ll have a couple of hours to calm down on the falls.
Once you step off the bus, a neighborhood will attempt to persuade you to pay for a guided tour.
This isn’t obligatory because it’s very straightforward to discover the falls your self.
The waterfalls are merely gorgeous, with a number of large cascades thundering city in the direction of the El-Abid River Gorge.
Stairs lead up and down the canyon of the falls so you’ll be able to stroll to the underside and swim within the little swimming pools on the base of the falls.
The identical stairs lead as much as a lookout level, the place you’ll be able to take within the view of the entire waterfall and watch the lovely Barbary Monkeys swing within the timber.
Don’t overlook to purchase journey insurance coverage earlier than your journey to Morocco!
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