best places to visit in morocco

The best places to visit in Morocco offer a rich tapestry of history, intense culture, breathtaking natural beauty, and endless opportunities to excite the senses. Known as the gateway to Africa, Morocco should top any traveler’s bucket list due to its rapidly changing landscapes and ancient cities.

 Traveling in Morocco is anything but monotonous because of the sheer variety the country provides.

Morocco’s destinations can be grouped into vibrant imperial cities, awe-inspiring natural wonders, and relaxing coastal havens, ensuring that there is truly something for everyone.

The Imperial and Cultural Cities

Morocco’s major cities showcase a blend of ancient tradition and modern allure.

Marrakesh: The Pink City

Marrakesh, often referred to as the “pink city”, is the most visited hub and an absolute tornado of humanity. It is famous for its markets, architecture, and vibrant medina, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Key attractions in Marrakesh include:

• Jemaa el-Fnaa: The main square, which is an assault on the senses, crowded with street performers, food stalls, and snake charmers, requiring visitors to keep their wits about them due to scammers.

• The Souks: Found within the medina, these markets are loaded with crafts, pottery, rugs, leather, spices, and more, where bargaining is an essential part of the shopping experience.

• Architectural Gems: Visitors can tour the Medresa Ben Youssef, once the largest Islamic school in North Africa, and the Bahia Palace, famous for its intricate tilework and courtyards. The ornate 16th-century Saadian Tombs are also a highlight.

Fes: The Medieval Labyrinth

Fes is renowned as the cultural and spiritual heart of Morocco, feeling incredibly authentic. Its medina, Fes el-Bali, is the oldest in the world, described as an absolute maze and the largest pedestrian-only medina globally, making it easy to get hopelessly lost.A must-see is the Chouara Tannery, where leather is dyed using centuries-old traditional methods; though the smell is nauseating, it is interesting to observe the process. Fes also features historical sites like the Bou Inania Madrasaand is a great base for visiting nearby Volubilis, one of Morocco’s most famous Roman ruins.Chefchaouen:

The Blue Pearl

Nestled in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is arguably the most picturesque place in Morocco. he Old City is famous for its blue-washed streets and cyan alleyways, making it an Instagram heaven and a top attraction. Chefchaouen offers a super chilled-out, laid-back vibe, far calmer than Marrakesh or Fes. Visitors frequently hike up to the Spanish Mosque for panoramic views of the blue city.

Natural Wonders and Adventure

The best places to visit in morocco also extend far beyond the cities, encompassing massive mountains, vast deserts, and stunning gorges.

The Sahara Desert

A trip to the Sahara Desert is considered an essential and unforgettable experience. The most popular gateway is Merzouga, which sits next to the massive Erg Chebbi dunes. 

Excursions usually involve a sunset or sunrise camel trek, followed by a night spent in a desert camp under a sky packed with stars. Beyond camel riding, visitors can enjoy 4×4 dune bashing or sandboarding.

The Atlas Mountains and Gorges

The Atlas Mountain Range offers majestic peaks and remote Berber villages. Mount Toubkal is the highest mountain in North Africa, a very strenuous but highly rewarding 2-day trek that starts from the village of Imlil.

The country is home to dramatic canyons, including the Todgha Gorge, a giant slot canyon with rock walls up to 400 meters high (1,312 feet), popular for rock climbing. The Dades Gorge is known for its ultra-unique landscape carved by a river from the High Atlas.