Morocco packs medieval medinas, blue mountain villages, Roman ruins, Atlantic ports and the dunes of the Sahara into one country. Here are the twelve places we recommend most often, and how to fit them into one trip.
1. Marrakech
The red city is Morocco’s most famous destination: the Jemaa el-Fna square, the Koutoubia, the Bahia Palace, the Majorelle Garden and endless souks. Give it at least two nights. Start with a private Marrakech day tour.
2. Fes
Fes el-Bali is a UNESCO-listed medina founded in the 9th century, with the Qarawiyyin, carved madrasas and the Chouara tannery. It is the most authentic of the imperial cities. See our guide to the imperial cities.
3. Chefchaouen
The blue city of the Rif Mountains is calm, photogenic and easy to walk. Two nights let you enjoy it before and after the day visitors. Read our Chefchaouen travel guide.
4. The Sahara at Merzouga
The Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga rise to around 150 metres. A camel ride at sunset and a night in a desert camp are the highlight of most trips. See our Sahara desert tours.
5. Essaouira
A fortified fishing port on the Atlantic with white and blue houses, ramparts listed by UNESCO, a long beach and the Gnaoua music festival in June. It is the best place to slow down at the end of a trip.
6. Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate
Ait Ben Haddou is a fortified earthen village on the old caravan route over the High Atlas, now a UNESCO World Heritage site and a famous film location. Ouarzazate, nearby, is the gateway to the south.
7. The Todra and Dades gorges
Red canyons, palm oases and kasbahs on the road between the Sahara and Marrakech. The Todra Gorge narrows to a few metres between walls up to 300 metres high.
8. Rabat
The capital is green, calm and underrated: the Kasbah of the Udayas, the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the Chellah ruins. Try our Rabat day trip.
9. Volubilis, Meknes and Moulay Idriss
The best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco, the imperial city of Sultan Moulay Ismail and the holy town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun lie within a few kilometres of each other, an easy day from Fes.
10. Casablanca
Most international flights land here. Spend a day on the Hassan II Mosque, the Art Deco centre and the Corniche. See our list of things to do in Casablanca.
11. Tangier
A white port city on the Strait of Gibraltar, with views of Spain, a lively medina and a long literary history. It is an easy start if you arrive from Europe by ferry or train.
12. The High Atlas
Berber villages, terraced valleys and North Africa’s highest peak, Toubkal (4,167 m). The Imlil valley and the Ourika Valley are easy escapes from Marrakech.
How to combine them
- One week: Casablanca, Rabat, Chefchaouen, Fes and Marrakech. See our 7-day tour.
- 8 to 10 days: add the Sahara, the gorges and Ait Ben Haddou between Fes and Marrakech.
- Two weeks: add Essaouira and more nights in each place, as in our 14-day grand tour.
For day-by-day routes and driving times, read our Morocco itinerary guide. UNESCO lists Morocco’s World Heritage sites on its official page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most beautiful place in Morocco?
Many travellers name the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga, Chefchaouen and the Todra Gorge. For cities, Fes and Marrakech are the most impressive.
What is the best city to visit in Morocco for a first trip?
Marrakech is the easiest and most varied, but combining it with Fes gives a fuller picture of Moroccan history and craftsmanship.
Can you visit Marrakech and the Sahara in one trip?
Yes. Merzouga is about 9 to 10 hours from Marrakech by road, so plan at least three days for a round trip, or include the desert in a loop between Fes and Marrakech.
How many UNESCO sites does Morocco have?
Morocco has nine cultural World Heritage sites, including the medinas of Fes, Marrakech, Meknes, Tetouan and Essaouira, Volubilis, Ait Ben Haddou, Rabat and El Jadida.
Want to see the best of Morocco in one trip? Browse our Morocco tours or tell us what you would like to see.