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 an itinerary
• Map of places to visit in Morocco
• North Morocco 
• Central Morocco 
• Inland Morocco 
• South Morocco 
• Best time to visit
• Places to visit in Morocco

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

• Major cities and destinations: Tangier, Asilah, Tetouan, Chefchaouen, Fes and Meknes

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

• Major cities and destinations: Rabat, Mohammedia, Casablanca, El Jadida, Oualidia, Safi, Essaouira (and Marrakech)

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

Inland Morocco and the Sahara Desert

• Major cities and destinations: Ouarzazate, Thingir (Dades Gorge), Merzouga, Zagora and M’hamid 

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

• Major cities and destinations: Taroudant, Tafraoute, Tiznit

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

• Major cities and destinations: Agadir, Taghazout, Tamraght, Mirleft, Sidi Ifni, and Guelmim 

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).  

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. 

• Taniger
• Asilah
• Tetouan
• Chefchaouen
• Fes
• Meknes
• Rabat
• Casablanca
• Essaouira
• Agadir
• Sidi Ifni
• Ouarzazate
• Zagora
• Merzouga
• Taroudant
• Tafraoute
• Tiznit

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. 

• Read about 20 of the best things to do in Tangier.

Things to do in Tangier

• The Kasbah: Pass under Bab Haha gate and enter the Kasbah in Tangier with the maze of cobbled alleyways and sweeping hilltop views of the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean sea.
• Tangier Grand Mosque: Originating in the 5^th century the mosque was once the site of a Roman temple.  During the 8^th century it became a place for Muslim prayer until the Portuguese conquest in the late 15^th century when it was converted to a cathedral and subsequently back again to a mosque.
• Petit Socco: A hub of activity – historic and otherwise – in the centre of Tangier.  The best choice to plonk yourself and drink mint tea and watch the world go by.

ASILAH – Places to visit in Morocco 

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

• Read about the 15 best things to do in Asilah.

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.  

• Asilah Medina: Mohammed Ben Abdellah Street is the main shopping street selling handicrafts, beautifully coloured Moroccan carpets, postcards and souvenirs.
• Asilah Ramparts: The southwestern bastion (Caraquia viewpoint) is the best spot for views.
• Thursday Souk: Ahfir Souk is a street market located next to the Bab Homar wall.  The souk is open every day but on Thursday the market is even bigger.
• Church of St Bartolome: A colonial church built by the Spanish Franciscans in 1925.  One of the very few churches in Morocco allowed to ring the bells for Sunday Mass.

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. 

• Rabat to Asilah: 2hr 14 min (211km)
• Casablanca to Asilah: 3hr 11 min (299km) 
• Tangier Med to Asilah: 1hr 11 min (89km)

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 

• Tetouan Medina: Tetouan’s medina is described as an authentic time machine with buildings standing with centuries of history. (This is a pretty apt description!).
• Tetouan Tannery: Traditionally a leather-producing town.  You can visit the tannery and learn how the hides get their shades. 
• Iglesia de Bacturia: This strikingly beautiful Roman Catholic church (1917) dominates Place Moulay El Mehdi and is still active today. 
• Royal Palace: Built in 1988 in what was once Feddan Park. King Mohammed VI is known to visit during the summer. It is not open to visitors but worth a look from the outside.

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

Getting to Tetouan

• Tangier to Tetouan: 1 hr 15 min (63.0 km) via N2
• Chefchaouen to Tetouan: 1 hr 20 min (65 km) via N13
• Rabat to Tetouan: 3 hr 30 min (275 km) via A5

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 

• Take in all the BLUE: Chefchaouen is the ultimate Moroccan medina for wandering and photography.  There are endless enchanting squares, doorways and dead-end alleys that are all very photogenic.
• Visit the Souk: If you happen to be in Chefchaouen on a Monday or a Thursday you should definitely visit the souk. 
• Spanish Mosque: The best place for a beautiful panoramic view of Chefchaouen is at the Spanish mosque. This mosque sits on the hillside and it is a pleasant 45-minute walk to get there.

Getting to Chefchaouen 

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

• Tetouan to Chefchaouen: 1 hr 30 min (64.5 km) 
• Rabat to Chefchaouen: 4 hr (247.9 km)

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  

• Jnan Sbil Gardens (Bou Jeloud): This peaceful slice of nature is the only public garden in Fes medina.  The park is open Tuesday – Sunday between 8AM – 7:30PM. 
• Bou Inania Madrasa: Opposite the Grande Mosquée, this religious school, completed in 1358 is a historic madrasa (Islamic learning centre).
• Fes Tanneries: Be sure to check out the iconic tanneries of Fes! The tanneries are a unique part of Fes culture and one of the most iconic places to visit in Morocco. 

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. 

• Fes to Meknes: 55 min (64 km)
• Fes to Rabat: 2 hr 20 min (200 km) 
• Marrakech to Fes: 5 hr 40 min (535 km) 
• Merzouga to Fes: 7 hr 10 min (462.3 km) 

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. 

• Bab Mansour: See the enormous gates that mark the entrance to the old city through the fortified walls. 
• Place Hedim: Just beyond the Bab Mansour gate is the main square of the old city, Place Hedim.  
• Meknes Medina: The old medina of Meknes is an adventure of its own and is worth a wander (with less pressure and less tourists than neighbouring Fes). 
• Volubilis: Did you know Morocco has Roman ruins? Volubilis was once the furthest Roman outpost with the remains of the wonderous city just a short drive from Meknes. 

How to get to Meknes

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

• Fes to Meknes: 53 min (63.9 km) via A2
• Rabat to Meknes: 1 hr 51 min (151.3 km) via A2
• Chefchaouen to Meknes: 3 hr 28 min (194.4 km) via N13

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

• Rabat medina:  While much of Rabat is extremely modern, the medina still has reminders of a historic and different kind of life.
• Try a street food sandwich: Enter the medina and hunt down the viande hache (mincemeat) sandwich in fresh Moroccan bread. 
• City of Sale: Salé is just across the Bou Regreg River from Rabat and has a fascinating history that is deeply linked to a past with dreaded pirating famed since the 1600’s.
• Visit Chellah: Overlooking the lush Bou Regreg River on the Rabat city side is Chellah, a picturesque fort that dates back to the Phoenician times in the third century B.C. 

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 to Rabat: 1 hr 4 min (87.2 km) via A1
• Marrakech to Rabat: 3 hr 35 min (325.5 km) via A1 and A3
• Tangier to Rabat: 2 hr 49 min (245.9 km) via A5

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: No trip to Casablanca is complete without visiting the spectacular Hassan II Mosque; the only mosque in Morocco open to non-Muslims. 
• Morocco Mall: Located at the end of La Corniche area is Morocco Mall – the biggest shopping mall on the African continent.
• Old Medina: Starkly contrasting the modern mall; the old medina of Casablanca is a vibrant and fascinating place to wander (and drink tea and eat fresh, hot M’smen).

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. 

• Fes to Casablanca: 3 hr 9 min (295.3 km) 
• Marrakech to Casablanca: 2 hr 43 min (244.8 km)
• Rabat to Casablanca: 1 hr 4 min (87.2 km) 

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

• Essaouira medina: The labyrinth of alleyways in the old city are an assault on the senses (in a good way) with colourful souvenirs, handicrafts, Moroccan rugs and shoes.
• Surfing: Trade winds make Essaouira a fantastic alternative for a Morocco vacation away from the big touristy cities.  There are plenty of surf shops, windsurfing and surfing schools that are great for beginners. 
• Port: Essaouira was the main fishing port for Morocco in the 1900’s and today fishing boats line the harbour where each day they sell their catch.  Choose your own seafood to be cooked fresh at the many restaurants.

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. 

• Marrakech to Essaouira: 2 hr 50 min (176.7 km)
• Casablanca to Essaouira: 4 hr 23 min (377.5 km) 
• Agadir to Essaouira: 3 hr 5 min (175.6 km)

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 

• Souk el Had: Agadir’s main souk with over 6000 vendors selling everything from spices, fruits and vegetables through to clothes, perfumes, carpets, pottery, and electronics.
• Taghazout and Tamraght: Beach towns of Taghazout and Tamraght are a short drive north. Anchor Point is often considered to be Africa’s best surf spot.
• Agadir Beach (Plage d’Agadir): A seaside resort with deep, fine sand, cafes and restaurants galore. 

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. 

• Marrakech to Agadir: 2 hr 53 min (248.9 km) 
• Essaouira to Agadir: 3 hr 6 min (175.6 km) 
• Sidi Ifni to Agadir: 2 hr 51 min (172.1 km) 

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 

• Sidi Ifni Market: The highlight of our time in Sidi Ifni was the huge (HUGE) weekend market on the old, abandoned airfield.  This market is enormous!
• Sidi Ifni Lighthouse: The Spanish era lighthouse still stands in all its faded Art Deco glory.
• Guelmim Camel Market: Take a daytrip on Saturday to nearby Guelmim for one of the most well-known camel markets in Morocco. 

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. 

• Agadir to Sidi Ifni: 2 hr 49 min (171.7 km) 
• Guelmim to Sidi Ifni: 57 min (57.3 km)

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

• Visit Ben Haddou: A 30 minute drive from Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou is an ancient village of earthen clay buildings that dates back to the 1600s.
• Atlas Film Studios: With cheap production costs and desolate scenery, Ouarzazate has been a Hollywood base for over 200 movies and television programmes filmed at Atlas Studios including, Gladiator, Ben Hur, Game of Thrones, The Mummy, Passion of Christ, and Black Hawk Down.
• Kasbah Taourirt: A citadel in the centre of Ouarzazate set up as a museum showcasing the historic vantage point of the city on the trade routes from Sub-Saharan Africa. 

The weekly Ouarzazate Market is something totally different to see 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.

• Read our complete guide to the best things to do in Zagora.

Things to do in Zagora 

• Desert Excursion: This is the main reason to visit Zagora.  Take an overnight safari to the desert from M’hamid.
• Palm Oasis: Take a walk at sunset in the surrounding palm oases of Zagora.
• Zagora Market: The twice weekly souk in Zagora is the largest in the region. 
• 52 Days to Timbuktu: Take a photo by the famous Timbuktu sign.  Did you know it is 52 days camel ride from Zagora to Timbuktu? 

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. 

• Ouarzazate to Zagora: 2 hr 40 min (159.7 km)
• M’hamid to Zagora: 1 hr 26 min (98.3 km) 
• Marrakech to Zagora: 5 hr 50 min (350.4 km)

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

• Camel Ride: The bucketlist of things to do in Merzouga is a sunset camel ride in the desert.
• Overnight in the desert: Stay in a traditional tent (glamping) and experience the culture of the Sahara Desert.
• Erg-Chebbi: These are the towering sand dunes of Merzouga and worth the walk to the top for spectacular views at sunset. 

Getting to Merzouga

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

• Marrakech to Merzouga: 8 hr 18 min (557.7 km) 
• Ouarzazate to Merzouga: 5 hr 8 min (366.6 km)
• Fes to Merzouga: 7 hr 12 min (466.9 km) 

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. 

• Read our guide to the best 20 things to do in Taroudant, Morocco.

Things to do in Taroudant 

• Taroudant Medina: Wander the alleyways of the medina beneath the historic ramparts of Taroudant.
• Sunday Souk: One of the largest markets in the area.
• Tiout Palm Grove: Only 20km from Taroudant is the Tiout garden at the foot of a Kasbah with historic irrigation canals (sequias) and orchards with orange trees, dates, pomegranates and carob trees. 

Getting to Taroudant 

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

• Tafraoute to Taroudant: 2 hr 55 min (147.4 km)
• Agadir to Taroudant: 1 hr 23 min (82.3 km)

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!

• Read all about the best things to do in Tafraoute here.

Things to do in Tafraoute 

• Tafraoute Painted Rocks: A unique attraction in the Moroccan city of Tafraoute which is exactly as it sounds with huge rocks painted bright blue and yellow. 
• Tafraoute Weekly Market: A highlight of this mountain city is the weekly souk on a Wednesday. 
• Hiking: The surrounding mountains and rocky oases of Tafraoute is filled with beautiful hiking trails. 

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. 

• Agadir to Tafraoute: 2 hr 58 min (164.2 km) 
• Taroudant to Tafraoute: 2 hr 55 min (147.4 km)

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

• Jewellery Souk: Tiznit is famous for its expert silversmiths.
• Tiznit Medina: The old medina was first erected in the 19^th century and today house a busy marketplace of restaurants, shops, markets and vendors. 
• Ain Zerka: The Blue Spring is a natural spring in the centre of town around which four nomadic tribes (mainly caravanners) settled to form Tiznit at the end of the 19th century. The site benefited from lush vegetation and today a garden is planted around the garden.

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. 

• Taroudant to Tiznit: 2 hr 22 min (149.6 km) 
• Agadir to Tiznit: 1 hr 41 min (96.3 km) 

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. 

• Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally. 
• Skyscanner – This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.  
• GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
• SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country. 
• World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have travel insurance before riding those trains in India!

Read more about travel in Morocco

• Taking the vehicle ferry from Spain to Morocco with your motorhome.
• Driving in Morocco: Everything you wanted to ask.
• Crossing the Morocco Mauritania border from Dakhla.
• Motorhome services in Morocco: What is it like?
• A guide to campsites in Morocco.
• Visiting the famous Guelmim Camel Market.
• Buying a SIM card in Morocco (and how to get unlimited data!).