Top 10 places to visit in Morocco
If you’re looking for a city break, a beach holiday or some trekking through the mountains, or perhaps all three, Morocco has got you covered. Here are some of the highlights:
1. Marrakech
Known as the ‘Red City’, Marrakech is famous for its vibrant souks, palaces and gardens. Enjoy the charm of this ancient city, weaving through striking architecture and street food vendors, while admiring the artisan work of local merchants.
For a cultural experience, visit a local hammam for ultimate relaxation, or enjoy the sunset at the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa.
2. Fes
If you’re looking to feel what Morocco was like in times gone by, Fes is the place to go. The country’s oldest city has a medieval medina which will enable you to get lost amongst workshops and apothecary stalls, while the Kairaouine Mosque and University houses the world’s oldest library.
Nearby is Volubilis, 40 hectares of Roman ruins and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering an insight into Roman life that not many spots in the world can match.
3. Sahara Desert
Experience the unique feeling of being truly in the middle of nowhere. The Sahara Desert offers visitors the chance to gaze at nothing but sand for as far as the eyes can see, being the world’s largest hot desert.
If that sounds a bit boring for your liking, think again. You can ride camels across the dunes or go for a more modern twist and opt for a 4x4. For star lovers, it’s an absolute must, as the sky lights up at night, miles from any form of light pollution.
4. Atlas Mountains
If you prefer to get your steps in on your trips abroad, Morocco’s Atlas Mountains will have great appeal. North Africa’s largest mountain range offers breathtaking views of snow-topped peaks and winding valleys.
Hike through traditional Amazigh villages and observe how this mountain community lives, working the land in a way that has been predominantly unchanged for millennia. The Amazigh are famously welcoming to visitors, so you may be offered to share a peppermint tea with a local. You can also opt to book an experience with an Amazigh family, baking bread and making pottery.
5. Essaouira
If you’re looking to relax by the sea, look no further than Essaouira. The coastal city combines an active watersports scene with fantastic local seafood, traditional markets and riads.
There’s also the annual Gnaoua World Music Festival, attracting an artistic crowd which stick around to enjoy the city’s many galleries and artisan stores. It’s known for being windy (hence the kitesurfing), but if it gets too much for the beach, many hotels sell pool passes for non-guests. No need to get sand in your cocktail.
6. Meknes
If you want Moroccan culture while avoiding the crowds, you should consider a trip to Meknes. The city’s medina is more relaxed than Marrakech and Fes, making it easier to explore.
The city was once the capital under Sultan Moulay Ismail and it boasts impressive gates, palaces and granaries. Don’t miss Bab Mansour, one of Morocco’s most ornate gates, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.
7. Chefchaouen
If Marrakech is the Red City, now meet ‘the Blue Pearl’. Many of Chefchaouen’s buildings are painted a striking blue, which make exploring its mazy streets an awe-inspiring (and photogenic) experience.
You might want to purchase some local wares, from blankets and jewellery to hats and shawls, or just soak up the atmosphere. Chefchaouen is an ideal day trip to experience a beautiful and buzzing corner of the world.
8. Oualidia
Oualidia is a peaceful coastal town known for its tranquil lagoon, fresh seafood, and laid-back vibe. While the beaches of Agadir and Essaouria are lively, Oualidia offers a more secluded experience, ideal for swimming, kayaking, or birdwatching.
The town is famous for its oyster farms, and many restaurants serve them fresh with lemon and local wine. It’s a popular weekend escape for Moroccans and a hidden gem for international visitors. The surrounding cliffs and salt marshes add to its natural charm. If you’re looking for relaxation and nature, Oualidia is a perfect stop.
9. Aït Benhaddou
If you’ve always (perhaps secretly) dreamed of experiencing a day as if you were in Gladiator or Game of Thrones, a visit to Aït Benhaddou is quite possibly the closest you can get. The village is another of Morocco’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, and its striking architecture has featured as sets for the aforementioned productions.
With historic towers built on a hillside, views at sunrise and sunset are particularly impressive. Take a stroll through this mud-brick ksar and feel like you’re in a Hollywood blockbuster.
10. The Dades Valley
If you’re planning on exploring the Atlas Mountains, The Dades Valley, is a stunning stretch of red rock canyons and lush palm groves in the High Atlas region.
It's often known as the ‘Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs’, a kasbah being a citadel or fort, which you may recognise from The Clash’s 1982 instruction to ‘rock’ the area. It’s a paradise for hikers, photographers, and anyone seeking dramatic landscapes. famous hairpin bends of the Dades Gorge. Traditional Berber villages dot the route, and many offer homestays or guided treks. Spring is a great time to visit, when the valley blooms with almond and cherry blossoms.