It’s overwhelming + chaotic. It’s crowded + bustling. It’s sensory overload + magic. It’s old world. It’s new world.

Morocco, it’s a true adventure.

From deserts to mountains to coastline, it’s a stone throw from Southern Europe, but it feels like a world away. Truly. Being our first country we have ever explored in Africa we wanted to make sure that we planned a trip that was epic. A trip where we could hit the road with our crew and drive, explore, get a taste of what Morocco was all about + be free. Here are a few of the best places to visit in Morocco in order from South to North because honestly we couldn’t rank them. 

Our Top Places to Visit in Morocco

Merzouga

The Sahara Desert is magic and most certainly needs to be included on any well-rounded Moroccan itinerary. Merzouga is an excellent town to use as a jumping off point to experience the magic of the region. Unlike many stereotypically think, the weather in the desert can be a bit unpredictable, so if you are bent on experiencing the desert to the fullest (and why shouldn’t you be? You have travelled all this way already!) we highly recommend budgeting two days to explore. 

Todra Gorge

Most tourists will stop at the Gorge for a rest break, perhaps a very quick bite, a walk (or drive) through the the towering cliffs, snap a pic of the sheer walls that surround them, and then load back up bound for a better known site. In our opinion, these folks may be “seeing the Gorge,” but they’re totally missing the magic. Todra Gorge (like many places we have travelled) can be experienced with the masses, but the best way to digest the incredible beauty is to hike into the rocks and admire the views and the geologic wonder from a different perspective. Todra Gorge is the perfect example how venturing off the beaten path can afford the most majestic of experiences. You’ll want to budget a solid day to explore + hike. We highly recommend staying at Auberge Le Festival, a beautiful hotel built right into the rocks of the gorge. 

Gorges du Dades

Located in the heart of the Atlas Mountains in the province of Thingir is a gorge that has been carved out by the Dades River. The gorge itself is certainly an incredible geologic wonder, however, the show stopper is Zik-Zak road, a serpentine stretch of pavement which winds its way up to an area that will give you excellent views of the area. If you’re in the mood to make a bit of a longer stop take a seat at Cafe Timzzillite and enjoy a coffee. If you’re on a tight budget however, the views next to the cafe are just as good in our opinion. You’ll want to budget an afternoon to enjoy this scenic drive as there are lots of places to snap some incredible photos.

Ait Ben Haddou

Noted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, this fortified town has had a long historical importance. A popular caravan stop long ago turned into a popular tourist destination, the largest Kasbah……. Sure you could opt to stay in Ouzarate, a much bigger town just down the road, but we think waking up to views of the Kasbah is better. There are lots of little gems in this around this town, to hit the top highlights you’ll want to budget 1 – 1.5 days to explore.

Marrakech

The largest city in Morocco, Marrackech is every bit the busy, loud, and exotic city you would imagine. While there are modern portions of the city, the beating heart of the city is undoubtedly its Medina (marketplace). A UNESCO World Heritage site in itself, it is a labyrinth of narrow overflowing with life, noise, and anything you could possibly want to buy. Make sure you bring your A game, however, because here haggling is essential.  If shopping isn’t your thing, just walking around is a feast for the senses, and there is also a venerable treasure trove of mosques, museums, and palaces to explore.

Essaouira

A city that derives its name from two rivers, Alcobaça is a charming little town only ~100km north of Lisbon making it a great day daytrip. The real draw, however is the incredible monastery. Built in the 12th century it is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and several of Portugal’s past monarchs have been put to rest here. Walk amongst their ornate mausoleums and learn about the very sad love story of King Pedro I and Inés de Castro. Plan on spending somewhere around three hours here to explore.

Casablanca

Mention Morocco to an American, and most people are going to think of Casablanca. Heck, if you search Casablanca in google, stats about the 1942 movie instead of the Moroccan city itself. While there is a Ricks Cafe in the city (the one in the movie was purely fictitious), the cities real claim to fame is the incredible Hassan II Mosque. Its one of the only mosques in the country that non-muslims can enter, and while no on knows the exact cost of its construction, its estimated to be somewhere between 400-700 million USD, and once you take in the intricate woodwork, titanium doors, and retractable roof you start to feel like that may actually have been a bargain.

Fes

Generally considered to be the cultural capital of Morocco, the city of Fes itself is another one of the countries UNESCO World heritage sites. It is home to the oldest and largest Medina in the country, famous tanneries, ancient tombs, extravagant palaces, and beautifully intricate mosques. Spend some time wandering through the Medina and basking in the chaos and noise. It’s easy to imagine life here during medieval times, as it probably isn’t much different now than it was in the 14th century.