Morocco is a pretty incredible country to explore. Now, I know I say that to lots of places, but I truly mean it! It’s one of those countries that’s so much more than just the Souks of Marrakech, with so many of the best things to do in Morocco outside of the city itself.
From the unspoilt Atlas Mountains, gorging on all the tagines, visiting the blue village of Chefchaouen and seeing the red landscape of Legzira.
You’ll be spoilt for choice.
You’ll have the best time exploring, just remember to plan ahead and gorge on all the amazing food and tasty sweet tea (I swear, I was on a sugar high throughout our whole trip).
Anyway, before I continue rambling, take a look at some of the very best things to do in Morocco.
You’re going to love it.
1.) Explore Casablanca
Hands down, one of my favourite sites in Casablanca has to be the Hassan II Mosque (Google Maps pin). It’s breathtakingly beautiful and a place you have to see when in the city.
If you’re looking for some local pottery or leather goods, pop over to the Quartier Habous, where you’ll find lots of treasures to take back home. You’ll also find a good few spots in the old medina, too.
If you’re looking for a good foody spot, pop into Al Mounia (Google Maps pin), which serves up the tastiest tagines and lamb. Yes, it’s a bit more expensive than some of the local tavernas, but it’s well worth it.
Looking for the best hotel in Casablanca? Make sure to book this suite at the iconic Royal Mansour Casablanca. It’s one of Morocco’s best hotels and is so beautiful. Not only that, the design is so chic and the most incredible oasis after a day exploring Casablanca.
2.) See the medina in Fez
One of the best things about Fez is its thriving cultural scene; it’s filled with everything from artists’ galleries, history and amazing crafts. It’s a city you really shouldn’t miss. When you’re there, make sure to visit the medina; you’ll get to see lots of tanneries if you want.
However, controversial opinion, I can’t say I’ve ever seen one that’s left me in awe or inspired me to see more – maybe I’ve been unlucky.
For some gorgeous Moroccan buildings, head over to Bou Inania Medersa or the crumbling Tombe dei Merenidi. You’ll love the charm, and it really is one of the best things to do in Morocco.
3.) Wander through Aït Benhaddou
Possibly one of my favourite places in Morocco, Aït Benhaddou (Google Maps pin) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that looks like it’s carved within the mountain itself. This small village is known locally as an ighrem (something similar to a walled and protected village) that was once used as a stopping point for traders through the desert.
Although very few people live here now, it’s still an incredibly beautiful village to see. Just make sure to arrive early to avoid the crowds (and that intense midday sun).
Read more: Best things to do in Marrakesh
4.) See the city of Marrakech
Marrakech needs no introduction. It’s probably the most well-known city in all of Morocco (at least, internationally).
Make sure to explore the markets and souks to find some gorgeous leather goodies. See the beautiful Jardin Majorelle, visit Ben Youssef Madrasa, El Badi Palace and wander around the Bahia Palace.
One note of caution about the snake charmers you see in the streets, often the snakes are captured from the wild, and some even have their mouths sewn shut and fangs pulled out (so they can’t harm us).
This essentially starves the snake to death. Once this happens, a replacement is caught. You can read all about it here. Now, I’m not a fan of snakes, but this is cruel.
Looking to stay in an authentic riad in Marrakesh? Make sure to book this room at Riad Palais Sebban. It’s right in the heart of historic Marrakesh, and these rooms are absolutely stunning. Plus, it’s only a short stroll from Jamaâ El Fna Square. It’s perfect.
Read more: Best things to do in Marrakesh
5.) See the Blue Village of Chefchaouen
Around 60 km south of Tangier, and perched within the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen (Google Maps pin) is an iconic village you won’t want to miss.
It’s stunning and easy to visit by booking this incredible tour from Fes that’ll take you all around the blue town itself. The tour itself is around 12 hours and well worth it to learn more about the local learn about culture and history of Chefchaouen.
It really is iconic and one of the best things to do in Morocco when exploring the country. The old town is literally awash with blue buildings that make it such a unique place to see.
Make sure to visit the medina, you’ll find it a much more relaxing and calm experience compared to the souks of Marrakech. The Spanish Mosque is also a great little spot to see.
Book: Day Tour to the Blue Town of Chefchaouen
6.) Walk the desert at Merzouga
In the east of Morocco is the tiny village of Merzouga. Situated a stone’s throw from the Algerian border, it’s nestled in the sand dunes that make this a perfect place to explore the Sahara Desert. If you’re really lucky, you might even spot a few flamingoes too.
The drive from Marrakech can be up to 10 hours, so make sure you book yourself on a responsible tour that’ll take you. You can usually pair this up with a night in the desert yurts, too.
Want to stay longer? You can book a 3-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga. You’ll get to stay at a Bedouin camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes (which is such a unique experience) and get to see the Kasbah of Ouarzazate, too.
Book: 3-day desert safari from Marrakech
7.) Explore the capital, Rabat
Perched on the Atlantic Ocean, Rabat is the capital city of Morocco. Make sure to visit the Kasbah des Oudaias, see the Hassan Tower and explore the Royal Palace. For some tasty food, pop into Dar Zaki, which serves a heart-warming Harira Soup.
Looking for the best hotel in Rabat? Make sure to book this iconic and totally historic Riad Dar Soufa that is right in the heart of old Rabat. The riad is beautiful and the perfect (and totally chic) spot to relax after a day exploring the city. We love it.
8.) Spend a few days in Tangier
At the entry point of the Mediterranean Sea, Tangier (Google Maps pin) faces across to Gibraltar and Spain on the other side of the Gibraltar Strait. Make sure to visit the Medina (I know, I say that in every city), see Hercules Cave and go inside the Tangier Casbah.
Oh, and don’t forget, if you are in Tangier, you can easily book this tour to Chefchaouen and Akchour Waterfalls, too. It’s well worth visiting.
For a great Riad in Tangier, make sure to book Riad Al-Qurtubi. It’s one of the most authentic and totally chic places to stay in Tangier and such a respite from the hustle and bustle of Tangier itself. Plus, the team are so friendly and the rooms are gorgeous.
9.) Hike the Gorges of Dades
Finding some of the best things to do in Morocco is never hard when it comes to natural sites, such as the Gorges of Dades (Google Maps pin). Carved by the Dadès River, it’s a place you should head to see some gorgeous vistas.
Plus, if you’re a geology buff, you’ll love it! You can also go on a few different hikes around the gorges, just make sure to go with a guide, as the terrain will be unfamiliar.
Read more: Best things to do in Marrakesh
10.) Visit Moulay Idriss Zerhoun
Nestled at the bottom of Mount Zerhoun, Moulay Idriss Zerhoun is an important village to locals and Moroccan Muslims, too. This was the first spot where the Idrisid dynasty came to power and brought Islam to the country. Around the town itself, you’ll find loads of hiking and walking routes that are great early in the morning. Inside the town, you’ll find quaint little bakeries, olive pressing shops and plenty of coffee spots.
To make things easier, book a private tour from Fes, which will take in Meknes, Volubilis and Moulay Idriss.
11.) See the gorgeous Ouzoud Waterfall
Close to the village of Tanaghmeilt, the Ouzoud Waterfall is a great little spot to see in the Atlas Mountains. You can visit the falls by booking this day trip tour from Marrakech if you don’t fancy leaving the city overnight. Plus, they’ll help you spot the monkeys of the Grand Atlas, too.
One point to remember, it’s not recommended to swim in the falls (due to currents and the lack of safety), but you will probably see a few people bathing on the sides or on the boats (that is a must). You’ll be able to explore some tiny Berber Villages (like these) on the way, too.
Read more: Best things to do in Marrakesh
12.) See the arches of Legzira beach
Not too long ago, some of the arches (that make Legzira Beach (Google Maps pin) famous) collapsed into the sea. Yeah, this is sad, but a totally natural process that happens when the sea erodes the coastline. You obviously won’t be able to see all the arches anymore, but that shouldn’t stop you from visiting. It’s still a lovely beach, especially at sunset, and you can still admire the gorgeous red cliffs and other arches that have survived. You’ll find lots of food spots, too.
It’s still very popular with visitors (as let’s be honest, it’s often tipped as one of the best things to do in Morocco), so if you’re not keen on crowds, I’d recommend avoiding weekends
Read more: Best things to do in Marrakesh
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