Marrakech Medina
A maze of alleys listed as a World Heritage Site, alive with souks, traditional riads and Jemaa el-Fna square at the heart of the imperial city.
Morocco
From the lively alleys of Marrakech's medina to the endless dunes of the Sahara, by way of the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains, Morocco unfolds a remarkable diversity of landscapes and traditions, just a few hours' flight from major European cities.
- 1 city
Why visit Morocco?
Morocco combines historic medinas listed as World Heritage Sites, Atlas Mountains rising above four thousand meters and Sahara desert expanses, across a compact territory easily reached from Europe. Each region offers a very different atmosphere and landscape.
What to discover in Morocco?
Marrakech, the country's most visited imperial city, charms visitors with its World Heritage-listed medina, lively souks and Jemaa el-Fna square, a true open-air theater where storytellers, musicians and street vendors cross paths daily. Fez, the oldest imperial capital, is home to one of the largest pedestrian medinas in the world, a maze of alleys where traditional craftsmanship and architectural heritage have intertwined for many centuries.
Beyond the imperial cities, the Atlas Mountains offer spectacular landscapes ideal for hiking, from perched Berber villages to the snow-capped peaks of Mount Toubkal, the country's highest point. The Sahara desert, accessible from Merzouga or Zagora, offers the experience of camping under the stars and camel excursions across the dunes of Erg Chebbi. The Atlantic coast, around Essaouira or Agadir, rounds out the picture with windy beaches popular with surfers, making Morocco a destination where desert, mountains, medinas and coastline combine easily within a single, varied itinerary.
Cities to visit in Morocco
Featured destinations appear first.
Morocco in pictures
Highlights
A few essentials to help plan your discovery of Morocco.
Sahara Desert
The golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, accessible from Merzouga, offer camping under the stars and camel excursions at sunset across the desert.
Atlas Mountains
Peaks rising above four thousand meters at Mount Toubkal, surrounded by traditional Berber villages, perfect for hiking and mountain trekking.
Fez Medina
One of the largest pedestrian medinas in the world, where traditional craftsmanship and the city's iconic tanneries have endured for centuries.
Essaouira Coast
A fortified coastal town known for winds ideal for surfing, a lively fishing port and a relaxed artistic atmosphere by the ocean.
Southern valleys
The Dades and Todra gorges along with the Draa valley offer spectacular landscapes of oases, mud-brick kasbahs and rock formations.
Practical information
- Capital
- Rabat
- Area
- About 446,550 km²
- Population
- Over 37 million people
- Languages
- Arabic and Amazigh (official), French widely used
- Currency
- Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
- Time zone
- UTC+1
- Climate
- Mediterranean in the north, desert in the southeast
- Best season
- Spring and fall for most regions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Morocco?
Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures across most of the country, while summer suits the Atlantic coast better and winter remains workable in the desert south, despite noticeably cooler nights.
Do you need a visa to travel to Morocco?
Many visitors can enter without a visa for a short tourist stay, subject to eligibility based on nationality and a valid passport, with an entry stamp generally issued on arrival.
How do you get between Moroccan cities?
Trains efficiently connect major northern cities such as Casablanca, Rabat and Marrakech, while a rental car or organized excursions are preferable for exploring the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara desert.
Is the desert easy to visit from Marrakech?
Yes, many organized excursions offer a two to three day journey to Merzouga with a stop in the Atlas Mountains and a night camping under canvas in the dunes nearby.
Which cities are best for a first visit?
Marrakech and Fez offer a representative introduction to Moroccan heritage, which is easy to complement with an excursion into the Atlas or toward the desert for a fuller trip overall.
How should visitors behave in Moroccan medinas?
Modest dress is recommended out of respect for local traditions, and it is common to negotiate prices in the souks while remaining courteous toward the merchants and craftspeople encountered there.
Plan your trip to Morocco
Day-by-day itinerary, budget, bookings and packing in a single app.
