Morocco

What are the most recommended things to do in Morocco?

  • Explore the vibrant medinas of Marrakech, Fes, and Casablanca.
  • Visit historical sites such as the Hassan II Mosque, Saadian Tombs, and Royal Palaces.
  • Take a camel ride and experience the Sahara Desert from Merzouga or Zagora.
  • Discover the Atlas Mountains and hike in Imlil or the Ourika Valley.
  • Relax in coastal cities like Essaouira and Agadir, enjoying beaches and seafood.
  • Shop for traditional Moroccan crafts, carpets, spices, and leather goods in local souks.
  • Enjoy Moroccan cuisine and tea culture through food tours and cooking classes.
  • Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Ait Benhaddou and Volubilis.

Introducing Morocco

Morocco is located in the northwest of the African continent, south of the Strait of Gibraltar, at the gateway between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean. Its coastline stretches over 1,700 kilometers. Its terrain is complex, with the steep Atlas Mountains in the center and north, the Upper Plateau and the pre-Saharan plateau in the east and south, and only the northwest coastal area is a narrow, low, warm plain.

Thanks to the Atlas Mountains, which run diagonally across the country and shield it from the intense heat of the Sahara Desert to the south, Morocco enjoys a pleasant climate year-round and boasts lush vegetation, earning it the nickname "A Cool Land Under the Scorching Sun" and the "Garden of North Africa." Controlled by the subtropical high pressure belt and influenced by the Canary Current, Morocco experiences a dry tropical desert climate. The Atlas Mountains stretch across the country, with Mount Toubkal (4,165 meters) being the highest point.

Climate and best time to travel

Spring and autumn are the best seasons for traveling. In these two seasons, the temperature is suitable, the weather is sunny and there is a lot of good weather. For tourists who love photography, the light and brightness are good for taking pictures.

Spring (April-June)

The climate in Morocco is the most comfortable, with pleasant temperatures in both the desert and the coastline , and little rain along the way. The Rose Valley blooms in March and April, and the Rose Festival and Essaouira Music Festival are both held in May.

Autumn (September-October)

It’s best to avoid Ramadan, as many shops in Morocco are likely to be closed during Ramadan. Also, the timing of Ramadan varies from year to year, so check in advance.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Morocco is an amazing travel destination, a place to broaden your horizons and savor the exotic locales, snake charmers and magicians, piles of treasures in the souks, and endless cups of mint tea. It is also the gateway to the most stunning beauty of North Africa, with the desert at your doorstep and the steep Atlas Mountains behind.


Marrakech Medina

The busy, lively and noisy old town of Marrakech gathers many Moroccan tourists. It seems that more than half of the city's population hangs out here from sunrise to night, where vendors, traditional musicians, snake fans and random street jugglers are lined up.


Sahara Desert

The Sahara Desert, formed approximately 2.5 million years ago, is the world's second-largest desert, second only to Antarctica, and the largest sandy desert. Its fame in China is largely due to the beautiful descriptions of it by the poet Sanmao.


Hassan II Mosque

The Hassan II Mosque, a landmark building in Casablanca, is not only a magnificent symbol of the city, but also a magnificent symbol of the country of Morocco.


Castle of the Udayas

Located in Rabat, the capital of Morocco, the Kasbah of the Udayas is a peaceful and perfect quaint town. Within the walls of this ancient castle are neatly arranged white and blue houses, with lovely and colorful flower pots embedded on the edges. It is the best and most beautiful corner of the capital.


Fez Ancient City

The back alleys, fashionable plasterwork and magnificent ancient city gates here are so attractive that you can't help but stop and take a thousand photos. For those who can tolerate strange smells, the smelly leather factories in the old city of Fez are also a popular tourist attraction.


Tangier

Tangier, the most European of Moroccan cities, is a charming city, though somewhat decadent in 20th-century literature, and it is this past that attracts many tourists.


Recommended travel days: 12-15 days


Most Popular FAQs for Morocco

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Morocco, located in North Africa, has a rich history influenced by Berber, Arab, and European cultures. It was a center of trade, Islamic scholarship, and architecture. Cities like Fes and Marrakech have been important political and cultural hubs for centuries.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Morocco is in northwest Africa, bordering the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. Major international airports are in Casablanca, Marrakech, and Rabat. Within cities, taxis, buses, and walking are common, while trains connect major cities efficiently.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

  • Most attractions open 9:00–18:00, with variations for religious sites.
  • Best time to visit: spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) for pleasant temperatures.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

  • Entrance fees vary: Marrakech palaces (~70–140 MAD), Hassan II Mosque (~120 MAD guided tour), Ait Benhaddou (~10–20 MAD).
  • Tickets are usually bought onsite; some popular sites allow online booking.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Advance booking is recommended for guided tours, desert excursions, and popular palaces, ideally 1–2 weeks ahead during peak season (spring and autumn).

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

2–3 weeks are ideal to explore Morocco thoroughly, but 7–10 days allows visits to main cities, the desert, and the coast.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

  • Marrakech Medina, Jemaa el-Fnaa square
  • Fes El Bali and Al Quaraouiyine University
  • Chefchaouen Blue City
  • Atlas Mountains and Ourika Valley
  • Sahara Desert (Merzouga, Erg Chebbi dunes)
  • Essaouira and Agadir coastal towns
  • Ait Benhaddou and Volubilis historical sites

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are widely available in English, French, Spanish, and Arabic. Audio guides are available at major museums and palaces.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

  • Jemaa el-Fnaa square in Marrakech
  • Rooftops and minarets in Fes Medina
  • Blue streets of Chefchaouen
  • Atlas Mountains and desert dunes at sunrise/sunset
  • Coastal views in Essaouira and Agadir

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

A common itinerary: Casablanca → Rabat → Fes → Chefchaouen → Marrakech → Atlas Mountains → Sahara Desert → Essaouira/Agadir.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night markets, cultural performances, and guided desert tours are popular. Some palaces and mosques offer evening visits.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Peak tourist periods are spring and autumn. Fes and Marrakech are crowded on weekends and holidays. Visit weekdays and outside peak season for fewer crowds.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

  • Restaurants, cafes, and street food in cities and medinas
  • Public toilets at tourist sites and hotels
  • Shops and souks offering crafts, carpets, spices, and souvenirs
  • Rest areas and accommodations widely available

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Main tourist areas like hotels, museums, and palaces are mostly accessible. Old medinas have uneven streets and may be challenging for those with mobility issues.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash (Moroccan Dirham) is essential for markets and small shops. Credit/debit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and larger stores.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

  • Traditional Moroccan riads and restaurants
  • Cafes serving mint tea, pastries, and local snacks
  • Street food in medinas offering tagine, couscous, and grilled meats

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and halal options are widely available; most Moroccan food is naturally halal. Vegan options exist in urban restaurants and markets.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

  • Luxury riads and resorts in Marrakech and Fes
  • Mid-range hotels and guesthouses in medinas
  • Budget hostels and desert camps near Sahara

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

  • Ouzoud Waterfalls from Marrakech
  • Day trips to the Ourika Valley from Marrakech
  • Volubilis ruins from Fes or Meknes
  • Essaouira day trip from Marrakech

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

  • Handcrafted rugs, leather goods, pottery, and brass items
  • Spices, argan oil, and traditional clothing
  • Moroccan lanterns, ceramics, and jewelry

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

  • Trains connect major cities like Casablanca, Marrakech, Fes, and Rabat
  • Buses and shared taxis for smaller towns and desert regions
  • Domestic flights for longer distances (e.g., Agadir, Essaouira, Tangier)

Copyright © China-TravelNote.com | All Rights Reserved