19 Places To Visit In Morocco 2023: Tourist Attractions & Things To Do! Do not miss out on visiting the Roman ruins of Volubilis. Lodge in style at the Great Bear Rainforest's Nimmo Bay Resort. When you travel to some of the worlds most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. Domestic flights arent too expensive and may be the best option if youre trying to get from the very south up north. Morocco was a dream-come-true vacation for me. If your looking to experience the Atlas Mountains more than just from a car or vans window you should look into one of the tours listed below. There is a good train network in Morocco as well, which may be a good option for overnight excursions, but it can be more expensive than buses and even flights though still relatively inexpensive compared to Europe. The slick silver train will whizz you to your destination in just over two hours, hitting speeds of up to 320kmh (200mph), with stops in Rabat and Kenitra. If you are heading north or to the desert, the next logical step is to catch a bus to Merzouga. And now homegrown and ex-pat designers are working alongside them, giving age-old crafts a contemporary twist. There is also now a high-speed line which is planned to be extended, at the moment it covers travel between Tangier and Casablanca and will eventually go all the way to Marrakesh. The mosquetook seven years to build and required the input of 10,000 artisan craftsmen. Read our Privacy Policy. Here Spot-M takes out experienced and novice surfers for group and individual lessons, and runs week-long surf camps with yoga thrown in. Im not going to say you wont get unwanted stares and attention, but that doesnt mean it isnt safe to travel to Morocco as a woman. Unlike most travel agencies and websites that only show options from large companies that pay big commissions, we show you all the options we can gather, and were adding more all the time. Watch the skies blaze from Canada's remote Blachford Lake Lodge. You will hear the Call to Prayer every morning, bright and early! Health and safety here are minimal and you need to prepare for the unexpected, especially if youre travelling in the mountains when you visit Morocco. Morocco is also the most accessible gateway to the Sahara Desert, one of the biggest deserts in the world. This is a great contrast to the bustling cities of Morocco, and a romantic getaway if youre travelling with your significant other. You will want to spend little time in the actual town of Merzouga, and head straight for the Sahara Desert. They are scammers and animal abusers. CTM and Supratours are the main private bus companies. This laidback town has a chilled out vibe compared to other cities. Hitchhiking in Morocco is generally quite safe because of the importance of tourism to the economy. The only requirement for a work permit is to have an employment contract in place. To Save Trip, sign in or sign up (it's free), For savings, sign in or sign up (it's free), See all activities, themes, and interests >, Morocco: See & Experience it ALL in 11 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours, You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type, Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics, Access private discounts on trips you save. For hundreds of years, Fezs tanneries have been producing high-quality leather, which is tanned and dyed in different colors. They make a great day trip from Marrakech, being located just a few hours away from the popular tourist hotspot. Downtown Casa is an al fresco museum of architecture, from the neo-Moorish tiled faade of La Grande Poste to art deco apartment blocks, and Place Mohammed Vs uber-modern Grand Thtre de Casablanca designed by French starchitect, Christian de Portzamparc. Other opportunities include gardening, hospitality work, and web development. Alternatively, head 30 minutes south to sleepy Sidi Kaouki, with its consistent waves, wild beaches, and wallet-friendly accommodation. get access to amazing deals. These are tours ran by locals with experience and knowledge of Morocco. from . Most Jebel Toubkal treks start from Imlil, a mountain village located an hour's drive from Marrakesh. Make your way up the coast toEssaouira, a laidback town, andthe filming location of the Red City in Game of Thrones. Tamriis only a 30-minute drive North, and also home to some great surf. Pack warm clothes for the winter. 8 Days in Morocco - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas The great thing here is that often, in a Riad, youll get a private room at a great price, usually with free breakfast. Soon after King Hassan II became the leader of the independent nation. For Moroccan cooking classes,check out this sitefor awesome deals. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. In summer, the beaches here are heaving with package holidaymakers from Europe, but if youre looking for sun, sea, and sand and all at a great price! Only rediscovered in 1917, they have since been restored to their former glory. I enjoyed all the daytrips, but the one that stands out to me after returning from the trip was Essaouira. Camp overnight Bedouin style and sleep under a blanket of stars. Its now on my list of places to visit someday. This is often served with lots of vegetables, like pumpkin and tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Like a green carpet spread on top of the red-tinged rocky landscape, Skouras idyllic palmeraie rustles with dates palms. Train stations, modern malls, and supermarkets will all accept card payments and you can also pay on card in many restaurants in major cities. Imlil and the Anti Atlas will have snow in the winter, which may be what youre after! If your boat guide is cool (and the police arent around), you should be able to jump in! On every adventure, there are six things I never go travelling without: This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off. The culture is once again accepted and education among Berbers is encouraged (whereas it used to be banned). Scramble to the summit of a sky-high dune at sunset and savor the silence and the stellar views as you watch the desert turn gold, pink and purple. 63. Ultimate Guide to Luxury Travel in Morocco | kimkim The tanneries have been in operation since medieval times and haven't changed much since. Discover labyrinthine shops overflowing with Aladdin's lamps and swathes of richly colored fabric, or listen to the vendors as they advertise everything from hand-woven carpets to raw spices. Book directly with the operator. One of the best things to do in Morocco is to explore the historic streets of Ait Benhaddou. I have mixed feelings aboutMarrakech. Majorelle's workshop has been converted into a small museum about Islamic Art, while Yves Saint Laurent's ashes were scattered here in 2008. This massive canyon is home to epic walks as well as world class climbing. ATMs are widely available in the cities. Worldpackers connects travellers with hostels, schools, NGOs and many more. Street food and local eateries are the cheapest way to eat in Morocco and will cost you around $3 a meal. Today,non-Muslims can take a tour of the building's breathtaking interior outside prayer times. Marrakesh will satisfy the most insatiable shopaholic. Weve tested the Geopressrigorouslyfrom the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Cuba, and the results are in: it WORKS. Be sure to negotiate the fare before you set off. They are often served as an afternoon snack with mint tea. We want you to have all the available information to find your perfect trip, no matter who its with. Go toImliland the Atlas Mountains for Berber-made items, like carpets and blankets. Whereas Chefchaouensmore laid-back medina is completely painted blue and offers a totally different vibe. For even less-trodden trails, the region around Tafraoute is Moroccos Amazigh heartland, where tribes and traditions hold firm. The cheapest way is on the buses, we recommend CTM and Supratours. Card payments are not that common but might be more prevalent than you might imagine. And I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller. Bus Tours. Our kids had an amazing time too. Drink water from ANYWHERE. Out of all the places we visited, I am glad CharlieTheTraveler included these natural sites. The port city of Tangiers was once a favorite hangout for artists and writers during the 60s. Moroccan Tagine: This is the most popular dish. It is polite to refuse once. There are actually at least seven waterfalls found in this beautiful canyon. Your trip, your way, planned by an expert: Our Morocco trip was very well planned. Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches so do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful and safe for wildlife whilst youre backpacking in Morocco. While there is still work to be done, these reforms helped assure stability in Morocco. Casablanca Casablanca-Settat, Morocco Agadir Souss-Massa, Morocco Fes Fs-Meknes, Morocco Top Attractions in Morocco See all 2022 1. Summers get very hot temperatures can reach over 40C (104F) in July and August and winters can be cold. 21 things to do in cabo san lucas + 1 you shouldn't. 15 amazing things to do in turks and caicos. Famous for its winding, confusing, and wonderous medina and markets,Fez (Fes in French)has two ancient medinas (old cities) that together form the largest medina in the world. Click to send a new magic link to your inbox. Oops, you Note:A lot of the products in the cities has gone through multiple middlemen and vendors, which drives up the prices. Ultimate Guide to Luxury Travel in Morocco Morocco has been on the radar of boho-cool celebrities for decades, and the luxury riad scene is booming more than everbut you don't need A-lister credentials to be treated like royalty. Speaking of sandboarding, its also possible to go snowboarding in some areas of Morocco. Explore the museums and royal sites, visit palaces and mosques, and take in the beauty and grandeur of Imperial Morocco in all its glory. For most countries, Morocco included, solo travel is the name of the game. Pack a picnic or a good book and spend a few hours relaxing in the garden's blissful shaded areas, or step out into the sunshine to appreciate the full splendor of its colorful blooms. Mekneshas green and black ceramics. My missus travels with all her clothes in ziplock bags:dont be like my missus. Here are 12 incredible walks from around the world to inspire you. 2. We do not represent World Nomads. Planning tip:Camel excursions head out from MHamid into theErg Chigaga. EPIC Backpacking Morocco Travel Guide 2023 - The Broke Backpacker Find what to do today, this weekend or in June. If you want to hike, then summer is actually the best time to visit Moroccos mountains. Of all of the incredible destinations in Morocco, there are few, if any, places that draw adventure travelers more than the desert town of Merzouga. itineraries from hundreds of trusted travel companies. The Ultimate Guide to Luxury Travel in Morocco | Top tips for planning a unique itinerary Undiscovered Sunsets Now designing travel from September 2021 & beyond. One of the best places to visit if youre into surfing is the relaxed, laid back destination of Taghazout. THE 10 BEST 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours in Morocco, Africa. They have inconspicuous entrances, like a plain door in an alleyway, that opens up to a beautiful home with Moroccan tiling and uniquely decorated rooms. Many of the Saadian sultans were buried here until a rival dynasty seized power and the tombs were closed off and forgotten about. You can take a tour of the tanneries to see how the work is done and meet the craftspeople who carry it out. from . Wherever you go, youll emerge squeaky clean with baby-soft skin. Head away from the resorts to find more secluded stretches of Atlantic coastline untouched by tourism, if the crowds arent for you. The Imperial City of Fez is famous for its leather products,most of which come from the leather bazaar in the old medina. DIHYA SURF MOROCCO - 2023 All You Need to Know BEFORE You - Tripadvisor The best cities to fly into include Marrakesh, Fez, Casablanca, and Tangier. Morocco's Atlantic coast is home to its fair share of surf breaks, some of them world-class. She also covers travel products and has written about everything from camping knives to climbing chalk. Joining a tour is a great way to see the majority of the country quickly and without the effort that goes into planning a backpacking trip. Moroccan cuisine is a genuine melting pot alongside Amazigh (Berber) influences, Arabs, Moors, Ottoman Turks, and French all left their culinary mark. There are some great neighbourhoods in Casablanca to stay in if you do. Get ready for a journey through every country in the world. Much of the grand, royal architecture remains to this day, while Meknes sees just a fraction of the tourists that visit more popular destinations. No one really knows why. There are waves for all abilities here, from the challenging Boilers site to laid-back Immesouane, one of the longest rides in the country. 21 fascinating things to do in marrakech morocco Moroccos earliest inhabitants were nomadic peoples who lived in the desert. Marrakesh offers no shortage of extravagant Riads, which is a traditional Morocco houses built around a central courtyard. It is supposed to be one of the most impressive mosques in the world (third largest), and definitely the most impressive in Morocco. The palace was built for the citys ruling minister and was home to one of Moroccos most important families. Luxury things to do in Marrakech - Withlocals The glitzy Bahia Palace is a beautiful work of art and architecture that dates back to the mid-19th century. For almost all jobs, you will need to speak either Arabic, French or a bit of both! Challenge yourself by strolling the hundreds of Marrakesh's Souks and be changed with the shopping experience of a lifetime. As I mentioned above, summers are excruciatingly hot in Morocco. In 2011 Morocco underwent protests across the nation and the rest of North Africa. On that note, I met other travellers who enjoyed their time here, and I have never heard of anyone being underwhelmed by the Hassan II Mosque. The city of Ceuta was never handed back to Morocco after decolonization and remains Spanish to this today. I have never experienced such awful customer service. On that note, there are plenty of scams to watch out for in whilst backpacking in Morocco that will definitely drain your wallet if not your patience. Her travels took her many places: the Latin Americas, the Middle East, the islands of the South Pacific, and across Europe. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must. The Museum of Arts offers lovely traditional Moroccan costumes and artefacts. Renting a car or 4wd will cost more but will still be relatively cheap. End your trip inCasablancaor Moroccos northern capital Rabat if you are flying home. We are already looking forward to returning to Morocco, particularly for trekking in the Atlas Mountains. There were attempts to assassinate the king. It was a beautiful experience I will never forget! 14-Karat Gold Necklace. It can be a whole lot faster than using public transport. 27 Unmissable Things to Do in Morocco (On Your First Visit!) It only takes 2 minutes! I highly recommend. Most Western countries will receive a visa on arrival valid in Morocco for up to 90 days. And its eco-friendly, getting 25 percent of its power from renewable energy, with plans to extend this to 50 percent by 2023. UP YOUR PACKING GAME! Most Riads offer an optional evening meal and unlike many hotels across the world that serve up mediocre western fare Riads are the perfect way to try local food and eat alongside your hosts. To stay safe whilst backpacking Morocco, pick yourself up a backpacker security belt to keep your cash safe on the road. What time of year do you suggest going? with them directly. As of writing this (July 2022), $1 USD = 10 Moroccan Dirham roughly. Having a filtered water bottle means you can drink from just about any source. Or, yknow you can stick to ziplock bags. Morocco 2023: Best Places to Visit - Tripadvisor Your trip to Morocco would be incomplete if you didnt add Chefchaouen to your itinerary. Most riads are architectural masterpieces, boasting intricate mosaic-work, tiled floors,and graceful arches. You can still get an authentic experience in the smaller towns on my list, like Imlil and the Todgha Gorge. Visit in winter to avoid the heat! Its a great opportunity to see inside the religious buildings of Morocco as most of the mosques are off-limits to non-Muslims. Lose yourself in the medinas of Marrakesh, Fez, and Chefchaouen The fabled Red City of Marrakesh is a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. Get the best private deals and world travel inspiration, delivered monthly. Travelstride helps you find trips that move you, so you can choose with confidence. Get Out of Your Comfort Zone Stepping off the plane in Morocco will find you immersed immediately in an unfamiliar culture. See the impressive Hassan II Mosque. However, once you get to smaller towns, youll find many people barely speak English, even guesthouse owners. Buses are the cheapest, most efficient way to get around. Whether youre looking for a short weekend getaway or a multi-country expedition, you can find it on Travelstride. Browse the shops themselves in search of authentic leather goods ranging from handbags to slippers. If you are really fiending for some beer, most hostels and hotels can supply it, but its pricey. You can partake in anything from short day hikes to multi-day camping trips. Things to Do in Morocco That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Its also pretty expensive, so we just decided to avoid it. Volunteering overseas is a great way to experience a culture whilst doing some good in the world. How many can you get right in 1 minute? If the thought of bathing with total strangers is off-putting, consider an upscale hammam at a riad with private treatment rooms and high-quality products sourced from around Morocco. The exception to this rule is the mountains. Morocco is 99% Muslim. Explore the Royal Sites and History of Meknes, 14. Keep your distance from snake charmers, monkey handlers, and henna tattooists. They were unique and showed the true beauty of Morocco, both landscapes and wildlife alike. There are lots of different volunteer projects in Morocco which you can join ranging from teaching, to animal care, to agriculture to pretty much anything! Explore Chefchaouen- Moroccos Blue City, 26. And women, you arent expected to wear ahijab(headscarf). Buy the latest edition of The Travel Book, Shop from a medina in Marrakesh without leaving your house, Essential Moroccan experiences you won't want to miss, Trekking the unexplored wild mountains of Morocco, The 5 best treks in Morocco for wildlife, Roman ruins and mountain summits, 8 of Moroccos best beaches for surfing, swimming and sunbathing, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. For the best view, head to the leather shops in the galleries above Chaouwara Tannery's central courtyard. Theyll often get a finders fee from the cops. Top 10 Luxury Things to do in Morocco 1 | The 10 Tastings of Marrakech Connect with Ouidad or one of 7 other local hosts 44 pp 3 hours Food tour Explore 2 | Treasures of Marrakech: Souks and Artisans Tour Connect with Omar or one of 12 other local hosts 21 pp 2.5 hours City highlight tour Explore 3 | City Escape: Atlas Mountains Day Trip A host of literary figures have taken their inspiration from this legendary port city over the years. You will be asked to buy some throughout your visit but just be very careful as there are many scams around Morocco which include sets-ups with the police for drug busts.