THE 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN MOROCCO

Whether you’re looking for an adventure or a relaxing getaway, Morocco has something for everyone. From walking the bustling alleyways of the medina of Marrakech to watching sunsets on the peaceful shores of Essaouira, Morocco offers an abundance of activities for all types of travellers. Here’s my list of the 10 best things to do in Morocco to add to your itinerary.

Wander around the medinas of Moroccan cities

A visit to the medinas, the ancient quarters of Moroccan cities, is a must-do. Medinas are a feast for the eyes with their intricate mazes of colourful souks, vibrant streets and stunning architecture.

Explore the medina of Marrakech

You simply cannot leave Morocco without visiting the medina of Marrakech. For centuries, the medina of Marrakech has been enchanting travellers with its labyrinthine streets, secret gardens, charming guesthouses and bustling markets that sell anything from colourful spices to leather goods and ceramics.

Explore UNESCO-listed Jemaa el-Fnaa square, architectural masterpieces including Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in Marrakech, and the 19th-century Bahia Palace.

Relax with a cup of mint tea at a charming teahouse, savour the most exquisite Moroccan delicacies from aromatic tagines to delectable pastries or indulge in a luxurious bath in a traditional hammam.

Explore the medina of Fez

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the medina of Fez is one of the largest and best-preserved medinas in the Arab world. It’s also one of the world’s largest car-free areas.

Explore the winding alleyways, ancient mosques and colourful markets of Fez-El-Bali, the city’s oldest walled neighbourhood.

Watch the traditional leather-making process at Chouara Tannery, one of the city’s most iconic sights and visit Al-Quaraouiyine Mosque, one of the oldest and most prominent mosques in North Africa.

Explore the medina of Essaouira

Located on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, the medina of Essaouira is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historical value and well-preserved 18th-century architecture.

Take a stroll along the ramparts of Skala Della Ville and the Bastion Nord, where Game of Thrones was filmed, and don’t forget to visit Essaouira’s biggest working harbour to catch a glimpse of the charming wooden fishing boats.

Go on a day trip from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains

Break away from the hustle and bustle of the city by taking a day trip from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains for picturesque vistas and a taste of the local culture.

Hike through the green valleys, marvel at majestic mountain peaks and take in the stunning scenery.

Visit traditional Berber villages to enjoy the warm hospitality of the Berbers (an ethnic group indigenous to North Africa) and learn about their traditions and way of life.

If you’re looking to explore the Berber villages near Marrakech, don’t miss out on Imlil, a popular starting point for hiking and trekking tours, Aroumd, known for traditional mud-brick houses, Asni, home to bustling weekly markets, Tacheddirt, one of the highest villages in the Atlas Mountains, and Ourika, where you can soak in the beauty of lush gardens and cascading waterfalls.

Spend a night in the Sahara Desert

Nothing beats spending the night in the Sahara Desert. Sleeping under the stars in a traditional nomadic tent will give you a sense of peace and solitude that you won’t find anywhere else.

Enjoy a sand bath while watching the sunrise over the dunes, listen to traditional Berber music over the campfire and explore the desert landscape on the back of a camel.

Immerse yourself in the traditional culture of the region by visiting the nomadic tribes of the Sahara and learning about their everyday lives and traditions.

Explore the Moroccan Kasbahs

The kasbahs of Morocco are former fortresses usually built by local tribes to provide protection against foreign invaders.

Some kasbahs were used as administrative hubs or miliary garrisons.

Over time, many kasbahs fell into disrepair. However, a number of them have undergone restoration and now serve as museums, cultural centres, restaurants and luxury hotels (such as Richard Branson’s Kasbah Tamadot).

Visit the kasbahs for a peaceful retreat or to marvel at the intricate designs of Islamic architecture.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see the UNESCO-listed kasbah Ait Ben Haddou. It’s sure to leave you spellbound! This spot near Ourzazate has been a popular filming location and was featured in many films, such as Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia.

Sunbathe on the best beaches in Morocco

There are many stunning beaches to explore along the Moroccan coastline.

Take a dip in the pristine waters of the most attractive Moroccan beaches: Dragon Beach in Dakhla, White Beach in Guelmim, Laghzira Beach in Mirleft, Ain Dalia Beach in Tangier or Quemado Beach in El Hoceima.

If you prefer horse riding and quad biking head to the huge and unspoiled sandy beaches of Taghazout, Agadir and Essaouira.

Enjoy water sports

Morocco is a haven for fans of water sports. Whether you’re a wave rider, wind chaser or passionate deep-sea explorer, you’re guaranteed to be enamoured with the Moroccan coastline.

The Atlantic coast in the west and the Mediterranean coast in the north offer superb weather conditions for water sports. Try windsurfing in Morocco’s windiest city, Essaouira, go surfing in Mirlet or glide through the waves on a kiteboard in Dakhla.

Go shopping in the Moroccan souks

Go shopping in the local souks for one-of-a-kind original Moroccan goods crafted by local artisans. Not only will you get a unique souvenir, but by making a purchase, you will also be supporting local businesses and the community.

Choose from a wide range of products, including colourful rugs woven by Berber women, handcrafted lanterns, highly sought-after argan oil beauty products, traditional fig and pomegranate soaps, hand-painted ceramics and traditional babouche leather slippers.

Try traditional Moroccan food

If you are a foodie, Morocco is the place for you. Try delicious homemade dishes at your riad or venture to one of the innovative fusion restaurants for a taste of the finest Moroccan delicacies.

After you’ve had your fill of the popular tagines and couscous, try the more exotic bissara (fava bean soup), harira (soup made with chickpeas, lentils and tomatoes) or zaalouk (a delicious eggplant and tomato salad).

Enjoy the tantalising blend of aromas and spices including cumin, cinnamon, saffron and ginger.

Unwind like royalty in a traditional Moroccan hammam

Moroccan hammams are traditional public bathhouses where people go not only to cleanse their bodies and minds but also to socialise.

Make sure to pamper yourself like a true Moroccan by indulging in a luxurious hammam ritual and enjoying all its health benefits.

Many hammams in Morocco are architectural marvels with elaborate decor that will leave you in awe. Among the best hammams in Marrakech are Hammam de la Rose and Les Bains de Marrakech.

Wander through the lush Moroccan gardens

Morocco’s gardens are botanical paradises. When in Marrakech, make sure to visit Jardin Majorelle with its outstanding collection of cacti as well as the hidden Le Jardin Secret.

Venture outside of Marrakech to visit Anima botanical garden, designed by Austrian artist and filmmaker Andre Heller, to see a vast collection of exotic plants and sculpture installations.

And if you’re looking for a garden that’s straight out of a fairy tale, head to the Exotic Garden of Bouknadel in Rabat. With its hidden paths, cascading waterfalls and serene pools, it’s no wonder that it’s considered one of the most stunning gardens in Morocco.

If you’ve had any other exciting experiences in Morocco, I’d love for you to share them in the comments section below.

If you’re interested in discovering more about Morocco, have a look at my other articles below:

In Photos: One Day in Marrakech

4 Unique Things to Do in Marrakech

18 Travel Essentials to Pack for a Sahara Desert Camp, Morocco