The medieval alleyways of Fez and the great stone folds of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech’s spice-scented souks and the vast emptiness of the Sahara Desert, where Berber clans still follow a nomadic lifestyle… Morocco is an eclectic country, and we break it down in our Morocco travel guide here.
A fascinating blend of European and North African culture, its epic landscape looks like it has been moulded specifically for adventurers, with its four mountain ranges, rugged coastline and ancient villages nestling between olive groves. There are so many must-visit places in Morocco that you may find yourself plotting your next visit before you’ve even gone home.
So, where to start when planning your Moroccan adventure? Here are our picks of the best things to see and do in Morocco.
Things to see in Morocco
Whether you prefer to spend your time admiring the intricate tiles that coat the minaret of Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque or catching a show at the Jemaa el Fna theatre in Marrakech, there is no shortage of cultural things to see in Morocco.
Get off the beaten track in Chefchaouen, also known as the blue city, which crouches like a sapphire among the high peaks of the Rif Mountains. Whet your appetite with our quick guide to its greatest treasures here.
One of the top 10 things to see in Morocco has to be Fez’s medina, where romantically crumbling Moorish buildings jostle for space with working tanneries and carts drawn by donkeys.
Equally entrancing, and far less hectic, is sipping a sweet mint tea prepared by a Berber guide as you watch the sunrise over the golden peaks of the Erg Chebbi sand dunes.
Best places to visit in Morocco
In a landscape that varies from ferocious swathes of desert to lush valleys nurturing rose farms and golden beaches, the best places to visit in Morocco will depend entirely on what sort of holiday you’re after.
If winding streets that lead to souks filled with the smell of incense and Instagram-perfect interiors moodily lit by Moroccan lamps sound like heaven, opt for an urban break. Marrakech, Tangier, Rabat and Meknes are all among the best cities to visit in Morocco.
Looking for adventure? Immerse yourself in the ethereal beauty of the Atlas Mountains, where you can climb to the top of Mount Toukbal, the highest peak in North Africa, and wander through the mysterious cave paintings in the foothills of Jebel Saghro.
To combine the best of both, head to a hip surfer town such as Essouria and Taghazout, where you can spend your days riding the waves and your evenings lounging on silken cushions on a stylish roof terrace.
Best time to visit Morocco
The best time to visit Morocco depends on which areas you are most drawn to.
The winter months are from November to February, so if you’re considering visiting then and would like warm weather, stick to the south. Higher ground and the High Atlas in particular are often covered in a mantle of snow from November onwards.
Between June and August, the country experiences its big summer burn and holidays in the Sahara become an endurance test. The seaside cities that cling to the Atlantic coast are a good bet at this time of year. Casablanca is one of the best places to visit in Morocco in August.
In the spring months of March, April and May, the air in the Skoura Oasis is thick with the smell of roses, and the countryside becomes a kaleidoscope of almond blossom and scarlet poppies.
The weather in Autumn is equally comfortable, making this a top season for mountain hikes and desert adventures.
Where to stay in Morocco
From chaotic towns to rolling farms and mountain villages, warm hospitality is the golden thread that binds Morocco’s culture together. At tea time, there are always more glasses on the table than people in the house, and a store owner will often produce a plate of pistachio biscuits to make the haggling process a little sweeter.
Whether you choose to bed down in a hilltop kasbah (walled fortress), splash out on a luxury hotel such as the Palais Namaskar or rent a room from a local family, a warm welcome is guaranteed. Take a closer look at your accommodation options here.
Best places to eat in Morocco
The Romans, Arabs, Spanish and French have all snatched Morocco from one another over the last 2000 years, and each has left its distinctive mark on the food scene. So, what exactly do people eat in Morocco today?
Couscous is the national dish and is traditionally enjoyed on Fridays. Try it with vegetables or chicken. Another key food to eat in Morocco is tagine. These stews, slow-cooked over an open fire in clay pots, have their roots in the Berber tradition, and as you use chunks of bread to scoop out tender beef flavoured with lemon and olives, it’s easy to make believe that you are in a desert camp in the Sahara.
Terrasse Bakich serves a very traditional version alongside sweeping views over Marrakech’s medina.
Cultural experiences in Morocco
Morocco’s culture is as rich and colourful as the handwoven rugs in Rabat’s market. Expect strict etiquette, carefully preserved traditions and festivals that have been celebrated since ancient times.
Religion plays a major role in daily life, and the sound of the imam calling the people to prayer still echoes hauntingly five times a day through the old town of most cities. Get a sense of religion’s role in shaping the country with a guided tour of Ben Youssef Medersa, a staggeringly beautiful 16th-century Koran school.
The pink-hued village of Tafraoute nestles in an oasis of almond trees among the barren granite of Tiznit province. Visit during February to experience the almond blossom festival, without doubt one of the most beautiful things to see in Morocco.
Getting to Morocco
It’s possible to fly to Casablanca, Marrakech, Fes and Rabat with a single layover from all major Australian airports. Layovers are typically taken in Dubai or Doha.
