5 Stunning Destinations Not to Miss in Morocco

Published June 21, 2019

Revisiting back to one of my favorite trips, Morocco is a country that I cherish so much. These 5 stunning destinations not to miss in Morocco are ones you’ll want to add to your itinerary. What I love most about Morocco is the diversity in experiences. In one breath you can be walking the golden sands of the desert and in another, high up in the Rif Mountains. It’s truly a country that has it all. 

Whether you’re going for a few weeks or on a quick trip, these destinations are ones you should consider for your time. If you’re going for your first time, be sure to check out this extensive itinerary that features these locations as well. There was so much I didn’t expect about Morocco — this post shares a lot that I discovered while there. 

[For female travelers, I’ve shared two important posts: what to wear as a female traveler in Morocco and the truth (that many don’t tell you) about traveling as a woman in Morocco. I strongly urge to read these before planning and traveling.]

5 Stunning Destinations Not to Miss in Morocco

1. Marrakech

It’s where all the adventure starts. If you’re coming from abroad, you’ll most likely land in this vibrant city. The smells, the tastes, and dizziness of the medina, all of it is a wild adventure for your senses. Marrakech is lovely for a few days of exploring art and architecture, shopping (here’s a guide on how to buy those iconic Moroccan rugs), and incredible dining. For those who love photography, check out these top spots to take photos in Marrakech. One other gem to Marrakech is certainly the hotels and accommodation choices. Riads like Le Riad Yasmine or luxury hotels like La Mamounia are a welcomed escape from the city’s chaos. It’s a city that you’ll talk about for years to come, requires a bit of patience, and a love for exploring. 

A full guide to Marrakech here.

2. Essaouira

When in Morocco, head to the coast. Trust me when I say the fresh sea breeze will do you wonders. Essaouira is your quickest fix of coastal action as it’s only a couple hours away from Marrakech. As a port city, it’s home to some of the freshest seafood. It’s also a surfer’s paradise as it gets those trade winds barreling down the coast. I spent 48 hours here and it was the perfect pitstop during the trip. 

3. Sahara Desert

When I think of one memory that stands out the most, it’s walking about the sand dunes at sunrise over the Sahara Desert. It requires an effort to get to this part of Sahara (like a full day of driving) but it is so worth it. When I went, we stayed at this incredible luxury tent camp where our guides took care of everything for the time. If you’re looking for some inspiration, take a look at these photos of the time in the Sahara — it’s something else. 

4. Chefchaouen

Some of my strongest impressions of Morocco was found in the blue-washed village of Chefchaouen. Undoubtedly a tad touristy, but equally a traditional village, it’s somewhere that has a different atmosphere to it. Up in the northern part of Morocco, it’s cooler here and those stone paths and buildings keep the town insulated from the heat. It’s a paradise for those who want to have access to hiking and the outdoors and have a charming home to come home to. 

Here is the full guide to Chefchaouen. 

5. Fes

The final stop on my trip to Morocco was the town of Fes. It’s somewhere I could have spent a few more days exploring but none the less did all that I could while there. It’s the most traditional in the sense of culture and history. Those 24 hours in Fes were mesmerizing, the medina was one last overload to the senses and the architecture, well simply put, incredible. I’d book yourself in for a few days here. If you’re looking for the best time to travel in Morocco, head here.

Save this post for later on Pinterest: