The Best 21 Things in Morocco

The Best 21 Things in Morocco

I’ve spent a total of a few months in Morocco thanks to my several trips there. I haven’t yet experienced all that this nation has to offer!

It’s just not feasible to visit the finest of Morocco’s coastline, mountains, deserts, gorges, towns, and ruins in one trip – unless you’re there for a very long time, that is! Morocco is deceptively huge and teeming with variety. Marrakech desert trips

Unless, of course, you go through our list of the 21 top things to do in Morocco, which will ensure that you see everything!

The fact that I haven’t visited all of Morocco is simply one of the reasons why I keep going back there. I’ve definitely seen a significant portion of it, so I wanted to share with you the best activities in this amazing location so you can get a feel for it and, maybe, fall in love with it, too!

Here therefore is my list of Morocco’s beautiful highlights, which should give you a good idea of what this country has in store for you.

1. Trek Todra Gorge

Many of you would laugh at the odd activity that ranks first on my list of the best things to do in Morocco, but bear with me!

For while Todra Gorge is a must-see for many visitors as part of their desert journey from Marrakesh, if you spend a night or two here, you’ll learn so much more.

The adjacent town of Ait-Baha, where I stayed in a local guesthouse, turned out to be my favorite destination in all of Morocco. It offered a very genuine cultural experience, mountains of breathtaking desert landscape (literally), and excellent hiking and climbing. Viajes a Marrakech

This really is a lovely location in the isolated valleys at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, the ideal tranquil contrast to frenetic and touristic Marrakesh.

I developed a comprehensive travel guide to Todra Gorge after spending a beautiful time there.

Secondly, spend the night in the desert.

The magnificent Sahara Desert must rank as one of Morocco’s top tourist destinations. Hold onto your hats if this is your first visit to a desert; you’re going to be blown away!

The wonder of the desert never fails to astound me, and my stay in Morocco didn’t let me down, whether it was from evenings spent in a desert camp beneath the stars or sunsets seen from the back of a camel.

Although it is feasible independently, most people decide to join a Morocco desert trip to ease their lives.

In my comprehensive travel guide to the Moroccan desert, you can find information on how to plan and be ready for both alternatives, as well as travel schedules, costs, and what to anticipate.

#3 Surf

Morocco is getting more and more widely recognized for its waves as we go from the dry, arid interior of the nation to the wild Atlantic shore!

The southern portion of the coastline is now home to a ton of surf schools, the majority located between the towns of Essaouira and Agadir to the north and south, respectively.

Taghazout seems to be the major hub of activity, but all the little towns around provide some tourist attractions. I’m not just talking about surfers here; yoga retreats and exquisite coastal apartment breaks are also on the menu. Tour del Marocco

If you’re seeking for a hidden treasure, check out this outstanding surf camp near Taghazout.

#4 Eat

And keeping with the monosyllabic concept, eating has to be among the top things to do in Morocco!

Where have you been if you haven’t had Moroccan food yet?

Of course not Morocco, where you have to stay still to eat delectable regional cuisine that is always enjoyed with a cup of piping-hot mint tea.

The typical set meal includes tagines, salads, fresh fruit, and dates, and vegans are often well-served.

The true Moroccan feasts must be experienced in the actual little villages, towns, and souks, not the more upscale eateries found in the metropolis.

Otherwise, enrolling in a cooking class or local food tour might be a terrific opportunity to discover more about how important food is to this nation’s culture.

Get Lost in Fez #5

But now we return to the established path with the alluring city of Fez, a Moroccan destination that is a must-see and where I always end up when I go there.

As the country’s transportation hub, Fez often serves as a crossroads for travelers traveling between the north and south, the coast and the desert.

Therefore, although passing through this city is probably what you’ll do, you really need to spend the night there.

One of the oldest towns in the world, Fez’s ancient medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that transports visitors back in time.

Set your map aside, sit back, and get ready to be lost in the labyrinth of streets that has been confusing travelers for hundreds of years.

For additional suggestions, see my list of the top things to do in Fez, or read this article I prepared to find out how to get from Marrakesh to Fez (or vice versa).

#6 Chefchaouen photo

And if you’re traveling north from Fez, Chefchaouen in the Rif mountains will probably be your next stop.

Chefchaouen, often known as the Blue Pearl of Morocco, is a charming town that is another must-see location. Find out more about how to get there in this post I published.

The historic medina (yep, another one) is centuries old and is renowned for its blue walls, alleyways, and homes. Its pleasantly tiny size and stunning high position make it a well-traveled gem in Morocco.

Discover more by reading this list of the best activities in Chefchaouen.

#7 Drink coffee in Tangier

Many travelers continue on to Tangier, a Mediterranean coastal city, from Chefchaouen.

Tangier has always been and continues to be a blend of Western and Arabian influences, making it another old city that was formerly famous with many European and North American bohemian artists.

It should come as no surprise that Tangier is often either the first or final destination on many people’s Morocco itineraries given that it is located at the point of Africa and is just a few kilometers from the southern tip of Europe.

Many boats from Spain arrive in Tangier, but you should absolutely plan to spend a few nights there on your trip into or out of the country.

Although exploring the medina’s ancient alleyways and souks is fun, you certainly shouldn’t miss the old coffee houses where the aroma of bohemian smoke is still pervasive.

This highlights day trip of the city with a native guide is highly recommended if you truly want to understand Tangier.

#8 Study Arabic.

And maybe this is a good time to brush up on (or learn some) Arabic while you’re hanging out at Tangier’s cafés.

In fact, Morocco is a fantastic location to study Arabic in general, and if you’re serious about it, there are numerous top-notch language schools there that welcome travelers and provide instruction at affordable rates.

Otherwise, it’s always possible that someone in Morocco will want to improve their English, and conversing with them, even informally, may be a fantastic opportunity to learn about the people who live in this lovely nation.

Check out this post for additional details on the languages spoken in Morocco as well as 20 other things you should know before visiting this nation. It is filled with helpful advice.

#9 Trek in the Atlas Mountains

But enough of all this language instruction and coffee shop nonsense; it’s time to get back out into nature and experience what Morocco does best.

And they are beautiful landscapes!

(In actuality, there are a few things that Morocco excels in, and this is only one of them. anyway, I digress.)

It goes without saying that this nation has some impressively stunning landscape, with the towering Atlas Mountains being among its top attractions.

You’ll feel miles from anyplace while hiking in these high (and often snowy) peaks, off the usual path, and with few other people nearby, much alone the desert, which is really right at their base.

Hiking in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains is undoubtedly one of the finest things to do when visiting the country, so find a guide, put on your hiking boots, and harness your spirit of adventure.

If you want to reserve anything in advance, have a look at this well regarded hiking day excursion from Marrakech.

#10 Cross Off Marrakech From Your List

Then, when you touch down in the hectic and busy city of Marrakesh, descend from the Atlas Mountains with a thud (both literally and figuratively).

Even though this isn’t my favorite Moroccan city, many people believe they just must cross it off their bucket list.

Consequently, gather your courage, leave your valuables in your room, and enter the souks of the nation’s tourism hub to experience the full sensory overload!

Book your guide here if having one makes you feel more assured.

#11 Shop

Additionally, shopping is a must-do activity in Marrakesh’s souks—or any Moroccan souk, for that matter!

You’d best have an empty bag with you since Morocco has so many exquisite souvenirs to choose from, including magnificent fabrics, leather products, spices, and pottery.

Oh, and my best advice for visiting a genuine souk in Morocco?

Visit the village of Taroudannt in the Souss Valley, close to Agadir, to witness how commerce has existed in this region of the globe for many years.

#12 Remain in a Riad.

Even if it’s a classic, it’s still a winner!

Yes, staying in a traditional riad in Morocco is something you just must do, regardless of your financial situation.

Whatever your travel preferences, experiencing a piece of riad life, particularly from the rooftop, is a must on your Morocco bucket list, whether it be a luxury riad in Marrakesh or a hostel riad in Chefchaouen.

In this post I published on the expenses of traveling in the nation, you can learn more about how much money to save aside for your trip to Morocco.

#13 Practicality Casablanca

Since the movie made Casablanca famous, most visitors are rather surprised to arrive and see a vast, populated city.

Although this seaside city is the most populous in all of Morocco, after spending a few days in the capital city, the crazy of this town quickly grows on you.

A city tour is a terrific opportunity to discover more about the art deco architecture, which is still a traveler favorite here.

This day trip to Casablanca is highly recommended.

#14 Go to the UNESCO Center in Tétouan.

And going from one extreme to the other, Tétouan, which is situated between Tangier and Chefchaouen, is far less congested than Casablanca and exudes authenticity.

Spending a night in Tétouan is among the greatest things to do in this nation because of the people-watching and authentic daily feeling of what real life is like in Morocco. Its UNESCO-listed ancient center is the major draw, however.

#15 Be awestruck by Roman ruins

And if it’s historical delights you’re looking for, you won’t do much better in Morocco than the breathtaking Volubilis remains, which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Located between Meknes, which is also on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and Fez, which is also on the list (are you getting the picture yet?) These are the best Roman remains in the nation and are definitely worth seeing.

#16 Take a Trip Through Time at Moulay Idriss

Another UNESCO-listed location (I kid you not!) and a highly significant pilgrimage destination is the holy city of Moulay Idriss, which is located quite close to the Volubilis ruins.

Although Moulay Idriss is easily accessible from Meknes as well, the majority of visitors choose to go there from Fez as part of a day trip that also includes Volubilis and Meknes.

This highly rated day trip is a fantastic opportunity to see a lot of territory in a short period of time and to learn a lot of history from your guide.

#17 Visit the At Benhaddou Cinemas

Now that we have returned to the desert, we will learn about a Moroccan tradition that has been modernized.

At Benhaddou’s historic Kasbah, which was formerly a mud or stone wall fort in the desert and often included a small hamlet, has undergone meticulous restoration for the film and television industry and is now the location where several extremely well-known films were filmed.

Babel, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones all on the list!

At Benhaddou is today well worth a few hours of your time if you’re going through neighboring Ouarzazate – not least for the breath-taking vistas of the high Atlas that location allows. It was formerly a halt on the caravan commerce routes from Mali and Sudan to Marrakesh.

Essaouira’s number 18 Bliss Out

Essaouira, one of the villages on Morocco’s coast, is at the top of the list if you’re itching for the water after all this time on dry ground.

This is the place to go if you want to unwind for a few days and enjoy walking about and the sea air in an ancient fishing town that is attractive and quaint and is now hugely popular with tourists who identify as artistic.

Essaouira is also really simple to visit since Marrakesh is just a few hours away!

#19 Take a break in a palaie.

The towns bordering the desert palmeraies are the other top location for relaxation in Morocco.

These verdant areas of luxuriant vegetation and farmland, which resemble an oasis in the desert, are the breadbasket of this country’s parched south and have supported life in its settlements for thousands of years.

Beautiful palmeraies may be found in the Dades, Draa, and Ziz Valleys, and the small towns that surround them often provide excellent homestay chances away from the tourist hordes.

These are the locations to go if you want to unwind in a real Berber town while taking in the beauty of nature and the desert (with some great climbing!).

#20 Deviate from the Path in the Anti Atlas

And keeping with the “off the beaten track” theme (which you know I adore if you often read this site), the Anti Atlas in Morocco is another fantastic location to enjoy some trekking, traditional towns, and breathtaking landscape away from the people.

This stunning region, which is located in the southern part of the county and is surrounded by a distant mountain range and its valleys, is full of outdoor activities to enjoy.

Tafroute is a fantastic starting point for sports like cycling, trekking, and climbing because of its attractive red, rocky surroundings.

In addition, there are a few fantastic local hammams to visit after your workout!

#21 Visit Al-Beach Hoceima’s

The last activity on my list of the finest things to do in Morocco is one that many local visitors are aware of but not many tourists from other countries.

Al-Hoceima, a location on the Mediterranean coast, is a magnificent resort area with a lovely stretch of shoreline and an equally lovely national park.

If you’re seeking for unspoiled surroundings, this spot is a must-see thanks to the expansive Corniche, three wonderful beaches, and several hiking and bike trails in the national park. It’s quiet, safe, and soothing.

Morocco Travel Season

Morocco has a good variety of geographies and climates, spanning from the Mediterranean Coast to the Sahara Desert, making it a location that can be visited all year long.

The finest seasons to visit the north of the nation are spring and summer (February to July), when the weather is milder and the wildflowers are in bloom.

The cooler temperatures in the fall and winter (Sept.–Jan.), particularly in the cities and the desert, are undoubtedly preferable the farther south you travel.

Consider the greatest surfing months if you’re looking for the Atlantic coast (Dec-Mar).

The spring (March and April) or fall (September and October) months are the ideal seasons to visit Morocco if you want to go there and see numerous different places.

During each of these visits, I discovered this country to be the ideal blend of a healthy tourism industry and the finest global climatic range.

Safety of Travel in Morocco

My first piece of safety and welfare advise is to make sure you have travel insurance that covers your trip to Morocco.

Every time I’ve been to Morocco or elsewhere in Africa, I’ve used World Nomads’ travel insurance, which I always strongly suggest.

Like me, you could be traveling more extensively, so I do recommend looking at SafetyWing’s health insurance options as well. They specialize in offering coverage for frequent travelers and digital nomads.

Safety is also very important to me as a solitary female traveler, particularly when I’m out on my own.

But I’m happy to report that I felt really comfortable the whole time I was in Morocco, particularly while climbing or exploring a medina after supper.

As always, I suggest exercising common sense, packing a SIM card with data, knowing where you are staying, etc.

To respect local customs, I also advise all visitors to Morocco to dress modestly.

I suggest covering your arms, legs, and chest.

Six items you must pack for Morocco

• #1 Having a guidebook was incredibly helpful to me when I was in Morocco, and I heartily suggest the Morocco Lonely Planet, which is jam-packed with interesting facts and practical advice.
• #2 I do suggest traveling to Morocco with a phrasebook in French. That or a Moroccan Arabic phrasebook would be quite helpful.
• #3 If you’re visiting Morocco’s mountains or deserts, I’d strongly suggest wearing some sturdy walking shoes like these since sandals won’t always work.
• #4 I always go in Africa with a light. I haven’t had a problem with my Black Diamond Storm yet!
• #5 You’ll need a high-quality camera to capture all the outstanding features of this Moroccan town, and the Sony A6000 is ideal for the task, in my opinion. Find out why I considered it to be the greatest camera for traveling in Africa here.
• #6 It would also be quite beneficial to have a good daypack that you may use to carry your camera, phrasebook, guidebook, water, and snacks. As you may already be aware, I like using my Bobby Anti Theft Backpack for this. Check read this review I wrote to see why.