These are the top activities to do in Morocco, whether your preference is to explore the souks in Marrakech or the Atlas Mountains.
Few nations are more colorful than Morocco, which also happens to be full of incredible activities and is a great place for adventure. Morocco blue cities, labyrinthine souks, and isolated villages nestled in the Atlas Mountains are testaments to the country rich blend of Arabic, Berber, and European cultural influences. During the day, you can enjoy thrilling rides on quad bikes over desert dunes or people-watching while sipping steaming mint tea in the medina. And at night, after stuffing yourself with delicious tagines and tapas, retire to an elaborate riad hotel and feel like a king.
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| 13 Secret things-to-do in Morocco |
These are the top things to do in Morocco, which range from the well-known tourist destination Marrakech to the more sedate seaside town of Essaouira and the artistic, picturesque town of Asilah.
1. The Mountains of Atlas
What location is it? They cover Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco.
What do they consist of? One of the most beautiful mountain ranges on earth, home to Berber villages, uncommon birds (score points if you spot an African marsh owl), and verdant valleys. North Africa's highest peak, Jbel Toubkal, is located in the High Atlas.
Why leave? for an unmatched feeling of serenity. While you're up there, you won't see a soul. Five days is the duration of a guided hike from Jbel Toubkal; local companies such as Aztet Tours offer the best rates. If you're not the adventurous type, consider going on a guided tour to the serene Ouzod Waterfalls for a day.
2. El Aaouira
What location is it? Morocco shores on the Atlantic.
What's that? a seaside city featuring sand surrounding walls and a picture-perfect blue and white medina. The wild beach of Diabet village, where hippies settled in the 1970s after being driven from Ibiza, is what makes Essaouira famous.
Why leave? Though it has fewer tourists than Marrakech, it still has a lively souk and interesting alleyways to discover. It's also excellent for surfing. A quad bike tour is possibly the greatest (and most thrilling) way to see the untamed beaches, villages, and argan forest outside the city walls.
3. The Dar Roumana
What location is it? Fes.
What's that? A restaurant featuring a rooftop bar for cocktails, housed in a tastefully renovated traditional Fes medina home. A French-Moroccan fusion menu created by Chef Younes Idrissi is influenced by seasonal produce found in the area.
Why leave? If you're tired of tagine and couscous and want to treat yourself to a fancy dinner at a reasonable price, a delicious three-course meal will only set you back slightly over 25 pounds. Braised rabbit, yogurt, and a bitter chocolate tart for dessert are among the dishes served.
4. Country Club Beldi
What location is it? Not far from Marrakech.
What's that? A posh country club and hotel with a Berber flair. It is a popular venue for weddings and celebrity getaways because of its lovely gardens, conservatories, and oasis-like pools.
Why leave? After all, what could be more refined than lazing by a pool with a view of rose gardens? For approximately £350, a day pass will get you all of that, along with lunch and the opportunity to peruse the on-site bakery, pottery shop, and souk. You can make an appointment for a hammam or spa treatment if you're feeling flush.
5. Majorelle Garden
What location is it? Marrakech.
What's that? The home and gardens designed in the 1920s by Jacques Majorelle, a Parisian artist, later became the residence of fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. There are 2.5 acres of gardens to explore, along with the Berber Museum and, new for the 2018 season, the Yves Saint Laurent Musee.
Why leave? The unusual cobalt-blue villa, along with the exotic gardens featuring rare plants and a collection of cacti, are photogenic for Instagram. In the rose garden, where Saint Laurent's ashes are scattered, pay your respects.
6. Hercules Caves
What location is it? More tangier.
What's that? Legend has it that Hercules rested in these elaborate caves in Tangier's port while performing his labors. They lead out onto a stunning beach with views of the ocean.
Why leave? Get a guided tour for a few pounds if you're exploring Tangier's outskirts, and you'll learn an interesting history lesson. This location really shines at dusk because of the iconic cave opening, which is fashioned like Africa and provides the perfect backdrop for silhouette photos.
7. The Chefchaouen
What location is it? Morocco northwest Rif Mountains.
What's that? A historic city in the Northwest with a charming old town that appears to have been doused in blue paint. The center's outdoor eateries and cafes give it a relaxed, European vibe.
Why leave? While a guided hike to the d'Ackchour Waterfalls along the river is a must in the morning, spending an afternoon meandering around the charming blue buildings is a great idea. To cool off, pick up a fresh orange juice from the street vendors.
8. Nomad
What location is it? Marrakech.
What's that? A chic, upscale eatery with a view of a spice market and close to hammas in the city center. It's a well-liked gathering place for both locals and visitors, and it features pop-up meals from chefs around the world.
Why leave? The chic rooftop with 360-degree views of the city is the main attraction, but the menu of contemporary takes on Moroccan classics is also a winner. As the sun sets behind the Atlas Mountains, grab a drink.
9. The Souks of Marrakech
What location is it? Marrakech.
What's that? The Arabic word for bazaar or marketplace is souk. The original market town, Marrakech features a bustling network of streets selling a wide variety of goods, including leather goods, lanterns, and Berber rugs.
Why leave? to browse the exquisitely crafted clothing and home goods at Souq Cherifia, where upcoming designers showcase their creations. The main areas of Souq Semmarine and Souq el-Kebir are great places to find some amazing deals, but make sure to shop around and haggle hard.
10. Tannery Chouara
What location is it? Fes.
What's that? A sizable leather workshop in Fes where you can watch the traditional methods of dyeing and making leather. Of course, it's also a great place to purchase high-quality leather accessories like bags and shoes.
Why leave? The process of making leather in Morocco is as old as the Middle Ages, so it's truly a unique sight and smell. You have to stand out on the terraces of the surrounding walls' leather shops to be able to see into the pits. Go early to capture a picture of the vibrant dyes.
11. Jemaa El Fnaa
What location is it? Marrakech.
What's that? An outdoor plaza comes to life in the early evening when it is transformed into a dining area and a gathering place for performers, such as acrobats and snake charmers, to display their skills.
Why leave? To sample small plates of authentic tapas, such as spicy sausage, couscous, or snails—if you're brave enough. When you're satisfied, move to the rooftop terrace for a better view.
12. The Asilah
What location is it? Morocco, south of Tangier, on the Atlantic coast.
What's that? a creative town on the Atlantic coast, its medina covered in murals. Long-standing Spanish rule is reflected in the cuisine (paella, anyone?) and the old ramparts.
Why leave? The Moussem Culturel International d'Asilah festival, which takes place every year and invites a different nation to exhibit its culture in galleries, and exhibition halls, and by painting over the medina's white-washed walls. If you have rented a car, head to Chefchaouen via the picturesque and winding Rift Mountains drive.
13. The Chellah
What location is it? Rabat.
What's that? The atmospheric walled remains of a Roman town near Rabat, the capital's modern medina. It is renowned for having both Roman and mosque ruins.
Why leave? One of Morocco's most striking historical sites, it is rendered especially lovely by the fig, olive, bamboo, and flowering plants that have taken over, as well as the storks that have built their nests atop the ruins. In another pool, couples can be seen giving boiled eggs to eels as a fertility charm.