Destinations
The best places to visit in Morocco
Find your perfect place, from the red walls of Marrakech to the dunes of the Sahara and the Atlantic coast. Pick what you love and explore our guides.
Where to go
Our destination guides
Each guide covers what to see, how long to stay and the best time to go. Use the filters to match a destination to your season.
MarrakechMedina, souks, palaces and foodRead the guide
Sahara · MerzougaErg Chebbi dunes, camel treks and desert campsRead the guide
AgadirBeaches, marina and the Atlantic coastRead the guide
Agafay DesertStone desert, sunsets and camps near MarrakechRead the guide
ChefchaouenThe blue city of the Rif mountainsMore of Morocco
More places to inspire your trip
Beyond our main guides, these places are often added to a Moroccan itinerary.
Fes
Fes el-Bali is one of the largest medieval medinas in the world, a maze of workshops and old streets.
Aït Benhaddou
A fortified village on the old caravan route toward the Sahara, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The road to the south
Berber villages and valleys between Marrakech and Ouarzazate, on the way to the desert.
Want one of these in your itinerary? Ask us on WhatsApp.
Photos on Unsplash: Beatrice Sana, Taisha Ellison, Emma Van Sant, Hamza Demnati, Toa Heftiba, Nicolas Cool and Sergey Pesterev.
Destination overviews
What to see, and how long to stay
A closer look at each destination, so you can see what fits your trip, your season and your time.
City · Medina
Marrakech
Marrakech is Morocco’s most visited city, known for its medina, its souks, its palaces and its gardens. The old medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its heart is Jemaa el-Fnaa, a big square that changes with the hours, from juice stalls by day to food stalls and storytellers at night.
- Wander Jemaa el-Fnaa and the souks
- Visit the Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs
- Relax in the Majorelle Garden
- See the Koutoubia Mosque from the outside
- Try a traditional hammam
Desert · Dunes
Sahara · Merzouga
Merzouga sits at the edge of Erg Chebbi, a sea of tall sand dunes in the southeast of Morocco, close to the Algerian border. It is the classic Sahara experience: a camel trek at sunset, a night in a desert camp and sunrise over the dunes.
- Ride a camel into the dunes at sunset
- Spend a night in a desert camp under the stars
- Climb a dune for the sunrise
- Try sandboarding or a quad ride
- Enjoy Berber music around the campfire
Coast · Beach
Agadir
Agadir is Morocco’s main beach resort on the Atlantic coast, with a long sandy bay, a modern promenade and a marina. It was largely rebuilt after the 1960 earthquake, so it feels modern rather than historic, with a mild, sunny climate for much of the year.
- Relax on the beach and walk the promenade
- Visit the Kasbah hilltop for the view over the bay
- Explore the Souk El Had market
- Try surfing around the village of Taghazout
- Look for birds in the Souss-Massa National Park
Desert · Near Marrakech
Agafay Desert
Agafay is a stony desert of rocky plains and low hills, about an hour from Marrakech, with views of the Atlas Mountains on a clear day. It has no giant dunes, but it is an easy way to experience the desert, with camps, sunsets and dinners under the stars.
- Ride a camel at sunset
- Go quad biking across the rocky plains
- Enjoy dinner and a show at a desert camp
- Watch the stars away from the city lights
Coast · Medina
Essaouira
Essaouira is a relaxed Atlantic port with white and blue buildings, old ramparts and a busy fishing harbor. Its medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the steady wind makes it a favorite for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
- Walk the ramparts and the old medina
- Watch the fishing boats in the harbor
- Eat grilled fish at the port
- Browse the art galleries and craft shops
Our full Essaouira guide is coming soon.
Mountains · Blue city
Chefchaouen
Known as the blue city, Chefchaouen is set in the Rif Mountains in northern Morocco, with blue-washed houses and narrow lanes. It is calm, photogenic and a good base for walks in the surrounding hills.
- Wander the blue lanes of the medina
- Relax around Plaza Uta el-Hammam and the kasbah
- Walk up to the Spanish Mosque for the sunset view
- Hike to the Akchour waterfalls
Our full Chefchaouen guide is coming soon.
Trip ideas
Three ways to combine the destinations
Use these routes as a starting point, then adapt them to your dates and pace.
Marrakech and the Agafay desert
Two days in the medina, the palaces and the gardens, then an evening in the Agafay desert for a sunset, a dinner and a night under the stars.
City and coast
Start in Marrakech, then head to the Atlantic coast with Essaouira and Agadir for beach time, fresh seafood and a slower pace.
Marrakech to the Sahara
Leave Marrakech, cross the High Atlas with a stop at Ait Benhaddou, and spend a night in the Sahara at Merzouga.
Want one of these routes adapted to you? Ask us on WhatsApp.
At a glance
Compare the destinations
| Destination | Best for | Time needed | From Marrakech |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marrakech | Culture, food and markets | 2–3 days | Your base |
| Agafay | Sunsets, camps and quad biking | Half a day to one night | About 1 hour by road |
| Agadir | Beaches, surf and relaxing | 2–4 days | About 3.5 hours by road |
| Merzouga | Dunes, camel trek and a desert camp | 2–3 days minimum | About 9–10 hours by road |
Good to know
Before you choose
Getting around
Between the big cities you can use trains and buses. For the deserts and the mountains, a private driver or a guided trip is the easiest way.
When to go
Spring and autumn suit most trips, while summer is hot inland. Read our guide on the best time to visit Morocco.
How many days
Marrakech and Agafay fit a short stay. The Sahara at Merzouga and a coast stay in Agadir are better with a few extra days.
FAQ
Questions about places to visit
What are the best places to visit in Morocco?
Marrakech for the medina and the food, the Sahara at Merzouga for the dunes, Agadir for beaches, and the Agafay desert for an easy desert evening near Marrakech. Chefchaouen, Essaouira and Fes are also very popular.
Which destination is best for a first visit?
Marrakech is the most popular starting point. From there you can add the Agafay desert for a short escape or the Atlas Mountains for a day trip, and keep the Sahara at Merzouga for when you have a few extra days.
Can I visit the Sahara and Marrakech in the same trip?
Yes, but Merzouga is about nine to ten hours by road from Marrakech, so allow at least two to three days for the desert. For a shorter trip, the Agafay desert is close to Marrakech.
How many days do I need in Morocco?
A long weekend is enough for Marrakech and the Agafay desert. One week lets you add the coast or the Sahara, and ten days or more allow a route across several regions.
What is the best time to visit Morocco?
Spring and autumn suit most destinations. Summers are hot inland, so the coast is a better choice then, while winters are mild by day but cold in the desert at night.
How do I get around between destinations?
Trains and buses connect the main cities. For the deserts, the mountains and small villages, a private driver or a guided trip is the easiest option.
Not sure yet?
Let us help you choose
Answer five quick questions about what you enjoy, and we will suggest where to start.
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