Morocco, a country where the sun sets on a landscape of deserts, mountains, and ancient cities, is a destination that promises an unforgettable adventure. Known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural beauty, this North African gem offers a blend of the old and the new, making it an irresistible destination for travelers. From the bustling markets of Marrakech to the serene blue city of Chefchaouen, each day in Morocco unfolds a new chapter of discovery and wonder.
When to visit morocco?
- The best time to visit Morocco is either in Spring (March to May) or in Fall (September to November). The weather is pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing and desert tours.
- If you are visiting in summer (June to August) be prepared for warmer temperatures, especially in the desert and inland cities. Coastal areas like Tangier and Casablanca are more comfortable.
- If you are visiting in winter (December to February) it can be quite cold, especially in the Atlas Mountains. However, it’s a great time to visit if you prefer fewer crowds.
How long should you visit Morocco?
For a first-time visit to Morocco, We recommend a trip of around 10 to 14 days. This timeframe allows you to experience a broad spectrum of what Morocco has to offer without feeling too rushed.
Complete Itinerary
To simplify your journey and help you make the most of your adventure, we’ve crafted a well-rounded 12-dayitinerary that takes you from the blue-washed charm of Chefchaouen to the serene landscapes of the Sahara. Our itinerary covers all the top spots to visit, and the best part is that you can customize it to fit your schedule, budget and interests.
1. Casablanca
Day 1 – 2
✈️ Arrive at the Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca
Casablanca is the economic capital of Morocco. Many people simply pass right by it because of it’s status of being nothing more than a concrete jungle. However, do not skip out on Casablanca and visit the city for at least a day to marvel at the incredible Hassan II Mosque (The tallest mosque in the world!), walk by the Royal Palace, or grab a coffee at the iconic Rick’s Cafe.
2. Rabat
Day 2 – 3
🚗 1 hour from Casablanca
Rabat, the capital of Morocco, is home to beautiful gardens, royal palaces, and well-preserved historic sites. In two days you can get a good feel for the city and see most highlights. Be sure to such as Grand Hassan Tower & Mausoleum of Mohammed V.
💡 Tip: If you have some extra time, make a trip to Volubilis and wander through the beautiful ruins dating back to the Roman empire. It’s a 2 hour drive from Rabat to Volubilis, and definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in Roman history.
3. Tanger
Day 3 – 4
🚗 3 hours from Rabat
Tanger’s charm lies in the contrast between rugged coastal beauty and quaint, picturesque streets. A day or two should suffice for exploring the city and experiencing main highlights such as Cap Spartel, Grand and petit Socco, and the Great Mosque.
Located about 15 minutes from Tanger, Morocco you’ll find the Cave of Hercules. Peeking through the opening of the cave reveals a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean. Legend has it that Hercules, the mythical Greek hero, once rested in this cave before performing his 11th labour.
For a more detailed guide to visiting Tanger have a look at this blogpost about visiting Tanger.
4. Chefchaouen
DAY 4 – 6
🚗 2 hours from Tangier
Journey to Chefchaouen, known for its characteristic blue streets. This is one of our favorite cities of the itinerary, because it’s just so picturesque. Take your time to walk around and explore the medina, there are plenty small stores to shop for souvenirs. Have a traditional Moroccan lunch at the kasbah. You’ll find something new to discover behind every corner: beautifully decorated doors, little fruit stalls, and handcrafted woven carpets.
💡 Tip: Be sure to be mindful of the local people who live here. Some people will charge you a small fee to take a photo at their beautiful garden or stairway.
Right on the outside of the city you can find the Ras el Maa waterfall. This is a small waterfall in which the local people wash their clothes. If you follow the path up, you can hike all the way to the Spanish Mosque. From here you can enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the town and the mountains, especially during golden hour.
Want to know more about everything there is to do in Chefchaouen? Have a look at our dedicated blogpost!
5. Fes
DAY 6 – 8
🚗 3.5 hours from Chefchaouen
Another definite must on your list of cities to visit in Morocco is Fes. Get lost in the small mazelike allyways of the city, and learn all about the the age-old craft of handmade leather production at the Chouara tannery, right in the city center. However, make sure to hold your breath as the smell of this place is sour and pungent, a result of the traditional, organic methods employed in the tanning process, which involve natural materials like pigeon poo and cow urine.
6. Merzouga Desert
Day 8 – 9
🚗 7 hours from Fes
Merzouga is located in the Sahara and is surrounded by towering sand dunes. You can stand on top of on of the dunes, seeing nothing but sand. Not to mention the starry sky you see at night which is breathtaking. For many the desert is a main reason to come to Morocco.
One of the highlights of our trip was supposed to be a 2 day trek through the Merzouga desert. However, as you can read in this post, things did not go quite as planned. To make up for it, we got offered a trip to the Agafay desert, near Marrakech.
While we were expecting a similar experience, with beautiful sand dunes, we were let down to say the least when we saw the gravel desert.
The camel ride that we went on also did not hold up to our expectations. We felt unsure whether the animals were treated well, and the whole experience was touristy and inauthentic.
So, definitely visit the desert on your trip to Morocco, but visit the Merzouga desert if you want to see some real sand dunes. And, if you decide to partake in camel rides, do so responsibly (see our blog post about ethical camel trekking for some tips).
If you have extra time, consider stopping at either Ouzoud (where you’ll find one of the most beautiful waterfalls of Morocco) or Ourzazate (this iconic city has been the decor of many films and series such as Game of Thrones) on your way to Marrakech (the last city of this itinerary).
7. Marrakech
Day 9 – 12
🚗 7 hours from Merzouga
There is a lot to do and see in Marrakech, you can easily spend a week in this city. Be sure to visit the lively Djemaa el Fna square where you can bargain with the local vendors, and watch street performances, and even snake charmers. From Djemaa el Fna square, take a stroll and have a look at the Koutoubia Mosque, one of the largests mosques of Marrakech and the symbol of the city for a 1000 years.
Although you wouldn’t say it from the outside, but the Bahia Palace is really worth a visit. The inside is decorated with beautiful stucco work, carved columns, intriquate mosaic panels, and painted ceilings. Another spot not to be missed in Marrakech is the famous Jardin Majorelle, a colourful botanical garden with plants from five continents!
💡 Tip: If you want to have Jardin Majorelle for youself, visit the garden early in the day. The place only gets more and more crowded with tourists as the day continues.
