23 Beautiful Reasons to Visit Morocco

To visit Morocco is not cheap but every penny spent there is totally worth it.

The country has a lot to offer – beautiful scenery, tasty food, hospitable people, and a quality and simplicity of life that is rare in our days.

These are the things that (in my eyes) make Morocco one of a kind travel experience.

1. Sahara Desert

sand dune
Sahara Desert Morocco

The Sahara Desert is the main reason why people travel to Morocco.

In Merzouga you can see the highest dunes and Morocco is a relatively safe destination to travel in comparison with the other countries where the desert occupies large parts of their territories.

2. Hassan II Mosque

2-Hassan II Mosque
Hassan II Mosque

Hassan II is the landmark of Casablanca but also the most beautiful mosque in Morocco.

It is a surrealistic experience to walk around its impressive construction surrounded by the mist coming from the ocean. Try to visit the mosque on Sunday morning when many people go to the prayer and the place comes alive.

3. Majorelle Garden

pathway next to trees
Majorelle Garden

Created by the French painter Jacques Majorelle but later the home of the designer Yves Saint-Laurent, this garden is a beautiful masterpiece combining oriental colors and exotic plants.

It is a quiet place in the middle of Marrakech, the busy imperial city of Morocco and also the house of the Berber Museum, exhibition of the Berber culture, lifestyle, and handcrafts.

4. The Riads

fountain
The Riads

Riads are traditional Moroccan houses that often are turned into small hotels.

Feeling cozy behind the thick walls of your guest house after wandering on the small narrow streets of the medina will be your time for indulging in all things Morocco has to offer – good food, excellent service and magical environment.

5. Medina

A store inside of a building
the Medina is a popular place in Morocco

Walking in the medina can be really challenging for a woman.

But the feeling of treasure hunting makes you feel excited in front of all these colorful babush slippers, spices, jewelry pieces, leather bags, tasty food and freshly baked bread.

There are hundreds of items that you can choose from, many of them handmade.

6. Moroccan mint tea and pastries

6-Moroccan mint tea & pastries
Experience Moroccan culture

Tasting mint tea and local pastries is another thing you should absolutely do while visiting Morocco.

It is always a good time when you enjoy these two, especially with a good view and pleasant company. The tea is served everywhere and tastes the same but the pastries vary depending on the place.

Be happy, you will always have those for breakfast in your hotel and you can kick start your day with a slice of pleasure!

7. El Bahia Palace, Marrakesh

7-El Bahia Palace
-El Bahia Palace

This palace has certain melancholy that is difficult to explain but easy to feel at the moment you put your foot on its floor.

The beauty of the architectural details and the refreshingly green garden make this place one of the top five to visit in Marrakech.

8. Morocco Interiors

bathroom sinks
Beautiful Moroccan design

Another of Morocco’s charms are its cozy houses and bold house fixtures. The sofas are large and low, the tables are small but just enough for the tasty food and refreshing tea.

Lanterns make mysterious shade and the ochre color of the tiles makes the whole room look warm.

Everything in the Moroccan style interior design is rustic but made with clear attention to the detail.

9. Carpets

blankets
Moroccan carpets

Having shared my addiction to the Moroccan interiors, it is understandable to share my love for Moroccan carpets.

As everything in this country, they are in strong and warm colors, with simple designs that can fit any style.

Your house can get a bright retouch with a Moroccan rug. The only problem can be its weight and volume for transporting it back home.

See how I landed in a carpet scam in Morocco – CAroline

10. Moroccan Landscapes

A canyon with a mountain in the background
Beautiful landscapes

Pictures speak for themselves, but you can’t get the real beauty of any landscape in a photo. Better to see it with your own eyes!

11. Oasis

dirt mountains behind a town
Morocco-oasis

Well, you have to go out of the famous cities like Marrakech and Casablanca, to pass the Atlas Mountains and on your way to the south you finally will get to take these unbelievable photos in orange and green colors.

Oasis still exist in Morocco, just like at the time of Lawrence of Arabia.

12. Colors

paintings
Colorful Morocco

In my opinion, Morocco is the most colorful country in the world.

The colors are everywhere you go.

The nature is full of bold reds, mulberry and orange, and ochre; the houses are overwhelmed with green and even the food has the whole gamma of colors thanks to the spices and freshly collected veggies.

13. Cats

A cat sitting on a motorcycle
Ubiquitious cats

The funny thing about Morocco that totally surprised me was the presence of the cats.

They were everywhere – at the town squares, tourist sites, hotel lobbies and even in the corners of the medina, calmly resting on their master’s motorbike.

And also like the human, they represent the typical features of their habitats – looking like beggars on the streets or having the look of a king in the garden of Saadian Tombs.

14. Hotel Mamounia

pool in front of a building
Hotel Mamounia

Synonymous for luxury and grandeur, La Mamounia is an obligatory stop for travelers in Marrakech because of its history and notorious clientele. And don’t worry if you don’t have the means to pay for a night stay.

You can just go and have a coffee at the hotel’s terrace where you will mix with the rich and famous people of the world.

15. Moroccan Architecture

A large stone building
You’ll love the architecture in Morocco

Kasbah is another traditional style house in Morocco which is mainly built inside the ksar, the Berber villages made from adobe.

You can see these villages at the foot of the Atlas Mountains when heading to the Sahara Desert.

Today, the typical architecture and traditional techniques and materials involved in the construction of the kasbah are used for building unique Moroccan hotels.

16. Hotels with amazing views

16-hotels with amazing views
Can’t beat those views

Moroccan landscapes are some of the most beautiful in the world.

They are changing with the regions but also with the change of the sunlight. And very often your Moroccan hotel will have a terrace with such a wonderful view that your time for coffee or tea will last much longer than you planned.

You just can’t take your eyes off the magnificent scenery!

17. Magical guesthouses

A bedroom
Traditional guest houses

Remember the 1001 Nights fairytale?

Staying at most of these traditional guest houses feels like you are in a different time and place, an imaginary world that can only be found in…Morocco, of course!

18. Todgha Gorge

18-Les Gorges de Todra
Les Gorges de Todra

Some places in Morocco are spectacular with their formations and colors. Todgha Gorge is one of them.

Its orange rocks are scary and impressive at the same time. The canyon is a favorite place for climbers but if you are not up to this, there is a small market where you can buy handmade goods and beautiful carpets from local people.

19. Volubilis

broken brick walls
Volubilis, Morocco

It is somewhat surprising to see Roman ruins in the abounding green fields near Meknes.

In our minds, Morocco is about the desert and Arabic lifestyle but in the past the life here had a different look.

The huge architectural site is full of small and beautiful ornamental details, different architectural styles and you most probably will take the whole morning to walk around these beautiful sites from another time.

20. Tajine

food on a table
Tagine

Moroccan food is what you will miss most back home. The reason why it is so tasty is in the spices used but also in the locally produced fresh ingredients.

Tajine (also ‘tagine’) is a method of slow cooking where the ingredients are placed in an earthen pot. There are different types of tajine, but you should definitely try the Berber tagine.

21. Moroccan pottery

Market
Moroccan pottery

Tajine is the name of the dish but also the pot used for its cooking. What you can do is to take one home with you, and every time you have a craving for Moroccan food you can do one at home.

When shopping for pottery in Morocco you should have in mind that some of the beautifully colored tajines are not for cooking and you better ask the seller for advice on which one is suitable for cooking and which one just for serving.

22. Unique places to relax

22-places to relax
-places to relax

After days spent walking among the desert dunes under the strong sun of the Sahara, you can relax surrounded by traditional architecture, clay walls, palm trees, and if you are lucky enough even a swimming pool.

Enjoy your time in this unique environment, you will not find it anywhere else in the world.

23. Unique souvenirs to buy

shoes on the ground
Unique souvenirs in Morocco

You may not be a person who buys souvenirs often, but here in Morocco you may find yourself seriously challenged.

In addition to the traditional pottery, rugs and lanterns, the fossils found in the Sahara desert are one of the best souvenirs that you can bring back home.

Desert roses and fossilized snail shells are sold by the Berber people that you will encounter in the desert. Sometimes it is the only way they can make some money and you can take beautiful pieces back home while helping these people to have a better life.

Popular Morocco Tours

Don’t want to visit Morocco alone?

You don’t need to take a tour in Morocco (you can travel there independently). But, if it’s your first time visiting, especially as a solo woman, it is a place to consider exploring with a guide.

  1. Alongside Intrepid, G Adventures is our preferred recommendation for group tours for their quality, adventure and service to giving back to local communities. See more tours of Morocco here. 
  2. Our partner, the Get Your Guide tour company offers tour operators with many Morocco tours and attractions tickets. They have the lowest prices, guaranteed — no booking fees or hidden charges.

You can pre-book tickets and skip the line at top attractions and cancel up to 24 hours before. Some best-selling tours are below:

 

Plan Your Trip to Morocco

Accommodation

  • Booking.com has over 3,800 properties in Morocco including hotels, apartments, and guesthouses. You get free cancelation on most rooms and a best price guarantee.

Flights

  • Skyscanner is a comparison website that searches millions of flights. Once you find your best deal, book directly through the airline (no extra fees).

Car Rental

  • DiscoverCars.com is a popular car rental booking service that compares all the major brands like Hertz, Avis, Alamo, and Europcar.

More Northern Africa Travel Tips

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Do you have any tips or questions on visiting Morocco? Please share in the comments below.

80 thoughts on “23 Beautiful Reasons to Visit Morocco”

  1. I just encountered a post about Morocco in another blog, seems like it’s a popular destination at the moment. How can you describe the security over there at the moment? Did you feel safe during your trip?

    1. You are right, it is popular and it is because Morocco is one of the more peaceful destinations in North Africa. You feel secure and people are really friendly and helpful. The only problem is that women often can feel harassed by unwanted attention. The one place where both women and men should be careful is the Medina of Marrakech.

  2. Absolutely love Morocco! Spent 6 months there and can’t wait to go there again…
    I might be mistaken, but most of your pics seem to be from Marrakech and Casablanca. (Maybe that’s also why you found Morocco rather pricey) If so, then small towns along the Atlantic coast are definitely missing in the list! They are totally different from the hectic Marrakech, very relaxing and inspiring. The most beautiful sunsets, surfing, beaches…Morocco has so much to offer indeed!

    1. Hi Victoria! I didn’t visit the Atlantic coast but hope to do this next time! I believe for 6 months you had plenty of time to discover the small towns but for a traveler having limited time in the country there are few main things to focus on. Thanks for sharing your tip!

      1. Totally understand you, Geri!
        But to be honest I’ve spent the most of those 6 months in one town only, me “personal paradise” as it appeared to be 🙂
        The deep deep south would be intresting to see though!

  3. I definitely want to visit morocco now :’) The interior design is breathtaking…
    on a side note, please check out my website! it’s for my e-business school project to encourage sharing of culture through postcard exchange 🙂

      1. Wanna visit morroco dis Christmas..am a party person..show me the best clubs in Casablanca we’re I can listen to hippop music

        1. Hey Demian,
          My name is Zeyna and I am from Morocco, Casablanca, so I kind of know all the clubs there.
          I recommend you V club, Maison B.
          Go to Brooklyn bar for the before, stay there until 1am and then go to V club.

  4. I’ve heard about Moroccan pastries and that they are really good in terms of taste. And true, that Morocco is a colorful city. Couldn’t agree more with these reasons you’ve mentioned!

  5. I just read through the entire article of yours and it was quite good. This is a great article thanks for sharing this informative information. I will visit your blog regularly for some latest post.

    Thanks
    AD

  6. Suck Valley Travel Guide

    The Sahara Desert picture is amazing, we rode our motorcycle through that desert back in 1998, was the most toughest experience of our life’s.

  7. Ah! completely Awe-inspiring photos! Especially #13 😀 Moroccan textiles and tile works are out of this world! So many Colors!
    Were there many musicians performing, what was the music like there, and how were the people’s response to you?

    1. Thanks for the kind words! The music is like Morocco itself – sounds mysterious but lively and easily digestible (don’t know even if I can use these words for music but it is how it felt) and you can hear it at restaurants or other venues, there are no groups on the streets like in Cuba. People are friendly, kind, helpful, very easy to make a contact and have a conversation. However, if you are fluent in French it helps a lot.

  8. The one thing that jumps out at me looking at all the photos is the colours. I would love to visit Morocco with my camera. I reckon I could spend weeks there and still want more.

  9. Great post! Morocco is fascinating on a grand scale (e.g. landscapes in the Sahara) but also so interesting in all the details (colours, textures, etc.) which you’ve captured so well here. Funny you should mention tea and pastries… I found that they often put so much sugar in the mint tea that it’s basically sweeter than pastry. 🙂

    I just came back from a month long trip in Morocco and put together some tips for those interested: http://www.indietraveller.co/morocco-travel-guide/

  10. Interesting post, loved the pictures! I couldn’t go to Morocco this year, but in my next Eurotrip I’m definitely going. Marrakech, Casablanca, the desert, and a few more places on my list, like Dakhla!

  11. Great article and nice pictures i’m very happy to read that 🙂

    Planning a trip to Morocco and stuck for things to do? Let Mouhou Tours guide you round one of the world’s most vibrant cities ,Mouhou tours is a Morocco travel company run by local bedouins and specialised in desert activities ( Camel Treks & Sahara Desert Tours ) .

  12. Morocco really is addictive isn’t it? You go once, you fall in love with the place and you find yourself coming back every time you can. Absolutely gorgeous country and perfect travel destination. Just one more reason to go to Morocco, Fès!

  13. A very interesting and informative article about Morocco ! I felt in love with some North’s beautiful places and hope I’ll go back there one day.

  14. Thank you so much for this wonderful post! I am typing this after spending a fantastic day in Marrakech and the surrounding areas taking lots and lots of photos; so got to see first hand the vibrant colours of the city. Tomorrow, planning a visit to Ouzoud waterfalls 🙂

    I have been visiting Morocco for around 10 years and now am building a travel company here which is awesome as I get to spend time visiting lots of interesting places before deciding which ones to build into our tours.

    For anyone visiting soon, let us know, we would love to see you! http://www.agoudaltravel.com

  15. Hello, all. Really great post. Thanks for sharing this. Morocco is really a very wonderful place. I just love it’s desert, culture, camel ride etc. This vacation I am planning to go for a trip to Morocco. I got some information from Anaam Tours about some places like Marrakech, Fez, Casablanca, Tanger. Hope I will enjoy my trip.

  16. We booked the 4 day/3 night sahara desert trip from marrakech. We were promptly met at our designated time by hamid in a nice SUV that was very comfortable. We then joined Youssef for the next few days. Youssef was a very intelligent, calm, and interesting person with a sense of humor. We enjoyed our discussions along the way. We booked the intermediate hotels and found each one to be comfortable and nicer than we expected. Each had excellent breakfasts and dinner choices. We had an amazing trip into the desert even though it started with an unpredictable sandstorm. After a thorough exfoliation, we enjoyed sunset, dinner and music in the Berber tents. The next morning was a beautiful sunrise. The camel ride was excellent and a memorable experience. Our guide in the desert was also friendly and helpful. Youssef continually went above and beyond to make our trip pleasant. I would highly recommend anyone considering a desert trip to use sahara desert crew!

  17. Lúcia de Oliveira

    Our cool … that Morocco is a dream for me to go … I’m saving money to make the trip of my dreams is to know Morocco. Here at your site already gives up to become more excited because the content and the pictures are really fantastic. Congratulations!!!

  18. Me & my partner had a wonderful travel experience in Morocco. We mad Marrakech our holiday base so we visited the Atlas mountains, Sahara desert and Essaouira on the coast. Our 10 days there were very special as we every single day would see & visit somewhere different. Our fluent English speaking guide named Youness, who made our holiday exceeds all our expectations.
    We booked our Sahara tour and day trips with Morkosh Tours http://www.morkosh.com

  19. Lovely article to read, thanks for sharing.
    My husband and two adult sons wanted a different holiday experience this year and decided to visit Morocco. We’ve lived in Europe and traveled extensively, but none of us knows North Africa. I discovered ( Marvelous-moroccotours.com ) online and sent a note explaining what we were looking for. Iddir’s responses to all my emails were thorough and amazingly timely. His recommended itinerary was perfect. We particularly enjoyed the desert camel ride and bivouac under the stars, and visit with a Berber family–really unique experiences we would not have found on our own.
    Our driver Said was the best, always attentive and willing to adjust to our needs. Iddir knows his drivers, tour guides and recommended riads and restaurants well. he is the best travel agent I’ve ever worked with, by far. My family has highest recommendations for Marvelous Morocco Tours!!
    marvelous-moroccotours.com

  20. What a fantastic detailed information about Morocco, thank you Geri for sharing such wonderful tourist spot. I am working in Dubai and myself was not aware of these places.

    1. you can use any way of paying in all big cities and touristic places, but in the rural areas its better to have the moroccan currency DIRHAM

    1. Lagzouli abderrahim

      I am a young Moroccan, married and have two children. I have a large house with all the necessities of living. I propose to receive a family that wants cultural tourism for two months. I have to eat, drink and move for 2000 euros. In addition to living in my house in Agadir, In Casablanca, and my grandfather’s house in Badia, the outskirts of the city of Essaouira, all this encourages my care and the legal obligation of the authorities to ensure the safety and security of the visiting family

  21. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! also thank for puting the “Sahara Desert” the first the things that make Morocco one of a kind travel experience. I’m from that places, and like this things make me proud of my area, and my country.
    Any ways here is a few tips for those who are interesting in visiting Morocco :
    -Morocco is at its most beautiful in spring (mid-March to May) when the landscape is green and lush, making for spectacular mountain hiking. Morocco is also lovely in Autumn (September to October) when temperatures are very pleasant.
    -Weather in May :
    Expect daytime temperatures to reach 27°C with on average 9 hours of sunshine per day in Morocco in May.
    -Popular Morocco destinations : Marrakech with its famous square, Fes with its old Medina, Ride camels in Merzouga desert, Ouarzazate ( See the old Kasbah Of Ait Ben Haddou), Chafchaouen (The small blue town ), and Essaouira for those who like the beach…

    All the best!

    1. Hi!
      I’m planning on visiting Morocco with a friend in February. What is it like at that time of year? Could you possibly tell me about the security situation in general, as I understand it’s quite a safe country.

      1. Hello the situation is perfect don’t think to much come to morocco Marrakech and enjoy it.
        And if you need a driver I am at your disposal

  22. Hi Geri, just want to say Thanks you for this amazing travel post about Morocco. Your post layout and images are amazing compare to other travel blogs, and I hope you can keep the good work. I am also a travel enthusiastic who love to explore the world within budget and I found so many useful information from your post, such as the Medina market(can I say it is a market? lol), Sahara Desert and the food called Tajine. For sure, I will try them when I am there this year. I have also seen people are talking about some other places like Ait Ben Haddou Palace, do you think the place is a good view spot to go? I am concerned about the safety and financial, if it is worth the time and money, I will add it to my list. Once again, thanks a lot!

  23. Hey Geri, extremely useful article. Headed there to do a full circuit of a route from Casablanca, fes, merzouga, todra, Marrakech, essouira. Was wondering if you have any leads or info on how best to manage our travel / road trip from the time we land in Casablanca to when we take off from there. Thanks

  24. I did not find Moroccan food as good as been told – it was blank, no much spice, tired of tajine which is not much tastes.
    Architecture is most cases the same across the country.
    I like traveling there but would not tell it is the must visit place.
    Sahara was good, yes

  25. Hello Geri!

    I was in Chefchaouen last year – and I don’t recall being in another place that felt so whimsical.

    Great read and pictures – thank you!

    Mick 🙂

  26. I’m in love in Morocco. Visiting once, I can’t forget the atmosphere and nature….and culture…and cuisine! I like it all! I was in one very authentic Riad in Marrakesh. Totally advise to visit. Sirocco d‘Amour Boutique Hotel. It is a small part of Morocco. Courtyard with gorgeous lanterns, unique design, elegance and austerity, harmony of simplicity…My love))

  27. The worst country I’ve ever traveled to. There were lots of rude people on the streets harassing and trying to mislead me about tourist attractions. When I ignored them, they swore at me. Moroccans trying to steal your assigned seating in trains and airplanes are common too. Our local guide had to warn us about that. If you like trying out a country’s cuisine you will be very disappointed as the food variety in the country is low. If you like to eat meat you get the choice of having it overcooked in skewer or tagine form. If you are a vegetarian you don’t even have the option of the skewer. You can sample most of Morocco’s cuisine in just 2 days. The hygiene of the food matches the quality. I got food poisoning twice over 3 weeks and by the end of the trip a third of the group had gotten sick. Contrast that to my trip to India where no one in my group got sick.

  28. Wow….such an amazing place to visit which provides most Historical monuments, long stretching Sahara desert with large territories, providing good food, basic amenities, nice culture and many things as per the content so I have planned to joined these trip with yougomorocco.com with my friends in these coming year

  29. Such a lovely post and such a lovely adventurous family, We are very happy that you find time to share your traveling experience in Morocco.

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