The 4 tourist regions to visit in Morocco
The 4 tourist regions to visit in Morocco: If you don’t know where to go in Morocco, start by focusing on what you want to do. Cities with spectacular architecture, beaches, mountains, desert… the country is vast and offers a multitude of activities and spots to explore. To help you choose, we’ve grouped them into 4 distinct regions, but you can mix and match to get a good overview of the country.
The North: imperial cities and superb beaches:
If you’re a fan of architecture and history, this is the region for you! Once you’ve had your fill of culture, take a trip to the coast or the mountains to recharge your batteries.
Take a tour of the imperial cities. Fès is undoubtedly the most impressive and boasts the world’s largest medina, a guardian of ancestral traditions. As for Meknes, nicknamed “the city of a hundred minarets”, it has many surprises in store for its visitors. And in Rabat, don’t miss the Oudaïa kasbah, the medina and the Chellah necropolis.
Discover the other cities of the north. The medinas of Tangier and Tetouan are fabulous, as is the Hassan II mosque in Casablanca. Amateur photographers will love Chefchaouen: all the houses here are blue, creating a magical atmosphere. El-Jadida, on the other hand, deserves a visit. A former Portuguese city, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Enjoy the Moroccan countryside in the Middle Atlas. These verdant mountains are ideal for nature walks and picnic breaks. Populated by Barbary macaques and dotted with charming villages, they are also home to renowned ancient ruins: Volubilis, which bear witness to the Roman presence in the region from the 3rd century BC.
For a seaside getaway, take a break on the superb beaches of Sidi Bouzid, Oued Laou, Saidia or Ain Dalia. Generally speaking, the coast to the east of Tetouan alternates between cliffs and golden sandy coves.
The center of oases and incredible towns:
The central region is often the focus of a first trip to Morocco. It’s full of wonders, like its enchanting towns and the many possibilities for hiking.
On the city side, plan to spend several days in Marrakech. Around the famous Place Jemaa-el-Fna, the monuments of the medina are absolutely superb. Among the most beautiful are the Bahia Palace, the Sadian Tombs and the Ben Youssef Medersa. And don’t forget to stroll through the various souks to feel the soul of this imperial city. In a different style, a visit to the Jardin Majorelle is a must.
The green oases around Marrakech are perfect for refreshing getaways. The most popular are undoubtedly the Ouzoud waterfalls, where you can take a dip in the pools and bond with the families who picnic there. If you like walking, head for the verdant Aït-Bougmez valley, nicknamed “the happy valley”.
Head for the coast to visit the beautiful town of Essaouira. With its imposing walls, it’s reminiscent of Saint-Malo! The port and market are the hub of activity in the mornings, while in the afternoons it’s a delight to stroll through the sleepy streets.
The Atlas mountains at the gateway to the desert:
The 4 tourist regions to visit in Morocco: Looking for authentic villages and incredible landscapes? The Atlas will satisfy all your desires. In this region where you need to take your time, surprises and exotic experiences are guaranteed.
To meet the mountain tribes, stop off at Imilchil. Every Friday, the vegetable market brings together vendors from neighboring valleys, while Saturdays are devoted to the livestock fair, a golden opportunity to share in the daily life of the locals. Another of the town’s assets is the abundance of hiking trails and the beauty of the region.
Breathtaking panoramas follow one another, particularly in the sublime Ziz, Todgha and Dadès gorges, where the streams allow beautiful gardens to flourish. If you’re travelling by car, take the Tizi-n-Tichka road: as you wind around its many switchbacks, the views are impressive, taking you over passes at altitudes of over 2,000m.
Take a foray into the desert, either from Merzouga or from Mhamid. There are several options for getting the most out of the desert (on foot or by camel), but the ideal is to spend at least one night in the dunes for a magical experience.
Admire the traditional architecture of this region of Morocco: the walled city and ksar of Aït-Benhaddou are a must, as are the succession of ksour and adobe villages of the Drâa Valley. In the Valley of the Roses, one of the most splendid in the country, a stop at Tamalout Bou-Tharar is a must, before you lose yourself in the palm grove of Skoura, home to charming kasbahs.
The South a nonchalant atmosphere:
What attracts travelers to the south of Morocco is not only its atmosphere, but also its many artisanal cooperatives. This region has all the ingredients for a successful vacation, away from the usual tourist circuits.
Set down your suitcases in the towns of the south. Taroudant is famous for its souks, where you can stock up on souvenirs, and its imposing ramparts. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, take a stroll through the charming medina of Tiznit, and for slippers, head for Tafraoute, the country’s largest slipper-making center.
Enjoy the beach near Agadir. On the program: idleness and swimming in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. And if you’re feeling restless, kite surfing and windsurfing are available all year round.
The 4 tourist regions to visit in Morocco: Explore the hinterland along the Saffron Route. A day’s drive is enough to admire the splendid scenery and stop off at the Taliouine cooperatives to buy the precious pistil. The Honey Road and Paradise Valley are marked by landscapes of arid hills, interspersed with green oases. As for the Souss Valley, it’s famous for the goats perched atop the argan trees to graze on their leaves.
For memorable hikes, head for the Aït-Mansour gorges near Tafraoute. At the heart of an impressive canyon, a palm grove offers wonderful walking opportunities, not to mention the beauty of the adobe village. Another option is the Ammeln valley, with its steep mountains and traditional villages.