Ladies and gentlemen, fasten your seatbelts, we’re off to the best destinations in Morocco. Morocco is a country from which all tourists return with unforgettable memories. Morocco is a place you simply must see at least once in your lifetime. It’s practically unmissable.
Our insiders have compiled the definitive list of Morocco’s top travel spots. Beach, mountain, valley or desert? Imperial city, modern town or picturesque village? Trekking, hammams, gastronomy, surfing, swimming, and cultural excursions… The air is fragrant with spices and sunlight. Let’s go to Morocco.
If you’re looking for a place to go to Morocco on your own, as a couple or with the family, the red city is number 1 on the list. Not only can you visit the city, but you can also take part in some sensational sporting activities:
The souk, one of the liveliest in the country, where you can bargain for traditional souvenirs or simply stroll through the stalls.
The artisan district of Jamee El Fna square is home to fire-eaters, acrobats, snake charmers, and henna tattoo artists.
The Koutoubia mosque is encircled by multiple fountains and a verdant garden.
Don’t miss the El Badi palace remains, which have expansive water basins and orange trees. It is the site of the annual Laughter Festival, which was founded by Jamel Debbouze.
The more modern Palais de la Bahia was constructed in the ninth century for the coquettish ladies of Vizier Sidi Moussa.
We suggest you stay in a Riad with spa, a traditional and comfortable accommodation in Marrakech.
Marrakchi cuisine is an art: one of the region’s specialties is the “tangia”, chunks of marinated beef cooked in an earthenware jug in a wood-fired oven overnight. Mmmh…
With its endless landscapes and solitary atmosphere, the desert remains one of Morocco’s best destinations. You’ll enjoy a unique experience when you stay in a bivouac, a homestay, a kasbah or a tent in the middle of the desert. It all depends on the level of comfort you require.
Moroccan gastronomy is always present: Here, it’s time to enjoy a traditional Moroccan dish by the campfire. The landscape of the Merzouga dunes is breathtaking. Your guide will undoubtedly advise you to watch the sunset if you decide to stay the night in the middle of the desert, which we highly recommend. It really is the highlight of the show.
What’s more, you can cross these mountains of sand on foot, camelback or quad bike. Aside from the recreational aspect of the last two options, you’ll find that it’s actually very perilous to walk for long periods in the sand.
If you’re wondering where to go in Morocco as a family or a couple, we recommend the charming Essaouira.
This fortified port city offers magnificent beaches and a medina that’s quieter than those of Fez and Marrakech, but still a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
One of the city’s primary attractions is the port of Essaouira. With vibrant boats arriving and departing, and fishermen haggling over rates for the day’s catch, it’s a swarm of activity. You can buy your fresh fish here, cooked before your very eyes, for around 25 MAD (€2). With some coins added, you can have a whole lunch to go along with some olives, Moroccan bread, and a standard salad.
You will also find the walls that add the scenic charm to Essaouira, making it a picture-perfect town. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy surfing and kitesurfing on the city’s beaches.
Both modern and historic, Fez, also known as Fes, is a Moroccan destination that will charm you with its architecture and dynamism.
Enter the renowned old town or medina through one of the grand medieval gates. Here you can visit a medersa, a former Koranic school decorated with calligraphy and mosaics, the Dar El Makhzen Royal Palace with its gigantic bronze doors, and the famous Karaouiyine Mosque, the oldest university in the Arab world.
You won’t be outdone if you love Arab markets and the country’s gastronomy. Carpet sellers and leather tanners make the souks of Fès so special.
As for culinary specialties, it’s perhaps in the chic, modern quarters of the city that you’ll find the best Moroccan marzipan pastries.
Chefchaouen is a Moroccan destination not to be missed if you want to relax and come back with some great photos. You’ll love wandering through its narrow streets in multiple shades of blue, and admiring the town from the mountain heights.
What’s more, you can plan an outing to the Akchour waterfalls just a few kilometers away. Well worth the effort!
Rabat is a lively city to visit with your family, offering 1001 possibilities for fun activities and cultural outings. In the historic center, we recommend
King Mohammed V and his sons, Prince Moulay Abdallah and King Hassan II, are buried in the Mohammed V Mausoleum and Hassan II Tower, a large complex and tomb. The Kasbah des Oudayas, an ancient military fortress on the seafront. Enter the Kasbah through the majestic Bab El Kebir gate to discover the cool streets and traditional houses painted white and blue.
At the top of the Oudayas, you’ll find the Café Maure, an unmissable stop-off where you can enjoy a glass of tea while admiring the view of the sea and the Bouregreg river.
Take in the freshness and beauty of the Andalusian garden below.
The Oudayas beach has the benefit of being in the core of the historic district, close to the cultural attractions, even though it may not be the most picturesque in the nation.
Rabat is 20 miles away from the Jardin Exotique. Perfect for refreshing your feet after an hour or two of walking!
20 km from Rabat, you’ll find the Jardin Exotique. Ideal for hot days, you can take a stroll in the shade and discover a selection of exotic plants from all over the world.
It’s impossible to end this tour without mentioning cosmopolitan, modern Casablanca. Not really the city to go to in Morocco if all you want to do is sunbathe or relax. On the other hand, like Rabat, it’s a great place to combine cultural visits with recreational activities.
We suggest a stopover at the city’s most beautiful monument: the former Royal Palace of Casablanca and its remarkable Mediterranean gardens.
Moreover, shoppers will be delighted by the Morocco Mall, the second-largest retail center in Africa and a representation of Moroccan energy. You’ll also find an aquarium, an ice rink and a 3D cinema .
Open to non-Muslims, the Hassan II mosque is a true gem of modern and ancestral architecture: an icon of the city, it’s also the 2 ͤ largest mosque in Africa.
In the evening, head for the fountain in Place Mohammed V (in front of the Art Deco architecture of the Grand Théâtre), where you’ll enjoy a sound and light show.
Finally, Casablanca’s corniche is another place to visit. You can stroll along the coast, enjoying the panorama and the scents of the sea. Feel and experience Morocco at your own pace.
