Morocco has this eternal charm that distinguishes it from the rest. It’s just a skip across the sea from Europe, but it feels like going back to medieval days. You’ve got the lively Sidi Ifni and vibrant Fes – the chill mountain villages of Morocco with orangey landscapes hiding behind them are the place to be. Move around a little and mix in rivers bordered by lush greenery, along with the ancient kasbahs of Essaouira; you have quite a list filled with must-see spots when visiting Morocco.
Of course, there are all the stereotypical touristy things in Morocco, but it has been a very underrated place. To put it in one line, Morocco is a great tourist place – Morocco is where you’ll discover something very special and intriguing.
8 Places that You Must Explore in Morocco
Check out these awesome spots in Morocco! We’ve got cities, beach towns, and some seriously beautiful natural spots on the list. Whether you’re into city vibes, beach hangouts, or just soaking in nature, this list will help you figure out the best places to hit in Morocco. It might even nudge you to start planning that Morocco trip you’ve been thinking about.
Rabat
Let’s start with Rabat, which is the capital. Rabat is one such capital that attracts as many tourists as other capitals. It has two main places, the Old Town and New Town. The New Town is exactly where you would want to be for some shopping and basking in the sunshine at the open-air bars and cafes.
If you’re up for a bit more hustle and history, hit up the Old Town. You’ll find these cool Moroccan markets (souks), and they’re prime for exploring, snagging awesome deals, and doing some good old people-watching. And don’t forget to swing by Chellah and check out the ancient Roman ruins. Seriously stunning stuff.
Essaouira
Essaouira’s Medina has this cool charm and buzz that’s hard to miss. The local markets are all about that traditional vibe, and the port, famous for Game of Thrones, is alive with fishermen hauling in their morning catch.
But beyond the hustle, there’s this laid-back feel in the air. Wander around Essaouira, check out hidden art galleries in narrow streets, and sip on drinks at cafes along shady sidewalks. Essaouira’s streets, chilled sundowner sessions by the port, and tasting fresh regional foods firmly put it on our list of must-visit spots in Morocco.
Casablanca in Morocco
Casablanca, the biggest and most modern city in Morocco, sits right by the Atlantic Ocean, pulling double duty as the main port. It’s like this enchanting mix of awesome architecture, history, culture, and just a touch of sophistication. Picture a bustling city with palm trees along the paths and big buildings at every turn.
Just like any Moroccan city, the Medina is the heart of Casablanca. It’s one of the biggest medinas around, rocking this cool mix of vibes, art-deco buildings, and the Hassan II Mosque. By the way, the Hassan II Mosque is the second largest in Africa and the seventh largest globally — a real showstopper in Casablanca. And let’s not forget the beaches along the coastline, offering up all sorts of watersports, from jet-skiing to diving and boating.
Zagora
Zagora, tucked into the Draa Valley, is a spot you don’t wanna miss if you’re up for a unique desert vibe. The town offers stunning views of Morocco’s rolling dunes, and the Tinfou Dunes are a real showstopper.
Gotta hop on a camel for the full desert experience—it’s a must. You’ll get a taste of the local Berber culture and traditions. And here’s the kicker for an unforgettable time: spend a night chilling under the stars in a classic Berber tent. Imagine the calm of the desert and the magic of a crystal-clear night sky. Zagora’s like a peaceful oasis, giving you a sneak peek into a whole different world.
Fes
Fes, the cultural center of Morocco, sits up northeast and rocks this UNESCO tag as an ancient walled city. It’s got the world’s oldest university (since 859) and a library dating back to 1359. Everywhere you turn, it’s a crazy mix of medinas, poppin’ colors, mosques, tagine, schools, and just pure chaos. Fun fact: Fes holds the crown for being the biggest car-free zone in the world.
Now, why’s Fes the spiritual heart of Morocco? Well, it’s loaded with religious schools, Islamic scholars, and a bunch of craftspeople keeping it real with stuff like intricate wood carving, hand-wrought metalsmithing, and cool zellige tilework. Plus, you’ll find hammams and museums sprinkled all over the place. Fes is basically Morocco’s holy and spiritual HQ.
Sidi Ifni in Morocco
Check out Sidi Ifni, this cool fishing spot in the southwest of Morocco with a Spanish twist. Sidi Ifni used to be Spanish turf, and you can still spot hints of that today.
It might not be as big and flashy as the major cities, but Sidi Ifni has that year-round warmth, a laid-back vibe, and some seriously stunning beaches. It’s like the perfect spot in Morocco for a chill getaway, especially hitting up the iconic Legzira Beach.
Aït Bouguemez
Up in the Atlas Mountains’ north side, Aït Bouguemez gets the title of Morocco’s prettiest valley from many.
Get mesmerized as you envision Shepherds guarding their flocks around, women hustling in the fields, doing their thing with crops, and the smell of Berber tagines filling the air from clay ovens in the villages. Now, if you’re up for a different Moroccan vibe, take a hike from village to village in the Aït Bouguemez valley. It’s like a whole other world compared to the busy cities most tourists hit up.
Marrakech
Marrakech, the third-biggest city in Morocco and one of the four imperial ones has a prime spot at the foot of the Atlas mountains, just a hop away from the Sahara desert. It’s like this mix of history, stunning palaces, cool museums, lush green gardens, and a banging shopping scene – basically, tourist heaven.
This place is loaded with Berber town vibes and tons of attractions that can pull in folks from all over. It’s split into two parts: the old-school Medina with its maze of streets and vibrant markets, and the new kid on the block, Gueliz or Ville Nouvelle, rocking modern spots, restaurants, and shopping malls. Oh, and Medina snagged a UNESCO World Heritage Site title. Talk about a city that’s got it all!
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The timeless allure and the sense of a distinctly medieval charm make Morocco something very special, an intriguing combination of historical richness and natural beauty. From cities as energetic and lively as Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech to the quiet desert atmosphere of Zagora, each place brings its own particular flavor to the typical Moroccan lifestyle.
Morocco may have been given a short shrift, but it is a treasure waiting to be unlocked. Every nook and cranny reveals something special, enchanting beyond the touristy facades. It doesn’t matter whether you are looking for city energy, beach holidays, or desert views – Morocco will provide an unforgettable journey full of memorable moments. So, get ready to PackYourBags and start a stress-free voyage that will leave lasting memories.