Top Experiences in Morocco
Morocco is a country of dazzling diversity, from its ancient cities and craggy mountain ranges to rolling deserts and deserted beaches. One day, you could be scaling Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak; the next, you could be meeting designers in Marrakesh, riding the Atlantic rollers in Essaouira, stroll through the twisting blue alleyways of Chefchaouen, or savor street food in the medieval medina of Fez.
There is certainly no shortage of things to do, but here are some of the best experiences in Morocco.
1. Lose Yourself in the Medinas of Marrakesh, Fez and Chefchaouen
The fabled Red City of Marrakesh is a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. Its ancient medina is a maze of narrow streets with the Djemaa El Fna at its heart, showcasing a nightly circus of storytellers, snake charmers, and musicians.
In Fez, Morocco’s oldest imperial city, time appears to have stopped. Dating back to the 8th century, Fez El Bali is the world’s largest living medieval medina—a jumble of souqs, workshops, and mosques, with over 9000 narrow alleyways to explore.
Tucked into the green folds of the Rif Mountains, charming Chefchaouen is famed for its blue-hued medina. Enjoy its relaxed pace of life by wandering its cobbled streets and sipping mint tea in an open square, then hike the trails of Talassemtane National Park with its luminous waterfalls and fir forests.
Planning Tip: The best time for exploring Morocco’s medinas is in the spring and autumn. Summers can get extremely hot, with temperatures reaching over 40°C (104°F) in July and August.
2. Discover Casablanca’s Show-Stopping Architecture
Casablanca’s most iconic landmark is the Hassan II Mosque, one of the world’s largest mosques, open to non-Muslims on guided tours. The monumental prayer hall can hold 25,000 worshippers, showcasing the finest Moroccan craftsmanship.
Downtown Casablanca serves as an al fresco museum of architecture, from the neo-Moorish tiled façade of La Grande Poste to art deco apartment blocks. Place Mohammed V features the Grand Théâtre de Casablanca, designed by French “starchitect” Christian de Portzamparc.
3. Hike the Atlas Mountains
The High Atlas is a hiker’s paradise, running diagonally across the country for around 1000km (620 miles), from the Atlantic coast to northern Algeria. Imlil, located in the foothills of the High Atlas, serves as the starting point for scaling Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak at 4167m (13670ft).
If you have more time, the week-long Toubkal circuit takes you through centuries-old trails connecting remote Amazigh villages, crossing fertile valleys and panoramic passes.
For less-trodden trails, the region around Tafraoute, Morocco’s Amazigh heartland, offers stunning landscapes. The Anti Atlas is perfect for hikers, providing various hiking and cycling routes past picturesque villages.
4. Catch the Wind and Waves on Morocco’s Atlantic Coast
Dubbed the “Wind City of Africa” for its coastal breezes, Essaouira is an ideal location to enjoy various water activities, regardless of your skill level. The sleepy village of Sidi Kaouki, just a 30-minute drive south, offers consistent waves and secluded beaches.
Further down the coast, Mirleft is home to some of Morocco’s top surfing spots, and Spot-M provides surfing lessons and week-long surf camps.
Detour: Dakhla is considered Morocco’s kitesurfing capital, renowned for its reliable wind conditions and tranquil lagoon waters.
5. Get Steamed and Scrubbed at a Hammam
After a long day of exploring, unwind at a hammam to indulge in a traditional steam treatment, soap scrub, and massage. Hammams vary widely in ambiance, from simple public baths to luxurious hotel spas—each promising to leave you rejuvenated.
Planning Tip: Acquire traditional hammam equipment at the souq, including savon beldi (black soap), a kessa (scrubbing mitt), and ghassoul (cleansing clay).
6. Delight in a Foodie Tour of Fez Medina
Moroccan cuisine is a melting pot of influences, making a street-food tour an excellent way to experience its flavors. Sample everything from snail soup to sweet delights such as chebakia (deep-fried dough coated in sesame seeds).
Visit the legendary Café Clock to learn how to create traditional dishes after sourcing fresh ingredients from the souq, or participate in baking workshops for various types of Moroccan bread.
Detour: In the Middle Atlas, visit a boutique fromagerie, learn to hand-roll couscous, and sample exquisite Moroccan wines.
7. Shop Until You Drop in Marrakesh
Marrakesh is a shopper’s haven, with souqs filled with spices, leather babouches, and vibrant wool rugs. Artisans showcase their craftsmanship while contemporary designers add a modern twist to timeless creations.
In Gueliz (the French-built Ville Nouvelle), enjoy fixed-price boutiques that simplify the shopping experience, while concept stores offer trendy designs from top Moroccan designers.
Local Tip: Approach negotiations with courtesy. If pressured, walking away is an option, but keep in mind that for shopkeepers, sales are a part of their livelihood.
8. Stargaze from a Shape-Shifting Saharan Dune
Climb to a high dune at sunset, and enjoy breathtaking views as the desert transforms. Enjoy an overnight camp in Bedouin style under a sky filled with stars, with the Milky Way visible in all its glory.
Planning Tips: The best time to visit the Sahara is between October and early May. Be prepared for cold nights in winter and extreme heat from June to September.
9. Experience Morocco’s Vibrant Music Festivals
Morocco’s rich musical heritage features influences from Amazigh to Andalusian and Arabian styles. The country hosts a plethora of music festivals showcasing this diverse culture.
Notable festivals include the Gnaoua World Music Festival in Essaouira, Jazzablanca in Casablanca, and the Festival of World Sacred Music in Fez.
Planning Tip: If attending a festival, book accommodations well in advance to secure the best rates.
10. Step Back in Time in Skoura’s Palm Oases
In Skoura, the lush palmeraie rustles with date palms, offering stylish guesthouses and farm-to-table dining experiences. The region features labyrinthine ksar, including Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and film location.
Rural souqs showcase local produce, making it an ideal base to explore the scenic Dadès Gorge and Todra Gorge.
11. Follow in the Footsteps of Literary Giants in Tangier
In the first half of the 20th century, Tangier was a cosmopolitan hub, attracting literary figures like William S. Burroughs and Paul Bowles. Explore the historic Tangier American Legation Museum and follow in these writers’ journeys around the city.
12. Ride the Rails on Africa’s First High-Speed Train
Al Boraq, Africa’s first high-speed rail link, connects Tangier to Casablanca in just over two hours. This eco-friendly train offers a convenient and quick way to explore these vibrant cities.
