Morocco is a nation with marked and deep historical and cultural roots, the result of different ethnic and religious mixes, as Moroccan territory has always been contested by different civilisations. It is an ideal destination for cultural tourism, setting out to discover the artistic and architectural relics of the prominent historical value of its imperial cities.
Here are all our tips on what to see in Morocco!
Main cities and attractions
1 - Marrakech
Marrakech is usually the first city one visits in Morocco, partly because of the numerous direct and low-cost air connections from Italy. It is a city that well sums up all the exotic charm of Morocco, a city where tradition and modernity meet, where you can get a first taste of this wonderful country.
Its history is linked to the Almoravid dynasty. Today, in addition to being a cultural and economic reference point in the country, it is the second largest city in Morocco. Its beating heart is the Jamaa el Fna square, the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the discovery of the Medina, the old part of Marrakech where the souk unfolds, offering a glimpse of Moroccan life in all its frenetic glory. Don't miss the marvellous palaces, such as the El Badi Palace and the El Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs and the great gardens, such as the Menara Gardens or the Jardin Majorelle.
SEE ALSO: What to see in Marrakech
2 - Fez
Fez is the country's ancient capital at the time of the Merinids and one of the most important cities in the whole of Morocco. It is indeed the oldest of the four Imperial Cities, while today it is somewhat considered the Cultural Capital of the country. It is located inland, between a fertile valley and the desert.
A place where traditions, sounds, scents and flavours, dunes and evocative sunsets come together: amidst architectural structures and evocative traditional markets, the famous souks, the Medina of Fez has entered the list of UNESCO protected places! Also not to be missed is a visit to the Bou Inania'madrasa' and the marvellous Imperial Palace.
3 - Rabat
Rabat is the current capital of Morocco and, in the past, was the city of residence of the Almohad dynasty. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, it lies between Casablanca and Fez.
It is a city rich in history and culture, where modernity and tradition are intertwined, between ancient and traditional markets and wonderful, kilometre-long beaches that reach all the way to Casablanca! It is best known for its Islamic heritage and French colonialism, which come together to create a unique spectacle. The symbol of this fusion is certainly the Kasba of the Oudaïa, a Berber royal fortress completely surrounded by beautiful French gardens. Also not to be missed is a visit to the iconic Hassan Tower, a 12th-century minaret, the Chella Necropolis and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V.
4 - Meknès
Photo by Froh Belfakir. Morocco's fourth and last imperial city: we are talking about Meknès. Located inland, along the road from Rabat to Fès. Meknès owes its magnificence to the Alaouite dynasty and, specifically, to the ruler Moulay Ismail ibn Sharif, who endeavoured to make it the most beautiful town in Morocco.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage monument, it is also known as the Versailles of Morocco. Its imperial city charm has survived to the present day, thanks to the many testimonies still present. Among the attractions, a visit to the madrasa founded by Abu Inan Faris, which bears the same name as the madrasa in Fes, and its Medina, the oldest part of the city, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and full of markets where you can immerse yourself in its daily life, is a must.
5 - Casablanca
Casablanca is probably the Morocco you don't expect: a mainly modern city and the economic capital of the country, thanks to the presence of its large port. Located on the north-west coast, it is also characterised by great beaches and a bustling, frenetic life.
It is also a relatively young city: it was founded in 1906 on the remains of an ancient Berber city dating back to the 7th century. A visit to the marvellous Hassan II Mosque on the ocean is a must! It is also open for visits for non-Muslims, so you should definitely not miss it! Then enjoy a stroll along the Corniche, the wonderful waterfront, and then enjoy its lively old town at any time of day. Casablanca is also a destination with a lively nightlife, ideal for those who want to combine culture, history, sea and fun in one holiday!
6 - Essaouira
Essaouira, located on the Atlantic coast, is also called 'the city of wind'. Don't expect the always warm temperatures of other Moroccan cities, here they tend to be lower, so always better to have a sweatshirt with you! Given the almost constant presence of the wind, it is also a perfect destination for surfing: you will find numerous schools along the beach.
We recommend that you start discovering it from its wonderful harbour, formerly known as Mogador. From here, you can start enjoying its enchanting beauty, its ochre walls, the beautiful Moulay El Hassan square and the souks, the city's traditional markets. Certainly, one of the best experiences is to walk along the ramparts overlooking the sea, which offer truly unique views! And, after one visit or another, you can also relax here on its great beaches. It is also a place with a good nightlife, making it a perfect destination for young people who want to combine sea, culture and fun!
7 - Volubilis
One of the most interesting archaeological sites in the country is certainly Volubilis, a Roman archaeological site 27 km north of Meknes.
This ancient site is located in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, in a rich and fertile valley surrounded by almond and olive trees, a truly picturesque location. With an area of around 40 hectares, it is home to the best preserved and most visited archaeological remains in Morocco! Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its origins date back to the Carthaginians, in the 3rd century BC, before becoming a Roman city in 42 AD. Among the remains, you can still admire the Forum, the Basilica and Temple of Jupiter, the Arch of Caracalla and numerous mosaics!
8 - Ait-Ben-Haddou
Ait-Ben-Haddou is one of Morocco's 9 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Originally founded as a fortified town (Ksar) along the caravan route between Marrakech, from which it is 170 km away, and the Sahara desert, it is one of the most fascinating places in the country, absolutely not to be missed, perhaps by taking advantage of anexcursion organised from Marrakech, transport included.
Ait-Ben-Haddou is certainly one of the most extraordinary ksars in Morocco. The ksar is a traditional construction concept of pre-Saharan Morocco: the buildings, constructed with organic materials such as red mud, are all enclosed within high fortified walls, with the purpose of defending themselves from outside attacks. This town is also built on a hill, dominating the entire surrounding landscape, a unique sight!
9 - Ouarzazate
Only 30 km away from Ait-Ben-Haddou, which are often visited together on aday trip from Marrakech, Ouarzazate is a relatively modern town that saw its greatest expansion in the 1920s, when the French made it a military and administrative centre.
It is the largest of the towns in the pre-Saharan oases of Morocco, located at a strategic point between Marrakech and the entrance to the desert. It is also a town with a cinematic past: in the 1950s it became the location for numerous films, so much so that it was nicknamed Ouallywood. In fact, 5 km from the centre you can visit the Atlas Film Corporation Studios, the first film studios to open in Ouarzazate!
10 - Merzouga
Photo by bachmont. Merzouga is a small town on the border with Algeria, but it is one of those stops that you absolutely must not miss. It is, in fact, a real gateway to the desert! From here you can in fact reach Erg Chebbi, an expanse of dunes in southern Morocco.
This place is really very small and does not even have any major attractions or points of interest, except for the special Morocco National 4x4 Auto Museum. Here, the attraction is just one, the desert! You can set off to explore the big red dunes on a camel or in a 4x4, you can taste traditional Bedouin dishes right under the stars and admire one of the most beautiful sunsets of your life! The best solution, both for safety reasons and for the difficulty of reaching the area, is to take part in a desert safari from Marrakech.
11 - Tangier
Tangier is probably one of the best known places in Morocco, also thanks to the beautiful beach that attracts thousands of visitors, especially young people, from all over the world every year. Also not to be underestimated is its excellent location: situated on the Strait of Gibraltar, it is also connected by sea to Europe, especially to Spain!
Also nicknamed the White City, Tangier has ancient origins, shrouded in mystery, and has seen numerous peoples pass through its streets that have left a mark of their passage: Phoenicians, Romans, Visigoths, Arabs, Portuguese, English and Spanish! In addition to its beautiful historic centre, which encompasses both tradition and modernity, it also has unique surroundings! We absolutely recommend a visit to the Caves of Hercule, an archaeological cave complex located at Cape Spartel, near the summer palace of the King of Morocco.
12 - Ifrane
Photo by Tamaditi Mohamed. Ifrane is definitely the resort you don't expect in Morocco! It is nicknamed Little Switzerland, because here you will not find typical Moroccan-style markets or lush gardens, but rather beautiful mountain chalets and a typical Alpine style!
Ifrane, in fact, is a typical winter skiing destination. Here you will find a large ski resort with five ski slopes and two ski lifts. This is possible thanks to its location: it is situated at 1,700 m, between the Middle Atlas Mountains. But not only that, it is also called Little Switzerland for another reason: according toMBC New, it is considered the cleanest city in the world. In short, if you love snow and winter sports, this stop is not to be missed! The cost of living here is higher than in the rest of Morocco, not least because most of the accommodation is integrated in luxury restorts.
SEE ALSO: Ifrane: where it is, when to go and what to see
13 - Agadir
And from the mountains of Ifrane, we move on to the great beaches of Agadir! Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Agadir is a major port in Morocco and a member of the 'Most Beautiful Bays in the World' association. The city is indeed renowned for its crescent-shaped beach, but also for its promenade full of bars and restaurants and its many golf courses!
With its temperate climate and mild winters, great beaches and many activities to do, it is a perfect destination for those who like to combine nature, fun, sea and culture! The main beach is Agadir Beach, which stretches for about 10 km and, with its waves, is perfect for surfers and kite surfers! If you want to enjoy nature, you can visit the Jardin d'Olhao, a marvellous Berber-style garden in the heart of the city. If you want to shop, visit the Agadir Souk, a characteristic market with around 6,000 small shops of different sizes selling everything!
SEE ALSO: Agadir: where it is, when to go and what to see
14 - Chefchaouen
"/> Chefchaouen is one of those destinations that leave you breathless: nicknamed the Blue City, it almost feels like a place out of a fairy tale! Its nickname is in fact due to the colour of the buildings, with their many shades of blue and azure, which also make it a spectacular place to photograph!
Located in the northern part of Morocco, about 110 km from Tangier, it is an ideal place to visit during the day. The best way to visit it is to stroll through its streets, letting yourself be enchanted by its colours! Really everyone falls in love with it; it is no coincidence that it is one of the most beautiful cities in Morocco. The heart of the medina is the Uta el-Hammam square, surrounded by numerous bars and shops, the perfect starting point for any itinerary!
15 - Excursion to the desert
Finally, we cannot fail to mentionMorocco's natural attraction par excellence: the wonderful Sahara desert! Great expanses of red sand dunes, almost unreal landscapes, unique experiences: these are the ingredients of a desert experience, which can be a day or several days depending on the time available!
Our advice is to spend at least one night in the desert, to admire the starry sky and wake up admiring the sunrise. Obviously, these are all activities that absolutely must be done while participating in an organised excursion! This is both for safety's sake and so as not to risk getting lost or caught unprepared by the temperatures! There are numerous cities that organise guided excursions: you can, for example, opt for a two-day tour to the Zagora Desert in the Sahara from Marrakech or a day trip to the Sahara Desert with lunch from Agadir.
The main itineraries in Morocco
As we have seen, Morocco is a land of wonders, with a history and culture stretching back thousands of years and the influence of so many different peoples, where you can go from beaches on the ocean to the great desert.
If you only have a weekend at your disposal, then we recommend that you concentrate on one city. If it is your first time visiting the country, you can opt for Marrakech. If you have already visited then opt for Casablanca, Rabat or Fez. If you have at least a week, one of the most popular itineraries is to discover the 4 Imperial Cities, a unique experience! Let's take a detailed look at Morocco's main itineraries:
Weekend in Marrakech: three days to discover one of Morocco's best-known cities. Visit of the main attractions and excursion to the Palmeraie of Marrakech, with camel or quad bike ride
Marrakech between city, sea and desert: 5 days to discover the different sides of Morocco, with Marrakech as a base. Two days dedicated to visiting the city, a day trip to Essaouira, and finally 2 days in the Zagora desert in the Sahara
Weekend in the desert: arrival in Marrakech and departure for Merzouga, with a 3-day desert safari. Return to Marrakech and flight to Italy
Imperial Cities itinerary: a week in the Imperial Cities. Arrival in Casablanca, stops in Rabat, Meknes, Fez and Marrakech. Return flight from Marrakech
Morocco do-it-yourself: flights, costs, best time and tips
Several Moroccan cities are connected by direct flights to Italy, including low-cost flights, so this expense will not weigh heavily on your budget. The best solution, however, is to move in advance to find good offers. As for the best period, it is best to opt for the intermediate seasons, i.e. months such as April, May, September and October. On the other hand, we recommend avoiding summer, which is very hot indeed!
The best cities to stay and base yourself in are definitely Marrakech, Rabat and Fez. From here, you can easily reach the surrounding localities, either by public transport such as trains or by taking part in organised excursions. Moreover, in these cities you can find numerous accommodations of all kinds, from small hotels to large luxury hotels and even riads! Morocco is not an expensive destination: you can taste typical dishes for very little money, you can stay in wonderful hotels for very little per night, as well as entrance fees to attractions are very low.
Finally, to move between cities, you can rely on the railway system, which connects the main destinations. If you need to reach more remote places, the best solution is to rent a car with a driver or take part in organised excursions. In this case, we recommend that you stay on the main roads and avoid places that are too remote and secondary roads!
Minimum period for a Morocco tour: 6 days
Recommended cities to base yourself in: Marrakech, Rabat, Fez
How to get around: on foot in the various cities. By train or bus to move between the most touristy and main destinations. For secondary and more remote destinations, organised excursions or car rental with driver. Consider car rental
Flights: the main cities are well connected to Italy by direct flights, including low-cost flights, such as Marrakech or Rabat. Average duration between 3 and 4 hours, depending on the point of departure and arrival - compare flights
Accommodation and facilities: there are both small hotels and luxury hotels in the big cities. We recommend the Riad experience, a structure with a wonderful interior garden, sometimes with a swimming pool, and typical Moroccan architecture.
Travelling informed: useful info and necessary documents
Inhabitants: 33,760,000
Capital: Rabat
Languages: Arabic and Amazigh. French widespread
Local currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD) / Exchange rate: €1.00 = 10.50 MAD
Climate: Mediterranean on the coasts, desert in inland areas and continental on its highest mountains. On the coast the temperatures are milder, while inland the summers are very hot due to the hot wind coming from the desert
Time zone: -1h compared to Italy, -2h when daylight saving time is in force in Italy
Vaccinations: no vaccination required
Entry requirements: passport with residual validity of at least 6 months when leaving Morocco. Entry visa only for tourist stays of more than three months. Travel insurance strongly recommended
Distance from Italy: 1,900 km (3-hour flight) from Rome to the capital Rabat
