10 Experiences in Morocco You Shouldn't Miss

Morocco packs an astonishing variety into one country: imperial cities and labyrinthine medinas, snow-capped mountains, Atlantic beaches and the dunes of the Sahara. These are the ten experiences that make a trip unforgettable.

1. Feel the energy of Jemaa el-Fnaa in Marrakech

Marrakech's main square changes through the day, from orange-juice stalls and snake charmers in the morning to a huge open-air food court at night, with smoke rising from the grills and musicians playing until late. Our full Marrakech guide covers everything else the city has to offer.

2. Sleep in the Sahara

The dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga are the most accessible part of the Sahara. Ride a camel at sunset, eat a tagine in a desert camp and fall asleep under a sky full of stars. From Marrakech, it's usually a two- or three-day trip.

3. Get lost in the medina of Fez

Fez el-Bali is one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world, a maze of thousands of alleys with workshops, mosques and madrasas. Hire an official guide for your first visit, then wander on your own.

4. Watch the dyers at the Chouara tannery

From the terraces of the leather shops around Fez's famous tannery, you can look down on stone vats of dye where hides are still processed by hand, as they have been for centuries. The smell is strong – shop owners often hand out mint leaves.

5. Walk the blue streets of Chefchaouen

In the Rif Mountains, the old town of Chefchaouen is painted in every shade of blue. It's calmer than the big cities and a lovely place to slow down for a couple of days.

6. Visit Aït Benhaddou

This fortified earthen village on the old caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has appeared in many films. It's an easy stop on the road to the desert.

7. Trek in the High Atlas

The village of Imlil is the starting point for walks through Berber villages and walnut groves, and for climbing Jebel Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. Read more about Toubkal in our guide to incredible national parks around the world.

8. Explore Roman Volubilis and Meknes

The ruins of Volubilis have some of the best-preserved Roman mosaics in North Africa. Combine them with the imperial city of Meknes, which is quieter and less touristy than Fez.

9. Relax in Essaouira

The breezy Atlantic port of Essaouira has whitewashed walls, blue fishing boats, sea-facing ramparts and excellent grilled fish. It's a favourite with windsurfers and kitesurfers.

10. Learn to cook a tagine – and take a hammam

A cooking class, often starting with a market visit, is a great way to understand Moroccan food. Finish the day in a hammam, the traditional steam bath, with a vigorous scrub.

Getting around

Morocco's train network links Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Meknes, Fez and Marrakech, including the high-speed Al Boraq line between Tangier and Casablanca. For the mountains and the desert, join a tour or hire a driver.

Planning a wider trip to the Arab world?

Jordan offers a very different kind of desert adventure – see our whirlwind trip to Jordan.