Introduction
Morocco is a fascinating country with a rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural landscapes. From the bustling cities to the quiet villages, there is something for everyone in Morocco. If you’re planning a trip to this North African gem, you’re in for a treat. In this article, we’ll take you through the 15 top-rated things to do in Morocco. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an outdoor enthusiast, there is an activity for you on this list.
10 Top-Rated Things to Do in Morocco: A Guide to Exploring the Best of the Country
1. Take a City Break in Style in a Marrakesh Riad
Marrakech is known for its vibrant and bustling medinas, where you can get lost in the maze-like streets and alleys. The medinas are full of souks, where you can haggle for spices, textiles, and other local goods.
A riad is a traditional Moroccan medina mansion, with a courtyard garden in the middle. Many have been restored to finery and opened as hideaway small hotels that have swags of traditional Moroccan artisan expertise on display, with wood ceilings, tadelakt (polished lime plaster) walls, traditional zellij (ceramic tile) details, and brass swinging lamps.
Hidden within the medina alleys, and with rooftop terraces and internal courtyards (sometimes with plunge pools) to relax in, Marrakesh’s riad hotels make for a soft landing in the city and are good bases for exploring the medina.
2. Explore the blue city of Chefchaouen
The blue city of Chefchaouen is a picturesque town in the Rif Mountains. The entire town is painted in shades of blue, making for a stunning and unique visual experience.
The town is near Tetouan, 197 kilometers northwest of Fes, and 112 kilometers southeast of Tangier, making it an easy stop-off on a journey through Morocco’s northern region.
The main activity in town is simply wandering the skinny lanes and soaking up the atmosphere, though once you’ve marveled at the colorful streets, there’s plenty of hikes in the Rif Mountains to head off on.
Chefchaouen’s distinctive architecture, which features Spanish-style balconies and ceramic-tiled roofs, is due to the Muslim and Jewish refugees who were evicted from Spain in the 15th century and settled here. The blue color of the buildings, though, only began in the 1930s.
3. Sleep Under the Stars at Erg Chebbi
Erg Chebbi is a stunning area of rolling sand dunes in the Sahara Desert, and one of the best ways to experience it is by spending a night under the stars. You can take a camel trek into the dunes and spend the night in a traditional Berber camp. There’s nothing quite like watching the sunset over the dunes and then gazing up at the starry sky at night.
Merzouga (559 kilometers east of Marrakesh and 467 kilometers southeast of Fes) is Morocco’s most popular desert activity base, situated on the edge of the dune sand sea of Erg Chebbi. From here, people launch out into the Sahara scenery on sunset or sunrise camel treks, and sleep within the undulating dunes at glammed-up desert camps.
4. Go sandboarding in the Sahara Desert
The Sahara Desert is a must-visit destination in Morocco, and sandboarding is a fun and exhilarating way to explore the dunes.
A cross between surfing and snowboarding, sandboarding is the sport of sliding down sand dunes on an adapted board.
Experience the dunes in front of Tamri beach, on the outskirts of Agadir, when you book this fun half-day tour, with our driver who speaks more languages to show you the entire north coast of Agadir that links between the most beautiful surf beaches such as: Taghazout and Anza, and also its wonderful mountains.
If you’re looking for a thrill, why not try sandboarding in the Sahara Desert? Many tour companies offer sandboarding excursions where you can ride down the dunes on a board. It’s a fun and unique way to experience the desert landscape.
5. Treat Yourself to a Traditional Spa Break
For many Morocco visitors, one of the must-do activities while here is to experience a hammam. A hammam is a traditional bath with separate areas where guests soak and steam before attendants scrub you down (usually with Morocco’s local rhassoul clay).
Hammams traditionally played an important role in life, as many houses didn’t have their own bathrooms. Today, the historic traditional hammams you’ll find in the medinas of Fes and Marrakesh, with their domed ceiling architecture, offer a distinctly Moroccan-style spa experience.
When choosing a traditional spa break, it’s important to consider your personal preferences and goals. Some spas specialize in specific treatments or therapies, such as Ayurveda or acupuncture, while others offer more general wellness programs. You may also want to consider the location and atmosphere of the spa, as well as the qualifications and experience of the staff.
Overall, a traditional spa break can be a wonderful way to relax, recharge, and focus on your wellbeing. Whether you’re dealing with stress, aches and pains, or simply want to indulge in some pampering, there’s likely a spa break that’s perfect for you.
6. Relax on the Beach at Agadir
If you’re looking for a beautiful beach destination to relax and unwind, Agadir in Morocco is a great choice. Located on the Atlantic coast, Agadir is known for its long stretches of golden sand, clear blue waters, and year-round sunshine.
One of the main draws of Agadir is its beach, which stretches for nearly 10 kilometers along the coast. The beach is clean and well-maintained, with plenty of amenities like sun loungers, parasols, and beachside cafes. The water is also relatively calm and safe for swimming, making it a great choice for families and less experienced swimmers.
In addition to the beach, Agadir offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. The city is home to a vibrant souk, or market, where you can shop for traditional Moroccan goods like spices, textiles, and pottery. You can also visit the Kasbah, a hilltop fortress that offers stunning views of the city and the ocean.
For those interested in outdoor activities, Agadir has plenty to offer. You can take a camel ride along the beach, go horseback riding in the hills, or take a hike in the nearby national park. Water sports like surfing and windsurfing are also popular, with several surf schools and rental shops located along the beach.
At night, Agadir comes alive with a range of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a lively night out, there’s something for everyone in this bustling city.
Overall, Agadir is a great destination for anyone looking to relax on the beach and enjoy some Moroccan hospitality. With its warm climate, stunning scenery, and range of activities, it’s no wonder that Agadir is a popular choice for travelers from around the world.
7. Road Trip the Tizi n’ Test
The Tizi n’ Test is Morocco’s most famous mountain pass road, built in the 1920s to link Marrakesh with Taroudant (also spelt Taroudannt), 226 kilometers to the southwest. For self-drivers in Morocco, it’s the country’s must-do drive trip.
If the weather is good, it’s a very scenic journey with stunning mountain scenery along the way, as the pass creeps up via hairpin bends to 2,029 meters and then winds down again via more hairpin bends. Be aware, though, that sometimes, due to the high altitude, the pass is blanketed in clouds.
There are viewpoints with cafés at a couple of points along the way, for much-needed coffee and a rest after the white-knuckle drive.
Taraudant is the bustling medina town of The Souss region and the gateway from where to head farther south into the Anti-Atlas.
8. Trek the Anti-Atlas from Tafraoute
Tafraoute, in the Ameln Valley, is an excellent base for hiking and cycling in the surrounding valleys and mountains of the Anti-Atlas.
There are ancient rock engravings and interesting rock formations that can be reached on day hikes or cycles, while hiking through the fertile orchards, farmland, and villages of the Ameln Valley before ascending the summit of Jebel L’Kest makes for a highly photogenic week-long trek that offers a glimpse at Moroccan rural life, as well as stunning vistas.
Further afield into the Anti-Atlas from Tafraoute, Jebel Siroua and Jebel Aklim both offer multi-day trails heading through terraced hillsides between remote villages and vast mountain panoramas.
9. Mountain Bike or Hike the Ounilla Valley Area
Mountain bikers, hikers, and off-road drivers will love the trails here. They wind through this fertile valley of orchards and farmlands, speckled with isolated settlements and crumbling mudbrick kasbahs (forts) and ksar (fortified villages).
This High Atlas valley stretches from Telouet (127 kilometers southeast of Marrakesh) to the UNESCO-listed ksar of Ait Benhaddou, which is the main historic highlight and gets plenty of day trippers, but the valley itself is a peaceful slice of rural life where you’re unlikely to see any other visitors.
Multi-day treks or bike rides can be arranged, or it’s easy to use Telouet or Ait Benhaddou as bases for exploring the wider area with day hikes and bike rides.
10. Hot Air Balloon over Marrakesh
Marrakesh has become a popular hot air ballooning destination in recent years. This is the best opportunity to experience aerial views of the Marrakesh countryside, with the stark beige- and rust-colored plains bordered by the dramatic spine of the Atlas Mountains in the distance.
Due to wind and thermal conditions, hot air ballooning is an early morning activity, with take off timed to either see sunrise as you ascend or just after sunrise.
Flights are normally one hour long with trips afterwards, including a traditional Moroccan breakfast in Marrakesh’s palm groves area. There are also hot air balloon trip options that include a short camel ride or ATV tour, both amid the palm groves, in the price.
Alternatively, Agadir is another destination offering hot air balloon flights.
FAQs:
Q: What is the best time of year to visit Morocco? A: The best time to visit Morocco is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and comfortable.
Q: Do I need a visa to visit Morocco? A: It depends on your nationality. Some countries are visa-exempt, while others require a visa. Check with the Moroccan embassy or consulate in your country for more information.
Q: Is it safe to travel to Morocco? A: Morocco is generally a safe country for travelers. However, like any destination, it’s important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
Conclusion:
Morocco is a fascinating country with so much to offer. From exploring the medinas to trekking in the Atlas Mountains, there is an activity for everyone in Morocco. We hope this guide to the 10 top-rated things to do in Morocco has inspired you to start planning your next adventure in this beautiful country. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Morocco is sure to leave a lasting impression.
