Morocco has become an increasingly popular destination in recent years and for good reason. The fusion of cultures, amazing variety of scenery and friendly welcoming locals make it a top choice for your next holiday.
There are very few countries where you can experience awe-inspiring desert vistas, soaring mountain ranges and beautiful beaches within the space of a day! Not to mention the spectacular cities of Morocco with their exotic market squares, beautiful Moorish architecture and delicious cuisine.
There are so many beautiful places to visit in Morocco it’s hard to see them all! That’s why we’ve sourced the opinions and tips from a range of seasoned travellers so you can plan the perfect trip to suit you.
No matter if you’re seeking an adventure, a unique cultural experience, chasing the surf or just relaxing in a riad; you’ll find something to suit in this epic list of the 18 best places to visit in Morocco!
Table of Contents
The Best Places to Visit in Morocco – 18 Exotic and Beautiful Destinations For Your Morocco Bucket List!
Watching the sunrise at Ait-Ben-Haddou
Spectacular Cities
Fes
-Rick from The Road Is Life
The ancient Chouara Tannery of Fes
The second largest city and cultural heart of Morocco, Fes is full of amazing sites and history but is often overlooked in favour of Marrakesh. The huge and ancient medina (Fes-El-Bali) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest pedestrian only areas in the world. Fes is also a great place to base yourself on a trip to Morocco as it offers easy access to a number of surrounding destinations on this list.
You can walk the cobbled alleys for hours checking out the beautiful artisan shops and the rich history of Fes without the fear of being run over by noisy motorcycles! Make sure to pick up some of the handcrafted and really affordable leather work available here, just don’t buy too close to the tannery or you’ll pay a premium!
While many people have seen pictures of the visually engaging Chouara Tannery, dating from the 11th century and one of the oldest in the world, this isn’t where the attractions end. Fes also houses the oldest continuously operating university in the world and many beautiful Moorish palaces, gates and mosques from its time as capital of the Marinid sultanate.
The medina is divided into two areas called Fes-el-Bali and Fes-el-Jdid. The larger of the two is Fes-el-Bali which is where most people stay. There are many beautiful riads to choose from for your stay and this is something you must experience whilst travelling in Morocco.
The Royal Palace of Fes
Top Tips for Fes
Stay in a Beautiful Riad – Ryad Alya This is everything you want a riad to be; beautiful Moorish architecture and design mixed with super comfortable and modern furnishing. You can relax on the terrace with beautiful views of the medina or make use of the onsite hammam. I’ve always felt that beautiful accommodations like this are actually worthy tourist sites themselves!
Grab a Drink – In Fes you can find one of the few places in Morocco to grab a cold beer or glass of wine. Mezzanine is located alongside a beautiful garden and just outside the ancient city walls; making it a great place to catch some sunset views from their rooftop terrace.
Don’t Miss – Don’t be put off by having to make your way through a maze of leather shops and fend off a few touts; getting a great view of Chouara Tannery from a leather shop roof is a must. Locate shop 10 or shop 64 for the best views, the numbers are on signs above the doors. You aren’t obligated to buy anything but you really can get some good stuff at reasonable prices. If you don’t buy something after visiting then just tip a small amount at the end.
Casablanca
The impressive Hassan II Mosque of Casablanca
Casablana, or “Casa” as the locals call it, is Morocco’s largest city. The name was given by the Spanish, who set up trading basis here, but the city has been controlled by many different global powers over the centuries, including the French, the Portuguese, the ancient Romans and the Phoenicians.
The centre of life in Casablanca is the modern ville nouvelle (new city), rather than the old medina, which is quite small compared with the medinas of Fez or Marrakesh. For this reason, many tourists skip over Casablanca entirely. But if you’re looking for good nightlife, or you want to experience what real life in a big Moroccan city is like for the locals, Casablanca is definitely worth a stop.
Attitudes here are much more liberal and progressive than elsewhere in the country. And the city feels quite cosmopolitan, with an interesting mix of immigrants from all over Africa.
Hassan II Mosque, photo by the Nomadic Vegan
Top Tips for Casablanca
Marrakech
-Ann from The Road is Life
Jemaa el-Fnaa market at sunset
The fourth largest city and one of the most popular places to visit in Morocco is the bustling city of Marrakech. Walking through the souks of the ancient medina is like an attack on all senses. It’s hot, dusty, loud, chaotic and in your face. Motorcycles fly past as you weave your way through the narrow streets while vendors call out at you from every angle. Although it may be a crazy place, there are plenty of fascinating things to see and do in Marrakech that shouldn’t be missed out on during your time in Morocco.
Jemaa el-Fnaa square has been the lively centre of Marrakech since the 11th century. Every evening the square comes to life with snake charmers, musicians, a large food market, and plenty of little shop stalls to browse. Immersing yourself in the hustle and bustle of this busy market is an experience everyone must have while visiting Marrakech. As interesting as this place is, it’s especially important to be fully alert and aware of pickpockets and con artists while you’re browsing the market.
Not too far from the square you’ll see the Koutoubia Mosque, a 12th century mosque which is the largest in the city. Tourists are not permitted to enter the mosque, but the beautiful gardens that surround it provide a nice contrast from the streets of the medina.
Taking in the beauty of the Jardin Majorelle
Top Tips for Marrakech
Tea With a View – Enjoy a mint tea from one of the rooftop restaurants that overlook the Jemaa el-Fnaa square. This is a great place to let your guard down and watch the busy atmosphere of the square from a much more relaxed setting!
Stay in a Beautiful Riad – If you feel like splurging on a beautiful riad at any point on your Morocco itinerary, there is really no better place to do it than in Marrakech! Traditional riads provide a peaceful oasis from the chaos of the streets. Marrakech has an infinite number of beautiful riads to pick from, but it all comes down to your budget.
Here are a few popular and centrally located options to choose from:
Escape the Bustle – A short taxi ride from the medina will take you to the Jardin Majorelle, a tranquil garden full of cacti, fountains and ponds. This is said to be one of the most visited tourist attractions of Marrakech so make sure that you get there early in the morning to avoid standing in a long queue.
Rabat
-Jenny From TraveLynn Family
The beautiful seaside city of Rabat, Morocco
Morocco’s capital, Rabat, is often overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbor Casablanca. However, we urge you to stop here at least for a day or two. It’s also much quieter than Marrakech, so you can enjoy the medina without the tourist crowds you may experience elsewhere. Plus this city is situated on the Atlantic Coast, with some lovely beaches and epic sunsets. Getting around is very easy using the city’s modern tram network.
Start your day by wandering the labyrinth of Rabat’s medina, before heading to the main street of Avenue Mohammed V for a spot of lunch. Afterwards, make your way to Kasbah Les Oudaias, near the edge of the medina. This historic fortress has watched over Rabat for centuries and now makes for a relaxing stroll through white-washed streets. It’s fairly traffic-free but keep an eye (and ear) out for the occasional moped. The walk up to the top of the fortress is relatively easy and you’re rewarded with the perfect view over the city and beyond.
Across the river, Sale is the sister-city to Rabat and has recently experienced a development boom. Perhaps the best part is the short ferry ride across the waterway, which affords lovely views of both cities. The Grand Mosque is very impressive.
Top Tips for Rabat
Getting to Rabat – There are train and bus connections from Marrakech, Cassablanca and Fes. It’s also a very easy drive from Marrakech along mostly freeways.
Where to Stay – It’s a little cheaper to stay outside of the main city. We recommend booking accommodation in Temara as it’s right on the beach, and on the tram line direct to the medina.
Meknes
Meknes, photo by Digital Travel Couple
Meknes is located in northern central Morocco and has an interesting history. The Spanish-Moorish style of the city is a blend of Islamic and European styles of the 17th century. It is one of the four imperial cities of Morocco and absolutely worth a visit! The other three imperial cities are Marrakech, Fes and Rabat. Meknes is the smallest and most relaxed one of the four to visit. So don’t miss it during your Morocco trip!
Known for its impressive ancient architecture, beautiful Souk, high medieval walls and detailed gates, Meknes is a perfect stop for 1 or 2 days. You can easily combine a visit to Meknes if you travel from Fes to Rabat or North to Chefchouen for example.
The highlights of Meknes are the beautiful Souk, Royal Stables, Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Volubilis, 35 kilometres north of Meknes. In the city centre you will find a lot of beautiful detailed door gates such as the Bab Mansour, small picturesque streets and beautiful mosques. The relaxing atmosphere around the Norias Bassin (known as Sahrij Swani by locals), close to the Royal Stables is the perfect resting spot after exploring the city.
Meknes, photo by Digital Travel Couple
Top Tips for Meknes
Magical Deserts and Berber Culture
Todra Gorge
-Rick from The Road Is Life
The spectacular Todra Gorge
Located far out into the desert north-east of Ouarzazate, the monumental walls of stone forming this remarkable natural wonder are an unexpected treat. Huge canyons are not exactly what comes to mind when you picture the deserts of Morocco, but this is one place you don’t want to miss as it definitely earns it’s spot on the list of best places to visit in Morocco.
The drive down the Todra River valley is also fairly spectacular, with views of pine plantations and towns clinging to the sides of cliffs. Eventually the valley begins to narrow and you pass through a vertical slit between two sheer rock faces that admits you into this almost separate world within the desert.
There are a few multi story buildings in one part of the canyon that are made to look like a small model against their backdrop of soaring orange cliffs. Vendors sell their handicrafts along the road while daring climbers can be seen ascending the walls throughout the day.
Top Tips for Todra Gorge
Avoid the Crowds! – While it is quite remote, the gorge has not escaped the notice of tour companies and there are a procession of large buses throughout the day. It feels truly magical to stand in the middle of the gorge in the silence of the morning before anyone has shown up.
Where to Stay – Luckily there are some brilliant accommodation options right nearby where you can base yourself for a couple of nights to take advantage of the stunning sunrise and sunset hours.
Auberge Camping Atlas This is the place where we stayed on our Morocco trip and can definitely recommend it. They have a beautiful pool which is great to relax in after a day of hiking. There are also camping facilities if you have a camper or equipment. The rooms and food were both very decent.
Auberge Le Festival Todra Gorge This is a really unique find out in the desert and well worth at least a one night stay. Featuring Berber styling and appearing like a little desert castle, the cave rooms, hot tub and organic garden create an artificial oasis. There are loads of hiking routes leading straight out of the property so it’s a great place to base yourself.
Merzouga – Erg Chebbi
-Kylie from Between England and Iowa
Camel trekking in the Erg Chebbi dunes
One of the best places to visit in Morocco is Erg Chebbi. This is a large area of sand dunes that are popular with desert camps/safaris due to its fairly close proximity to Marrakech. Many different companies offer overnights trips to the dunes, often with one stop on the way, a 2nd-night camping in the dunes, and then the return journey is done all in one go back to Marrakech. Merzouga is a small town where last-minute snacks and water can be purchased before switching a vehicle for a camel!
After a camel trek through the orange dunes, visitors will arrive at their desert camp for the night. There are many options for different budgets, from basic to luxury tents! Scramble up the dunes to check out the awesome landscape, enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner with a drumming party and gaze up at the starry sky before retreating for a night under canvas.
A must is to wake up early in the morning to see the sunrise and watch the desert come to life. It’s an incredibly peaceful feeling. Once the sun is up, a quick breakfast will be served before mounting the camels for the journey back to Merzouga!
Top Tip for Erg Chebbi
Pack Light! – Make sure to pack light for your trip to Erg Chebbi. For the night in the desert, you are only allowed to take a small overnight backpack that is loaded onto the camel too (bottles of water are shoved under the saddle so you don’t need to leave extra space!). Even in summer, the desert does get cold at night, so make sure to take additional layers for after the sun goes down!
Ait-Ben-Haddou
-Rick from The Road Is Life
The impressive desert fortress of Ait-Ben-Haddou
Waking up to a view of this majestic desert fortress bathed in the glow of morning sunlight is one of those experiences you will never forget. The whole scene is so perfect it almost feels like you are looking at a movie set rather than real life.
The UNESCO listed earthen fortress rises up from the eastern bank of the Ounila River upon a natural elevation in the land. The sea of palms surrounding it add to the exotic vibe as well as the occasional camel train that takes you back to the time when this acted as a stop on the Berber caravan routes.
The fortress is still inhabited by several families and you can buy handicrafts made by them within the walls. There is also a small museum set up inside one of the large towers, which has been decorated with old items to appear like it may have in past centuries. You can also climb to the top for grand views across the desert landscape.
View from the Salon Du Thé Panoramique
Top Tips for Ait Ben Haddou
Don’t Just Day Trip! – There are a plethora of companies offering day trips from Marrakesh and elsewhere. I think this is a mistake as this place probably tops the list of the most beautiful places to visit in Morocco and deserves some time to be spent taking it in properly. I wrote a detailed post about all the reasons why you shouldn’t day trip from Marrakesh to Ait-Ben-Haddou, including some options for how you can see it without booking a day trip.
Mint Tea With a View – Up high in the fortress is a little café called Salon Du Thé Panoramique. From their balcony you can enjoy some mint tea with an amazing view over the fortress and down the river valley. You’ll find it near the top of town, right before you start the final ascent up to the granary at the top of the hill.
Zagora
-Andrea from Happy Days Travel Blog
A desert camp in Zagora
Driving through the Drâa Valley on our way to Zagora on our tour around Morocco, we stopped to photograph the largest area of date palms in the whole of Africa. The air was heavy with the sweet honey scents of ripening fruit. Our guide explained that Zagora is the date capital of Morocco, supplying all areas of the country as well as exporting huge quantities.
Zagora is also famous as ‘The Gateway to the Sahara’. It is the original desert outpost. In 1591, the Saadians set off on their expedition to conquer Timbuktu from here. In the centuries that followed, desert caravans made this isolated spot a trading post on the route between Morocco and sub-Saharan Africa, giving it a cosmopolitan character that persists today.
Since most desert tour operators are based here, almost every tourist in Zagora is heading for a night or two under canvas in the Sahara. Invariably, they spend just one night in the town before heading off. For those who choose to stay a little longer, though, there is plenty of local colour to capture their imagination.
Zagora is the site of the iconic ‘Tombouctou, 52 jours’ sign featuring a nomad standing beside a smirking camel. The original sign, erected to tell traders they had a further 52 days of camel trekking to reach the fabled city, was destroyed in a town council clean up, but convincing copies can be seen all over town.
The famous sign in Zagora, photo by Happy Days Travel Blog
Top Tips for Zagora
Visit the Souk – We were lucky to be in Zagora on a Sunday when the town hosts the largest souk in southern Morocco. Wandering through the maze of stalls selling everything from live animals and fresh vegetables to second-hand bicycles and local crafts was an assault on our senses that will stay with us forever.
Where to Stay – The highlight of our stay in Zagora was our accommodation. Chez Ali was a delight. We enjoyed our first alcohol in almost two weeks, and I can’t tell you how welcome it was to soak in the pool after several long dusty driving days!
Taroudant
-By Jeanne from Learning to Breathe Abroad
Taroudant is the perfect stop en-route to the Souss and Anti-Atlas. It does not feature on the usual tourist circuit due to its lack of iconic sights, but its charm lies in the ability to experience Moroccan life in the truly traditional way.
Taroudant is also known as “Little Marrakech” with its bustling streets, friendly souks and some of the best-preserved city walls in all of Morocco. These ancient walls are 7,5 kilometres long, set with 130 towers, 19 bastions and punctuated by 9 gates that are still in use. The Babel-Kasbah is the main gate and it is here that you can gain access to walk on the walls.
There are two main markets. Jnane al-Jaami is the Berber market which sells spices, dried fruits and delicious sweet sticky pastries. The larger Arab souk is only a 5 minute walk away and here you can find leather, antiques, jewellery and a meat market. Unlike Marrakesh, the stall owners here are not aggressive but wonderfully friendly.
Top Tips for Taroudant
- One of the best experiences in Taroudant must be the Taroudant Tannery. As much as the tannery in Fes is an incredible sight, at the Taroudant Tannery, you get to participate in each of the tanning steps, from washing the skins, to scraping and drying them. The price of the leather goods and skins is much cheaper than Fes, so if you’re in the market for a handbag or a goatskin, this is your place.
- An important thing to remember is that at 12pm on Fridays, everyone goes to Mosque, so the streets are devoid of people, which makes it a great time to wander the streets unhindered.
Mountain Vistas
Chefchaouen
-Ann from The Road Is Life
Chefchaouen – One of the prettiest and best places to visit in Morocco!
The magical blue city is certainly one of the most popular and beautiful places to visit in Morocco. In recent years, Chefchaouen has seen a huge rise in tourism and it’s all thanks to the internet, but more specifically social media platforms like Instagram. Surrounded by the Rif Mountains and painted completely in blue, there is no denying that this little town is incredibly unique and special. It absolutely deserves a spot on anyone’s Morocco itinerary!
One of the best things to do in Chefchaouen is simply wandering through the maze of streets around the town center. This is the best way to discover the prettiest little scenes and stunning photo opportunities that are hidden around each corner. Another must when visiting Chefchaouen is having lunch or dinner at one of the many rooftop restaurants around the town. Take in views of the lush green valleys and mountains that surround the town as you enjoy some Moroccan cuisine. Cafe Clock was one of our top picks!
If you are planning to spend a few days in Chefchaouen, you should take a day trip to the beautiful Akchour Falls. This 2-hour hike will take you through the scenic landscapes of the Rif Mountains and lead you to the falls where you can cool down and enjoy a refreshing swim in the emerald pools.
Stunning views of Chefchaouen from the Spanish Mosque
Top Tips for Chefchaouen
Watch the Sunset – Looking for the best place to watch the sunset in Chefchaouen? Take a short 20 minute walk up to the Spanish Mosque which is located on a hill overlooking the town. The trail can be easily found at the far end of town and it leads you upward to the mosque where you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view.
Grab a Drink – If you were hoping to grab a glass of wine or beer in Chefchaouen, you might notice that alcohol is hard to come by. Hotel Parador is one of the few places that serves alcoholic drinks in Chefchaouen and luckily this is not limited to hotel guests. Take a seat on their outdoor patio and enjoy a drink with a perfect view!
Ouzoud Falls
-Paul from Anywhere We Roam
Ouzoud Falls, photo by Anywhere We Roam
Set in the dramatic El-Abid River gorge, Ouzoud Falls is a special place and an excellent addition to a Morocco road trip. Tumbling a total of 110m across three different drops, the falls are beautifully nestled in a jungle paradise that’s a cool relaxing relief from the harsh Moroccan sun.
From the top of the canyon the views are incredible. The falls drop into the valley, cutting a swathe of green in dramatic contrast from the burnt orange landscape that surrounds it. A path zigzags down the valley wall as spray from the falls clings to dense green foliage and cools the air. It’s a beautiful part of Morocco. A tribe of mischievous Macaque monkeys roam the trees beside the falls looking for objects to steal from unsuspecting tourists.
At the bottom, the lush jungle opens up to an inviting pool with the 3 cascades of the falls plunging into the water. Despite the no swimming signs dotted around the water, both tourists and locals alike take the opportunity to cool off. Boat rides are available for very affordable prices to get a unique vantage point from which to admire the falls.
Top Tips for Ouzoud Falls
- While there are plenty of restaurants to stop at on the way up the other side, it’s best to stop at the one restaurant on the way down. The prices are better and its generally much quieter.
- Ouzoud Falls is an easy day trip from Marrakech, with several different tours available from most riads. Journey time is around 2.5 hours and includes interesting information about the local Berber tribes.
Mount Toubkal
-Diana from the Globetrotting Detective
Mount Toubkal is not only the highest point of Morocco but also of North-Africa. It’s situated in the High Atlas Mountains at a staggering elevation of 4,167 m (13,667 ft) above sea level.
I travelled to Mount Toubkal to challenge myself and make it to its summit. The hiking trail to the peak of Mount Toubkal is a quite strenuous one with an incline of 2,367 m (7765 ft) and a distance of 16 km (10 miles) one way.
The hike begins by taking you through the picturesque and charming rural village of Imlil (1800 m / 5,900 ft) that is located at the foot of Mount Toubkal. As you move up, the trail leads you along lush green river banks, sparkling waterfalls, gentle brooks, and enormous walnut groves. One of the most amusing experiences that I had in the mountains on the way was encountering a lot of super cute creatures called mules. If you think it’s hard for you to carry your backpack while hiking, they can help you.
The trail becomes totally rocky after 3,207 m (10,522 ft). There are parts with monstrous and towering rocks you need to scramble and clamber over. I personally found it quite demanding especially at 4 am on the second day in total darkness but believe me reaching the highest spot of the mountain is an exhilarating experience and you will feel like you are on the top of the world.
Top Tips for Mount Toubkal
- As an extreme hiker, you can complete the trek within one day from Imlil to the summit of Toubkal and back. However, most people, including myself, need 2 full days. In this case, you need to stay in the base camp at 3,207 m (10,522 ft) overnight and start the second day from here. If you want to take it easy and relaxed and enjoy nature, you better off dedicating 3 full days for the hike.
- If you want to conquer Mount Toubkal, you need to travel to Imlil first and stay there one day to organize your hike for the next day. In the end, after this epic accomplishment, by all means reward yourself with another day in Imlil just to rest your body.
Imlil
-Suzanne from Meandering Wild
Kasbah du Toubkal Hotel, Imlil
Imlil is a small Berber village located 60km south of Marrakech. It is an easy journey through stunning countryside to reach the village making it a perfect retreat from the bustle of the city as a day trip. There is limited public transport out to the village but it is possible to use shared taxis from Marrakech or book your own car and driver. The journey takes a few hours and there are a number of interesting stops along the way.
Imlil is made up of a few small streets which have a number of different riads and restaurants as well as walking gear suppliers and small shops. Above the village is the beautiful Kasbah du Toubkal hotel which allows travellers to find some secluded luxury away from Marrakech.
The main reason for visiting Imlil is the mountain trekking. It is the starting point for treks to Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. The village is buzzing in the summer months with guides looking for walkers and the cafes full of people relaxing after exploring the surrounding mountains.
If Mount Toubkal is beyond your reach then just outside the village are the Imlil cascades. These small waterfalls are an easy walk through walnut groves following the river from the village towards the higher peaks and make a nice excursion after the journey from Marrakech.
Imlil cascades, photo by Meandering Wild
Top Tips for Imlil
- Take your time, the altitude makes everything take a little bit longer
- Ensure you have sunscreen. Although it is much cooler here the sun is just as intense
- If you want to reach the summit of Mount Toubkal you must have a guide. Make sure you make contact with the official guiding centre –Bureau des Guides in Imlil rather than relying on a guide who is touting around the village.
Coastal Gems
Essaouira
-Ania from The Travelling Twins
Essaouira port, photo by The Travelling Twins
Considered by many as the most beautiful port in Morocco, Essaouira is a perfect example of an 18-century walled city, having been built in line with the philosophies of up-to-date European military architecture but in North African style. Since the beginning, the city has been an important global trading and tourist seaport.
Essaouira is just a 2-hour drive southwest of Marrakech. The journey itself to the town is a sight to behold, with newly tarmacked roads passing through miles of Argan tree plantation and beautiful villages.
I have to admit, this was one of the most enjoyable drives we have ever had. But more was awaiting us. The moment we hit the unbelievable expansive bay and open waterfront of this buzzing seaport, we were pleased to have escaped the hectic cities of Morocco, albeit for a few days.
We were longing for a serene gateway, and as luck would have it, we got to stay in a beachfront hotel, Madada Mogador. It has a roof terrace with sweeping vistas of the beach which makes it great for watching the sunset. There is also an onsite restaurant which we liked a lot, not only for the delicious Moroccan dishes but also for the cooking classes.
Essaouira, photo by The Travelling Twins
The beach is segregated by activities – one section is a sweeping sandy beach that is perfect for horse riding and dog walking, while another section is for restaurants, beach clubs, and bars.
Essaouira is also popular in pop culture, having appeared in many films and series such as Othello (1952) and the epic HBO fictional series Game of Thrones.
If you are planning a trip to the stunning old medina, the best way to get there is by driving, although you can also use public buses or taxis.
There are plenty of things to do in Essaouira but you shouldn’t miss:
- strolling through the souks and medina
- buy some local art
- Visit the old fort – one of the locations of Game of Thrones
- Ride horses on the beach
Al Hoceima National Park
-Linn from Brainy Backpackers
Bades Island, photo by Brainy Backpackers
Al Hoceima National Park is a true gem on the northern Mediterranean coast and should absolutely be added to your Morocco itinerary. The park is crisscrossed with dirt paths and dotted with small Berber villages. Needless to say, this is a paradise for outdoor lovers. Whether you like to go hiking or cycling, there are numerous options. The best months to go where temperatures are pleasant for these activities are April, May, and October.
A vast part of the national park is marine park to protect endangered species like Monk Seals and a large colony of Osprey that live on the coast. Other wildlife you might see are dolphins and sea turtles. There is also a large Thuya Forest that is protected by the national park.
One of the highlights, other than wildlife, is the small Spanish territory island, Bades, which is connected with the mainland through a narrow sand strip with an idyllic beach. There are picnic tables and benches with great views of Bades Island which makes the perfect place for a lunch break.
Top Tips for Al Hoceima National Park
- Stay at Eco-Camping Cala Iris if you have a car. They make the absolute best Tagine and can make it vegan on demand. Just let them know in the morning that you want dinner and you can eat with a mesmerizing view over Cala Iris at sunset.
- Another option is to stay in Al Hoceima on the other part of the national park. There you’ll find restaurants, beaches, and shops. If you go for multi-day hikes, stay in the Berber villages in the park.
Legzira Beach
-Diana from The Globetrotting Detective
Legzira Beach is situated in Tiznit Province in South-western part of Morocco approximately 150 km south of Agadir and 10 km north of Sidi Ifni on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean.
The beach is famous for its red sandstone formations, in particular for the two stunning rock archways, and mesmerizing sunsets. The 30-meter archways were formed naturally after years of erosion. Unfortunately, one of the arches collapsed in 2016, due to crashing movements of the sea. The second archway might have the same destiny sooner or later.
Nevertheless, in my opinion Legzira Beach is still the most extraordinary and exquisite beach in Morocco. It’s a paradise for paragliders, surfers and beach lovers where you can witness the traditional life of locals such as the local fishermen.
The best time to travel to Legzira beach is when the tide is low. When I was there in July before 2016, the tide was extremely low and thanks to that I could discover and explore the entire 8 km beach. Its beauty captivated me in the glorious weather. A few years later, I was there again in May and it was an utterly different experience.
The water was so high that I could only walk around in a small part of the beach and I could not even walk to the remaining archway. The weather was dramatic and the ocean was roaring. The whole experience was totally out of this world. Nonetheless, I had a whale of a time. In any case, it’s important to check the weather forecast and the water level to know what to expect.
Legzira Beach, photo by The Globetrotting Detective
Top Tips for Legzira Beach
Where to Stay – There are hotels and guesthouses along Legzira Beach. For a more authentic experience, I highly recommend a sojourn in Mirleft. Mirleft is a lovely village 21 km from Legzira Beach with very kind locals and friendly children. I was so in love with Mirleft and the people there.
Seeking Adventure? – One of the unusual things that you can do if you are an adventure seeker and you love discovering thrilling landscape views is cycling between Mirleft and Lagzira Beach. It’s not an easy ride because the road is full of ups and downs but the view will make it up for all the sweat.
Taghazout
-Claire from Stoked to Travel
The colourful fishing village of Taghazout
Taghazout is a relaxed, hippy surf town on Morocco’s beautiful Atlantic Coast. Lying between Essaouira and Agadir, Taghazout is easy to get to and therefore makes for an ideal place to include on a trip to Morocco.
If you’re into surfing or yoga, then Taghazout is the perfect place to visit, as these are the two main activities to enjoy. Surfing is at the heart of Taghazout, but yoga and wellness retreats are becoming increasingly popular here too.
Whether you’re an experienced surfer, or keen to learn, there’s a beach for you. There are dozens of surf schools to pick from. For beginners, you’ll learn at the main beach in the heart of town, but for more experienced riders, they’ll take you by minibus to other beautiful spots along the coastline to find waves and breaks to suit you. They call this a ‘surfari’ and can be full day adventures with various stops. With long, sunny warm days year-round, Taghazout is a wonderful place to surf.
Top Tips for Taghazout
- Away from the ocean, visitors can explore the local area. The town itself is charming, consisting of small colourful laneways with some excellent cafes and cute stores to wander in.
- My favourite place to visit is Paradise Valley, a collection of turquoise pools surrounded by huge boulders and lush vegetation. It’s an oasis in the heart of the desert and you can travel there in less than an hour from Taghazout. It’s the perfect contrast to the sandy beaches, but I advise to go early in the morning as it gets really busy as the day goes on!
Surfboards in Taghazout, photo by Stoked to Travel
Discover More Morocco Travel Inspiration
- The Best 3 Day Tour from Marrakech to Fes
- How to Spend One Epic Week in Morocco
- 10 Best Desert Tours from Marrakech
- The Ultimate 10 Day Morocco Itinerary
- Top 10 Things to do in Chefchaouen, the Blue Pearl of Morocco
- Why You Shouldn’t Day Trip from Marrakech to Ait-Ben-Haddou
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