Morocco is an incredible country to visit, with so many diverse and unique experiences on offer along its length and breadth. Whether you’re into mountain scenery, desert escapes or coastal beauty, you’ll find everything you could want (and more) in this North African nation. Its enchanting cities are drenched in history, as well as being vibrant urban hubs with contemporary arts and music scenes.
Keeping all of that in mind, it’s difficult to whittle down my favourite Morocco travel experiences to just a few, as there have been many moments during my explorations here when I have been left speechless. But in the spirit of helping you plan an unforgettable adventure in Morocco, I’ve done just that.
Read on to discover my top 10 travel experiences in Morocco, in no particular order (because that would be waaaaaay too hard!)
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Scenic drive through the Dades and Todra gorges
If there’s one experience that made me truly fall in love with Morocco, it was driving through the spectacular gorges of Dades and Todra. Located partway between Ouarzazate and the Sahara Desert, these dramatic canyons were carved over millions of years by their namesake rivers, which are fringed by fertile fields and fruit orchards. Authentic local villages and kasbahs line the roads that wind through each gorge, making a scenic drive here all the more spellbinding.
The Todra Gorge is perhaps the more famous of the two, with its towering limestone cliffs soaring up to 300 metres in some sections. Further west, the Dades Gorge is a more expansive canyon, with limestone and rust-hued sandstone mingling to create a mesmerising array of textures in the rock. While you could easily visit both in a day, I’d highly recommend staying a night or two at Riad Lalla in Todra or La Perle du Dades to experience everything this area has to offer.
While it’s relatively easy to hire a car in Morocco and embark on a self-drive itinerary through Dades and Todra, they can also be visited as part of a multi-day tour from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert.
To learn more about exploring Dades and Todra gorges, including things to do and the best places to stay, check out my detailed guide here.
Top travel experiences in Morocco
Overnight in a luxury Marrakech riad
With its bustling medina, energised souks and captivating architecture, Marrakech is one of Morocco’s most intoxicating destinations. It’s high on the list of many travellers’ “must-visit” places, not only for its incredible shopping but also its amazing riad hotels. In fact, sometimes I go to Marrakech simply to stay at a different riad, many of which have amazing rooftop terraces from where you can listen to the call to prayer ring out across the city.
If your budget allows, I would highly recommend splurging for a night or two in one of Marrakech’s luxury riads, some of which are remarkably affordable. Riad Luciano Hotel and Spa is an alluring option with its pool and hammam while Palais Tara & Spa is popular with families. Pure House Marrakech is ideal for slow travel enthusiasts, as is Riad Les Hirondelles with its understated luxury aesthetic. If sustainability is important to you, consider Riad Kaiss.
To discover more sustainable riads in Marrakech, check out my 7 top picks here.
Top travel experiences in Morocco
Surf the breaks around Taghazout
Ever since the 1960s, Taghazout has been a popular spot for hippies and has now established a reputation as one of the world’s top surf destinations. Situated along Morocco’s Atlantic coastline, this picturesque seaside community is blessed with an abundance of world-class waves that have drawn legions of boardriders from across the globe…including me! It’s also the best place to learn to surf in Morocco, with no shortage of friendly surf camps and schools offering plenty of support.
The crown jewel in Taghazout’s lineup of waves is undoubtedly Anchor Point, a legendary spot renowned for its steep takeoffs and overhead barrels. Just down the coast lies Boilers, another iconic wave named after the boiler of a sunken shipwreck lurking just beneath the surface. For a mellower vibe, check out nearby Hash Point or La Source, where you can catch some fun right and left-handers. On the southern edge of Taghazout lie Panoramas and Cro-Cro, a beach break that’s popular with beginners.
For more information about planning a surf vacation in Morocco, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Taghazout and Tamraght or this article detailing Morocco’s Best Surf Spots.
Top travel experiences in Morocco
Spend a night (or two) in a Sahara Desert camp
Spending a night in the Sahara Desert is a transformative experience and one of the most unforgettable adventures you can have in Morocco. It’s not only an opportunity to experience the beauty and all-encompassing silence of the desert but also the hospitality of the Amazigh communities who operate the welcoming camps here. Spend your days hiking, camel trekking and 4x4 adventuring through the vast dunes before evenings gathered around the crackling warmth of a campfire while feasting on Moroccan cuisine.
When it comes to planning a Sahara Desert experience, you can opt to visit the more accessible Erg Chebbi dunes or venture to the more remote and rugged dunes of Erg Chigaga (you can learn more about the difference here). There are lots of Moroccan Sahara Desert tours to choose from or you can organise your trip directly with one of the desert camps. Erg Chebbi Camp, Sahara Wellness Camp and Merzouga Stars Luxury Camp all receive rave reviews (if you’re heading to Erg Chebbi) while Zaila Erg Luxury Camp, Bivouac La Dune Blanche and Camp Chraika are all great choices for Erg Chigaga.
Learn more about planning a Sahara Desert camp experience here.
Top travel experiences in Morocco
Admire the street art of Asilah
On Morocco's northwest coast, the charming seaside town of Asilah boasts a rich history and is encircled by well-preserved 15th-century Portuguese ramparts. Its pedestrian-friendly medina packs a delightful visual punch, with its whitewashed walls serving as the perfect canvas for a rotating gallery of ever-changing murals. Intricate miniatures sit alongside large-scale works that engulf entire building facades, creating a visually striking aesthetic that I absolutely love!
Each summer, the town ignites with the Asilah International Arts Festival and this is definitely one of the best times to visit. It’s a multifaceted celebration of Moroccan culture, featuring an eclectic program of live music, theatrical performances and thought-provoking art exhibitions. A highlight of the festival is always seeing the walls of Asilah being transformed by a diverse roster of incredible street artists.
To learn more about things to see and do in this enchanting coastal city, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Asilah or discover 10 of the Best Cultural Festivals in Morocco.
Top travel experiences in Morocco
Go hiking in the Atlas Mountains
Running like a backbone down the length of Morocco, the Atlas Mountains separate the desert from the sea. While hiking to the summit of Jebel Toubkal (North Africa's highest peak) attracts intrepid climbers, there are plenty of other (quieter) mountain trails to explore. Whether you opt to hike through the serene Imnane Valley or to the pilgrimage site of Sidi Chamharouch, you’ll immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the Atlas Mountains.
Less than a two-hour drive from Marrakech, Imlil is the perfect starting point for trekking in the High Atlas Mountains. Many trails begin right in the village, making it a convenient base for all levels of hikers. And even if you're not a hardcore trekker, you can still enjoy the stunning mountain views with leisurely walks through the nearby villages. Day trips are available from Marrakech to Imlil if you don’t have your own vehicle or you can opt for a full-day guided hike in the Atlas Mountains from Imlil itself.
Want to plan a hike in the Atlas Mountains? Check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Imlil, which includes info on amazing treks and the best places to stay.
Top travel experiences in Morocco
Soak up Essaouira’s arts and cafe scene
Perched on Morocco's windswept Atlantic coastline, the laidback town of Essaouira stands in stark contrast to chaotic Marrakech. This former Portuguese trading hub has long been a favourite destination of mine, with its whitewashed walls and winding cobblestone alleyways exuding a bohemian spirit. It’s home to amazing riads and a golden sweep of sand where you can surf or simply soak up the sunshine.
Essaouira’s creative energy is palpable, with lots of independent art galleries and eclectic cafes serving up Moroccan and international favourites. Many host live music nights, further cementing Essaouira’s reputation as an artistic hub. While you can enjoy the city’s arts and cafe scene throughout the year, one of the best times to visit is during the annual Gnaoua World Music Festival, which takes place across four days in June and celebrates this distinctly North African genre of music.
For more Essaouira travel inspiration, including things to do and amazing places to stay, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Essaouira. Alternatively, discover 11 of the Best Music Festivals in Morocco here.
Top travel experiences in Morocco
Wander through the blue-hued streets of Chefchaouen
Sometimes I like to visit a place with the intention of seeing or doing something in particular. Other times, I find it’s best just to wander and see where the experience takes you. Chefchaouen is one of those places. Nestled in the Rif Mountains of northwest Morocco, this beguiling destination is a one-of-a-kind beauty that has been nicknamed the “Blue Pearl”. Its streets and buildings are awash in myriad shades of blue and getting lost in the cobblestone lanes is like waking through a dream.
If you do need a purpose to your wanderings, head to Plaza Uta el-Hammam at the heart of the medina, home to the Grand Mosque of Chefchaouen and the Kasbah Museum with its ethnographic displays. Once you’ve had your fill of Chefchaouen’s blue-hued streets, follow the short trail that leads up to the Spanish Mosque to enjoy sweeping views across the city. Chefchaouen also makes a great base for exploring the rugged hiking trails of the Rif Mountains where more wonderful wandering awaits.
To learn more about visiting the “Blue Pearl of Morocco”, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Chefchaouen.
Top travel experiences in Morocco
Stay in one of Skoura’s kasbah hotels
Skoura is a captivating oasis town and one of our favourite places to overnight when travelling to the Sahara. Once a vital trading post where caravans from the desert would transfer their goods to mule trains bound for Fes, Skoura was later eclipsed as the area’s major commercial hub by the city of Ouarzazate. Today, this ancient settlement has managed to retain its timeless charm, with a handful of authentic kasbah hotels where you can spend the night.
Set on a four-acre farm in the middle of the Skoura Palmeraie is the Sawadi Ecolodge, which features beautifully decorated rooms, a saltwater swimming pool and a hammam. I also love the family-run Auberge Kasbah Tiriguioute with its gorgeous gardens, fireside lounge and sparkling swimming pool. If you’re in the area, don’t miss a visit to Kasbah Amridil, a living museum that preserves the atmosphere of a bygone era.
To learn more about places to stay in Skoura and the surrounding region, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Todra + Dades + Skoura.
Top travel experiences in Morocco
Take an architectural tour of Fes
One of Morocco's oldest cities, Fes is a must-see for history lovers and architecture fans alike. Established in the 9th century, it houses one of the world's earliest universities and boasts the largest preserved medieval old city in the country - Fes never fails to captivate! Not only that but many of the city's gorgeous riads are architectural masterpieces in themselves and staying within their walls is an experience, to say the least.
You can either explore the winding alleys of Fes el Bali (the walled medina) independently or embark on a half-day or full-day guided tour to discover the city's architectural treasures. Not to miss are the library of Al Quaraouiyine Mosque (founded in the 9th century as a university) and Medersa Al-Attarine, a 14th-century Islamic school renowned for its exquisite architecture. Also of note is the courtyard of Medersa Bou Inania with its hand-carved walls and colorful zellij tilework.
To learn more about things to see and do in Morocco’s “cultural capital”, as well as inspiring places to stay, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Fes.
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