Top 5 Highlights of Morocco

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Whether you're climbing the dunes of the Sahara Desert, trekking the Atlas Mountains, or bartering in the markets of Marrakech, Morocco is a journey into a different world. Landscapes remain untouched and the ancient cities retain centuries-old customs.

Best places to visit in Morocco

1: The Djemaa el Fna of Marrakech

This market has everything you'd expect and more. A must-see when visiting Marrakech; there are stalls at every turn, acrobats and jugglers rubbing shoulders with storytellers, and the aroma of the food stalls fills the air overhead. It’s no wonder some people refer to it as one of the most animated places on the planet.

Spectators fight for space to take it all in. The central square of Djemaa el-Fna in Marrakech is the beating heart and soul of Morocco. Take in all the sights, sounds and smells for yourself on our Highlights of Morocco adventure. After taking an incredible camel ride through the Sahara and exploring the imperial cities of Meknes and Fez, you’ll enjoy a free day in Marrakech, and in the evening you’ll stroll through the heady Djemaa el Fna square. It’s here, where your group enjoys a final traditional Moroccan meal together on a rooftop overlooking the vibrant market stalls.

Djemaa el Fna

2: Getting lost in the Medina of Fez

Often regarded as the cultural, spiritual and intellectual heartland of Morocco, these ancient walls contain a labyrinth of alleyways and tiny craft shops. From the smell of African spices to the distant whiff of the famous tanneries, there's a surprise around every corner.

On our Mountains & Imperial Cities adventure, you’ll cross the Middle Atlas Range and enter Fez where you and your group will enjoy a traditional Pastilla dinner, a famous dish in this region. The following day, your expert guide will take you on a tour of the ancient medina in Fez, one of the largest medinas in the world! Guiding you through different sections you’ll find goods ranging from brass and copper to ceramics and leather. However, no tour of the medina is complete without a visit to the ancient tanneries. Here you can see the vibrant vats of coloured dye, and their surrounding workshops where craftsmen create buttery-soft leather goods. Some of these remarkable tanneries have been in operation since the 16th century!

Medina of Fez

Medina of Fez

3: Indulge in Atlantic serenity

Essaouira on the Atlantic Coast is a perfectly proportioned Portuguese fishing port complete with shuttered cottages, artisan workshops, seafood delicacies and whitewashed beauty. It's the perfect place to wind down after a day's activities.

You can visit this beautiful city for yourself on our Cycle Morocco’s Great South trip. With the city being constructed around 1760 by Sidi Mohammed ben Abdullah, who allegedly needed a base to suppress a political revolt from Agadir, Essaouira is now known as the “Windy City of Africa”, attracting windsurfers from all across the world. However, it’s also the perfect place for travellers to unwind from the fast-paced labyrinth of Marrakech and soak in the relaxed pace of life where local fishermen wander through the boatyards.

Essaouira port

4: Sunset in the Sahara

Looking to explore the Sahara Bedouin-style? One of the best times to do this is the hours before dusk. As you venture further into the desert you have a front-row seat to the spectacular pink and orange-hued sunset over the golden sand of the Sahara Desert. Sound ideal? On our Marrakech & the Sahara trip, you can do just that.

After taking an incredible drive along the Draa Valley, past palm trees and ksours (fortified villages), you’ll venture out on a 2-hour camel trek towards a traditional-style Bedouin camp. With little to no light pollution, your authentic accommodation for the evening gives you ample opportunity to stargaze.

Sahara Desert

5: Trekking the Atlas Mountains

The extraordinary Atlas Mountains are an essential part of any visit to Morocco. Explore the quiet trails through fields of flowers and Berber villages, or ascend the heights of Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in Morocco.

If you’re looking for varied walking in the striking High Atlas Mountains, why not consider our Atlas Panorama trip for your next upcoming adventure? After exploring the labyrinth of souks in Marrakech, you’ll drive towards the High Atlas Mountains and cross Tizi’n’Tichka, the highest road pass in Morocco. After passing the Ouarikt River and its terraced fields, your route takes you to Col for fantastic views overlooking Ouarkit Gorge. With ascents to the top of Mt n’Oughlagal (2600m) and beautiful treks around Lake Tamada, you’ll also enjoy an authentic hammam experience in Tijhza.