Vacation in Morocco: Where to Go and What to See

Morocco is a country full of contrasts, where ancient traditions intertwine with modern life, and the sandy dunes of the Sahara sit alongside the cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean. If you’re planning a trip, it’s worth starting by looking for great tours to Morocco to plan everything in advance.

What You Need to Know About Morocco

The country is located in North Africa, bordering Algeria to the east and Mauritania to the south. Its northern coast is washed by the Mediterranean Sea, and the western coast by the Atlantic Ocean.

• The capital is Rabat, but Casablanca is the largest city.
• Morocco’s population is about 37 million people.
• Islam is the main religion.
• The official language is Arabic, but French and Berber languages are widely spoken.

Morocco’s climate varies: Mediterranean along the coast, continental inland, and desert climate in the Sahara. Summers are hot, especially away from the coast, while winters are relatively mild.

Morocco’s history is rich and spans millennia. It has been ruled by Berbers, Romans, Arabs, and French. Morocco gained independence in 1956. Its culture is a blend of Arab, Berber, African, and European influences.

Many nationals, including Belarusians, require a visa to visit Morocco. Be sure to check visa regulations before your trip.

Top Tourist Destinations

Morocco offers a wealth of fascinating places to visit.

• Marrakech – one of Morocco’s most popular cities, known for its markets, palaces, and gardens. Marrakech’s sights amaze with their beauty and history.
• Fes – the oldest city of Morocco, a cultural and religious center.
• Casablanca – a modern metropolis and the country’s economic center. Tourism here reveals modern architecture and vibrant city life.
• Rabat – Morocco’s capital, the administrative and political center.
• Agadir – a popular resort city on the Atlantic coast. Agadir’s best beaches attract tourists from around the world.
• Essaouira – a picturesque coastal town known for its winds and festivals.
• Meknes – one of four imperial cities of Morocco, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Ouarzazate – a city on the edge of the Sahara Desert, famous for its film studios and fortresses.
• Atlas Mountains – a mountain range offering trekking and outdoor activities.
• Sahara – the world’s largest desert, offering unforgettable experiences like camel rides and overnight stays in Berber camps.

Marrakech: Attractions and Tips

Marrakech is the heart of Morocco, a city where the Eastern fairy tale comes alive at every turn. Its vibrant streets, fragrant bazaars, and majestic palaces offer travelers unforgettable experiences. Below are the main attractions to see to truly feel the spirit of Marrakech.

• Jemaa el-Fnaa – the central square of Marrakech, where by day you can see snake charmers, fortune tellers, and merchants, and by night, musicians, dancers, and street performers.
• Majorelle Gardens – a beautiful botanical garden created by French artist Jacques Majorelle.
• Medina – Marrakech’s old city, a labyrinth of narrow streets full of shops and workshops.
• Bahia Palace – a luxurious 19th-century palace.
• Bazaars – traditional markets where you can buy everything from spices and fabrics to ceramics and jewelry.
• Hammams – traditional Moroccan baths where you can relax and cleanse your skin.

Getting around the city is convenient by taxi or bus. Accommodation suits all tastes and budgets, from affordable hostels to luxurious riads (traditional Moroccan houses with inner courtyards). Marrakech’s cuisine is famous for its tagines, couscous, and mint tea. If you want to learn more about the city, guided tours are available. Marrakech travel tips will help you avoid troubles and get the most out of your visit.

Fes: Culture and Traditions

Fes is a city where ancient traditions are felt everywhere. It’s one of the few places where history and modernity coexist side by side.

The old city—the medina—is rightfully considered one of the largest and best-preserved medieval centers. Everything breathes history here, from the leather workshops still dyeing leather using ancient recipes to cozy alleys filled with artisan shops and stalls.

Fes is renowned for its crafts—ceramics, carpets, metalwork—all handmade the way they were centuries ago. Al-Qarawiyyin University, founded in the 9th century, is considered one of the oldest universities in the world and still operates today.

Music, festivals, and distinctive cuisine featuring dishes like pastilla and briouats make the city truly vibrant. And if you want to take a piece of Fes with you, local markets are perfect: spices, fabrics, jewelry, and, of course, sweets—the selection is extensive.

Casablanca: A Modern Metropolis

Casablanca is a modern and dynamic city blending traditional Moroccan features with European urbanism. The city’s symbol—Hassan II Mosque—rises right on the Atlantic coast and is one of the largest mosques in the world.

Strolling along the waterfront is a favorite pastime for both locals and tourists: it’s a great place to spend the evening enjoying the sea breeze and views. Casablanca is an important business center with numerous modern offices, hotels for every budget, including oceanfront hotels, and well-developed infrastructure.

Beach lovers will enjoy the city’s beaches, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Dining options range from cozy cafés to restaurants serving Moroccan and international cuisine.

The city is also great for shopping, with malls and small shops spread throughout. Convenient public transport is provided by trams and buses. Casablanca’s cultural life includes museums and galleries where you can get closer to Moroccan art and history.

The city’s architecture is an interesting mix of French colonial heritage and modern buildings, reflecting Casablanca’s cosmopolitan character.

Agadir: Beach Vacation and Entertainment

Agadir is a Moroccan resort designed for those who want to combine ocean relaxation with comfort and entertainment. Wide sandy beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports, especially surfing— the waves here are excellent for it.

Walking along the promenade is one of the main pleasures: it’s beautiful, spacious, and always lively. Agadir impresses with its variety of restaurants, bars, and clubs—you’ll easily find a spot that suits your taste, whether it’s dining with an ocean view or a lively night out.

Agadir Marina is a modern harbor with yachts, cafés, and a southern resort vibe. Accommodation options vary from budget hotels to ocean-view establishments. The city is also a great base for regional excursions—you can visit villages and see another side of Moroccan life.

For shopping, there are many malls and markets. To add a cultural touch to your holiday, visit Kasbah fortress or the Berber Art Museum. Group tour organization makes your trip easier and takes care of the details.

Nature and National Parks

Morocco’s nature is a true discovery for lovers of active holidays and scenic landscapes. From snow-capped peaks to ocean shores, the country amazes with its contrast and richness.

Toubkal National Park, located in the Atlas Mountains, is perfect for trekking enthusiasts: breathtaking views, mountain trails, and fresh air. For those wanting to see wildlife in a milder climate, Souss-Massa Park by the Atlantic is famous for its variety of birds and fauna.

The Atlas Mountains offer not only trekking but also opportunities for mountaineering and even skiing in winter. For those seeking more exotic landscapes, Moroccan deserts, oases, and waterfalls look like movie scenery—but they are real.

The flora and fauna are equally impressive: argan trees, cacti, date palms, gazelles, foxes, snakes—all part of the local ecosystem. Ecotourism and nature travel are becoming increasingly popular among tourists.

Ouzoud or Todra Waterfalls

Ouzoud Waterfalls are located in the Atlas Mountains and are about 110 meters high. Todra Gorge, situated in the High Atlas, is famous for its tall cliffs. Visiting them depends on the season, with spring or autumn being the best times. They can be reached by bus or taxi.

The nature around these sites is stunning. Guided tours to the waterfall and gorge are available. The photo opportunities are splendid. Nearby villages offer a chance to experience local culture.

The Sahara Desert

A trip to the Sahara is a journey into a different world: silent, hot, majestic. The wind-shaped dunes seem endless. Many choose multi-day tours to fully experience the desert atmosphere: overnight stays in Berber camps, tasting local cuisine, and evenings by a campfire to traditional music.

The night sky over the Sahara is quite starry. Daytime heat can be intense, so it’s best to prepare water, a hat, and light clothing. The sand is fine, almost powdery, and gets everywhere—be prepared.

The Sahara is also home to Berber culture, the nomadic peoples who have lived here for centuries. Group tours to the Sahara are a great way to share this adventure with others.

Culinary Highlights

Moroccan cuisine is a feast of flavors, where every spice has its role. Turmeric, cinnamon, cumin, ginger, and saffron give dishes richness and depth, while fresh mint adds lightness and freshness—especially in traditional mint tea, served with grace and respect for traditions.

Street food here is a special pleasure: aromatic kebabs, sandwiches with juicy fillings, freshly baked wood-fired bread—all served piping hot. And the sweets? They are memorable: sweet, crunchy, with honey, nuts, and rose water.

Typical clay cookware not only retains heat but adds special charm to traditional serving. All this is part of the vibrant, fragrant cuisine that reveals Morocco’s soul better than any guidebook.

Popular Dishes:

• Tagine – traditional Moroccan dish cooked in a conical clay pot.
• Couscous – traditional Moroccan dish made from semolina.
• Harira – traditional Moroccan soup usually eaten during Ramadan.
• Pastilla – a sweet pie filled with pigeon or chicken meat.
• Briouats – triangular pastries filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.
• Mint tea – traditional Moroccan mint tea.
• Moroccan bread – typically round bread baked in a wood-fired oven.
• Moroccan sweets – very sweet and tasty, such as baklava and gazelle horns.
• Msemen – Moroccan pancakes usually eaten for breakfast.
• Shebakia – Moroccan cookies usually eaten during Ramadan.

Helpful Tips for Travelers

• Dress modestly when visiting Morocco, especially at religious sites.
• Bargaining is common at Moroccan markets, as are tipping in service establishments.
• Take precautions to avoid theft and scams.
• Learn a few phrases in Arabic before your trip.
• Ask permission before photographing locals.
• Getting around the city is easy by taxi or bus.
• It can get very hot in Morocco, so bring water and a hat.

How to Get There

The easiest way to get here is by plane: there are several major international airports in the country, including in Casablanca, Marrakech, and Agadir, with flights from all over the world. Don’t forget to book your flights to Morocco early to get the best prices.

Ferry services are available for European residents, connecting Spain with Moroccan ports such as Tangier, Agadir, and Casablanca via the Strait of Gibraltar.

Within Morocco, you can travel by rental car for independent tours, as well as minibuses and public transport in larger cities. Many hotels and tour operators offer airport transfers, which are especially convenient after a long flight.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Morocco is spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October). Summers can be very hot, and during peak tourist seasons, accommodation and transport prices are higher. Weather in Morocco can be unpredictable, so be prepared for various conditions.

Local Currency

The national currency of Morocco is the dirham. You can exchange money at banks and exchange offices. Credit cards are accepted but not everywhere.

Morocco offers something for everyone. If you’re planning a business trip, consider using the business travel service to make your journey as efficient as possible.