Discover
Morocco
A magical gateway to Africa, blending Berber culture, ancient medinas, and Saharan dunes.
Top Destinations
Explore our curated selection of landmarks and cities you must visit.
Marrakech Medina (Jemaa el-Fnaa)
The beating heart of Marrakech, this historic medina is a dizzying labyrinth of souks, riads, and vibrant alleyways steeped in centuries of trading history. At its center lies the legendary Jemaa el-Fnaa square, a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Here, snake charmers, storytellers, and musicians weave a tapestry of traditional Moroccan street culture that transitions seamlessly into an open-air culinary spectacle by night.
Best Time
September to November, or March to May, avoiding the intense summer heat.
Insider Tip
Escape the crowds at sunset...
Chefchaouen (Blue City)
Nestled high in the dramatic Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is world-renowned for its mesmerizing azure-washed streets and buildings. Founded in the 15th century, the town's distinctive blue palette creates a tranquil, surreal atmosphere that stands in stark contrast to the bustling cities of the south. The medina features steep, cobbled lanes lined with leather workshops, weaving looms, and quaint cafes serving fresh mint tea.
Best Time
Spring (April to early June) for pleasant weather and green mountain landscapes.
Insider Tip
Hike up to the Spanish...
Sahara Desert (Merzouga Dunes)
The Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga represent the quintessential Sahara Desert experience, with towering peaks of wind-sculpted orange sand that reach up to 150 meters high. This majestic landscape shifts in color from golden yellow at midday to deep red and purple at dawn and dusk. The vast, silent expanse of the desert offers a profound sense of isolation and raw natural beauty that has captivated travelers for centuries.
Best Time
October to April. Summer months are dangerously hot, while winter nights can be freezing.
Insider Tip
Book a premium camp that...
Hassan II Mosque
Perched dramatically on an outcrop extending over the Atlantic Ocean, the Hassan II Mosque is a masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture and one of the largest mosques in the world. Completed in 1993, its towering 210-meter minaret dominates the Casablanca skyline. The complex features exquisite hand-crafted details, including intricate zellij tilework, carved cedar wood, and immense titanium doors, showcasing the pinnacle of Moroccan artisanship.
Best Time
Morning visits offer the best light for photography and fewer crowds.
Insider Tip
Pay attention to the glass...
Fes el Bali (Old Medina)
Fes el Bali is the oldest walled part of Fes and arguably the most intact and authentic medieval Islamic city in the world, with over 9,000 narrow, car-free alleyways. It is a sensory labyrinth where donkeys transport goods, artisans practice ancient trades, and the scent of cedarwood mingles with rich spices. Highlights include the iconic Chouara Tannery, historic madrasas (Islamic schools) like Bou Inania, and vibrant souks organized by guild.
Best Time
Spring and autumn. The narrow streets provide shade but can become stifling in July and August.
Insider Tip
Navigating the maze alone is...
Ait Benhaddou
Rising like a mirage from the pre-Saharan landscape, Ait Benhaddou is a striking, fortified village (ksar) made entirely of earthen clay architecture. Situated along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a stunning example of traditional Moroccan earthen construction. Its towering, crenelated kasbahs and maze of narrow alleys have provided the dramatic backdrop for numerous Hollywood epics, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
Best Time
Early morning or late afternoon to catch the golden hour light illuminating the red clay.
Insider Tip
Cross the riverbed on foot...
Majorelle Garden
Created by French painter Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s and later restored by fashion icon Yves Saint Laurent, this botanical garden is a vibrant oasis in the heart of Marrakech. The garden features exotic plants from around the world, peaceful streams, and reflecting pools, all contrasted against striking cobalt blue structures—a color now famously known as 'Majorelle Blue'. Within the grounds lies the excellent Berber Museum, showcasing indigenous North African culture.
Best Time
Early morning right at opening time to avoid long queues and midday crowds.
Insider Tip
Buy a combined ticket online...
Todra Gorge
The Todra Gorge is a massive trench carved through the High Atlas Mountains by the Todra River, resulting in spectacular limestone canyons with sheer rock walls plunging up to 300 meters down to the valley floor. In its narrowest sections, the gorge is merely 10 meters wide, creating a dramatic, sun-starved corridor alongside the crystal-clear river. The surrounding landscape features lush palm palmeraies contrasting sharply with the arid red rocks.
Best Time
Spring and autumn for comfortable hiking temperatures.
Insider Tip
While most tourists stick to...
Ouzoud Waterfalls
Cascading 110 meters over multiple tiers of red rock cliffs, the Ouzoud Waterfalls are the highest and most spectacular falls in North Africa. The surrounding lush, green valley is filled with olive trees and offers a stark, refreshing contrast to the arid landscapes typical of the region. The area is also home to playful troops of wild Barbary macaque monkeys that roam the cliffs and interact with visitors.
Best Time
Late spring (May/June) when the water flow is strongest from snowmelt and the weather is warm.
Insider Tip
Avoid the heavily commercialized main...
Essaouira Coast
Essaouira is a charming, wind-swept port city on the Atlantic coast, characterized by its fortified 18th-century medina, whitewashed houses with blue shutters, and vibrant fishing harbor. Known as the 'Wind City of Africa,' it has a laid-back, bohemian atmosphere that has historically attracted musicians, artists, and surfers. The historic ramparts (Skala de la Ville) feature dramatic brass cannons and offer sweeping ocean views.
Best Time
June to September for avoiding the extreme inland heat, though the wind is constant year-round.
Insider Tip
Head to the bustling fishing...
Atlas Mountains (Toubkal)
The High Atlas Mountains form a rugged, majestic spine across Morocco, with Mount Toubkal reigning as the highest peak in North Africa at 4,167 meters. The region is characterized by deep valleys, snow-capped peaks, and terraced slopes dotted with traditional, flat-roofed Berber villages. This dramatically beautiful wilderness offers a starkly different environment from the coastal plains and desert expanses.
Best Time
Spring (April/May) and Autumn (September/October) for trekking. Winter is for experienced mountaineers due to heavy snow.
Insider Tip
You don't have to climb...
Volubilis Roman Ruins
Volubilis is the best-preserved archaeological site in Morocco, featuring the expansive ruins of an important outpost of the Roman Empire dating back to the 3rd century BC. Set on a fertile plain, the site boasts an impressive triumphal arch, towering basilica columns, and a remarkably intact forum. The true highlights, however, are the dozens of exquisitely detailed mosaic floors left in situ, depicting mythological scenes in vibrant colors.
Best Time
Spring, when the surrounding plains are lush, green, and covered in wildflowers.
Insider Tip
Visit in the late afternoon....
Bahia Palace
Built in the late 19th century, the Bahia Palace was designed to capture the essence of Islamic and Moroccan architectural styles, intended to be the greatest palace of its time. The sprawling complex spans over eight hectares and features a series of grand courtyards, opulent reception rooms, and lush, tranquil gardens. Every surface is adorned with masterful craftsmanship, including intricate stucco, carved cedar wood ceilings, and colorful zellij tilework.
Best Time
Go exactly at opening time (9:00 AM) to beat the large tour groups and experience the serene atmosphere.
Insider Tip
Look up in every room....
Dades Valley
Often referred to as the 'Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs,' the Dades Valley is a spectacularly scenic route where the Dades River has carved a lush, green path through arid red rock mountains. The valley is dotted with ancient, decaying mud-brick kasbahs and thriving almond, fig, and walnut orchards. The most famous section features the winding 'Tizi n'Tichka' style hairpin road and the bizarre rock formations known as the 'Monkey Fingers.'
Best Time
Spring (April/May) when the valley is lush and the almond and fruit trees are in full bloom.
Insider Tip
Stop at the cafe at...
Rabat (Hassan Tower & Kasbah)
Morocco's elegant capital city, Rabat, blends wide French-colonial boulevards with ancient Islamic heritage. The city's iconic landmarks include the Hassan Tower, an imposing 12th-century minaret of an incomplete, massive mosque, and the adjacent opulent Mausoleum of Mohammed V. Nearby, the Kasbah of the Udayas is a picturesque fortress with blue-and-white winding streets and an Andalusian garden overlooking the Atlantic ocean.
Best Time
Year-round, thanks to a mild coastal climate, though spring and autumn are ideal.
Insider Tip
After exploring the Kasbah of...
Erg Chigaga Dunes
Erg Chigaga is the largest and most untouched expanse of sand dunes in Morocco, stretching for 40 kilometers and reaching heights of 300 meters. Located much further off the beaten path than Merzouga, reaching these dunes requires a thrilling two-hour off-road journey through rocky hamada (desert plateau) and dry riverbeds. The landscape is wild, expansive, and completely devoid of modern development or light pollution.
Best Time
November to March. The extreme summer heat makes the area inaccessible and dangerous.
Insider Tip
Ensure your tour operator uses...
Legzira Beach
Legzira Beach is famous for its colossal, natural red sandstone arches that dramatically span the sandy shoreline, carved over millennia by crashing Atlantic waves. The contrast of the deep red stone against the frothy white surf and blue ocean creates a profoundly striking coastal landscape. The beach is wild, relatively uncrowded, and stretches for miles, offering a raw, elemental beauty unique in Morocco.
Best Time
Summer (June to August) for warm weather, though the coastal fog can roll in at any time.
Insider Tip
Visit during low tide to...
Koutoubia Mosque
The Koutoubia Mosque is the largest mosque in Marrakech, instantly recognizable by its magnificent 77-meter-high minaret that serves as the city's primary landmark. Completed in the late 12th century, its classic Almohad architectural style—featuring intricate geometric stonework and a spire topped with brass orbs—inspired both the Giralda in Seville and the Hassan Tower in Rabat. It is surrounded by expansive, well-maintained gardens featuring roses, orange trees, and fountains.
Best Time
Late afternoon as the sun sets, casting a warm golden glow on the sandstone minaret.
Insider Tip
For the best photos of...
Meknes Medina
Once the imperial capital of Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century, Meknes is a grandiose city characterized by monumental gates, massive defensive walls, and expansive imperial complexes. The medina is smaller and more manageable than Fes, yet rich with historical significance, featuring the spectacular Bab Mansour gate—often cited as the most beautiful in North Africa. Inside, the souks are authentic and relaxed, and the mausoleum of Moulay Ismail is a masterpiece of Moroccan design.
Best Time
Spring and Autumn. Can easily be combined with a visit to the nearby Roman ruins of Volubilis.
Insider Tip
Don't miss the Heri es-Souani,...
Asilah Medina
Asilah is a beautifully preserved, whitewashed coastal town heavily influenced by its 15th-century Portuguese history. Its compact medina is enclosed by formidable stone ramparts that jut directly into the Atlantic ocean, offering spectacular sunset views. The town is most famous for its vibrant arts scene; every summer, during an international arts festival, the medina's white walls are painted with striking, large-scale murals by artists from around the world.
Best Time
August for the International Cultural Festival to see the artists at work, or September for a quieter visit.
Insider Tip
Walk along the sea walls...
Travel Tips for Morocco
- 1.
Dress modestly, especially in medinas
- 2.
Bargaining is expected in souqs
- 3.
Try mint tea and tagine