Our top picks for Morocco
Waking up in the morning to a snow-covered mountain hike, and being on a horse watching the sun set over the ocean by dusk? Yes please.
These are just two of the million reasons why Morocco should be next on your list.
The spanish-cross-middle-eastern charm of Morocco has been luring more and more tourists in the past few years – with a 21 per cent increase from 2016 to 2017 alone. So we went to see what all the fuss was about. And we weren’t disappointed.
Morocco’s diverse landscape is just begging to be explored, from the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert to the beautiful coastline – there’s something for every traveler.
Picture hiking up a steep sand dune to watch the sunset over the desert, before sprinting back down in child-like delight, trying not to fall.
Or getting lost in a city where everything is blue, a photogenic masterpiece around every corner and laneways upon laneways upon laneways. And thats just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Morocco.
Already want to visit? You’re only human. So when you’re done booking flights, here’s what you shouldn’t miss out on in Morocco.
Chefchaouen
Otherwise known as “The Blue City”, Chefchaouen is a photographers dream, filled with beautiful nooks and crannies, the walls splashed with different shades of blue.
Once you’re done wondering around in awe, there’s a ton of amazing food here as well – in the form of traditional moroccon pastry shops and home-style restaurants that will have you wanting to eat 24/7.
For an amazing view of the city and surrounding mountains, take an easy hike up to the Spanish Mosque – or a harder one through the beautiful rift mountains. In between shopping, obviously.
Tangier
This beachside city is a surprising mix of bustling medinas and raw coastal beauty, with a beautiful stretch of sand for as far as the eye can see.
Head to the paisley-filled Kasbah Museum for some culture then take a guided tour of the medina – it’s easy to get lost.
You can also see Spain from the beach – and ferries depart multiple times a day, taking a little over an hour.
Atlas Mountains
The Atlas Mountains are a beautiful, surprising part of Morocco – filled with spectacular views and tiny mountain towns.
In the winter, snowfall can be heavy – so don’t forget a beanie and gloves like we did (lol).
Take a mountain hiking tour (we chose G Adventures) up the High Atlas Mountains whilst a mule carries your bag and stay in a homestay mountain gîte; with views of Mt Toubkal before a delicious home-cooked tangier or cous cous.
The Sahara Desert
A must (and an obvious choice) in Morocco is riding camels to a desert camp for the night. And although it’s an obvious choice, it’s a worthwhile one at worst, and a life-changing one at best.
Being surrounded by orange Sahara dunes on a camel is not something that can be done just anywhere – just like watching the sunrise and sunset from atop one of the highest peaks.
Nomad Villages
Whilst in the desert, take a four wheel drive tour to explore the nomad villages, where Moroccan Berber nomads live in tents and mud-brick houses with their families.
Often one woman is left at the camp with all the children whilst the adults and the older children herd goats or work for one of the nearby desert hotels. If you’re lucky, you’ll even get to try a traditional moroccan pizza: dough filled with flavoursome tomatoes, onions and spices.
A Tangine Cooking Class
Tangine is one of the main traditional dishes of Morocco, so why not make your own!
Think potatoes, carrots, chicken, tomatoes, olives and preserved lemon – mixed with herbs and spices like cumin, garlic, ginger and turmeric. Mouth watering.
Essaouira
This beachside hippie-town is filled with activities to try, whether it’s winter or summer.
Try quad-biking through the nearby sand dunes where you’ll pass camels, goats and horses, or surfing and swimming in the ocean during the warmer months.
There are a ton of vegan and vegetarian restaurants and the medina is filled with shops and dotted with crepe stands (we recommend mars bar and nutella). In the afternoon, take a horse ride on the beach, or just soak up the sunset at a rooftop bar.
Fès
Fès is a beautiful city, filled with pattern-covered palaces and museums galore.
The Fès medina is also the world’s largest medieval medina and a UNESCO site – and worth exploring for an hour or two. There’s artisan quarters and carts with Moroccan treats, but head to Fès’ famous leather tannery for a killer view.
Marrakech
Marrakech is unmissable in any trip to Morocco – and you can spend a whole day at least in the bustling city square alone.
Shopping in the souks here is better than anywhere else in Morocco, if only for the glee of bartering, hard.
Aside from the square, visit the Bahia Palace, the Majorelle Garden, the Koutoubia Mosque the Saadian Tombs for a hit of history, beauty and culture.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
-
Latest comments
Latest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!
Wow, nice post. Morocco is a very famous place for their tasty cuisine and heritage monuments. http://yougomorocco.com this website has a lot of interesting information about Morocco.