An independent Morocco travel guide
Morocco Travel Guide
Imperial medinas, Atlantic ports, mountain villages and Saharan dunes: Morocco fits a remarkable range of landscapes into one trip. Start here to choose where to go and how to connect it all.
Updated September 15, 2026
Quick answer
What are the best places to visit in Morocco?
For a first trip, the most rewarding places are Marrakech for its medina and Atlas day trips, Fes for Morocco's most complete medieval city, Chefchaouen for the blue town in the Rif mountains, Essaouira for a relaxed Atlantic port, and the Sahara dunes near Merzouga. Casablanca, Rabat and Tangier are well connected by train and add a picture of contemporary Morocco, while Agadir is the main beach resort.
Destinations
Imperial cities
Historic capitals with vast medinas, palaces and craft traditions.
Destinations
Atlantic coast
Ports, beaches, wind sports and Morocco's modern economic hub.
Destinations
The north
The Strait of Gibraltar, the Rif mountains and Andalusian heritage.
Itineraries
How many days do you need in Morocco?
Three proven ways to structure a first trip. Travel times between regions are long, so fewer stops usually means a better trip.
One week
Marrakech, the Atlas and the Atlantic
Spend three or four nights in Marrakech with a day in the High Atlas, then two or three nights in Essaouira. Fly in and out of Marrakech.
Ten days
Imperial cities and the Sahara
Marrakech (3 nights), a three-day route across the Atlas to the Merzouga dunes, finishing in Fes (3 nights). Fly into Marrakech and out of Fes.
Two weeks
North to south
Tangier and Chefchaouen, then Fes, the desert and Marrakech, ending on the coast in Essaouira. Use the Al Boraq train and coaches in the north, and a driver or tour for the desert.
Plan your trip
Plan your trip to Morocco
When to go
Spring and autumn suit most itineraries. Summer is very hot inland but pleasant on the coast; winter is mild in Marrakech and Agadir but cold at night.
Best time to visit MoroccoHow to get around
Trains connect Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech and Fes; coaches reach Essaouira, Agadir and Chefchaouen; a car or driver is best for the Atlas and the desert.
Transport in MoroccoWhere to stay
Choose a riad in the medinas for atmosphere, hotels in newer districts for convenience and villas for groups.
Accommodation in MoroccoBefore you go
Check entry requirements for your nationality, get dirhams on arrival and buy insurance with medical cover.
Morocco travel essentialsDestinations in progress
We publish a destination guide only when we can make it genuinely useful. These places are being researched next:
MerzougaOuarzazateMeknesTetouanDakhlaAl HoceimaIfraneTaroudantEl JadidaSaidiaSafiAzilalTinghir
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Morocco?
A week is enough for Marrakech and one other region, such as the Atlantic coast or the Atlas. Ten days let you add the Sahara and Fes, and two weeks cover the north, the imperial cities, the desert and the coast without rushing.
Is Morocco good for first-time visitors?
Yes. Morocco has good flight connections, a solid train and coach network and accommodation for every budget. Expect busy medinas and persistent touting in tourist areas; staying in well-reviewed accommodation and booking guides through reputable sources makes a first visit much easier.
Which city should I fly into in Morocco?
Marrakech is the most convenient entry point for the south, the Atlas and the desert. Casablanca has the most long-haul connections, Tangier suits trips focused on the north, and Fes works for the imperial cities. Flying into one city and out of another avoids backtracking.