Top Destinations in Morocco: Cities, Mountains, and Coastal Escapes
Morocco captivates travelers with its extraordinary diversity. Within a single country, you can explore ancient imperial cities, trek through snow-capped mountains, wander the world's largest desert, and relax on windswept Atlantic beaches. This guide covers Morocco's must-visit destinations to help you plan an unforgettable journey.
Quick Reference: Morocco's Top Destinations
Destination | Best For | Ideal Duration | Distance from Marrakech
Marrakech | First-time visitors, souks, nightlife | 3-4 days | -
Fes | History, craftsmanship, authenticity | 2-3 days | 530 km (7-8 hours)
Chefchaouen | Photography, relaxation, hiking | 1-2 days | 590 km (8-9 hours)
Essaouira | Beach, seafood, art scene | 2-3 days | 175 km (2.5 hours)
Atlas Mountains | Trekking, Berber culture | 1-3 days | 60 km (1.5 hours)
Ourika Valley | Day trips, waterfalls | 1 day | 60 km (1.5 hours)
Ouzoud Falls | Nature, swimming | 1 day | 150 km (2.5 hours)
The Imperial Cities
Marrakech: The Red City
Marrakech is Morocco's most visited city and the perfect introduction to the country. The ancient medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, pulses with energy day and night. From the chaos of Jemaa el-Fna square to the serenity of hidden riads, Marrakech delivers sensory overload in the best way.
Must-See Attractions:
- Jemaa el-Fna square and its nightly food stalls
- Bahia Palace with its stunning Islamic architecture
- Jardin Majorelle, Yves Saint Laurent's botanical garden
- The ancient Saadian Tombs
- Ben Youssef Madrasa, one of Africa's largest Islamic schools
Local Tips:
- Stay inside the medina for the authentic experience
- Negotiate firmly but fairly in the souks
- Escape the heat in one of the city's many rooftop cafes
- Visit Jemaa el-Fna at dusk when the atmosphere peaks
Fes: The Cultural Capital
Fes el-Bali (Old Fes) contains the world's largest car-free urban zone and oldest continuously functioning university. Walking through its 9,000+ alleyways feels like stepping back centuries. This is Morocco at its most authentic—less polished than Marrakech but profoundly rewarding.
Must-See Attractions:
- The Chouara Tannery, operating since the 11th century
- Bou Inania Madrasa, a masterpiece of Marinid architecture
- The mellah (old Jewish quarter)
- University of al-Qarawiyyin, founded in 859 CE
- Dar Batha Museum of Moroccan arts
Local Tips:
- Hire an official guide for at least one medina tour—you will get lost otherwise
- Visit the tanneries in the morning for the best light
- The leather goods here are superior to Marrakech
- Bring mint leaves for the tannery smell (vendors provide them)
Meknes: The Underrated Imperial City
Often overshadowed by Fes and Marrakech, Meknes rewards visitors with fewer crowds and equal historical significance. Sultan Moulay Ismail built this city to rival Versailles, and remnants of his ambition remain everywhere.
Highlights:
- Bab el-Mansour, Morocco's most impressive gate
- The Royal Stables, once housing 12,000 horses
- Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail
- The old mellah and covered souks
Mountain Destinations
Atlas Mountains: Morocco's Backbone
The High Atlas mountains stretch across Morocco like a spine, separating the fertile north from the Saharan south. Toubkal, North Africa's highest peak at 4,167m, draws trekkers from around the world.
Key Areas:
Imlil: The gateway to Toubkal, this Berber village at 1,740m serves as the starting point for most Atlas treks. Even non-hikers can enjoy the dramatic scenery and traditional mountain hospitality.
Ourika Valley: Just 60km from Marrakech, this valley offers an easy escape from city heat. The drive follows a river through terraced gardens and Berber villages, culminating at the Setti Fatma waterfalls.
Oukaimeden: Morocco's premier ski resort sits at 2,600m elevation. Between December and March, you can ski with views of the Sahara Desert in the distance.
Trekking Options
Trek | Duration | Difficulty | Highlights
Toubkal Summit | 2-3 days | Challenging | Highest peak in North Africa
Imlil Day Hike | 1 day | Easy-Moderate | Berber villages, valley views
Azzaden Valley | 3-4 days | Moderate | Remote villages, diverse landscapes
Note: Trekking with a local guide supports mountain communities and ensures you don't get lost in this vast wilderness.
Coastal Escapes
Essaouira: The Windy City
This laid-back coastal town provides the perfect counterbalance to Morocco's intense inland cities. Essaouira's Portuguese fortifications, blue fishing boats, and artistic community have attracted everyone from Jimi Hendrix to Game of Thrones location scouts.
Why Visit:
- Fresh seafood at the harbor grills
- Relaxed medina with fewer aggressive vendors
- Excellent wind conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing
- Thriving art gallery scene
- Beautiful sunsets over the Atlantic
Best Time: Year-round, though wind is strongest April-September
Agadir: The Resort City
If you want a beach vacation with modern amenities, Agadir delivers. Rebuilt after a 1960 earthquake, the city offers wide beaches, international hotels, and a more European atmosphere. It's Morocco's most accessible beach destination.
Agadir Appeals To:
- Families seeking beach resorts
- Golfers (several courses nearby)
- Those wanting reliable sunshine
- Travelers preferring Western-style tourism infrastructure
Legzira Beach: Secret Paradise
Located south of Agadir near Sidi Ifni, Legzira features dramatic red sandstone arches carved by the Atlantic. Though one famous arch collapsed in 2016, the remaining formations and empty beaches make this detour worthwhile for those with extra time.
The Blue Pearl
Chefchaouen: Morocco's Most Photogenic Town
Perched in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen's blue-washed buildings create one of Morocco's most distinctive landscapes. The town's relaxed pace, moderate temperatures, and visual charm make it a favorite among photographers and travelers seeking respite from busier destinations.
What Makes It Special:
- The entire medina painted in shades of blue
- Mountain setting with excellent hiking
- Cooler temperatures than lowland cities
- Spanish-Moroccan architectural blend
- Local goat cheese and woven blankets
Photography Tips:
- Early morning light is best before tourists fill the streets
- The blue walls photograph well even on cloudy days
- Local residents are generally welcoming but ask before photographing people
Natural Wonders
Ouzoud Falls: Morocco's Highest Waterfall
These 110-meter cascades are among the most spectacular in North Africa. Located in the Middle Atlas, Ouzoud makes an excellent day trip from Marrakech. Barbary macaques live in the surrounding forest, and rainbow mist rises from the falls on sunny days.
Visiting Ouzoud:
- Best in spring when water flow peaks
- Boats at the base take you close to the falls
- Multiple cafes and restaurants overlook the gorge
- Swimming possible in the pools below
- Allow 2-3 hours to explore
Dades and Todra Gorges
These dramatic canyons in Morocco's south offer stunning scenery and adventure opportunities. Todra Gorge features 300-meter limestone cliffs narrowing to just 10 meters wide—a rock climber's paradise. Dades Gorge winds through bizarre rock formations nicknamed "monkey fingers."
Planning Your Itinerary
1 Week: Classic Morocco
- Days 1-3: Marrakech (medina, souks, day trip to Atlas)
- Day 4: Essaouira
- Days 5-7: Fes via desert or direct
2 Weeks: Comprehensive Tour
- Days 1-3: Marrakech
- Days 4-5: Sahara Desert (Merzouga or Zagora)
- Days 6-7: Fes
- Day 8: Chefchaouen
- Days 9-10: Return via Meknes and Middle Atlas
- Days 11-12: Essaouira
- Days 13-14: Final days in Marrakech
Active Adventure Focus
- Days 1-2: Marrakech orientation
- Days 3-5: Atlas Mountains trek (Toubkal or Azzaden)
- Day 6: Recovery, hammam
- Days 7-8: Desert adventure
- Days 9-10: Coastal relaxation in Essaouira
Practical Destination Tips
Getting Between Cities:
- Supratours and CTM buses connect major destinations reliably
- Trains link Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, and Fes
- Grand taxis (shared) cover routes without bus service
- Renting a car opens up remote areas but medina driving is stressful
Accommodation:
- Riads offer the quintessential Moroccan experience
- Book ahead in peak season (spring and autumn)
- Coastal towns have more Western-style hotels
- Mountain refuges serve trekkers on multi-day hikes
Combining Regions: Morocco's diversity means significant travel times between regions. Consider:
- Domestic flights if time is limited
- Multi-day desert tours that cover distance while sightseeing
- Focusing on one region for shorter trips
Final Recommendations
For First-Time Visitors: Start with Marrakech and add Essaouira for coastal contrast. If time permits, include Fes for depth.
For Returning Visitors: Explore the south—Dades Valley, Anti-Atlas villages, and lesser-known desert regions offer authentic experiences away from crowds.
For Adventure Seekers: The Atlas Mountains provide world-class trekking, and Morocco's coast has emerging surf and kitesurf scenes.
For Culture Lovers: Fes remains the soul of Morocco. Pair it with Meknes and the Roman ruins at Volubilis for a history-focused journey.
Morocco's destinations each tell a different story. Whether you have one week or one month, the key is balancing your time between cities, nature, and coast—letting each experience enhance the others.
