Morocco’s geographical diversity is as diverse as its cultural influences and the experiences it provides visitors.
Morocco still offers authentic travel experiences that many other destinations do not. With its old-world, exotic atmosphere, it’s no surprise that words like “sensory overload, overwhelming intensity, vibrant, and chaotic” are frequently used to describe this enthralling country. Morocco’s landscapes are diverse. Ranging from the rugged mountainous interior to the vast expanses of the Sahara Desert and coastlines along both the Atlantic and Mediterranean Seas.
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Discover Morocco’s exotic cities, from Marrakech to Tangier, and indulge in one-of-a-kind travel experiences like hiking the High Atlas or riding a camel into the sunset in the Sahara. With such a diverse range of experiences available, deciding on the best places to visit in Morocco can be difficult.
We help you fine-tune your Morocco itinerary by providing a brief overview of each of Morocco’s best destinations as well as advice on what to see in Morocco and when to go.
Autumn and spring
Morocco is best visited during the shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) (September to November). The weather is pleasant, the scenery is lush, and tourist numbers are generally lower than during the peak summer months of June through August. A great time of year for city exploration or outdoor activities like hiking.
Morocco’s hottest months, ironically, are also its busiest tourist months. Temperatures in the Sahara will be brutally hot from June to late August, while cities along the Atlantic coast such as Casablanca and Essaouira will be bearably hot. The Rif Mountains and the north coast have a Mediterranean climate with long hot sunny days. While summer is not the best time to visit due to the weather, it does host some of Morocco’s most iconic cultural festivals.
Winter in Morocco
While summer is not the best time to visit due to the weather, it does host some of Morocco’s most iconic cultural festivals.
Morocco Festivals
These are just a few of the more popular or unusual festivals and events that take place in Morocco throughout the year.
Ramadan
During Ramadan, there may be some service interruptions, and reduced opening hours, and some businesses may close for the month. The date of Ramadan changes every year, so check before booking your trip to Morocco to see if this will impact you.
Meteor Shower of the Geminids
Travel to the Sahara Desert in mid-December for one of the year’s most spectacular astronomical displays. The Geminids Meteor Shower, the only meteor shower not caused by a comet, is caused by debris falling from an object thought to be an asteroid.
Migration of Berbers.
The native Berber tribes of Morocco make the arduous journey between the Dades Valley and the Atlas mountains twice a year. They start in May and September, to move hundreds of heads of livestock, a journey their ancestors have made for over 4,000 years. It is possible to join a Berber family for part or all of the migration for the adventurous traveler looking to get out of their comfort zone and experience this ancient migration.
The Rose Festival
Every year in the first half of May, the Dades Valley hosts the Rose Festival to commemorate the harvesting of over 700 tonnes of rose petals. The festival includes delicious local cuisine as well as traditional song and dance performances by local Berber tribes. There is even a festival Rose Queen crowning.
World Music Festival and Gnaoua
The popular Gnaoua and World Music Festival takes place in late June in the coastal town of Essaouira. The four-day festival, which draws nearly 500,000 visitors each year, is a creative fusion of mystical Gnaoua musicians with jazz, pop, rock, and contemporary musicians from around the world. Many of the performances are free to the general public.
How many days in Morocco?
We recommend two weeks to see many of Morocco’s highlights, including hiking in the Atlas Mountains, cities and imperial cities, the Sahara desert, and possibly some relaxing on the coast.
One week would be sufficient to visit the major tourist cities of Marrakech, Fez, and Chefchaouen, as well as the desert. With less than a week, you may want to concentrate your efforts north or south –
North: Casablanca, Fez, and Chefchaouen, with a possible stop in Tangier depending on how quickly you want to travel or if you are continuing to Spain (See further on for information on traveling between Morocco and Spain). Marrakech, Essaouira, and the Sahara are in the south.
Incredible Places to Visit in Morocco
Discover the best places to visit in Morocco and plan your ideal Morocco itinerary with travel tips and day trips.
Marrakech
Marrakech, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Morocco, is a bustling ancient city with a vibrant and chaotic rhythm. There is so much to do in Marrakech for visitors. With the glitz and glam of the historic Djemma El-Fna square, bargaining in the ancient souks, and exploring magnificent palaces. New Marrakech also offers an incredible range of luxury experiences, from high-end restaurants and hotels to designer shopping. Marrakech offers a wide range of experiences in a single location. Marrakech, located in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, is also well situated for some fantastic day trips. We have some fantastic day trips from Marrakech to suit all types of travelers.
Waterfalls of Ouzoud
Ouzoud Falls, a jungle oasis in the El-Abid River gorge, is an ideal day trip from Marrakech. Both the city and the Moroccan sun were relieved. An easy trail leads you through the misted jungle to the canyon’s bottom, where you can cool off in the beautiful pools at the base of the numerous falls. Take the trail to the top of the falls for panoramic views of the falls. Lunch at a local restaurant with front-row seats to the waterfall’s beauty. Enjoy the antics of the local family of cute but cheeky macaque monkeys – but beware, they are always on the lookout for something to steal.
Tip: When you first arrive in Ouzoud, locals will try to talk you into taking a guided tour. A guide is not required; the falls are simple to explore on your own.
Essaouira
The seaside city of Essaouira, considered by many to be Morocco’s most beautiful town, oozes charm, history, and a breath of fresh air when compared to the hectic buzz of cities like Fez and Marrakech. The port city, a perfect example of an 18th-century walled city, set the scene for Game of Thrones. But fame has not changed the traditional way of life in the stunning medina or among the fisherman in the port. It’s no surprise that Essaouira is a popular Moroccan tourist destination. The busy port town is the ideal place to relax and recharge your batteries in Morocco, thanks to its chilled coastal vibe, fresh regional cuisine, thriving art scene, and traditional culture.
How to Get to Essaouira
Because Essaouira lacks a train station, the bus is an option. CTM buses run daily from Casablanca (6 hours) and Marrakech (2.5 hours). From Marrakech, you can also take a Grand Taxi. There is the small Essaouira Mogador Airport, which has many low-cost airline connections throughout Europe and the United Kingdom. But if you want you can contact a Tour agent that can organize a day trip for you and we highly recommend Morocco travelling Operator to this service for you.
Tangier
Tangier is Europe’s gateway to Africa; it is an enthralling city with a distinctly international and cross-cultural influence. The city has a literary and artistic past from the heady days of the International Zone. It has a reputation as a haven for foreign spies, so it’s no surprise that it still evokes a sense of the exotic.
How to Get to Tangier
Tangier has an international airport, but not all major airlines fly there. Morocco’s rail system, including the new Al Boraq high-speed trains, also serves the city well. It is only 20 miles from Spain’s coast (on a clear day, you can see the Rock of Gibraltar). Every day, ferries make the short crossing from Spain across the Strait of Gibraltar.
Asilah
Asilah, a summer vacation hotspot for Moroccans, is one of Morocco’s little-known treasures. It is located on the north coast only 30 kilometers from Tangier and has a rich history dating back to the Phoenicians in 1500 BC and the Portuguese in the 15th century. In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, it even served as a base for pirates. The town is a historically multicultural marvel with whitewashed buildings and fortifications set against a stunning coastline. You could easily mistake yourself for being in Greece. There is a good selection of hotels and restaurants with a cosmopolitan vibe that caters well to the holidaymaker. There are also two lovely beaches near the city: Asilah Beach and Paradise Beach.
Sahara Desert
Visiting the Sahara Desert in Morocco is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It is an experience that is a stark contrast to the bustle of imperial cities. Many people are unaware that the Sahara, the world’s largest desert, offers a dizzying array of landscapes. Morocco’s Sahara region offers flat, rocky, and arid landscapes, scenic gorges, and beautiful oasis towns set against the majestic Atlas Mountains. Then there are the incredible sand dunes, some of which reach heights of over 520 feet. Spending a night in a traditional Berber camp in the Sahara Desert is one of the most incredible things to do in Morocco. While there are numerous options, the most popular is to go on an overnight camel trekking adventure into the Sahara.