Where should you stay in Morocco to get the most out of the country? Which city should you choose as a base? The north or the south?
Here is our guide comparing the best places to stay in Morocco:
- Map of towns to stay in,
- The pros and cons of each destination,
- The best day trips from each city,
- Our favorite hotels and riads to stay at in Morocco,
- …
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Where to Go in Morocco in 2026 – Map and Summary
Map of Cities to Visit in Morocco
Morocco stretches from the Strait of Gibraltar to the edge of the Sahara. To help you locate all the places we mention in this article, here is a map:
Destinations for a First Trip
If you don’t want to read the entire article, here’s our summary. For a first trip, here are our three suggested destinations. But we’ll go into more detail about each destination later in the article, along with other options.
- Marrakech
An ochre-colored imperial city at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, boasting a vibrant medina, sumptuous riads, and a rich architectural heritage. An ideal base for exploring the southern part of the country.
See our article on the best hotels there —check availability now - Fez
The spiritual capital of Morocco, whose medieval medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An excellent base for exploring Meknes, Volubilis, and the northern interior.
See our article on the best hotels there —check availability now
Where to Go in Morocco Without a Car
If you don’t have a car, choose cities with good public transportation and organized tours. Marrakech and Fes meet these criteria: there, you’ll find medinas that are within walking distance, numerous agencies offering day trips, and a network of trains and buses to other destinations.
Where to go in Morocco to explore the whole country
Morocco covers a large area. The distance by road between Tangier in the north and Agadir in the south is about 800 km.
To minimize your travel time, we recommend splitting up your trip by staying in two or three different cities. For example: a few nights in Fes for the north, then Marrakech for the center and south. If you’d like to include the Atlantic coast, Essaouira or Agadir are great additions to the itinerary.
Otherwise, Casablanca is the most central option, if you don’t mind driving a bit each day. See the top-rated accommodations in Casablanca or our selection of hotels.
Where to Stay in Morocco with Your Family
For families, comfortable accommodations and proximity to activities are very important. We recommend Marrakech for its variety of child-friendly riads and hotels, as well as its wide range of excursions.
Agadir is also a good option if you’re looking for all-inclusive beach resorts; its long, sandy beach is well-suited for families.
See the top-rated accommodations in Agadir or our curated selection of hotels.
Where to Stay in Morocco for Culture and History
Without a doubt, Fez and Marrakech. These two imperial cities are home to centuries of heritage: madrasas, palaces, mosques, museums, and thriving traditional crafts. We’ll add Meknes and Rabat if your itinerary allows, as these two capitals (one historic, the other administrative) are home to remarkable monuments in a less touristy atmosphere.
Where to Stay in Morocco for Couples
It depends on what you’re looking for. For a romantic atmosphere, the riads in Marrakech or Fes offer an intimate setting behind their discreet doors. Essaouira appeals to couples seeking tranquility by the ocean. And for a truly extraordinary experience, spending one or two nights in a luxury camp in the heart of the desert makes for a memorable trip.
Other frequently asked questions
Where to stay in Morocco for surfing
, and Essaouira for kitesurfing and windsurfing, thanks to the steady trade winds. Agadir and its surrounding area (Taghazout) for traditional surfing.
Where to stay in Morocco for nightlife
. Marrakech is the liveliest city in the evening, followed by Tangier, which has developed a diverse nightlife scene in recent years.
Where to Stay in Morocco in 2026: Our Favorite Hotels
You can also choose where to stay in Morocco based on your hotel preferences. Here are a few of our favorites, selected after our visits to these locations:
- Riad Kbour & Chou
in Marrakech, a charming riad in the heart of the medina.
See prices, photos and availability - Riad Dar Lys Hotel
in Fez, a sophisticated retreat in the historic medina.
See prices, photos and availability - Jardin des Douars Hotel
in Essaouira—with a pool that transports you to another world!
See prices, photos and availability - And you can also check out our list of the most beautiful riads in Morocco (well, our favorites so far).
Destination 1 – Fez
Why Stay in Fez
Fez is the ideal choice if you want to immerse yourself in Moroccan history and culture. We stayed there for several days, and exploring the medina of Fez el-Bali—the oldest still-inhabited medina in the Arab world—remains one of our most memorable experiences in Morocco. The narrow alleyways reveal fondouks, zellige fountains, and artisan workshops where centuries-old traditions are kept alive.
There is an excellent selection of riads in Fez. We found some that offered great value for the money—often less expensive than in Marrakech for a comparable level of service.
Things to Do in Fez
- Explore the medina of Fez el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Watch the artisans at work at the Chouara tanneries and see their multicolored vats
- Admire the Bou Inania Madrasa, a jewel of 14th-century Merinid architecture
- Discover Al Quaraouiyine University, founded in 859 and considered the oldest university in the world
- Admire the golden gate of the Palais Royal
- Take a stroll through the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter
- Head up to the Merinid Tombs for a panoramic view of the entire city
- See all Fez attractions.
Excursions from Fez
Fez’s location in the northern interior of the country makes it an excellent starting point for several day trips:
- Volubilis, a Roman city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a 1-hour drive away— see options
- Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, a spiritual village perched on a hill
- Meknes, a neighboring imperial city just 60 km away— see options
- Chefchaouen, the blue city of the Rif, accessible by a 4-hour drive through the mountains
- Ifrane and the Middle Atlas Mountains for their landscapes of cedars and lakes
- See our list of the best excursions
Where to Stay in Fes – Hotels
For all our tips, see our article on the best hotels in Fez. Among our favorites:
- Charming riad: Riad Dar Lys Hotel
View prices, photos and availability - Luxury Hotel: Palais Faraj Suites & Spa
View prices, photos and availability - Affordable: Riad Dar Laura Hotel
View photos, prices, and availability
Access
- Fes-Saïss Airport (FEZ) – 20 to 40 minutes from downtown
- Rabat Airport, 160 km away
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN MOROCCO
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Not too wide
- A good engine
- For more choice, book early.
Destination 2 – Marrakech
Why Stay in Marrakech
Marrakech is often the starting point for a first trip to Morocco, and for good reason. The imperial city boasts a rich cultural heritage, a vibrant street life, and one of the most diverse selections of accommodations in the country. We were struck by the diversity of atmospheres: the bustling energy of Jemaa el-Fna Square in the evening, the unexpected tranquility of a riad just a few streets away, and the vibrant colors of the souks in the morning.
Accommodations range from small, family-run riads to five-star luxury hotels, making them accessible to all budgets. We found some of the country’s most beautiful places to stay here. The network of organized tours is also well-developed, allowing visitors to reach the Atlas Mountains, the desert, or the Atlantic coast in a single day.
The downside: there’s heavy tourist traffic, especially in the medina. The constant solicitation can be tiring, particularly near major attractions.
Things to Do in Marrakech
- Lose yourself in the souks organized by trade (leather, spices, rugs, ironwork)
- Visit the Bahia Palace and its inner courtyards adorned with zellige tiles
- Stroll through the Majorelle Garden with its iconic cobalt blue
- Discover the 16th-century Saadian tombs, which remained hidden for a long time
- Admire the Ben Youssef Madrasa and its stucco and cedar wood decorations
- Admire the Koutoubia and its 77-meter minaret, a landmark visible from all over the city
- Experience the bustling atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fna Square as night falls
- See all attractions in Marrakech.
Day Trips from Marrakech
Marrakech is located at the crossroads of several very different regions. From the city, you can reach the Atlas Mountains, the desert, and the ocean:
- Agafay Desert, a rocky landscape just 40 minutes from the city— see options
- Ouarzazate and the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou ksar, via the Tichka Pass route— see options
- The Imlil Valley and the High Atlas for Hikers – See Options
- Essaouira, a port city 2 hours and 40 minutes away by car— see options
- Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride – See Options
- See our list of the best excursions
Where to Stay in Marrakech – Hotels
For all our tips, see our article on the best hotels in Marrakech. Among our favorites:
- Charming riad: Riad Kbour & Chou
View prices, photos, and availability - Palace: Royal Mansour Hotel
View photos, prices, and availability - Best Spa Hotel: Hôtel Les Jardins de la Médina
View photos, prices, and availability
Access:
- Marrakech-Menara International Airport (RAK), with flights from many destinations
- A 15- to 30-minute drive to downtown
Destination 3 – Casablanca
Why stay in Casablanca
Casablanca isn’t the first city that comes to mind when planning a trip to Morocco, and that’s precisely what makes it so interesting. The country’s economic hub reveals a decidedly modern side, off the beaten path of typical tourist routes. There, we discovered a city undergoing a major transformation, driven by its Art Deco architecture, its business districts, and its lively waterfront promenade.
The Hassan II Mosque, built partly over the ocean, is a must-see landmark: its 210-meter minaret makes it the tallest religious building in the world. The old medina, more compact than those in Fez or Marrakech, offers a striking contrast to the Haussmann-style boulevards of downtown.
Casablanca is also a convenient stopover if you’re flying into Mohammed V Airport, the country’s largest. We recommend spending a night or two there before continuing on to Rabat, Marrakech, or Fez.
What to do in Casablanca
- Visit the Hassan II Mosque (one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims)
- Take a walk along the Ain Diab coastal road
- Discover the Art Deco district around Boulevard Mohammed V
- Explore the old medina and its shopping streets
- Stroll through the Habous neighborhood, a modern medina built during the protectorate
- Visit the Abderrahman Slaoui Foundation Museum, dedicated to the decorative arts
Excursions from Casablanca
Casablanca’s central location on the Atlantic coast makes it easy to travel from there and visit most of the major cities:
- Rabat, the administrative capital, just a 1-hour drive or a ride on the Al Boraq high-speed train away— book a guided tour
- Fez in 3 hours by train or freeway
- El Jadida and its Portuguese cistern, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, 1 hour and 30 minutes south— see options
- Tangier, a cultural crossroads – see options
- Marrakech in 2? hours by freeway – see excursion options
- Go to the beach in Bouznika or Skhirat
- See our selection of the best day trips from Casablanca
Where to Stay in Casablanca – Hotels
For all our tips, see our article on the best hotels in Casablanca. Among our favorites:
- Luxury Hotel: Four Seasons Hotel
. Check photos and availability - Boutique Hotel: Le DOGE Mansion
View photos, prices, and availability - Best Aparthotel: Stayhere CIL Aparthotel
View prices, photos and availability
Access:
- Mohammed V International Airport (CMN), with flights from many destinations
- A 30- to 45-minute drive to downtown
A LITTLE MORE PATIENCE
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay at Maroc a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
Coming soon!
Destination 4 – Rabat
Why Stay in Rabat
Rabat is the administrative capital of Morocco, but it retains a much more peaceful atmosphere than the major tourist cities. We enjoyed its relaxed pace, its wide, tree-lined avenues, and the harmonious coexistence of modern neighborhoods and historic sites listed by UNESCO.
The Oudayas Kasbah overlooks the mouth of the Bouregreg River. Its white- and blue-painted alleyways are reminiscent of certain Mediterranean villages. We spent time there on the café terraces facing the ocean, enjoying a tranquility we didn’t find anywhere else in Morocco.
Rabat is also a city of museums: the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art alone is worth a visit. It’s a great destination if you’re looking to combine culture and tranquility.
Things to Do in Rabat
- Explore the Oudayas Kasbah and its Andalusian garden
- Visit the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
- Explore the Hassan Tower and the Mohammed V Mausoleum, the remains of a 12th-century Almohad mosque
- Take a stroll through the Chellah archaeological site, where Roman ruins stand alongside a lush garden
- Explore the medina of Rabat, which is less crowded than those in the south
- See all Rabat attractions.
Tours from Rabat
Rabat is ideally located for exploring northern and central Morocco:
- Fez and its UNESCO-listed medina, a 2.5-hour drive away— see options
- Volubilis and its Roman ruins, which can be combined with a day trip to Meknes— see options
- Casablanca and the Hassan II Mosque, 1 hour away by high-speed train— see options
- Salé, the twin city on the other side of the river, accessible on foot via the bridge
- See our selection of the best excursions from Rabat.
Where to Stay in Rabat – Hotels
For all our tips, see our article on the best hotels in Rabat. Among our favorites:
- Charming riad: Riad Meftaha Hotel
View photos, prices, and availability - Modern Hotel: Rabat Marriott Hotel
View prices, photos and availability - Luxury hotel with a rooftop: Fairmont La Marina Rabat Salé Hotel
View photos, prices, and availability
Access:
- Rabat-Salé International Airport (RBA)
- A 20- to 30-minute drive to downtown
Destination 5 – Essaouira
Why Stay in Essaouira
Essaouira offers a welcome change of pace after the hustle and bustle of the imperial cities. The former Mogador won us over with its laid-back lifestyle, its airy, grid-patterned medina, and its seafront swept by the trade winds. The port city blends Portuguese, Moroccan, and Saharan influences in a bohemian atmosphere that attracts artists and long-distance travelers.
The fishing port, still in operation, sets the pace: we recommend having lunch there at the grilled fish stalls. The 18th-century ramparts and art galleries dot the daily stroll. The constant winds also make Essaouira a renowned spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
The main downside: the wind can blow hard, especially in the summer. If you’re coming for the beach, spring or fall is the best time to visit.
Things to Do in Essaouira
- Stroll through the walled medina and its quiet souks
- Enjoy some grilled fish at the fishing port
- Head up to the town’s Skala for a panoramic view of the city walls and the ocean
- Go kitesurfing or windsurfing on the long beach
- Visit the art galleries and thuja wood marquetry workshops
- Take a stroll through the mellah, the old Jewish quarter
- See the best attractions in Essaouira
Day Trips from Essaouira
Essaouira is more of a vacation destination than a base for day trips, but a few excursions are worth the trip:
- Marrakech: Day Trip (2 hours and 40 minutes by car) — see options
- Camel ride on the beach south of the city
- Visit to an argan oil cooperative in the hinterland
- Mogador Island (bird sanctuary, restricted access)
- Taghazout, 2.5 hours south, a small fishing village that has become one of Africa’s most famous surfing spots
Where to Stay in Essaouira – Hotels
For all our tips, see our article on the best hotels in Essaouira. Among our favorites:
- Luxury and Relaxation: Jardin des Douars Hotel
View photos, prices, and availability - Boutique Hotel: Hôtel Salut Morocco
View photos, prices, and availability - Spa Hotel with a View: Hôtel Palais des Remparts
- See prices, pictures and availability
Access:
- Essaouira-Mogador Airport, 20 minutes from downtown (the smaller airport)
- Marrakech-Menara Airport (RAK), followed by a 3-hour drive
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
Destination 6 – Agadir
Why Stay in Agadir
Agadir is ideal for travelers who prefer a comfortable beach vacation. Rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1960, the city lost its historic center but gained modern infrastructure: all-inclusive resorts, a long boardwalk, and a fine-sand beach stretching for several kilometers. We found the atmosphere pleasant for a few days of relaxation between two more culturally oriented stops.
The ruined kasbah, perched on the hill, offers one of the most beautiful views of the southern coast. However, if you’re looking for the authenticity of traditional medinas, we’d recommend heading to Taroudant—nicknamed “Little Marrakech”—which is an hour southeast.
Things to Do in Agadir
- Enjoy the long sandy beach and the lively promenade
- Head up to the kasbah for the view of the bay
- Visit the El Had Souk, one of the country’s largest covered markets
- Explore the Amazigh Heritage Museum (Berber Culture)
- Go surfing or take a surfing lesson in Taghazout, a well-known neighboring village
- See the best attractions in Agadir
Tours from Agadir
Agadir is a great base for exploring southern Morocco, a region that few travelers get to see:
- Taroudant and its ochre-colored ramparts, a 1-hour drive to the southeast
- The Valley of Paradise (Imouzzer Valley), a green oasis in the Anti-Atlas Mountains
- Taghazout, a surfing village 20 minutes north
- Essaouira: A Day Trip, 3 Hours Along the Coast
- Tiznit and the southern coast toward Legzira and its natural arches
- See our selection of the best excursions
Where to Stay in Agadir – Hotels
For all our tips, see our article on the best hotels in Agadir. Among our favorites:
- Charming riad: Riad Villa Blanche
View prices, photos and availability - Hotel with a View: The View Agadir Hotel
View photos, prices, and availability - Luxury resort hotel: Hyatt Regency Taghazout Bay Hotel
View photos, prices, and availability
Access:
- Agadir-Al Marrira International Airport (AGA) — a 30- to 40-minute drive to the city center
- Marrakech-Menara Airport (RAK), followed by a 3-hour drive
Destination 7 – Tangier
Why Stay in Tangier
Tangier occupies a unique position at the crossroads of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, facing the Strait of Gibraltar. We were captivated by the city’s cosmopolitan character, a legacy of its former status as an international zone. The literary cafés of the medina evoke a time when international writers and artists made Tangier their refuge.
The city has undergone a profound transformation in recent years: renovation of the waterfront, the opening of new museums, and improvements to infrastructure. We enjoyed the kasbah perched above the bay, where the view takes in two continents. Tangier also serves as a gateway to the northern part of the country, whether it’s the Mediterranean coast, Chefchaouen, or the Rif.
Things to Do in Tangier
- Visit the Kasbah and the Kasbah Museum (former collections of the American Legation Museum)
- Take a stroll through the Grand Socco Square, the gateway to the medina
- Explore Cape Spartel and the Caves of Hercules in the far northwest
- Explore the Perdicaris Forest for a peaceful walk
- Enjoy the beaches of Achakar and Malabata
- See all Tangier attractions.
Tours from Tangier
From Tangier, northern Morocco awaits you:
- Chefchaouen, the “Blue City” of the Rif, a 2-hour drive away— see options
- Asilah and its murals, 40 minutes south— see options
- Tetouan and its UNESCO-listed medina, 1 hour away— see options
- Caves of Hercules – see options
- The Akchour Waterfalls in Talassemtane National Park – see options
- Learn more about excursions from Tangier
Where to Stay in Tangier – Hotels
For all our tips, see our article on the best hotels in Tangier. Among our favorites:
- Hotel on the Hill: Fairmont Tazi Tangier Palace Hotel
View photos, prices, and availability - Riad in the Medina: Riad Dar Saba Hotel
View photos, prices, and availability - By the sea: Marina Bay City Center Hotel
View photos, prices, and availability
Access
- Tangier Ibn Battouta International Airport
- International port, ferry links to Spain
Destination 8 – Tetouan
Why Stay in Tetouan
Tetouan is a destination we highly recommend to curious travelers. The “White City,” nestled between the Rif Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, boasts a Hispano-Moorish character that is unique in the country. Founded in the 15th century by refugees from Spain, it has preserved this dual influence in its facades adorned with zellige tiles and wrought ironwork, its regular street layout, and its carved wooden balconies.
The medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands out from other Moroccan medinas due to its more orderly layout. We were able to get around without getting lost, which is quite rare in Morocco. Tetouan attracts few international tourists, which makes interactions with the locals more spontaneous and the handicrafts more affordable.
Directions: From Tangier and its international airport: 60 km (1 hour by car)
Things to Do in Tetouan
- Explore the UNESCO-listed medina and its architecture influenced by Andalucia
- Visit Dar El Oddi, a house-museum dedicated to the history of Tetouan
- Explore the Center for Modern Art and the Archaeological Museum
- Admire the Royal Palace and the Khalifat Palace from the outside
- Traveling to Martil, a nearby seaside resort on the Mediterranean
- See all Tetouan attractions.
Day Trips from Tetouan
Tetouan is located in the heart of the northern region, between the sea and the mountains:
- Chefchaouen, the Blue City, 1 hour away via the mountain road— see options
- Tangier and its kasbah overlooking the strait, 1 hour northwest
- Aïn Zarka, a waterfall popular with locals, 20 minutes away
- Martil and the beaches of the Mediterranean coast
- Ceuta (Spanish enclave), a 35-minute drive away
- Learn more about day trips from Tetouan
Where to Stay in Tetouan – Hotels
For all our tips, see our article on the best hotels in Tetouan. Among our favorites:
- Charming riad: Riad El Reducto Hotel
View photos, prices, and availability - Beachfront resort hotel: Sofitel Tamuda Bay Hotel
View photos, prices, and availability
Destination 9 – In the Desert
Why Stay in the Desert
Spending one or two nights in the Moroccan desert is an experience that makes a trip memorable. However, we would like to point out that the desert is not a suitable base for your entire stay. Its isolation, heat, and distance from other cities make it a one-time stop that should be incorporated into a broader itinerary.
There are two main areas that welcome travelers: Erg Chebbi near Merzouga (with its large golden sand dunes) and Erg Chigaga, which is more remote and less crowded, accessible from M’Hamid El Ghizlane. Most trips are organized from Marrakech or Ouarzazate as two- to three-day excursions.
We slept in a Berber tent amid the absolute silence of the Sahara, gazed at a starry sky of rare brilliance, and took a camel ride at sunset. These memories alone make the trip worthwhile.
Things to Do in the Desert
- Sleeping in a traditional Berber tent or at a luxury camp
- Watch the sunrise and sunset over the dunes
- Take a camel ride
- Sandboarding on the dunes of Erg Chebbi
- Discover the nomadic culture and Gnaoua music around the campfire
- Gazing at a night sky free of light pollution
How to get there
The desert isn’t a destination you can reach in just a few minutes. Guided tours take you to camps nestled among the dunes by 4WD or on camelback.
See the options departing from Marrakech, or directly from Merzouga
Destination 10 – Meknes
Why Stay in Meknes
Meknes is one of Morocco’s four imperial cities, yet it is often overlooked by travelers in a hurry. That’s precisely what we liked about it: a city of grand monuments, rich in heritage, where tourist traffic remains moderate. In the 17th century, Sultan Moulay Ismaïl had a complex of palaces, granaries, and stables built there, the scale of which rivaled that of the great European capitals of the time.
The Bab Mansour Gate, one of the most imposing in the Maghreb, marks the entrance to the imperial city. We also enjoyed the compact and lively medina, where the souks are less touristy than those in Marrakech. Meknes is an interesting alternative to Fez if you’re looking for a quieter getaway in the same region. But it’s also easy to visit in a single day while staying elsewhere.
Things to Do in Meknes
- Pass through the Bab Mansour Gate, considered one of the most beautiful in the country
- Visit the mausoleum of Moulay Ismaïl, one of the few religious sites open to non-Muslims
- Explore the ancient royal stables of Heri es-Souani and their ingenious hydraulic system
- Explore the medina and El-Hedim Square, the heart of local life
- Visit the Dar Jamaï Museum and its collections of regional crafts
- Admire the Bou Inania Madrasa, adorned with cedar wood and zellige
- See all Meknes attractions.
Day Trips from Meknes
Meknes’ location, at the crossroads of several regions, offers great opportunities:
- Volubilis, a Roman site listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, just 30 km away— see options
- Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, a sacred village overlooking the plain— learn more
- Fez, a 1-hour drive away for a day in the medina
- Ifrane and the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas Mountains
Where to Stay in Meknes – Hotels
- We haven’t reviewed any hotels in Meknes yet
- See the top-rated accommodations in Meknes
Access
- From Fez: 60km (1h by car)
- From Rabat: 140km (1h40 by car)
- From Casablanca: 240km (2h40 by car)
Frequently asked questions
What is the best city to visit in Morocco?
For a first trip, we recommend Marrakech. The city offers the widest variety of accommodations, activities, and excursions. Fez is an excellent alternative if you prefer cultural authenticity to the hustle and bustle of tourist areas.
Morocco: North or South?
The north (Fes, Tangier, Tetouan, Chefchaouen) is characterized by mountainous landscapes, a Mediterranean influence, and medinas with a less touristy atmosphere. The south (Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Agadir) offers greater contrasts between the desert, the Atlas Mountains, and the Atlantic coast. We have a slight preference for the north in terms of authenticity, but a trip that combines both regions remains the most well-rounded option.
Marrakech or Fez?
Marrakech is more touristy, livelier, better served by international flights, and offers direct access to the Atlas Mountains and the desert. Fes charms visitors with its better-preserved medina, its often more affordable riads, and a more intimate atmosphere of discovery. If you have the time, we recommend visiting both.
How many days does it take to visit Morocco?
Plan on at least 7 days to visit one or two imperial cities and take a day trip (to the desert or the coast). A 10- to 14-day trip gives you plenty of time to comfortably explore three or four destinations and include a night in the desert. If you only have 4 to 5 days, focus on a single region (the north around Fez or the south-central region around Marrakech).
When is the best time to visit Morocco?
Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) offer the most pleasant conditions throughout the country. Summer can be very hot in inland cities such as Marrakech and Fez, where temperatures regularly exceed 40°C. Winter remains mild on the Atlantic coast (Essaouira, Agadir), but nights are cold in the desert, and snow can block some of the Atlas mountain passes.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Morocco
- Best of
Top Destinations
Must-See Places in Morocco
Most Beautiful Riads
Most Beautiful Cities
Most Beautiful Medinas
Morocco’s Most Beautiful Landscapes
Most Beautiful Gardens
Best Museums
Morocco’s Most Beautiful Beaches
- Practical advice
When to go?
How to rent a car in Morocco
Driving tips
- The must-dos
Marrakech
Casablanca
Fez
Meknes
Chefchaouen
Essaouira
Rabat
Tangier
Tetouan
Agadir
The Sahara Desert
