Morocco has been one of our top travel destinations for some time now, so we have plenty of experience deciding the best times to visit, how to navigate the major cities, what to wear and much more. As a relatively new location for the tourism industry, lots of people ask us about what to expect, but with a little planning Morocco makes for a fantastic vacation. Keep reading for all our tips for how to prepare and what to do when you travel to Morocco.

Why Morocco?

So why Morocco? As tour operators we’ve long been fans of this fascinating country. The food is on another level, the scenery is incredible and there is nothing quite like wandering the streets of Marrakech and Fez.

It’s not just traditional towns though, the coastal cities of Casablanca and Essaouira with nearby beaches are just as interesting. Away from the more built up areas, the dunes of the Sahara desert and high peaks of the Atlas mountains will inspire you – camping out under the stars is an unforgettable experience.

A Brief History of Morocco

Morocco history stretches back a very long time. Located on the north-west coast of Africa, strong trade connections led to the creation of a wealthy region. The first Moroccan state traded with other early civilizations, but were conquered by the ancient Romans as part of their push to control the Mediterranean and beyond.

The collapse of the Roman empire in western Europe gave Morocco a certain amount of freedom, but the rise of the Islamic empire in the 7th century changed everything. The Arabic people who rapidly conquered parts of north Africa and southern Spain brought a new language, new traditions and the new religion of Islam.

Morocco adapted to their new rulers, with many of the customs and conventions we see in Morocco today dating back to this time. Islam is still the official religion of Morocco and shapes many of their laws.

However, while the impact of Islamic rule remains, the rulers themselves did not. In the 1500’s the Islamic Caliphate’s far-reaching empire started shrinking, and Morocco was able to declare itself an independent state once more by the late 1600’s.

Other countries began to take an interest in Morocco’s resources, once again taking away the country’s independence. The Spanish, British and French all sought to control parts of Morocco, with different treaties and agreements made by the Moroccans to try and preserve control of their country.

It was not until 1956 when this was finally achieved. Two separate agreements were made with the Spanish and French to abolish their respective protectorates and then in 1957, Mohammed V became the first king of Morocco.

Practical Information for Travel to Morocco

Now that you know why you should travel to Morocco, here are some of the essential pieces of practical information you need to know:

Money

The Moroccan Dirham is the official currency of Morocco, but this is a closed currency, meaning you cannot purchase it outside of Morocco. When you arrive, you can go to a Bureaus de Change or bank to exchange your money, or withdraw money from an ATM in the local currency.

Having cash with you is a good idea as cards are not universally accepted here. Visa and Mastercard should be fine at most restaurants and hotels, but American Express and other types of credit cards are not commonly accepted.

Language

There are a number of different languages used in Morocco. Arabic (both the Modern Standard Arabic and Moroccan Arabic/Darija) and Berber languages (the name given to the indigenous languages of the region) are widely used, but French is also very common due to France’s long-lasting influence on the country.

The number of people who speak English is growing, with it being a popular second language choice for younger people. In areas with more tourists and the cities you will find most people speak at least basic English, but out in more rural areas this is less common.

Visa and Entry Requirements

Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, EU countries and many others can visit Morocco for up to 90 days without needing a visa, as long as your trip is for leisure not work.

Your passport must be undamaged and valid for at least six months from the date you plan to leave Morocco. It should also have at least one blank page in it. You may be asked to provide proof of your return or onward flight out of Morocco or of your accommodation/tour bookings at border control when you arrive.

For more specific visa information, refer to the Moroccan government website here.

What to do in Morocco

Once you’ve made all your preparations for visiting Morocco, what will you actually be doing once you get here? Well, there is a lot to choose from, but here are our favorite places to go and things to do:

Get Outdoors

Morocco has very diverse landscapes, so you should get away from the cities at least once during your trip. Head for the edges of the Sahara or the Agafay desert (on camels if you want) and spend a night or two camping under the stars – this is always a very popular activity on our Morocco tour itineraries.

If you’re more interested in hiking, then the trails through the High Atlas mountains are for you. These mountains are home to north Africa’s highest peak and the hiking trails are popular with tourists. Along the route you will come across Amazigh villages where some of Morocco’s indigenous people still live, and it is well worth taking time to learn more.

Finally, we can’t not mention Morocco’s beaches. Stretching along the Atlantic coast, the options vary from small coves to long sandy beaches. The waves and windy conditions at times make many of these beaches very popular with surfers, but the water is always inviting. Don’t miss the beautiful beach at Legzira with its naturally-formed red arches.

Get lost in a Medina

Everyone knows that Morocco is excellent for shopping. A medina is a walled city or town, reflecting the way people lived in many north African cities hundreds of years ago. Not all survived, but those still in use in Morocco have become hubs for artisans, craftspeople and sellers alongside people living their daily lives.

These are excellent places to really get a feel for the true Morocco. The city of Fez has a huge medina, containing a vast market, hammams, mosques and even a university. Marrakesh has another very large medina, but there are also fascinating versions in the coastal town of Essaouira and the ‘Blue city’ of Chefchaouen.

Explore Marrakech

Marrakech is not the capital of Morocco (Rabat is) but it is one of the most famous places in the country. This is partly due to its popularity with the French, but also because it became an essential destination for the rich and famous in the 1960’s and 70’s. The Beatles and Rolling Stones band members spent a lot of time here, along with many other musicians, film stars and artists, giving the city a sense of glamour.

French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner renovated the Jardin Majorelle villa and gardens, which is now one of Morocco’s most popular sights. Contrast the stunning gardens with the intensity of Jemaa el-Fnaa, a huge open air square with all sorts of stalls and entertainers vying for your attention.

There is a lot of history to explore in Marrakech as well. The Koutoubia mosque is nearly 900 years old, and the Kasbah mosque is only slightly newer. Adjoining the Kasbah mosque are the beautiful 16th century Saadian Tombs, where many rulers and also the seven patron saints of the city are buried. Built more recently, the Bahia Palace is another must-see with its extravagant design and bright colors.

Of course there is much more to see and do in Morocco beyond what we’ve suggested here. The cities of Casablanca and Tangiers are an interesting contrast to Marrakesh and Fez, with other sights like the Hassan II mosque overlooking the ocean waiting to be added to your wish list!

When to Visit Morocco

If you want to experience as much of Morocco as possible, the best time to travel to Morocco is the spring, closely followed by early fall. At these times the weather is ideal, warm enough to be outside all day, swim in the sea or walk around exploring but not exhaustively hot.

If you won’t be relaxing on beaches and prefer to pack in as much sightseeing as possible then the cooler months of late fall and winter are also excellent. Sahara treks in the winter make sense as the coolest time of year so those are a bit busier, but the other destinations in Morocco are pretty quiet.

In the heat of summer, particularly July and August, the heat can be intense. Stay away from inland cities and the Sahara, instead head for the coast and the slightly cooler conditions. Yes, it’s still hot, but the beautiful waters and sea breeze make it much more manageable!

How to Get to Morocco

Morocco is easily accessible by air, with several international airports spread out across the country. The airport at Casablanca is Morocco’s main airport but there are other large airports at Rabat, Marrakech and Fez, so you can select the one that works best for your travel requirements.

Alternatively, you can also enter Morocco by ferry from Spain or a few other major European ports, and even by land via neighboring countries – this is extremely slow however as you might imagine!

Getting Around Morocco

Once you’re in Morocco, exploring by yourself is doable but the transport options may not be as comfortable or reliable as you are used to.

Within cities you can take taxis or buses. Hiring a rental car to navigate the cities is not a good idea unless you are used to Moroccan driving, it gets pretty crazy at times! Driving between destinations is more manageable but be aware of road conditions and poor lighting at night.

There are some train lines but these are not extensive and serve mostly just the parts of Morocco north of the High Atlas mountains.

We always recommend that you speak to your tour leader or accommodation for specific advice on how to get around during your adventure, as they will have local contacts and information for you.

Moroccan Cuisine

Moroccan food is some of the best we’ve had anywhere during our adventures. Their cuisine combines elements from the Mediterranean diet, local produce and Islamic influences to create something absolutely delicious.

You’ll find plenty of vegetables and fish dishes, along with a lot of lamb, chicken and beef. Tagines are a must-try, and you won’t fail to be offered mint tea everywhere you go, but there are lots more Moroccan dishes to try. Check out our special blog all about Moroccan food here for more information on what to look out for.

Staying Safe in Morocco

A common question we get asked is ‘how safe is Morocco?’ and the answer is very safe, as long as you pay attention to certain things.

Firstly, as an Islamic country, it is important for visitors to respect the local laws – even if they are very different to what you are used to at home. If you are visiting mosques, men and women must both dress modestly and non Muslims may not be allowed inside certain spaces. Dressing more modestly can also avoid unwanted attention, as tourists often dress much less conservatively than locals which makes them stand out.

Be aware when taking pictures that you are not allowed to capture images of government buildings, police officers or military personnel. It is also impolite to take pictures of people, especially children, without getting permission first.

There are other things to be aware of to keep yourself safe, which we talk about in more detail in this dedicated post.

We would spend so much more time in Morocco if we were able to, with its unique atmosphere and never-ending choice of things to do. If you’d like to know more about what to expect from a trip to Morocco, check out our upcoming tour itinerary or get in touch today – we’d love to hear from you.