Morocco

Morocco is an unfailingly exotic destination for travelers from the West. It offers a vast range of landscapes (desert, sea, and mountains) and experiences (from relaxing hammams to adventurous mountain trails). Discover buzzing city centers with spice-filled souks and beautifully ornate Islamic architecture. Then venture into the Atlas or Rif Mountains and the Sahara Desert to further uncover the Berber and Arabic traditions that make the country so captivating.

Where to Go in Morocco

Morocco’s Atlantic coastline offers a stretch of sandy beaches, surf towns and windsurfing hangouts. On the northern coast are the cities of Casablanca, Tangier and the capital Rabat. Come for the historic ramparts of both Essaouira and Asilah, the magnificent kasbah of Rabat, the wonderful Art Deco vibe of the ‘White City’ Casablanca, the Hercules Cave in Tangier, surfing and birdwatching on the coast, and hiking in the Rif Mountains of the north. From the incredible ‘Blue City’ of Chefchaouen, you can take a day trip to Talassemtane National Park.

Heading inland you come to the Middle Atlas and then the High Atlas mountain ranges, covered with dense forest, wide valleys, isolated villages, hiking trails, and impressive peaks such as Mount Toubkal. Enter the fascinating world of the Berber people and see how they have learned to adapt and flourish on the land. One of the most remarkable examples is the town of Aït Benhaddou, cut into the hillside. Come also to stroll the old-world medina of FÈS, see the striking ornamental city gate of Bab el-Mansour in Meknes, visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis, and spend some time listening to the call of vendors in the old market square of Marrakesh. The ‘Red City’ of Marrakech is a popular place to make your base in Morocco – enjoy the bustling activity, wander lush courtyards, and watch the evening street performers at Djemaa el-Fna.

In the south lies the Moroccan Sahara Desert, a compelling landscape of golden dunes and rocky wilderness interspersed with palm-fringed oases, old casbahs and Berber villages. Come to this region with a guide and admire the glorious sunsets, spend the night under the stars in a Bedouin tent, take a tour on camel-back, and see the backdrop of many Hollywood films at Ouarzazate.

Typical First-Time Itinerary for Morocco

The top cities that most travelers have on their must-see list are Marrakech and Fes, as well as romanticized Casablanca and the magical blue town of Chefchaouen. Then you should decide if you want to spend more time exploring the mountains, the desert, or both! It’s important to note that the height of summer is very hot and dry, while the winter months are especially cold and wet, particularly along the coast. The ideal months to visit include September, October, April, May and June.