Morocco is a country in North Africa that borders the Mediterranean Sea as well as the Atlantic Ocean.
From the busy capital city of Rabat to colorful Marrakech and seaside Casablanca, Morocco is a haven of variety and culture.
Enjoy a swim in calm turquoise water, learn about the country’s unique history and explore the vast desert plains.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing holiday in a tranquil resort or a cultural vacation full of activities, this beautiful country has everything you need.
Here are some of the most popular things to do in Morocco…
Casablanca
Casablanca is a port city that borders the Atlantic Ocean. The city, which is home to Morocco’s main international airport, is a hub of tourism, travel, and trade. Being at the forefront of international goings-on has given Casablanca a uniquely modern atmosphere that juxtaposes its ancient roots perfectly.
Casablanca is known as Morocco’s ‘business capital’ and is an ideal place to experience modern life abroad. The city is not lacking in historical interest however, one of the most popular tourist attractions is the incredible Hassan II Mosque that lies just out to sea.
Chefchaouen
This iconic blue city is one of the most Instagrammable places you’ll ever come across. The walls and houses here are dominated by bright, ocean blue hues that create a simultaneously energetic and calm atmosphere.
The city, especially its old town, is truly beautiful, and beyond its appearance, it also offers a delicious range of local delicacies to try. You’ll find Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains, so it’s a bit of a journey to get there, but getting to see this magical city is absolutely worth it.
Fes
While Casablanca claims the title of ‘business capital’, Fes has snagged the coveted position of ‘cultural capital’. This ancient city is shrouded in history and religious significance, making it a must-visit part of your itinerary.
The city is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and as such it attracts many visitors each year. Tourists are enchanted by the colorful streets, friendly locals, and the famous al-Qarawiyyin university which is one of the oldest universities in the world.
Fes Medina
Fes is famous for its walled medina, Fes El Bali, which overflows with souks and has an authentic atmosphere that makes visitors feel as though they’ve stepped back in time. This ancient medina is considered one of the best-preserved in the world.
Visitors can explore narrow streets, ornate and colorful entrance ways, and beautiful decor. The market square is home to a vast amount of souks selling everything you could possibly imagine.
Marrakech
Although not the capital, Marrakech is without a doubt the most famous city in Morocco. The city is home to a plethora of ancient mosques and palaces, stunningly beautiful gardens, and unique and wonderful culture.
With origins dating back to the Berber Empire, Marrakech is full of architectural and historical wonders. It’s not only interesting because of its past though, today the city is a vibrant, bustling metropolis that is sure to delight any visitor.
Marrakech Medina
Marrakech Medina, the old part of the city, is home to a thriving market scene with souks selling everything from oriental spices to vibrant textiles to one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
Visitors can enjoy the Hamman bathhouses by day and the dazzling Jemaa el-Fna square entertainments by night. The medina really comes alive once the sun sets, with folk dances, snake charmers, and more all performing well into the night.
Marrakech Jardin Majorelle
The Jardin Majorelle Botanic Garden is a wonderful attraction for gardening enthusiasts and anyone looking for the perfect photo backdrop. It was created by Jaques Majorelle, a French orientalist artist who began work on the garden in 1923.
The garden wasn’t finished until almost forty years later, with a gorgeous Cubist villa added halfway through by French architect Paul Sinoir. Today, the garden covers over two and a half acres and is full of tropical plants, cacti, and stunning architectural features.
Rabat
Morocco’s understated and often forgotten capital city, Rabat, is another place to add to your itinerary. The city is known for its unique mix of Islamic and colonial French heritage, which gives it a fascinating history.
Today, the city is home to several fabulous museums and galleries, as well as ancient architectural highlights and other modern additions. Because Rabat is a lesser-known destination, it is also cheaper to visit. For example, compared to Marrakech, you can save a lot of money by staying in Rabat.
Saadian Tombs
The Saadian Tombs are a royal necropolis, located in the Royal Kasbah district. Among the ancient royals buried in the tombs are Muhammad al-Sheikh, Lalla Mas’uda, Moulay Abdallah himself, and possibly Sultan Abd al-Malik.
The tombs, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, were built in the late 16th century, under the reign of Sultan Ahmed el Mansour. They are easy to get to, and there is only a small entrance fee.
Nikki Beach
If you’re tired of looking at historical landmarks and walking around the city, then the Nikki Beach club report is just the place for you. This beautiful resort rivals what you’d find on St Maarten or St Tropez in both beauty and luxury.
With sun lounges so comfortable you could be in a king-size bed and cabanas with the perfect amount of shade, you won’t ever want to leave. The food here is second to none, and the ambiance really is absolutely fabulous.
Plage d’Agadir
Another of Morocco’s popular sunbathing spots is Plage d-Agadir. Plage d-Agadir is a natural beach promenade that stretches along the coastline. With warm blue water, all the way to the horizon on one side and the colorful city of Agadir on the other, Plage d-Agadir is the perfect place to spend the day.
Enjoy the sun and the sea, and if you feel peckish all you have to do is cross the road and you’ll find a wonderful selection of cafes, restaurants, and bars to choose from.
Hercules Cave
Another Instagram favorite is Hercules Cave. The cave complex stretches back into the cliffside, creating an atmospheric hidden labyrinth to explore.
However, the cave is most famous for its entrance which from the inside looks like exactly the shape of Africa on a map. The unique cave entrance shows a keyhole view of the outside world, with blue-green water and pale grey skies just out of reach. Naturally, it’s a very popular photo location.
Ait Benhaddou
Ait Benhaddou is an ancient fortified village (known as a ‘ighrem’ or ‘ksar’) located between Marrakech and the Sahara Desert. The village was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and is considered an outstanding example of earthen clay architecture in Morocco.
Today, there are still a few families that live in the village, however, it is mostly a tourist destination. It’s quite a long drive from Marrakech to Ait Benhaddou, but you do pass the legendary Atlas Mountains on the way, so you can tick them off your list.
Atlas Mountains
The Atlas Mountains are a series of mountain ranges so large that they span across Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria. The highest mountain is Toubkal, which rises to 4,167m and is part of Morocco’s National Park.
The Atlas Mountains are a spectacular sight that serves as the backdrop to many villages and cities in Morocco. These majestic peaks are sure to delight any photography enthusiasts as well as any adventurous climbers looking for a challenge.
Merzouga Desert
Morocco may be surrounded by mountains, but it is also full of deserts. The Merzouga Desert is named after the town that borders it and is in fact part of the Sahara Desert. This unique landscape is so different from anything you’ll find in western countries that it’s a must-see.
There are several ways to explore the desert, by foot is the obvious, but by far the most popular (and exciting!) mode of transport is by camel. These incredible creatures have been carrying locals for centuries, and are very popular with tourists.
You might feel a bit nervous at first, but the camels are very gentle creatures and before you know it you’ll have relaxed and be able to take in the stunning scenery around you.
