9 Spectacular Places to Visit in Morocco

By Alice Ross | AFRICA

May 24
Places to Visit in Morocco

Morocco is a great exotic country that gives its visitors the chance to see its wonder. For more than two centuries, it has been drawing more and more people to experience its glory. And because it is not too far from Spain, it has become so convenient for people to add this to their itinerary. While this country is far from being developed like other countries in the Mediterranean, finding anything you need should not be difficult. It comes with a remarkable infrastructure and its general economic condition is growing, on top of that, you would not run out of places to visit in Morocco.

More...

It’s also a safe country to travel in. It’s a country of diversity, and by taking a quick drive in the city takes you to places of the country where societies like the Berbers are still living the same way they did for many years. The country is full of beautiful cities that variety from modern wonders to holy cities and historical sites where only Muslims are allowed to go. 

This country is a combination of the charm of the old world and atmosphere of modern Muslim culture, so finding where to go in Morocco should not be too difficult. The country is a collection of different cultures including French, Spanish, African, British, and Berber and different things to see and do is just as interesting. It’s impossible to go to all places in Morocco on a single trip or two. That’s why you have to plan ahead and plan well before you go.

Below are 9 spectacular places to visit in Morocco. It does not matter what time of the year you visit or how long you are planning to stay. The sure thing is that, if you know where to go and what to do in Morocco, you are going to have an amazing time on your trip.

1. Ait Benhaddou

Ait Benhaddou

Situated in the southern slopes of the High Atlas, Ait-Ben-Haddou is a well-known ksar located in the Ounila Valley. This desert fortress or kasbah is situated in the Draa Valley. Kasbahs were initially constructed to protect the people from the robbers and the trespassers that planned to take over the region.

If Ait Benhaddou seems quite familiar to you, well that’s probably because it has been used as the setting to different Hollywood films.

2. Fez

fez

The ancient city of Fez has an awesome and overwhelming attraction – the behemoth medina. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, which measures an astounding 2.4 square miles, it’s one of the well-kept ancient cities in the region. You may think that the world’s biggest car-free city would be a relaxing place for pedestrians, but at the same time, give them a little shock.

The Fez medina is one of most intricate mazes in the world with gems down at each side. Make sure to have a virtual map or you might get lost! But then again, it should not be too difficult to find friendly local who will be will to help you point where you need to go. 

3. Beautiful Coastal Areas

You might find this surprising, but yes, Morocco boasts a sandy coast that is actually almost 2,000 kilometers long. And not just the country is scattered with relaxing port cities such as Essaouira and resort spots like Agadir, the shorelines themselves are absolutely spectacular as well.

Oued Laou coasts in Northern Morocco on the Mediterranean coasts

While some of them are the meant to give you a break from the busyness of the city, there are some that will give you adrenalin rush with many watersports they offer.

Swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and other water activities are available in many towns. Some of the places to visit in Morocco if you are looking for some beach getaways include Agadir, El Jadida, Essaouira, and Safi. Going north, the Mediterranean coast has resorts such as the one at Cabonegro where diving and swimming facilities are continuously being developed expansively there, attracting hoarders of foreign visitors every year.

4. Atlas Mountains

The mountain ranges of Morocco are broad and give you a chance to experience different types of fun activities. These activities may include camping, biking, as well as bird-watching. Whitewater rafting is also possible.

Atlas Mountain

You can also add skiing in your itinerary if you are planning to visit during the winter season. Although Morocco has the Sahara in its borders, it also gives opportunities skiing activities in the Atlas Mountains. You can ski at Ouikaiden, Mount Tidiquin, Mischliffen, and at Ifrane. You may want to ski in the morning and spend the night in the desert after dawn.

5. The Sahara Desert

A huge part of the country is the world biggest sandy desert, in the Sahara. As such, you will have the chance to experience two-fold opportunities when they go to the Sahara Desert. Here, you are able to have the chance to experience riding on a camel and explore the large expanse of the Sahara Desert all at once, which is definitely a wonderful opportunity.

Sahara desert

You may also want to see the countryside with tours riding the 4x4. These normally incorporate local events like feasts and tourist landmarks such as dunes and gorges. This is something you would not want to miss when you visit this beautiful country.

6. Jebel Toubkal

Standing 4,000-meter-tall, Jebel Toubkal, which is North Africa’s tallest mountain, is another popular place with tourists. Trips normally begin from the village of Imlil at the bottom of the mountain. If you want to go on this trip, you must hire a guide.

Jebel Toubkal

The country’s unique terrain offers many opportunities to trekkers who want to see the natural wonders of Morocco under your own steam. You can find different tours that will make your trip easier – from just pure hiking trips to the ones that include horseback riding. You can also do an overnight camping if you want, guided by knowledgeable locals and friendly mules; so, make sure to prepare all your necessary camping gears.

7. Souks or Markets

Your trip to Morocco would not be complete without visiting at least one marketplace or locally known as a souk. Souks are scattered in the cities, and the biggest one in the country is found in Marrakech. You are able to buy everything you may ever think of here. However, if you want to experience the local market vibe, you must not expect to have a quick transaction as all purchases are a slow, sociable experience.

morocco souks

8. Djemaa el Fna

If you are looking for entertainment, one of the places to go would be Marrakech. There is always something of interesting going on in here, whether it is food booths, acrobats performing, or bands showcasing their talents. It is another place you must not miss.

Djemaa el Fna

Declared as a 'Masterpiece of World Heritage' of UNESCO due to its urban legends and interesting history, which you can see from its night scene, the nightly carnival of Djemaa will surely dazzle you. 

9. Marrakech

Your trip would not be complete without exploring the heart of the city, which offer the intensity of which is going to overwhelm you. Marrakech offers the country’s modern soul, the country’s most fascinating attractions and museums, and the most interesting medina of them all.

Marrakech

Just make sure to bring your skills for haggling as that would make things a lot more exciting. Marrakech’s beauty is seen at any corner of the city, Jemaa el-Fnaa, another UNESCO site, is one thing you should not miss when here. 

Best Way to See Morocco

If you have a limited time in Morocco and want to make the most of it, there is one great way to see it. You may want to take one of the trains that go from an end of Morocco to the other. There are even trains where you can take tours that let you go to different cities without having to worry about driving.

You are able to travel from Marrakesh go to Andalucía on a single and have the chance to see different cities in the middle of it including Madrid and Cordoba, two Spanish cities that were greatly influenced by Moors. You may also be interested in fly-drive and mountain biking tours in the country. Traveling in this country surely would not give you a dull moment.

moutain biking

Regardless of where you decide to go on your trip, you’ll absolutely enjoy the interesting history and rich culture you will find at every corner of the country. Whether you have enough time for all these best places to visit in Morocco or you are only here for only a few days, you are surely in for a treat.

Hopefully, this article gives you enough information on places to visit in Morocco. Again, this country has endless opportunities for you to go and explore. If you have other questions or suggestions regarding Morocco, let us know in the comment below!

Rating: 4.5 (8 votes)

Follow

About the Author

Hi, I’m Alice Ross, a long-term traveler who left the corporate world to travel the world. I chose to live life on my own phase and live day by day while immersing myself in new experiences, new knowledge, and new people in a different walk of life I met along the way.

Leave a Comment:

Leave a Comment: