The historic cities of Morocco may appear so well preserved that it seems like time travel is possible. Visitors are as likely to come to the North African country for its rich cultural heritage as for its modern metropolises and year-round sunshine at Atlantic beaches or secluded Mediterranean coves. If you have time to go a little further, you can relish the remoteness of its wilderness areas – running the full gamut from arid deserts to snowy peaks.
Within easy reach of Europe, Morocco has invested heavily in modernizing its transportation options. Traveling around the country is easier, thanks to domestic flights, high-speed rail, new roads and luxury coaches covering long distances.
These top destinations in Morocco display a dazzling diversity that’s sure to pique your curiosity; you need but pick and choose to craft an itinerary that suits your interests.
1. Marrakesh
Best for romance
Marrakesh is one of Morocco’s must-sees – all your senses come to life here. Soak up the city’s charm in the rosy hues of the medina or the heavy scent of citrus trees when in season. Weave your way past the horse carriages into Djemaa el Fna, packed with performers and street food vendors. Explore the lantern-lit alleys of the souqs and the walled confines of Jardin Majorelle, as well as flamboyant historic palaces and a flourishing art scene in the Ville Nouvelle.
Treat yourself to a stay in one of the Red City’s enchanting riads, such as Dar Attajmil, where every detail has been thoughtfully attended and hospitality awaits. Marrakesh has some of the country’s best spas and hammams, from Royal Mansour to Hammam de la Rose. Watch the sunset over the Atlas Mountains from the exquisite roof terrace at El Fenn and enjoy cozy candlelit dinners in this gastronomic city with international chefs from Australia to Japan.
Planning tip: For a touch of desert romance, the Agafay Desert and its luxury glamping options are within easy reach of Marrakesh, perfect for a night under the stars.
2. Aït Ben Haddou
Best for blockbuster movie scenes
Travel on the former trading route from Marrakesh to the Sahara and you’ll reach sun-scorched Ouarzazate. The region is home to majestic Aït Ben Haddou, an 11th-century mud-brick ksar (fortified village) that’s one of Morocco’s most striking, well-preserved ancient sites. Still inhabited and now protected by UNESCO, it was made famous in the TV show Game of Thrones.
The region, dubbed “Ouallywood,” is Morocco’s version of Hollywood, and Atlas Film Corporation Studios has been the setting for such classics as Gladiator, Prison Break and Kingdom of Heaven.
Planning tip: Aït Ben Haddou is best enjoyed at sunrise or sunset. Walk through the village to take in the incredible scale of this remarkable site.
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3. Taghazout Bay
Best for chill beach vibes
The stretch of the Atlantic Ocean from Essaouira to Sidi Ifni has the largest concentration of Morocco’s surfing beaches. At its heart is the quaint village of Taghazout, a fishing community with painted steps, colorful houses and a mix of cafes, grills and surf shops. With the surf comes yoga, and days here flow easily between sunrise and sunset rooftop yoga classes.
Even if you’re not into surfing, Taghazout Bay, with its 5km (3 miles) of sandy beach, gives off year-round summer vacation vibes, and its excellent choice of accommodations, from five-star resorts to bohemian homestays, make it one of the best places in Morocco for a beach holiday.
Planning tip: Travel in January or February to watch the world’s best surfers compete at Taghazout’s showstopper wave, Anchor Point. Come in September for quieter, mellower and warmer waves.
4. Anti-Atlas Mountains
Best for hiking and outdoor adventures
The Anti-Atlas are Morocco’s lesser-explored mountains, with plentiful plateaus, valleys and soaring peaks. Travelers here can blaze through hiking trails, roam empty archaeological sites and connect with the Imazighen people who share their timeless valleys with generosity and warmth.
Plentiful short hikes and climbing routes cross the Ameln Valley, home to the 2359m (7740ft) Jebel Lkest – jebel meaning “mountain” – and Tafraoute’s dramatic granite boulder-strewn landscapes, including Le Châpeau de Napoléon (Napoleon’s Hat) and the Pierres Bleues (Painted Rocks). Drive or pedal your way along winding mountain passes to the date-palm filled Aït Mansour Gorges.
The 3305m (10,843ft) Jebel Siroua has longer treks, including a dramatic volcano, for hardy hikers looking to spend several nights wild camping.
5. Sahara Desert
Best for getting away from it all
The drive to the Sahara is long, but when you arrive on the edge of the world’s largest hot desert, the pavement stops and the sand begins – an endless ocean of dunes ahead. Whether you continue by 4WD or camel deeper into the desert, the emptiness of the Sahara is a supremely rare experience. Visiting the Moroccan Sahara is a choice to disconnect and simply enjoy being in the middle of nowhere. This stark and barren environment comes to life with a good guide, especially at night when the sky, free of light pollution, fills with stars.
Planning tip: Pick a camp away from the crowds. Erg Chigaga has some of the highest sand dunes and the most remote places to stay.
6. Essaouira
Best for a one-stop city and beach vacation
If you have to choose but one destination across Morocco’s broad spectrum, Essaouira is a great pick. This relaxed city has an oceanfront location with a sandy beach, watersport centers, a working fishing port and a noisy fish market for fresh-off-the-boat seafood.
At its historic heart is a pedestrianized medina, with venders selling ceramics and traditional riads to sleep in. Many riads have been upgraded to suit the artsy crowd attracted to the annual Gnaoua and World Music Festival. Galleries and historic ramparts sit alongside contemporary restaurants, cocktail bars and stores.
Planning tip: Many people come to Essaouira for the wind, and it’s one of the country’s best places to kitesurf. If it’s too windy for the beach, countryside retreats sell pool day passes to nonguests.
7. Fez
Best for history buffs
The oldest city in Morocco, Fez proudly keeps one foot firmly planted in the past. Its medieval medina is vast, and it’s almost guaranteed that you will get lost wiggling your way through the maze of workshops, apothecaries and stalls. The Kairaouine Mosque and University houses the world’s oldest library and is a renowned spiritual and study center.
Planning tip: While you’re in the area, visit the imperial city of Meknes and the fantastically preserved ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis.
8. Tangier
Best for a sense of location
The ferry between Spain and Tangier takes just one hour, and seeing Spain from Africa’s coastline brings to light Morocco’s proximity to Europe. The White City, so-named for its whitewashed buildings, has a buzzing art scene, tapas restaurants and cafe culture – Café Hafa has some of the best ocean views. Spanish is still widely spoken, adding to the Euro-Afro vibe, and open plazas such as Grand Socco and beautiful Mediterranean beaches make it a smooth entry point for travelers to Morocco.
Planning tip: Combine your time in the city with a trip to Grottes d’Hercule and Cape Spartel’s lighthouse and rugged coastline. You could also use Tangier as a base to visit the famously blue city of Chefchaouen and Spanish-infused Asilah. Hop on Al Boraq, the high-speed train, and you’ll be in the capital city of Rabat in an hour and a half.
