Most people think of Morocco as a place with busy and colorful markets, curvy and narrow streets full of homes and shops, and wild old towns, but what makes this northern African country stand out is what’s outside the walled gates.

Morocco has one of the most varied landscapes in the world. It has huge areas like the Sahara and windy towns on the coast. When you add the historical sites and great examples of early Islamic buildings in the royal towns of Fez, Meknes, and Marrakesh, you will see why Morocco is a great place to visit.

Since it has been around for a long time, it has also created a unique society that blends old practices with new growth. If you want to know what to do in Morocco, look no further than this list.

1. Hassan II Mosque

The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca is a magnificent piece of architectural work, and it holds the record for being the biggest mosque in all of Africa. Located on the seawall and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the mosque is a hybrid structure that combines contemporary design with traditional Islamic and Moorish architecture.

The minaret, which stands at a height of 690 feet, is easily its most distinctive feature. In addition to being decked out with tiles of chrome, green, and blue, it has been refitted with a laser beam that points in the direction of Mecca.

2. Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen is without a doubt one of Morocco’s most fascinating towns to visit. As you walk down the cobblestone paths, you’ll be immersed in a world of color. 

Bring your camera since there are picture possibilities wherever you look. Visit the fortified Place Outa el Hammam as well as the Chefchaouen Ethnographic Museum.

It is a famous shopping destination, with numerous local products not seen elsewhere in Morocco, such as wool clothes and handmade blankets. People who come to the area love goat cheese. The area near Chefchaouen is one of Morocco’s major cannabis growers. Hashish is sold across town but is mostly the domain of native Chaouenian.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Chefchaouen: Best Areas & Hotels

3. Tangier

Tangier is one of the most stunning Moroccan tourist destinations among all the European-looking Moroccan towns. The city played a significant part in Morocco’s literary history in the twentieth century and is mainly responsible for defining the nation as we know it today.

This history and culture are what draw visitors from all over the world. Tangier influenced works such as Paul Bowles’ The Sheltering Sky and William Burroughs’ Naked Lunch. Aside from the historical ambiance, you’ll also discover some surviving bohemian cafés and louche bars here to lounge in the heart of Morocco’s major tourist attractions.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Tangier: Best Areas & Hotels

4. Fez

Fez, one of Morocco’s most interesting sights, has everything you’d expect from a 1,200-year-old Maghreb city among the Middle Eastern deserts. Fès el-Bali, which happens to be the city’s medieval core, has a deep and mysterious maze of alleys and stairs situated among colorful tanneries and cottages that will blow your mind.

The exquisite boulevards of Ville Nouvelle, where the French erected gorgeous palm-fringed avenues and refreshing fountains beside expensive hotels and Parisian-styled streets, are another big attraction of this location.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Fez: Best Areas & Hotels

5. Marrakech

Marrakech, located north of the Atlas Mountains’ foothills, is a lively city with a vast medina and one of Morocco’s most renowned tourist attractions. There’s a lot to see here, from the central plaza of Djemaa El-Fna to the El Badi Palace and the busy souks or bazaars. One of the finest things to do in Morocco is go shopping, and Marrakech is the perfect place. Marrakech and Agadir are known as Morocco’s safest places to visit. This is one of the best places to see in Morocco.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Marrakech: Best Areas & Hotels

6. Ait-Benhaddou

Ait-Benhaddou, located in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, is home to structures constructed of earthy clay bricks. The fortified walled city was erected right on the caravan way between Marrakech and the Sahara during the 17th century and was once a flourishing commercial town.

Even though only a few people live within the city walls, Ait-Benhaddou draws tens of thousands of tourists every year coming to appreciate the unique and traditional Moroccan clay architecture.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Ait-Benhaddou: Best Areas & Hotels

7. Essaouira

Essaouira is a famous vacation town only a few hours outside of Marrakech. Its white and blue medina and colorful beachfront port are a tranquil respite from the rush and bustle of Morocco’s main towns. The high winds of the Atlantic Ocean make it a favorite kitesurfing location.

Although you may kite surf any time of the year, the best time is in summer when the trade winds are blowing. Kite surfing is available in some locations across the city; however, Sidi Kaouki and Moulay Bouzerktoun are among the most favorable spots for the sport. Essaouira is one of the most interesting destinations in Morocco, where all the tourists have just started to be professional surfers.

8. Legzira Beach

The breathtaking landscapes and natural splendor of Morocco are on full display at Legzira Beach. It is one of the most serene places in the nation, distinguished by its Martian-like rock formations and sandy beaches. You might easily spend the whole day admiring the red volcanic rocks and listening to the water scream.

Legzira Beach is also a famous surfing location. The consistently high surf and barreling waves are not suitable for recreational swimmers but perfect for surfers.

9. Erg Chigaga

A vacation to Morocco would not be perfect without a visit to the desert. The majority of travelers visit Erg Chebbi, which is rather simple to get to. However, it is worth going a little further to see the pristine dunes of Erg Chigaga.

Erg Chigaga is the largest construction in Morocco when you think of a deserted desert. It is utterly secluded from any villages or cities, with orange, rolling dunes as far as the eye can reach. If you want to visit, it’s best to travel with a guide since the dunes can only be accessed by off-road vehicles or camels.

10. Dades Valley

The Dades Valley is another of the best places to visit in Morocco” on your next trip. This valley, which runs between the ranges of Jebel Sahro and High Altas, is popular among Globetrotters because it provides beautiful views of the surrounding region. Don’t forget to visit Todra Gorge for the ultimate experience.

11. Rose Valley

Rose Valley is one of the top-rated attractions in Morocco for people looking to seek paths less taken. It is a sight to see, with its varied shades of green, pristine blue waters, snow-capped Atlas Mountains, and wide areas of olive and fig trees composing its scenery. This valley, a haven for adventure seekers, takes its name from the enormous pink rose gardens covering Morocco’s floors.

The delicious and overpowering aroma, pink vistas, and oil industries combine to make this valley an experience in May. One may spend hours soaking in the splendor that this location has to offer.

12. Ouzoud Falls

The Ouzoud Falls are one of Africa’s most stunning waterfalls, cascading down from 1800 meters and splitting into three major streams. There is a leisure facility near the waterfall where you may view the surrounding landscape or see the behaviors of yellow macaques drawn to the carob and fig fruits in this region. A natural pond produced by the waterfall’s waters is an excellent swimming spot. You may also take a boat to the bottom of the flowing waterfall.

Read More: Things to know before a trip to Morocco

FAQs

What is the best time to visit Morocco?

The best time to visit Morocco is during the shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, and the crowds are thinner compared to the busy summer season.

If you want to enjoy Morocco’s beaches, the summer months (June to August) with hot and dry weather and crowded beaches are the perfect time. In case you love to visit the Sahara desert, it is better to avoid the summer months, as temperatures can reach up to 50°C (122°F) during the day.

If your interests are culture, food, and festivals, you should visit Morocco during Ramadan (the ninth month of the Islamic calendar) or the Eid al-Fitr holiday that follows it. During this time, the cities come alive with nighttime markets and traditional celebrations.

What are the best cities to visit in Morocco?

The name of the best cities in Morocco that you must explore: Marrakesh, Fes, Casablanca, Chefchaouen, Tinghir, and Agadir.

Can you drink alcohol in Morocco?

In Morocco, the consumption of alcohol is legal and permitted for non-Muslims, but not widely accepted in the country’s culture. However, it’s important to note that drinking in public places is illegal and can result in fines or even imprisonment.