Morocco is a vast diverse country ranging from the coastal towns in the North, through the Atlas mountains and into the Sahara. Best known for Marrakech and some of the rural treats, Morocco has a lot to offer beyond this too. The Sahara is starting to open up more and cities such as Fes and Tangier are a less touristy option. The food and welcome is fantastic with many day trips possible from wherever you are based. Short flight times from Europe and visa free too!
Community Tips For Morocco
There are many secondary locations well worth visiting in Morocco, such as Fes and the iconic Chefchaouen. Can be done in one trip or on separate ones as is only a short journey from Europe.
The local cuisine is well known throughout the world and available in most places in the country. Tagine and couscous are universal but also try mechoui (lamb), harira (soup) and many others too!
Go beyond the main souks if you can. Moroccans are used to tourists and the main souks are often more expernsive than the smaller versions nearby.
Carry some cash and exchange into the local Dirhams on arrival.
Some sellers can be overly excessive, so be assertive.
Travelling during Ramadan is possible but might be restrictive so do some research before going during that time.
Explore Morocco
Marrakech
Many different options to stay in the city from the luxurious hotels such as La Mamounia to camping. Riad L’Atelier recommended but the pool is on grdound floor and not in the sun. Other options are Beldi Country Club for a different vibe or Farasha Farmhouse (@alexxsaid.)
There are many places to eat on rooftops, so try one of these and overlook the chaos of the main square in peace! The lamb and apricot tagine from El Fenn is a real standout (@alexxsaid!)
The very popular Jemaa el-Fnaais square and medina is an experience and can feel overwhelming at times. Certainly well worth visiting but be wary of the unofficial guides that you don’t need and will try to prise some money out of you.
You don’t have to travel far to have a bit more of a relaxing time. Try Majorelle or Menara Gardens or camel rides in the Palmeraie perhaps.
Tangier
Easy access via low cost flights from Europe and also by sea from Spain or Gibraltar. Can mix and match to make it more adventurous.
If you get the boat back into Europe, allow some time as this is a major crossing for cargo and the border can be long-winded.
Despite being so close to Europe, Tangiers feels very Moroccan and authentic. Stay in the old town in one of the small hotels for the experience.
The sweeping beach is a short walk from the old town and more relaxing. Grab a drink in one of the bars and relax here. Great for running too along the coast, if you are into that!
Atlas Mountains
Try to stay in a riad for a more Moroccan experience. There are very high end ones but also very affordable options too.
Trekking is popular and you can try hiking up Mount Toubkal, which is Norrth African’s highest peak from its base in Imlil.
The culture in the Atlas is Berber, so embrace the local customs and food whilst you are there.
The Ourika Valley is located just one hour from Marrakech and is a lovely entry point into the mountains. It is very green and famous for hiking into the Setti Fatma waterfalls.
Sahara
The area, known as Western Sahara by Morocco, is opening up a lot more than before. There are now direct flights into Dakhla from Madrid on Ryanair and a new highway has been created linking the Sahara to the rest of the country.
If going by land, it is still a long way from the other main cities. Factor in the relevant time.
Dakhla is still relatively new to tourists. So, it is not comparable in terms of development with some of the other cities.
You need to be aware of the political situation. Whereas the only real danger lies towards the border with Algeria, it is a sensitive region so it is right to be respectful and don’t talk politics!
