Morocco is a country full of amazing contrasts for a visitor, as it effortlessly moves from the stunning and vibrant imperial cities to the serene magnificence of the Sahara Deesrt, making it one of the best places to visit. Planning a Morocco travel itinerary requires an understanding of how to incorporate all these contrasting landscapes into a single tour. That is why we’ve made our Top Destinations in Morocco guide, to help travelers know the history and the best parts of the destinations they’re visiting.

1. Marrakech

This is a buzzing metropolis with many opportunities to enjoy the local culture. The center is the historic old medina, which is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The key sites here are the 19th-century Bahia Palace, decorated with geometric zellij tiles and carved cedarwood, the minaret of the old Koutoubia Mosque and Majorelle Garden with its cobalt-blue hues. In the evenings, Jemaa el-Fnaa square becomes a bustling place full of performers, storytellers and food stands. Alternatively, to slow down your pace, you can sign up for a class in traditional Moroccan cooking or have a rest in one of local hammams.

2. Fes

This city serves as the country’s spiritual and intellectual capital and offers a preserved sample of medieval Islamic lifestyle. A complete Fes travel guide starts from visiting the historic district of Fes el-Bali, which is the largest car-free urban area in the world. Passing through the Blue Gate (Bab Boujloud) will lead you into a labyrinth of approximately 9,000 winding streets. In this labyrinth, you can see the 11th-century Chouara Tannery, where leather is being processed in natural stone tubs, and the University of al-Qarawiyyin, which is considered to be the oldest continuously operating university in the world.

3. Casablanca

This is the commercial capital of the country situated on the Atlantic coast and featuring broad avenues and art-deco buildings. The main attraction of Casablanca is Hassan II Mosque built right over the ocean. The mosque boasts its 210-meter high minaret and its exquisite Moroccan wood carving, stucco and zellige tiling. This is also the country’s key gateway for international flights.

4. Chefchaouen

Situated far in the north in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is unique due to its blue colors. A short guide to Chefchaouen should help to highlight the relaxing atmosphere of its old town with walls, doors and staircases painted in various shades of blue. This is a preferred family destination because of its small size and peaceful mountain atmosphere that allows enjoying exploration, shopping of local hand-made wool textiles and strolling along viewpoints.

5. Essaouira

f you need a relaxed destination on the coast, Essaouira cannot be replaced. Called as “Windy City of Africa,” its Atlantic breeze allows enjoying there windsurfing and kiteboarding. The town features a whitewashed medina surrounded by 18th-century stone walls known as the Skala de la Ville. Different from other inland cities, this seaside town provides the atmosphere that allows watching the traditional blue fishing boats with catches returning back to the port, eating fresh seafood right by the docks and visiting art galleries.

6. Rabat

This is the capital of Morocco located on the seashore and offering a perfect mixture of the modern city-planning and ancient Islamic culture. This is a destination, which is often skipped by travelers who hurry, although it is a clean and tranquil destination with plenty of history. The highlights here include the Hassan Tower – an unfinished 12th-century minaret, and the adjacent Mausoleum of Mohammed V with marble walls. At the mouth of the Bouregreg River is the Kasbah of the Udayas – an ancient neighborhood with quiet blue-and-white alleyways, peaceful Andalusian gardens and ocean views.

7. Aït Benhaddou

This is a ksar (a mud-brick village) along the trans-Saharan caravan route between Marrakech and the desert. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the clay-built towers of this ancient village located in the dry region beside the Ounila River were featured in such movies as “Gladiator” and “Kingdom of Heaven.” Walking through its winding paths and reaching the granary on the top of the hill provides beautiful views of the surrounding desert oases, especially during sunrise and sunset.

8. The Atlas Mountains

This range divides the coastal area from the desert and provides various trekking options ranging from leisurely walks along the terraced fruit orchards of the Ourika Valley to multi-day tours. Many tourists choose to start their journey from the mountain village of Imlil and try to climb Mount Toubkal – the highest peak in North Africa that reaches 4,167 meters. The trails pass by Berber villages and provide clear views of the traditional way of life that is preserved there since centuries.

9. The Sahara Desert

Visiting the desert is one of the top priorities for most tourists coming to Morocco. Typically tourists only visit the desert on a booked tour in which they first head towards Merzouga, where the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi reach 150 meters high. After the heat of the noon, the tourists ride the camels through the amber sand to the campsite, where they can watch the sunset. The tour ends with camping in a campsite with heavy canvas tents, comfortable beds, private facilities, campfire music and stargazing at the night sky.

Choosing Your Time for Travel

The climate in Morocco varies greatly depending on location from the mountainous areas to the sea and the desert. Therefore, the choice of the best time for your visit depends on the weather. The best seasons for visiting several cities are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November).

Let iLink Tours Design Your Moroccan Journey

Our travel experts at iLink Tours have the skills and expertise to ensure that your travel to Morocco is smooth and without any hassles. We arrange itineraries that will see you experience the luxurious Moroccan vacations like never before; we do everything from arranging your transport to your personalized adventures. Let iLink Tours arrange your tailored Moroccan journey today.