Few countries hold as much dreamy fascination for travelers as the beautiful country of Morocco. Desert fortresses rise out of the sands of the Sahara. Sapphire oceans caress white sandy beaches. The purple peaks of the Atlas Mountains glitter with snow. Visit Morocco to see all of these sights and more. Behind every city wall is an adventure in art, architecture and cuisine. The winding alleyways of the Medina give way to the bustling souks, tent after tent filled with brightly colored silks and baskets of spices. At the hammam, you can indulge in massages perfumed with scented oils and salt scrubs.
Geographically, Morocco is made up of four different areas: the Sahara desert, full of Berber towns and oases; the Atlas and Rif Mountains, perfect for hikers; the plains which are home to the imperial cities of Marrakesh and Fez; and finally the sandy coastlines of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, graced by small beach towns and the cities of Rabat and Casablanca. Endless possibilities await the adventurous traveler, so delve into Travel + Leisure’s Morocco travel guide to plan your ideal trip.
Things Not to Miss in Morocco
• Sun tanning and windsurfing in Essaouira
• Shopping the souk in the medieval city of Fez
• Visiting a hammam in Marrakesh
• Ride a camel on the golden sand dunes of Erg Chebbi
• Stroll along the blue walls of Chefchaouen
When to Go to Morocco
Due to the varied geography, the best time to travel Morocco depends greatly on where you are going. In general, spring (April and May) is the best weather across Morocco. In the Saharan region--and to a lesser extent the plains cities--midsummer should be avoided. However, the hottest months are lovely for a visit to the coastal cities, like Essaouira and Rabat. Winter months are very cold in the mountains, which can be hard since many hotels don’t have heating. Desert days are warm and clear during the summer, but temperatures at night can plummet.
It is also important to consider Islamic holidays when you travel to Morocco. The month of Ramadan involves strict fasting during the day, which can be a present an issue for transportation, but the parties at night can make up for the subdued days.
-
These Female-only Tours in the Middle East Let You Bond With the Women Who Live There
Sitting in the warm Sahara sand, watching the sun dip below the dunes, surrounded by a group of female travelers and friends is an inspirational, maybe... Read More
-
You Can Book a Super-cheap Trip to Morocco Right Now
It’s not every day that flights to Africa go on sale, meaning you might want to rearrange all of your 2018 travel plans to include a bucket list trip to... Read More
-
20 Reasons You'll Want to Visit Marrakesh in 2018
For most travelers, Marrakesh conjures images of riding horseback through the Ourika Valley, passing emerald hills and lonely villages high in the Atlas... Read More
-
Richard Branson Has a Ridiculously Amazing Resort in Morocco — Here’s How to Visit
Believe it or not, Richard Branson does in fact leave the confines of Necker Island every once in awhile. But, when the billionaire does travel, it... Read More
-
5 Surprisingly Affordable — and Warm — Winter Escapes
Exotic vacations don’t need to be expensive.Travelers who want to escape this winter can opt for a vacation a bit off the beaten path. Quicken found... Read More
-
The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2018
Travelers today are more aware than ever of all the world has to offer. It’s thrilling to be confronted with so much possibility — but daunting, too.... Read More
-
Traveler Says EasyJet Sent Her on a Wild Goose Chase Across Morocco to Find Her Lost Bag
An easyJet passenger was in for a surprise after landing in Morocco, where she learned her luggage had been left behind — and she’d have... Read More
-
How a 28-year-old Lawyer Quit Her Job to Travel the World for Free
This story originally appeared on BusinessInsider.com. Tamina Koehne-Drube was a solicitor at King & Wood Mallesons in Canberra and Hong Kong. She... Read More
-
This couple went on an 8-month trip to Southeast Asia and stayed at five-star resorts for free
This story originally appeared on BusinessInsider.com. Lithuanian-born Karolina Valeikaite, 23, and Italian Marco Coppola, 25, had never left Europe... Read More
-
Where You Should Travel Solo, Based on Your Zodiac Sign
With seemingly endless places to travel around the globe, it’s tempting to simply hop on the next international flight at the airport, confident that... Read More
-
15 Trips You Can Take With Your Tax Refund
The average tax refund is $3,120, according to the Internal Revenue Service. And while it may be most prudent to save that money or pay off debt, there... Read More
-
Surfer Makes History Crossing Atlantic Ocean by Paddleboard
If you've ever taken to the water with a paddleboard on even a mildly rough day, you know that remaining upright is not the easiest feat. ... Read More
-
These Romantic Villas Will Make Your Honeymoon Dreams Come True
There’s nothing more romantic than the first trip as husband and wife after the wedding of their dreams.A honeymoon is more than just the average couple... Read More
-
How to Decorate Your Home Like a Moroccan Riad
Soaring archways, zellige tile work, fragrant courtyards, Moorish lattices: these are the images we conjure in our minds when we picture Marrakesh.... Read More
-
Tour Morocco's Most Beautiful Sights in 5 Minutes
If you've got five minutes and you're looking for a digital distraction from the day, you've found it.Freelance director and editor Nathaniel... Read More
