15 Best Places to Visit in Morocco

You guys are going to love this read, because I was able to sit down and collect first-hand information from a 3-time traveller across the best places to visit in Morocco, and I did this because I want you guys to have the most amazing experience and share your story in the comments.

I learnt all about imperial cities, blue-washed mountain towns, Atlantic surf spots, and rolling Sahara dunes, and explained into one itinerary-ready roundup, and it was as though I was touring Morocco myself. Expect a mix of UNESCO sites, mountain treks, and coastal escapes, all organised so you can build an itinerary in minutes instead of hours of scattered research.

1. Marrakech

Any tourist you ask will put Marrakech among the best places to visit in Morocco. You can wander around the Marrakech medina, photograph the palm-lined Jardin Majorelle, and skip the touristy Jemaa el-Fnaa crowds for Saadian Tombs, entry just 70 dirhams. It’s the classic gateway into Moroccan culture and cuisine.

2. Fez

The Fez Medina is the world’s oldest continuously inhabited walled city centre, with over 9,000 narrow streets that make it easy to get pleasantly lost. You can watch in real-time leather being hand-dyed at the Chouara Tannery, then duck through the blue-tiled Bab Bou Jeloud gate for authentic riad accommodation far from modern traffic.

3. Chefchaouen

Beautifully located amid the dramatic peaks of the Rif Mountains, the Chefchaouen blue city paints nearly every wall a different shade of indigo. Explore Place El Haouta before 9 am to beat the tour-bus crowds, then sip mint tea in a rooftop café overlooking the surrounding hillsides and bask in the illustrious scenery.

4. Casablanca

Yes! That famous Casablanca talked about in movies, Morocco’s largest city, home to roughly 3.4 million people, which houses the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques on earth and one of the few mosques non-Muslims can enter. Stroll along the oceanfront La Corniche afterwards for sweeping Atlantic Sea views and fresh seafood stalls, experience the film-inspired Rick’s Café, or browse the massive Morocco Mall if you need an air-conditioned break.

5. Essaouira

This UNESCO-listed Essaouira coastal town was once a key stop on the old Caravan Trade Route. Get ready to climb the 18th-century sea ramparts, or simply browse the bustling fish market, and watch local livestock climbing argan trees on the scenic drive-in from Marrakech. UNESCO will also be hosting its 2026 meeting here, making it the first city in Africa and the Arab world to host this specific event.

6. Rabat

Morocco’s capital Rabat blends royal history with easy beach access, and it’s often overlooked by first-time visitors focused solely on Marrakech and Fez. Give it a chance and tour the unfinished 12th-century Hassan Tower, traverse the Kasbah of the Udayas, then unwind fifteen minutes south at Skhirat Beach, considered one of the country’s cleanest coastal stretches.

7. Tangier

Perched on the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier bridges Europe and Africa in a single afternoon. Sip coffee at the historic Café Hafa, explore the Old Kasbah Museum, then browse the Grand Socco Market, open daily for spices and produce.

8. Atlas Mountains

A change of pace would be to visit the Atlas Mountains, which offer cooler air and traditional Berber villages just an hour from Marrakech, a welcome contrast after the desert heat. Base yourself in Imlil to trek Mount Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak at 4,167 meters, or hit the slopes at nearby Oukaimeden, and tour around the ancient fortified clay city of Ait Benhaddou.

9. Sahara Desert (Merzouga)

No Morocco travel guide is complete without a proper Sahara Desert tour, and it’s consistently ranked among the best places to visit in Morocco by return travellers. From Marrakech, it’s roughly a 10-hour drive to Merzouga’s Erg Chebbi dunes, where overnight camel trekking Sahara excursions end beneath some of Africa’s darkest, clearest night skies, complete with traditional Berber music around the campfire.

10. Ait Benhaddou

This fortified Ait Benhaddou kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has appeared in Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia, earning Ouarzazate its nickname as the “Hollywood of Morocco.” A handful of families still live within its red clay walls, selling handmade souvenirs to passing travellers.

11. Ouzoud Waterfalls

Roughly three hours from Marrakech, these cascading waterfalls thunder toward the El-Abid River Gorge, making for one of the easiest day trips on this list. Climb the stone stairs to swim in the cool pools below, and watch wild Barbary monkeys swing through the surrounding olive groves.

12. Meknes

A UNESCO-protected imperial city, Meknes briefly served as Morocco’s 17th-century capital under Sultan Moulay Ismail, and it draws far fewer crowds than nearby Fez. Enter through the tiled Bab Mansour Gate, then day-trip thirty minutes north to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, remarkably well preserved after two millennia.

13. Agadir

For beach-first travellers, Agadir delivers golden sand and a fully rebuilt modern promenade following a devastating 1960 earthquake. It’s one of the sunniest stops on any Morocco itinerary, logging over 300 days of sunshine every single year, and its wide bay is ideal for beginner surf lessons.

14. Dades Valley and Todra Gorge

Roughly 130 kilometres from Ouarzazate, the Dades River has carved dramatic winding curves into the arid cliffside, often called the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.” Todra Gorge’s 300-meter rock walls make it a favourite among rock climbers and photographers chasing warm golden-hour desert light.

15. Asilah

Asilah can be described as a whitewashed Atlantic town mixing Portuguese fortifications with Spanish-influenced architecture and Moroccan souks, making it one of the most photogenic entries on this list. Visit during the August Arts Festival, when muralists repaint the Old Town walls, or relax at Paradise Beach, seven kilometres south of the town centre.

Choosing among the best places to visit in Morocco ultimately depends on your travel style, budget, and how much time you have. This roundup covers the cities, coastline, mountains, and desert that define the country’s appeal, and every destination here has been personally tested rather than pulled from a generic checklist. Save this Morocco travel guide before you book flights, plan a route that mixes at least one imperial city, one coastal escape, and one desert night, and start mapping where to travel in Morocco based on the experiences that excite you most. Wishing you a safe trip, and can’t wait to hear about your experience.

Quick-Reference Table of Where to Visit in Morroco

#	Destination	Best For	Ideal Trip Length	Best Time to Visit
1	Marrakech	Culture & souks	2-3 days	Mar-May, Sep-Nov
2	Fez	History & tanneries	2 days	Mar-May, Oct-Nov
3	Chefchaouen	Photography	1-2 days	Apr-Jun
4	Casablanca	Architecture	1 day	Sep-Nov
5	Essaouira	Coastal charm	2 days	May-Sep
6	Rabat	Royal history	1 day	Mar-May
7	Tangier	Europe-Africa crossover	1-2 days	Apr-Jun
8	Atlas Mountains	Trekking	2-3 days	Apr-Oct
9	Sahara Desert	Camel treks & stargazing	2 days	Oct-Apr
10	Ait Benhaddou	Film history	Half day	Mar-May
11	Ouzoud Waterfalls	Day trips	1 day	Mar-Jun
12	Meknes	Roman ruins	1 day	Sep-Nov
13	Agadir	Beaches & surf	2-3 days	Year-round
14	Dades Valley	Canyons & climbing	1-2 days	Mar-May
15	Asilah	Art & murals	1 day	Jun-Aug

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time to visit Marrakech?

Early morning is ideal. You can head to Saadien’s Tombs and skip the crowded Jemaa el-Fnaa.

Is Chefchaouen worth visiting?

Yes, its blue-washed streets in the Rif Mountains are best explored before 9am to avoid tour buses.

How do you get to the Sahara Desert from Marrakech?

It’s about a 10-hour drive to Merzouga’s Erg Chebbi dunes for overnight camel treks.

What makes Ait Benhaddou famous?

This UNESCO kasbah has appeared in Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia.

Is Agadir good for beaches?

Yes, it gets 300+ sunny days a year and suits beginner surfers.