Morocco in North Africa is a country with so much to offer. From towering, snow-capped mountains in the High Atlas, to the bustling medinas of the imperial cities such as Marrakech and Fes, to the beaches and the dunes of the sahara desert. Morocco has destinations for all tastes, timeframes and budgets! There is so much to see in this country that you could not possibly experience it all in a 1 or 2 week holiday. We spent 1 month in Morocco in our campervan and saw (almost) everything we think is worth seeing. Read on for our one month in Morocco travel itinerary of the best places to visit.
Getting to Morocco
Most people travelling to Morocco will arrive in Marrakech, the #1 destination for tourists in the country. Marrakech is well connected to most of Europe and some international locations by Marrakech Menara International Airport. Because of this you can choose to use our Morocco travel itinerary either clockwise or anti-clockwise. You can check flight times and prices to Marrakech here.
If, like us, you are planning on driving to Morocco from Europe, you will arrive in the north of the country in Tangier Med. You can also cross from Europe to Morocco by boat without a car and rent one when you arrive in the country. Check prices for rental cars in Morocco here.
Note: For more info on driving in Morocco, check out our full guide here on the blog. It includes everything you need to know and some tips and tricks we learnt when driving our campervan around this incredible country.
Getting around in Morocco
Renting a car / Bringing your own
In our opinion, the best way to get around Morocco and see everything on our travel itinerary is to have your own car or van with you, or alternatively to hire one locally. Most major cities will offer cars for rent for a reasonable price, and it gives you the time and freedom to explore as you wish. Some of the most impressive views to be had can be found at the side of the road in the mountains and the desert, where buses usually won’t stop! You can check prices and availability of car rentals in Morocco here.
Note: Travel insurance is a must for any trip abroad, especially when hiring a car. Even if problems rarely occur, it is better to be covered in case they do. We use SafetyWing and recommend it to anyone travelling the world.
Public Transport
Most of the main tourist destinations in Morocco are well connected by public transport. Morocco has a high speed rail system that runs through most of the country connecting the imperial cities, and most places that aren’t served by the trains have good bus connections. The easiest way to book bus and train tickets in Morocco, and check timetables, is online. You can check bus and train times and prices here.
In some cases, certain destinations on our Morocco travel itinerary aren’t accessible via bus. If you are unable to rent a car then your best option is to book some sort of organised tour that includes the places you want to see. All our articles linked below for each destination have some recommended tours within them you can use to plan your trip around the country.
When booking train and bus tickets abroad, we always use 12go.asia. You can check timetables and prices online and it’s often cheaper than booking in person! Check our 12go.asia here.
Morocco travel itinerary: The best places to visit
Below you find the interactive map for our one-month Morocco itinerary. If you have less time, you can still take a parts from our list of must-see destinations and build your own Morocco tour to your liking. You can, for example, consider only the imperial cities in the north, or do the desert loop starting from Marrakech.
Interactive Map
1. Chefchaouen
Time frame: 2 days
Chefchaouen, the “Blue Pearl” of Morocco, is a picturesque city located in North Western Morocco, in the Rif Mountains. It is renowned for its blue-washed buildings, even if the reason why the city is painted blue remains a mystery. Nonetheless, this city is magical to explore on foot, wandering through its maze-like streets, enjoying its cuisine and shops, and having fun taking pictures in its artsy streets.
Top things to do
Discover the old town streets on foot
The main reason to visit Chefchaouen is to get lost in the old town streets. Alleyways snaking off in all directions, full of traders, spices and people getting on with their daily lives. This maze of streets is almost entirely painted blue, and there is no shortage of instagram picture spots!
Watch the sunset from the Spanish Mosque
The Spanish mosque was built around 100 years ago, on a hill overlooking the city of Chefchaouen. This mosque is in use today, but is used mainly as a sunset viewpoint for the city. Around 5pm you can expect large groups of people up there eagerly anticipating a beautiful sunset. There are a few cafes at the top so you can bask in the final minutes of sun whilst drinking a hot glass of Moroccan mint tea.
2. Fes
Time frame: 2 days
Fes struck us with its charm and authenticity, and it was our favorite Moroccan imperial city. Exploring the city of Fes, especially the medina and its many souks, is an assault on the senses. A variety of sights, smells and sounds awaits you around every corner. From carpet shops, to spices and the stench of leather processing at the tanneries; Fes is a city not to be missed.
Top things to do
Observe the UNESCO Protected Tanneries
Fes is famous for its leather working tanneries in the medina. UNESCO designated the tanneries as a place of importance, and helped to restore this area to full working order.
There are 3 main terraces that overlook the tanneries where you can view the people working. The smell of the tanneries is sure to turn your stomach initially, so prepare for the shock!
Get lost in the Medina and its many Souks
The medina of Fes is home to over 100,000 people, all living in an area of just 500 acres. This part of the city is steeped in culture and history, and navigating its winding narrow streets is a skill in itself. You can easily spend a full day exploring the many souks and markets within the medina, constantly finding new shops and places around each corner.
3. Merzouga: the Sahara desert
Time frame: 3-4 days
Merzouga is a small town at the doors of the Sahara desert. Famous for its massive and mesmerising sand dunes that frame the town, Merzouga serves as the entry point to enjoy many activities you can experience in the desert, like camel rides or quad adventures.
Top thing to do
Spend a night in the dunes of the Sahara desert
One of the most unique experiences you can have in Morocco is to spend a night (or more) camping in the dunes of the Sahara desert. Whether it’s absolute luxury you want, or an authentic, back to nature experience, there are possibilities for all tastes and budgets. We wholeheartedly recommend everyone experience a night in the dunes of Erg Chebbi, as it is truly a beautiful and unique place. We witnessed one of the most starry skies of our lives during our stay!
4. Dades and Todgha Gorges
Time frame: 3-4 days
The Dades and Todgha Gorges are situated in central Morocco, in part of the Atlas mountain range. Both these gorges offer epic scenery, with Todgha Gorge being characterised by limestone towering river canyons (also known as Wadis) and Dades Gorges by steep winding mountain roads.
Top things to do
Road of 1000 Kasbah in Dades Gorge
The road passing through Dades gorge has been rated one of the most scenic drives in the world! The R704, otherwise known as the “Road of 1000 Kasbah”, snakes its way through the gorge with eye watering turns and drops around every corner.
Climbing in Todgha Gorge
Todgha gorge is Morocco’s climber paradise. There are over 400 mapped climbs ranging from single to multi pitch, at a variety of difficulty levels. The towns in the gorge are well equipped to offer guides and rentals for people wanting to do some rock climbing.
5. Ouarzazate and its surroundings
Time frame: 3 days
Positioned between the chaotic and touristy Marrakech, and the enchanting orange sand dunes of the Sahara Desert, Ouarzazate and its surroundings are must-see destinations. Ouarzazate, dubbed the ‘Hollywood of Africa,’ hosts some of the world’s largest film studios, which filmed historical movies like ‘The Ten Commandments’ or ‘Asterix and Cleopatra.’ Apart from its film studios, Ouarzazate may not in itself be the most beautiful town to visit. However, due to its strategic location at the gateway to the Sahara and the Atlas mountain range, its surroundings offer spectacular and unrivalled views.
Top things to do
Atlas Studios
Located about 5 km from the centre of Ouarzazate, Atlas Studios are among the largest film studios in the world (322 square metres) and are responsible for the production of some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters.
Ait Benhaddou
This ancient fort (or “Kasbah”) is located about 30 kilometres from Ouarzazate. It has also been used, as a location, for a number of famous films such as ‘The Gladiator’ or ‘The Mummy’ and some scenes from ‘Game of Thrones’. In the town, built entirely out of mud, you can find endless stalls, cafes and arty shops selling local handicrafts. Ait Benhaddou is one of the most fascinating towns of Morocco, where only 10 or so families still live there. Read our full article on Ait Ben Haddou here!
6. Marrakech
Time frame: 3 days
Marrakech is the most visited place in Morocco, and there are good reasons for it. Marrakech is an exotic mix of smells, sounds and sights with something new to discover around every corner. You can get lost in the medina for hours and still not see the same street twice! There is a huge variety of things to see and do, from ancient palaces, ornate mosques, lush green gardens and the endless souks for shopping. The list of things to do in Marrakech is long, but we have listed below the 3 things we enjoyed doing the most during our stay!
Top things to do
Jemaa el-Fnaa square
Jemaa el-Fnaa square is the beating heart of Marrakech. As the day transitions into night, the square undergoes a transformation, with the arrival of food stalls offering a diverse array of Moroccan cuisine, street performers, storytellers, musicians, snake charmers, and vendors selling a variety of goods such as traditional handicrafts. Experience the craziness of this square during one of your evenings in Marrakech!
Ben Youssef Madrassa
Madrasa of Ben Youssef was an important center of Islamic learning in North Africa. The architecture of the Ben Youssef Madrasa is remarkable, featuring intricate geometric patterns, carved stucco, colourful tiles, and beautiful cedar woodwork. While no longer functioning as an educational institution, the Ben Youssef Madrasa stands as a testament to the Islamic architectural and educational achievements of the region.
Enjoy the best Roof terraces of Morocco
No city in Morocco offers such beautiful views from above as Marrakech! We spent some time sipping the tastiest teas and coffees on the rooftops, enjoying the sound of the prayers, and observing the hustle and bustle of the markets underneath us. Don’t miss this really enjoyable experience! We had an exceptionally good spiced coffee at: Café Des Épices.
7. The High Atlas mountains
Time frame: 3-4 days
The Atlas mountains, cutting through the heart of Morocco, offer an incredible and vast range of panoramas and excursions to enjoy, full of breathtaking landscapes and local Berber traditions. Characterised by its very diverse and rugged terrain, the High Atlas region is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Morocco.
Top things to do
Imlil
Nestled among the towering peaks of the High Atlas, Imlil is a small village that serves as a base for hikers looking to explore the surrounding mountains. You can explore the nice village of Imlil and have relaxed walks around the area, or undergo some multi day treks.
Mount Toubkal
For those looking for the most challenging and iconic hike in Morocco, it doesn’t get any better than Mount Toubkal. From Imlil, you can easily climb eastwards to the summit of Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. You can finish the hike in as little as two days, or over five days via a more relaxing route. This is really one of the best places to visit in the High Atlas!
8. Essaouira
Time frame: 2 days
Situated on the west coast of Morocco, Essaouira is a melting pot of alternative lifestyles, arty shops and cafes, and home to some of the freshest seafood in the country! With its 300 days of sunshine annually and its laid-back atmosphere, Essaouira is a city you shouldn’t miss.
Top things to do
Try some local seafood at the fish market of “Sqala du Port”
Essaouira is famous all over Morocco for its seafood, and nowhere is this more evident than the fish market of “Sqala du Port”. The port is home to hundreds of boats and fishermen that brave the Atlantic ocean everyday to bring back fresh seafood to sell. Just be prepared for the smell before you arrive! If you are vegetarian, you can still have a look at this very interesting place.
Take a walk at the beach or try surfing
The Plage d’Essaouira is a 3 kilometre long beach that stretches from the old part of town along the coastline. Due to its position on the western coast on the Atlantic ocean, the area has large waves making it a popular destination for surfers. This is the ideal place in Morocco to try surfing and even kite surfing from a number of the beachfront cafes and restaurants.
9. Rabat
Time frame: 2 days
Rabat is the capital city of Morocco and one of the 4 imperial cities of the country. Rabat has everything you could want from a Moroccan city. The historic old town and medina, many souks for shopping and a number of attractions to visit. Prices are cheaper than most of the country and in general it is less busy and touristy than places like Marrakech.
Top things to do
Explore the historic old town of Rabat
Whilst much of Rabat is a modern, green, bustling city, it still has a historic old town steeped in culture and history. The old town of Rabat is clean and less busy than other Moroccan cities, and much more enjoyable to explore. Quaint painted alleyways stretch in all directions, accompanied by abundant street food and local restaurants in the old town of Rabat.
Visit Hassan tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V
Hassan Tower is one of the main architectural monuments of Rabat. First commissioned in the 12th century, the tower was supposed to be the largest minaret in the muslim world, but construction stopped after the death of al-Mansur who first commissioned it. Now standing at 44 metres tall, the tower is all that remains of the original plans for the mosque, but it is nonetheless a very impressive monument and worth visiting if you go to the city.
Conclusion
If you’ve made it this far and visited all the places in Morocco on our travel itinerary, then congratulations! You’ve experienced most of the main things that make this north african country so great! If you used our travel itinerary to plan your own trip, or think we’ve missed out a must see destination in Morocco, we’d love to hear about it. Leave a comment below to tell us what you think!
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