15 essential places to visit in Morocco

15 essential places to visit in Morocco

15 essential places to visit in Morocco: Ladies and gentlemen, fasten your seatbelts and take off for the best destinations in Morocco. Morocco is a country from which all tourists return with unforgettable memories. Almost unmissable, Morocco is a must-see destination at least once in your life.

Our local spies have put together the ultimate list of Morocco’s best destinations. Beach, mountain, valley or desert? Imperial city, modern town or picturesque village? Swimming, cultural visits, surfing, gastronomy, hammams, trekking… There’s a whiff of spices and sunshine in the air. Let’s go to Morocco.

Where to go in Morocco?

1. Marrakech

If you’re looking for a place to go to Morocco on your own, as a couple or with the family, the red city is number 1. Not only can you visit the city, but you can also take part in some sensational sporting activities:

hot-air balloon or helicopter rides,

visit Marrakech’s immense Palmeraie on horseback, camelback or quad bike,

golf,

skiing from December to March in the Oukaimeden mountains,

cooking, pottery, mosaic and other craft workshops;

and to cool off, head for the beaches of Essaouira, 2h30 from Marrakech, or for the giant water park.

What to visit in the city?

The souk, one of the liveliest in the country, where you can bargain for traditional souvenirs or simply stroll through the stalls.

Jam3e El Fna square, with its artisans, henna tattoo artists, snake charmers, acrobats and fire-eaters.

The Koutoubia mosque, surrounded by a lush garden and several fountains.

15 essential places to visit in Morocco

Don’t miss the ruins of the Palais El Badi, with its large water basins and orange trees. Every year, it hosts the Laughter Festival created by Jamel Debbouze.

The more recent Palais de la Bahia was built in the 9th century by the Vizier Sidi Moussa for his coquettish wives.

We suggest you stay in a Riad with spa, a traditional and comfortable accommodation in Marrakech.

Marrakchi cuisine is an art: one of the region’s specialties is the “tangia”, chunks of marinated beef cooked in an earthenware jug in a wood-fired oven overnight. Mmmh…

2. Ouzoud waterfalls

Not far from Marrakech, plan an outing to the natural waterfalls of Ouzoud. Enjoy a tajine or sip a glass of mint tea while admiring the roar of these crystal-clear waters.

Many accommodations and restaurants offer a breathtaking view of the waterfalls. What’s more, this Moroccan destination is the perfect opportunity to take a boat trip on a Berber Titanic, or a sporty ride for the more adept. Don’t be surprised if you come across wild monkeys!

3. The Atlas Mountains

The Atlas Mountains are majestic. But where exactly can you go in the mountains of Morocco?

If you’re a trekking fan, take up the challenge and embark on a 2-day excursion to North Africa’s highest peak: Toubkal Mountain.

On a gentler note, we’ll take you to the Ourika, Oukaimeden, Sidi Fares, Asni and Tahanaout valleys. Here, you’ll discover the authenticity of Berber houses and the secrets of argan oil production, while enjoying spectacular views of the snow-capped High Atlas mountains and verdant valleys.

Looking for a thrill? Let’s go abseiling and zip-lining in the Terres d’Amanar nature park.

4. Ouarzazate

15 essential places to visit in Morocco: Between Marrakech and the desert, this is a Moroccan destination not to be missed! Did you know that Ouarzazate was the location for a dozen famous films, including Asterix and Obelix: Mission Cleopatra and Gladiator? Film buffs can visit the filming locations and the film museum.

You’ll also be able to admire the Kasbah d’Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village listed as a UNESCO national heritage site, and the Kasbah de Taourirt. Ready for a desert adventure?

Along the way, you’ll stop off at Fint Oasis, in the heart of authentic Morocco. Here you can stay with Berbers, watch the sun set over the date palm oasis and ride a donkey.

5. The immensity of the desert

With its endless landscape and solitary atmosphere, the desert remains one of Morocco’s best destinations. You’ll enjoy a unique experience when you stay in a bivouac, with local people, in a kasbah or a tent in the middle of the desert. It all depends on the level of comfort you require.

Moroccan gastronomy is always present: Here, it’s time to enjoy a traditional Moroccan dish by the campfire. The landscape of the Merzouga dunes is breathtaking. If you spend a night in the middle of the desert, and we recommend it, your guide will certainly suggest that you watch the sunset. It really is the highlight of the show.

What’s more, you can cross these mountains of sand on foot, camelback or quad bike. Aside from the recreational aspect of the last two options, you’ll find that it’s actually quite perilous to walk for long periods in the sand.

6. Moroccan gorges

If you love nature and spectacular scenery, we invite you to the Gorges de la Vallée du Todgha, the Gorges du Dadès and the Vallée du Drâa between Ouarzazate and Merzouga desert

This is the place to go in Morocco if you’re looking for green tourism: you’ll be spoilt for choice between walking, hiking and climbing.

7. Essaouira

If you’re wondering where to go in Morocco as a family or a couple, we’d recommend charming Essaouira.

This fortified port town offers magnificent beaches and a medina that’s quieter than Fez or Marrakech, but still a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

The port of Essaouira is one of the city’s main points of interest. It’s a hive of activity, with colorful boats coming and going, and fishermen negotiating prices for the day’s catch. You can buy your fresh fish here, cooked before your very eyes, for around 25 dhs (€2). Add a few coins and you’ve got a complete meal to take away with a little Moroccan bread, olives and a typical salad.

In Essaouira, you’ll also discover the ramparts that give this picture-postcard town its picturesque character. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy surfing and kitesurfing on the city’s beaches.

Top destinations in Morocco

8. Fès

Both modern and historic, Fès, also known as Fez, is a Moroccan destination that will charm you with its architecture and dynamism.

Enter through one of the majestic medieval gates of the famous medina or old town. Here you can visit a medersa, a former Koranic school decorated with calligraphy and mosaics, the Dar El Makhzen Royal Palace with its gigantic bronze doors, and the famous Karaouiyine Mosque, the oldest university in the Arab world.

You won’t be outdone if you love Arab markets and the country’s gastronomy. Carpet sellers and leather tanners make the souks of Fès so special.

As for culinary specialties, it’s perhaps in the chic, modern quarters of the city that you’ll find the best Moroccan marzipan pastries.

9. The Roman city of Volubilis

The first archaeological site to visit in Morocco is undoubtedly Volubilis, capital of the ancient kingdom of Mauretania and later occupied by the Romans.

Just a few kilometers from Fez, the majestic ruins of Volubilis are in excellent condition. A mecca for Moroccan tourism, we invite you to take a guide to find out all about the place!

10. Agadir

The perfect destination for a family holiday in Morocco. Indeed, this city has many attractions that will appeal to all travelers!

Agadir is a modern city that was completely rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1960. Above all, it’s a seaside resort with a mild, sunny climate that offers a wide range of activities, as well as several museums.

You can also visit the Kasbah. This is where Agadir stood before the earthquake. The ruins of its ramparts are the only remains of the city’s heritage.

For a getaway from the city, why not take a trip to Paradise Valley, a haven of turquoise water and greenery.

For the enjoyment of young and old alike, we’ll take you to the Crocoparc, with its 300 Nile crocodiles and sumptuous exotic gardens.

In Agadir, you can rent a boat or hire a skipper for an unforgettable sea excursion. On the terrace, the gourmets among you can enjoy grilled fish or meat tajine with prunes, washed down with fresh orange juice.

11. Dakhla

We head down to the Moroccan Sahara, to the Dakhla peninsula, one of Morocco’s best and trendiest destinations in recent years. This little piece of paradise lost between the desert dunes and the Atlantic Ocean enjoys a microclimate with pleasant temperatures all year round.

Dakhla is particularly popular with surfers and water sports enthusiasts, but you can also organize a horseback ride and gallop through the desert. Thrills guaranteed!

15 essential places to visit in Morocco

What to eat? We recommend oysters, seafood tajines and grilled fish: the Courbine and Saint-Pierre, local specialties, are to die for.

And 30 km from Dakhla lies the Dune Blanche. So, if you’re looking for a place to go to the beach in Morocco, here you’ll find pristine white sand with a magnificent turquoise lagoon at its center. You might even catch a glimpse of pink flamingos in their natural habitat. Get your camera ready! And the good news is that the town is committed to ecotourism rather than mass tourism.

12. Tangier

Still looking for a place to go in Morocco? Then we invite you to the far north of the country for a cup of tea!

Because in Tangier, yes, tea is served in huge lemonade glasses, and we love it! To keep things gastronomic, don’t forget to try the delicious chicken tagine with olives or the grilled lamb kebabs.

As in any coastal town, you can take advantage of the beach and its beautiful corniche for a stroll. We strongly recommend a visit to the vast Perdicaris nature park, a veritable botanical garden by the sea. It’s the perfect place for a stroll and breathtaking views.

13. Chefchaouen, the blue city

15 essential places to visit in Morocco: Chefchaouen is a Moroccan destination not to be missed if you want to relax and come back with some great photos. You’ll love wandering through the narrow streets in their many shades of blue and admiring the city from the mountain heights.

What’s more, you can plan an outing to the Akchour waterfalls just a few kilometers away. Well worth the detour!

14. Rabat

Rabat is a lively city to visit in Morocco with your family, offering 1001 possibilities for fun activities and cultural outings. In the historic center, we recommend

The Mohammed V Mausoleum and Hassan II Tower, a vast complex and tomb housing the graves of King Mohammed V and his sons, Prince Moulay Abdallah and King Hassan II.

The Kasbah des Oudayas, a former military fortress on the seafront. Enter the Kasbah through the majestic Bab El Kebir gate to discover the cool streets and traditional houses painted white and blue.

15 essential places to visit in Morocco

At the top of the Oudayas, you’ll find the Café Maure, an unmissable stop-off where you can enjoy a glass of tea while admiring the view of the sea and the Bouregreg river.

Down below, enjoy the beauty and freshness of the Andalusian garden.

The Oudayas beach may not be the most beautiful in the country, but it has the advantage of being right in the heart of the historic center, next to the cultural sites. Perfect for refreshing your feet after an hour or two of walking!

20 km from Rabat, you’ll find the Jardin Exotique. Ideal for hot days, you can take a stroll in the shade and discover a selection of exotic plants from all over the world.

15. Casablanca

It’s impossible to end this tour without mentioning cosmopolitan, modern Casablanca. Not really the city to go to in Morocco if all you want to do is sunbathe or relax. On the other hand, like Rabat, it’s a great place to combine cultural visits with recreational activities.

We suggest a stopover at the city’s most beautiful monument: the former Royal Palace of Casablanca and its remarkable Mediterranean gardens.

In addition, the Morocco Mall, symbol of Moroccan dynamism and 2 ͤ largest shopping mall in Africa, will delight shopping fans. You’ll also find an aquarium, an ice rink and a 3D cinema .

15 essential places to visit in Morocco

Open to non-Muslims, the Hassan II mosque is a true gem of modern and ancestral architecture: an icon of the city, it’s also the 2 ͤ largest mosque in Africa.

In the evening, head for the fountain in Place Mohammed V (in front of the Art Deco architecture of the Grand Théâtre), where you’ll enjoy a sound and light show.

Finally, Casablanca’s corniche is another place to visit. You can stroll along the coast, enjoying the panorama and the scents of the sea. Feel and experience Morocco at your own pace.

Conclusion: TOP 15 destinations to visit in Morocco

Now you know our selection of the best places to visit in Morocco! Don’t hesitate to compare flights to several of these destinations. There are many direct flights from French, Belgian and Swiss airports. You can land in Marrakech, Fez, Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Agadir, Essaouira or Ouarzazate.

What’s more, several low-cost airlines currently serve these Moroccan destinations. This means low fares all year round, except during school vacations.