Away With The Steiners

15 Other Best Places to Visit in Morocco – as well as Marrakech.

Wondering how to choose which places to visit in Morocco? Travel to Morocco is unlike anywhere else in the African continent!  Geographically the country is long and thus the culture is diverse and different from top to bottom.  It’s diverse; and wonderful in its uniqueness. 

We have spent more than six months travel in Morocco.  And we’ve seen a LOT.  

But to summarise the best places to visit in Morocco in one travel guide we have chosen 15 places to visit in Morocco – aside from Marrakech – and the three best things to do for each place. 

Choosing the best places to visit in Morocco 

Deciding on a Morocco itinerary can be overwhelming for choices.  Albeit it is a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack as there really are so many diverse and incredible places to visit in Morocco. 

Officially, Morocco administers 12 regions including one (Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab) that lies completely within the disputed territory of Western Sahara.  

But to narrow it down we have chosen a range of the best destinations from all over Morocco with the top three things to do in each place

Hopefully narrowing it down with the highlights and few stories to boot will help you make your decision of the best places to visit in Morocco.

Yallah!

Map of major cities and highlights

See below for the full details of the different areas of Morocco including the best time to visit each region, highlights, major destinations and three top things to do in each place.

North Morocco and the Mediterranean coast

The north of Morocco is lovely to visit year round.  Winter is a popular time with visitors from Europe escaping the cold for the winter-sun. And the summertime is busy with domestic tourism enjoying the Mediterranean coast and northern Atlantic beaches. 

Central Morocco and the Atlantic coast

The central area of Morocco offers a balance of historic and modern cities as well as boasting beautiful ports and beaches. 

Temara market in Rabat.
The busy market in Temara near Rabat.

Inland Morocco and the Sahara Desert

Images of the orange-golden sands of the Sahara Desert depict Morocco fabulously.  But there is more to see than just the sand and towering dunes.  The inland region offers a unique insight to Saharan culture that is totally unique to Morocco. 

South Morocco and the Atlas Mountains

The Atlas Mountains are the mountain range separating the Sahara Desert from the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.  This area of Morocco offers breathtaking landscapes, snow-capped mountains, red-earth canyons, historic Kasbahs and remote Berber villages.  

It is another beautiful region of the country to visit and gives a genuine insight into life in Morocco off the main tourist trail. 

South Morocco and the Atlantic Coast

This coastal area of Morocco is beautiful, wild and rugged with some of the best beaches in the country.  (And the most famous wave in Africa).  

Fancy visiting a camel market in Morocco?

Best time to visit Morocco

Traditionally, the best time to visit Morocco in terms of the weather is during the spring (April and May) and autumn (September and October) months.  This is when the climate is pleasant and summery throughout the country without being too hot for day-time exploration.  

Peak season is between mid-May and mid-October.  The cities of Fes, Chefchaouen, Tangier and Rabat attract large numbers of tourists and it is busy in the Sahara region and Atlas Mountains

However, in our experience we would also recommend the wintertime (December, January and February) as a perfect escape from the Northern-hemisphere.  And to make the most of the sunshine and pleasant day-time temperature.  

Winter is also a good time to explore the south and the Sahara fringes and further inland without overwhelming heat.  Albeit do remember that even in the desert it can get bitterly cold during the night.

15 Best places to visit in Morocco 

The following are the best places to visit in Morocco from north to south including the top things to do in each destination. 

TANGIER – Places to visit in Morocco

Tangier is a port city in the north of Morocco steeped in history and entangled in the literal maze of streets in the old medina. It’s hard to fathom that this magical escape to Africa is barely an hour’s boat ride away from Europe. 

Things to do in Tangier

ASILAH – Places to visit in Morocco 

The fortified port city of Asilah, Morocco is a small and picturesque town on the northern Atlantic coast.

Things to do in Asilah 

Most of the best things to do in Asilah are located inside the historic medina and size-wise, Asilah can be explored on foot in a day.  

Entering Asilah Medina through one of four gates.

Getting to Asilah, Morocco 

Asilah is connected by train on the main line from Rabat to Tangier.  

To the north Asilah is only a 60 minute drive from the port and Tangier Med.  Coming from the south, Asilah is approximately 3 hours from Casablanca or 2 hours from Rabat. 

TETOUAN – Places to visit in Morocco 

Tetouan is a city in northern Morocco that lies along the Martil Valley and Mediterranean coast. 

And I’ve got to add a bit of disclosure that we weren’t even considering stopping in Tetouan.  But upon recommendation to visit the historic medina of Tetouan we can now recommend this beautiful city as one of the highlights of northern Morocco. 

The city is stunning.

Things to do in Tetouan 

And I’ve got to add that the Tetouan medina is one of the friendliest we’ve visited. 

The beautiful Spanish church in Tetouan is still active for weekly mass.

Getting to Tetouan

CHEFCHAOUEN – Places to visit in Morocco 

Chefchaouen is a city in the Rif Mountains to the northwest of Morocco and known for the striking, blue-washed buildings of the old town. There are many different theories to why Chefchaouen is so blue.

Things to do in Chefchaouen 

Blue. All BLUE in Chefchaouen.

Getting to Chefchaouen 

Chefchaouen is best reached by road – car, taxi or bus. 

FES – Places to visit in Morocco 

Fes is a UNESCO world heritage site and home to the oldest and largest medina in North Africa.  This is one of the most iconic places to visit in Morocco with stunning architecture, history and the iconic tanneries of Fes.

The city was once the capital of Morocco and is now regarded as the cultural epicentre of the country. 

Things to do in Fes, Morocco  

The iconic and historic tanneries of Fes.

Getting to Fes

Fes can be reached by train or road.  Often Fes is included as part of a loop itinerary inland to the desert (Merzouga) and north to Fes and Chefchaouen. 

MEKNES – Places to visit in Morocco 

Meknes is a city in northern Morocco. It’s known for its imperial past and was once the capital city of the land that is now known as Morocco. 

It’s been several hundred years now since Meknes was the capital city.  But there are many remnants of its grand history. 

Things to do in Meknes

Meknes can be added to your Fes itinerary as a day trip. 

The incredible Roman ruins at Volubilis near Meknes.

How to get to Meknes

Meknes is only 60km from Fes and is well connected by road and train. 

RABAT – Places to visit in Morocco

The capital city of Rabat is often overlooked as a destination for travel to Morocco. It is a modern city today but like it’s neighbours it boasts a rich history with another lively Moroccan medina.

Things to do in Rabat

The old city of Rabat.

Getting to Rabat

Rabat is well connected as the capital city of Morocco.  Rabat Airport has daily domestic flights around the country and limited international flights to Europe.

It is easy to travel to Rabat by train or road. 

CASABLANCA – Places to visit in Morocco

Casablanca is a port city and commercial hub in western Morocco and the largest city in the country. 

Things to do in Casablanca, Morocco 

Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca is the only mosque open to non-Muslim visitors in Morocco.

Getting to Casablana 

Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco and it is well connected by train, plane or road.  

There are three train stations in Casablanca: Casa Oasis, Casa Voyageur and Casa port.  Casa Oasis is the arrival point if you are taking the train from Casablanca airport to the city. 

ESSAOUIRA – Places to visit in Morocco

Essaouira is a port city on the Atlantic coast.  Just a walk in the port vicinity feels like more than a world away from Europe. 

Trade winds make Essaouira popular for surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing. And it isn’t as overcrowded as Marrakech or Fes.  It is one of the most underrated destinations for travel to Morocco.

Things to do in Essaouira

Getting to Essaouira

There is an international airport in Essaouira with daily flights to UK and Europe. 

The most popular way to travel to Essaouira is by bus or rental car. 

The iconic blue fishing boats in the beautiful port of Essaouira.

AGADIR – Places to visit in Morocco 

Agadir is a city on Morocco’s southern Atlantic coastline connecting to the foothills of the Anti-Atlas Mountains. 

The coastal city is a tourist resort that is popular with European travellers and Moroccans. 

Things to do in Agadir 

Taghazout Beach near Agadir.

Getting to Agadir

Agadir Airport has international flights to Europe and domestic flights within Morocco.  

The most economical way to get to Agadir is by road – bus, car or taxi. 

SIDI IFNI – Places to visit in Morocco 

Sidi Ifni is a city on the Atlantic coast and one of the last places in Morocco to gain independence from Spanish rule.

Things to do in Sidi Ifni 

Getting to Sidi Ifni, Morocco 

Sidi Ifni is often most southern stop on many travelers Morocco itinerary.  However, we definitely recommend that if your visit to Sidi Ifni times with the weekend it is worth a trip to Guelmim to visit the camel market. 

Beautiful Atlantic views and Spanish architecture in SIDI IFNI.

OUARZAZATE – Places to visit in Morocco

The Hollywood of Africa! Ouarzazate really is like a mini-Hollywood in Morocco.  There are many cool sites to visit and the city is just a hop, skip and a jump from the even more iconic Ait Ben Haddou. 

Things to do in Ouarzazate

The weekly Ouarzazate Market is something totally different to see in Ouarzazate. 

There are film sets and markets to visit in Ouarzazate.

ZAGORA – Places to visit in Morocco 

The Zagora oasis is one of the gateways to the Sahara desert on the path to M’Hamid and the desert beyond.

Things to do in Zagora 

The uncanny lush green of the date palm oases in Zagora. A contrast much?

Getting to Zagora

Zagora does have a small airport. However the most efficient (and economical) way to get to Zagora is by road from Ouarzazate (95km).  The drive from Ouarzazate to Zagora takes around two and half to three hours. 

MERZOUGA – Places to visit in Morocco 

For travellers who have the time, a journey to Merzouga offers the ultimate experience of the Moroccan desert. 

Merzouga is a desert town located near the Algerian border in south-eastern Morocco (approximately a 10 hour trip by bus or car from Marrakech).  And if you have ever seen postcards or pictures of the bright orange towering sand dunes of the Sahara desert the chances are that is Merzouga. 

Although the journey may seem long to get there it is one of the most magical places to visit in Morocco.  

Things to do in Merzouga

THIS is Merzouga.

Getting to Merzouga

Merzouga is often included in Morocco itineraries as a destination between Marrakech and Fes.  

TAROUDANT – Places to visit in Morocco 

Taroudant is one of Southern Morocco’s most beautiful cities.  It was once the capital of what is now this region of Morocco and stands proudly in the Souss Valley with towering ramparts that surround the bustling medina of the mountain city. 

Things to do in Taroudant 

Inside Taroudant Medina (often known as the Grandmother of Marrakech).

Getting to Taroudant 

Taroudant is 70 kilometres east of Agadir and about a hundred kilometres from Tafraoute. 

TAFRAOUTE – Places to visit in Morocco 

Tafraoute is a city in Souss-Massa, Morocco. It has many popular attractions, including hiking, cycling, the annual blossom festival and the beautiful surrounding mountains. 

And note, this was one of those places to visit in Morocco that we had heard of and thought to spend one night. We ended up staying five nights in Tafraoute and exploring all around!

Things to do in Tafraoute 

The weekly market in Tafraoute is a great market experience.

Getting to Tafraoute

Tafraoute is best reached by road.  It is possible to visit Tafraoute on a day trip from Agadir however if you have the time this mountain city is worth the trip. 

Hiking in the mountains surrounding Tafraoute.

TIZNIT – Places to visit in Morocco

Tiznit is an old walled medina town situated between the Atlantic coast and the Atlas Mountains.  It was originally the site of a cluster of forts that were encircled in the 19th century by a 5km rammed earth wall. 

Historically Tiznit became a trade centre of the region and remains the provincial capital and centre for Berber jewellery with a specific Silver Souk.

Things to do in Tiznit

Entering the old city of Tiznit.

Getting to Tiznit 

If you are driving in Morocco, you are in luck. Tiznit is a great stopover between the Atlas Mountains and the coast. 

Narrowing down the best places to visit in Morocco 

Morocco is an incredible country to visit with such a diverse choice of destinations, culture, history, food, and landscapes to explore.  And there is much to see beyond Marrakech! 

In the end we have listed 17 best places to visit in Morocco. (There are two bonus cities because it’s just to hard to choose!).

Happy travels and wherever you choose, enjoy all the best places to visit in Morocco.

More useful links for your travels in Morocco and beyond…

These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel. 

Read more about travel in Morocco

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