Sitting at the crest of North Africa, Morocco is a country that defies definition. From miles of desert, watched over by enormous peaks and sublime coastlines, to the exotic medinas that have scarcely changed for centuries, there really is nowhere like it. Immortalised in film, novels and art, it’s a must visit country for many – and if you’re thinking about it, take a look at our Morocco country guide and start dreaming up a trip of your own.
Central Morocco
The city that time forgot, Marrakesh has been Morocco’s cultural heart for over 1,000 years. Pack some comfortable shoes because most of your exploring will be on foot – and there’s a whole lot to see! We’re talking about the Koutoubia Mosque and its impressive 12th-century minaret; the gilded Saadian Tombs and palaces; the stunning Bab Agnaou gate; and the myriad souks, guaranteed to satisfy just about souvenir wish! When you’re all walked out, see a different side to Marrakesh at the lush Jardin Marjorelle and Yves Saint Laurent Museum, or take a sidecar ride into the palmeraie just beyond the city limits. After sunset, the Djeema el-Fna square is the place to be, its whirlwind of steaming food stalls, street performers and snake charmers intoxicating and magical.
Next up, the lofty Atlas Mountains, where a collection of beautiful kasbahs stand, ready to welcome. In between treatments at a traditional hammam, hike in the mountains (trails range from an hour to the entire day), or explore by mule, horseback, mountain bike or even with a drive along the hair-raising Tizi ‘n Tamatert pass. There are plenty of neighbouring national parks to explore too, from the ever-changing colours of Salt to Toubkal and its enthralling peak – the tallest in North Africa – while the Ourika Valley promises river rafting and cascading waterfalls. Enjoy a cooking lesson or a mint tea ceremony for the chance to meet members of the local Berber community, and for the ultimate view, a hot air balloon flight can’t be beaten.
Despite being just an hour outside of Marrakesh, the Agafay Desert is a rugged, mineral landscape that feels miles away from civilisation. There are plenty of options for exploring, from hiking to an uber-adventurous quad or mountain biking adventure, a scenic picnic and dip in the Lalla Takerkoust oasis, a hot air balloon flight, or even a sunset camel ride with the snowy Atlas Mountains in the background. Afterwards, spend hours gazing at the stars and learning about their legends.
How do I do it?
The Marrakesh Menara Airport is one of Morocco’s main hubs and many European airlines offer direct flights. Royal Air Maroc also offers direct flights from countries that don’t fly into Marrakesh; these land in Casablanca with connections to Marrakesh. Book a private driver for journeys to the High Atlas Mountains (2 – 3 hours from Marrakesh), and day trips or overnight stays in the Agafay Desert (just 40 minutes from Marrakesh).
Where do I start?
The sights of Central Morocco are classics and feature on most itineraries, but our mountains to beach trip combines them all – with enough time to savour their individual charms – before a few laid-back days on the Atlantic Coast.
Atlantic Coast
Casablanca has earned a legendary status over the years (thank you Mr Bogart), and is Morocco’s lasting connection with Europe after its years as a prominent sea port. On land, Art Deco features conjure up a distinctly Parisian style, which sits shoulder to shoulder with the Moorish arches and whitewashed facades. Dig into the city’s history at the seaside Hassan II Mosque (one of the largest in the world), Palais de Justice and the Cinema Rialto, which hosted powerhouses like Josephine Baker and Edith Piaf. The famous Villa des Arts provides a window into Casablanca’s creative side while the Marche Centrale is a hub of stalls stacked with souvenirs. Then, when you’re in need of a rest, stop at one of the fantastic seafood restaurants or grab a drink at the reimagined Rick’s Cafe.
Splashed with bright blue doors, balconies and tiny fishing boats, Essaouira is full of character, which famously attracted visitors like Jimi Hendrix and Cat Stevens. It’s still a creative bedrock today and there’s always music and art to enjoy, while the souks are a treasure trove of textiles and pottery. It’s also Morocco’s top beach destination and there’s a laundry list of activities to enjoy, including kite, wind and regular surfing, paddleboarding, and horse rides along the sand – and that’s before we’ve mentioned the lip-smacking ‘chwaya’ barbecued seafood. Take a tour of the history books up in the ramparts, where 18th-century canons remain intact, and then for something a little different, head into the countryside for a hike or picnic amongst the dunes.
How do I do it?
Many international destinations including the UK and USA offer direct flights to the Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) in Casablanca. Essaouira can easily be reached on a scenic route from Marrakesh (2.5 hours) or Casablanca (4.5 hours), depending on your itinerary.
Where do I start?
Go for the works with this trip that combines escapist days in the desert, high-altitude hikes and Morocco’s sensational medinas with a few days at the beautiful Atlantic Coast.
Moroccan Desert
Morocco’s portion of the Sahara Desert is vast and magical. Here, rolling sand seas are dotted with giant, apricot dunes, and green palm groves break the expanse. The most surreal of the sand seas, Erg Chebbi boasts dunes of up to 350 metres in height. Explore them on scenic drives, camelback or on foot with Berber guides, or go sandboarding down some of the tallest, before stopping for lunch in a cool oasis. If you’re a history buff, take some time to visit the fossils of Erfoud.
Named after the flat-topped mountains in the distance, Zagora is markedly different from Erg Chebbi; it’s actually a city in the Draa Valley, and a once-popular stopping point for traders of old and their camel caravans. Peruse the museums, kasbahs and markets, their stalls piled high with olives, dates and fine carpets, or pay a visit to the Quranic Library, which houses works penned as far back as the 13th century. Then, take a leisurely stroll through the palmeraie, cycle along the riverbank, and enjoy an unusual pamper at a sand-hammam.
Skoura and its surrounds offer a combination of sandy excursions and natural, often-green scenery. Take a walk or cycle through the Oasis of 1,000 Palms where birdlife is plentiful, and trek through the remote and very fragrant Valley of the Roses. Enjoy a scenic drive to the Berber city of Ouarzazate to pick up handcrafted wares at the souks and try to guess how many films have been made in this very spot. As for a more intrepid adventure, hike or ride camelback on the spine of an ever-moving dune…
How do I do it?
There are no flights directly into the desert, but there are a number of driving routes including Fez (around 7 hours) and Marrakesh ( 6 to 9 hours – or longer – depending on how many stops you make). There are also weekly flights from Fez to Errachidia (one hour), from which the gateway town of Merzouga is then just two hours away. Your journey from there depends on the camp you’ll be staying at.
Where do I start?
Our Morocco in a nutshell trip will take you across the desert, from Zagora to Erg Chebbi, and offers a taste of the rest of the country too. There’s hiking in the Atlas Mountains, explorations in the lively souks of Marrakesh and Fez, and strolls along the charming, sky-blue streets in Chefchaouen.
Northern Morocco
Time-travel back a few centuries in time with a visit to Fez. The Fes el Bali medina is one of the oldest in the Arab world, and 9,000 alleyways reveal artisans using ancient techniques in carving, copper bashing, weaving and leather dying to produce their wares. Book a guide and watch the city’s history unfold as you navigate the winding streets, ancient palaces, and gardens; they say little has changed since the medina was built. Afterwards, venture into the countryside for a hike in the Zalagh foothills, wine tastings in Meknes, or take a wander around the 1st-century Roman ruins of Volubilis.
The last stop in Africa before crossing the sea to Spain, Tangier blends old and new in its colourful, foliage-covered lanes that branch out from the Grand Socco (square). If you’re a sucker for history, join a guide on a walkabout between the medina, mosques and Kasbach Museum, or delve into the artistic side at a myriad of galleries. Make the most of the Mediterranean location with a day on the beach or take a trip to the Caves of Hercules – the views are spectacular.
A much smaller, laid-back alternative to Morocco’s bustling medinas, Chefchaouen is known for its sky-blue buildings and cobbled lanes. After getting lost down the side streets and taking in some of the fantastic foodie scene, find yourself at the central Plaza Uta el Hammam where Berber artisans sell handmade items and, after sunset, music fills the air. The natural surroundings of the town are also beautiful; hike into the foothills of the Rif Mountains, stand amazed at God’s Bridge, and stop for a dip below the Cascades d’Akchour.
How do I do it?
There are regular international flights into the Fes-Saiss Airport (FEZ). However, if your itinerary calls for it, there are hour-long flights from Casablanca or Marrakesh. You can fly into the International Airport of Tangier-Ibn Battuta (TNG), then travel with a private driver or taxi to your hotel. Chefchaouen can only be reached by road; there are CTM bus routes from Tangier (3.5 hours) and Fez (4.5 hours), or a private transfer can be arranged.
Where do I start?
Our highlights of Morocco trip will take you from Marrakesh and into the mountains before the alluring medina of Fez awaits – and it’s easy as pie to add Tangier or Chefchaouen to your journey.
