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Morocco is not just a fabulous country in the North of Africa that has been enriching its culture throughout the centuries with the coexistence of Berbers, Romans, Jews and Arabs, Spanish Moors, Portuguese and French. Morocco is an enchanted kingdom, one of the so many contrasts that you feel marveled at every moment, either sitting somewhere watching life go by in front of your eyes or trying to absorb the feelings you get from all the landscapes you encounter. Basically, the best places to visit in Morocco are everywhere and very easy to reach.
This land is not strange to the phenomenon of tourism since it became a very popular and exotic destination in the mid-20th century. Both anonymous and notorious people, from painters and writers to politicians, have spoken passionately about Morocco. Many have even decided to come and live here. But, even though the tourism industry is quite mature, there is always this sense of discovery and of feeling welcomed by the locals. They possess a spirit of hospitality that is enrooted in who they are, as well as the pride of showing visitors what their country is all about: bustling cities, mind-blowing monuments, quiet hammams, delicious food, treasure-filled souks, traditional music and dance, age-old customs, beautiful art, majestic mountains, mysterious deserts,…
The 7 best places to visit in morocco are: Marrakech, Fez, Essaouira, Erg Chebbi dunes, Rabat, Chefchaouen and Ait Benhaddou.
Your trip to Morocco, no matter how much time you have available, is sure to bring you a miscellaneous collection of feelings that will linger forever in the deepest of your heart. Having a full month to cover (almost) all the regions would be ideal… But we understand that is not always possible. So, you do need to create your own itinerary for your visit to Morocco based on priorities. The good news is that your custom trip can still make you live multiple contrasting experiences in dazzling different scenarios in only a few days.
Enticing and exciting cities
The big cities of Morocco are full of life and energy and are indeed on the list of best places to visit in Morocco. These destinations are a true blast of sensations. The core of each of such metropoles is the narrow labyrinthine alleys in the medinas. These old quarters were designed to shelter people but also to allow trade between them. Wandering around will always bring you to some square or street that offers a souk, where you can get anything you desire. Haggle and bargain your way into getting herbal teas and spices; beautiful pottery; colorful tapestries, clothes, and shoes; all sorts of artisan-made products.
The architecture you will come across is bound to impress you whether you find yourself in one of the Imperial Cities of Morocco (Marrakesh, Fes, Rabat, and Meknes) or in Casablanca, Agadir, Tangier,… Look for the Islamic decoration but also for the Hispano-Moorish style in buildings such as old palaces, mosques, madrasas (Quranic schools), ramparts, kasbahs, even tombs, and mausoleums. Outside of the medinas, the Villes Nouvelles developed during the French protectorate over Morocco bring spacious avenues, a café culture. Here and there, lush gardens are perfect for just relaxing.
Moroccan Highlights – Best places to visit in Morocco
- Marrakesh – Djemma el-Fna Square, El Badii Palace, Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Majorelle Gardens are among the most proeminent places to visit in Marrakech.
- Fes – Fes el Bali, University of al-Qarawiyyin, Blue Gate, Chouara Tannery, Al Attarine Madrasa. Fez has many of the best places to stay in Morocco, that we wrote a nice page about.
- Rabat – Oudaias Kasbah, Mausoleum of Mohammed V, Hassan Tower.
- Casablanca – Hassan II Mosque.
- Chefchaouen – The blue city of Morocco.
Irresistible coastal cities and beaches
The beautiful long coastline doesn’t immediately come to mind when most people think of Morocco. However, the Moroccan shore extends along the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It offers a completely new world of possibilities to enjoy the nice weather and unwind by the water. The fishing ports paint yet a new scenery, especially when local fishermen bring the catch of the day.
Best beaches in Morocco
- Agadir – is a famous beach resort with excellent hotels and restaurants along miles of sandy beaches. It is perfect for all types of visitors.
- Essaouira – is rich in history, art, and culture. For obvious reasons, it is called the “Windy City” and it is brilliant for water sports. Essaouira is on the list of UNESCO Sites in Morocco.
- Oualidia – is a very popular place among Moroccan holidaymakers. Oualidia is a place that pleases both water sports seekers and families wishing to enjoy the calm protected lagoon full of birdlife.
- Legzira – One of the most beautiful beaches and best places to visit in Morocco – Lonely Planet wrote it.
An infinite, magical interior
The best places to visit in Morocco are not restricted to the most famous parts of the country. Away from the most populated coastal areas, as you travel inland, you will discover endless stretches of roads that lead to landscapes that are out of this world. Expect the unexpected at every turn. This is where traditions are most alive and the Berber culture prevails as if we had gone back in time.
Visit Morocco out of the main hubs
- Chefchaouen – is one of the most beautiful and easygoing towns in Morocco, it has amazing views over the Rif Mountains and a gorgeous medina with houses painted in pastel-blue dye that photogenically flows down the streets.
- Atlas Mountains – all of its three sub-ranges (High Atlas, Middle Atlas, and Anti Atlas) offer a variety of hiking opportunities for people of all skill levels. These mountains unveil not only arid terrains but also numerous oases in verdant valleys. Jbel Toubkal, Morocco’s highest mountain (13,671 ft / 4,167 m), is at the peak of the adventurers’ dreams, but mountain biking, horse riding, or 4×4 expeditions are magnificent activities too.
- Ouarzazate – an oasis in a desertic mountain, one of the famous places to visit in Morocco, close to the incredible Ksar Ait-Ben-Haddou, Kasbah Telouet, and all the landscapes that made it the ideal background for Hollywood productions, leading to the construction of permanent studios.
- Tinghir and Boulmane Dades – this is the Valley of 1000 Kasbash, a land where powerful canyons such as Dades Gorge and Todra Gorge guide us into captivating rose valleys.
- Zagora – a desertic area anciently used by traders traveling back and forth to Tombouctou in Mali. It is known for its oceans of date palm trees and sand formations like M’hamid Dunes and Erg Chegaga.
- Merzouga – a small village at the brink of the Sahara, the ultimate desert destination. The enormous Erg Chebbi Dunes provide the quintessential setting for sunset camel caravan rides in the direction of desert camps. Feel like a true Berber sleeping in luxurious tents after tasting traditional food around the crackling fire under a starry Moroccan night sky. In the morning, set off to find remote oases, fossil quarries, and temporary salt lakes. The best time to visit Morocco in the desert areas for sure is not during the months of August and generally during summer time.
Relish your travel to Morocco
Has life transformed you into a robot with fixed agendas? Tired of going through the same schedule all day long? Wishing for something different? Then pack your bags and fly over to morocco. Visit the modern city of Casablanca the largest city in Maghreb where you can visit Hassan II Mosque with its tallest minaret in the world at 210 meters and the fascinating architecture which is a mix of Moroccan and French architecture styles. Other Casablanca attractions and sights include the old medina of Casablanca and Mohamed V square. We hope this post opens your eyes to discovering the best places to visit in Morocco.
