The Best Travel Destinations to Visit in Morocco
Morocco doesn’t ask for your attention. It simply demands it—with spice-laden markets, sweeping desert dunes, blue-painted towns, and cities that beat with centuries of stories. Whether you're exploring imperial cities or sipping mint tea in a small village, this country is not just one destination—it’s a world in itself. If you're wondering what to do in Morocco, buckle up. From the Hassan II Mosque to the Sahara Desert, from ancient trading routes to hidden Berber villages, here’s your guide to the best places to go in Morocco—and why your Morocco trip deserves a spot at the top of your list.
Casablanca: Between Business and Beauty
Let’s start where many international travelers land—Casablanca. While most people use it as a transit hub, this modern city offers more than just a flight connection. The Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in the world, is absolutely stunning. It sits on the edge of the Atlantic, with waves crashing beneath its glass floor. Yes, really.
For a nostalgic throwback, Rick’s Café is a nod to the Hollywood classic. It might not be the original, but it serves good food, piano tunes, and cinematic vibes.
Marrakech: The Heartbeat of Moroccan City Life
Marrakech is color, chaos, and charisma all rolled into one. Snake charmers play flutes in Djemaa el-Fna, while in the narrow lanes of the medina, shopkeepers pull you into stories of carpets, spices, and handcrafted lamps.
Bahia Palace gives you a glimpse into Morocco’s royal architectural soul, while the Majorelle Gardens offer an oasis of cobalt blues and cactus greens. Whether you spend an entire day wandering the souks or watching sunset from a rooftop terrace, Marrakech is a place to feel more than see.
Fez: Where the Map Ends and Magic Begins
Fez doesn’t care if you’re hopelessly lost—it almost expects you to be. Its medina is an intricate web of 10,000 streets (no exaggeration), where donkeys are the delivery trucks, and tanneries dye leather the way they did 1000 years ago.
This is Morocco's cultural soul, home to the world’s oldest university, and workshops where artisans still chip mosaic tiles by hand. It’s intense, chaotic, and completely unforgettable.
Chefchaouen: Blue Walls, Slower Days
Chefchaouen, often called “The Blue Pearl,” is the Instagram darling of Morocco—and yet, it doesn’t feel overrun. It’s a town that invites you to slow down. Spend a few days here just wandering. Pet the cats, get lost in blue alleyways, drink fresh orange juice, and hike up to the Spanish Mosque for an incredible view.
This small town may not be a headline destination, but it is one of the most beautiful places Morocco hides in plain sight.
Rabat: Calm in the Capital
While not as loud as Marrakech or as ancient as Fez, Rabat—Morocco’s capital—is all about balance. Walkable, pretty, and far less crowded, it's a great place to begin your adventure if you're arriving from Spain by ferry.
Take a stroll through the Oudaya Kasbah, sip tea with ocean views, and check out the unfinished yet iconic Hassan Tower.
The Atlas Mountains: Hike, Breathe, Repeat
If your idea of a vacation includes great hiking, crisp air, and peace, the Atlas Mountains—and especially the Anti-Atlas Mountains—deliver in full. Pass through traditional Berber villages, watch local women baking bread in earth ovens, and explore Dades Valley, Monkey Fingers, and Todra Gorge.
The Dades Gorge, with its famous snake-like road and rock formations, is one of the must-see places in Morocco for nature lovers. And then there’s the Drâa Valley, a lush palm-filled oasis that feels like a secret.
Merzouga and the Sahara: A Sand Dune Symphony
No Morocco vacation is complete without a night under the stars in the Sahara Desert. The town of Merzouga is your gateway to Erg Chebbi, Morocco’s most photogenic sand dunes.
Camel trekking, camping, storytelling by firelight, and silence that humbles even the loudest souls—this is what traveling to Morocco should feel like.
This is also where you’ll meet the local people who preserve desert traditions and rhythms, giving you cultural experiences you won’t find in guidebooks.
Aït Ben Haddou: Desert Dreams and Hollywood Scenes
You may not know this village by name, but you’ve seen it—Gladiator, Game of Thrones, The Mummy—all shot at Aït Ben Haddou. This UNESCO World Heritage site looks like it was plucked from another world.
It’s one of the must-visit places in Morocco, especially if you're into Roman ruins, ancient fortresses, or, let’s be honest, Instagrammable mudbrick walls at sunset.
Essaouira: For Wind, Waves, and Fresh Fish
Need a break from the heat? Head west. The Atlantic coast is where Essaouira delivers a perfect blend of beach vacation vibes and artistic energy. Its windy beaches are loved by kitesurfers, while its medina, a UNESCO site, draws painters, photographers, and foodies alike.
Feast on grilled sardines at the local market, shop for Argan oil straight from the source, and enjoy the laid-back rhythm that contrasts so well with the inland hustle.
Ifrane: Switzerland of North Africa
And now, for something completely unexpected—Ifrane, a small town in the Middle Atlas Mountains, with Alpine architecture, ski lodges, and even cedar forests filled with monkeys. Yep, in North Africa.
Ifrane is quiet, clean, and ideal if you want to break up your Morocco trip with something totally off the beaten track.
Zaida: Smoke, Meat, and Raw Morocco
Want to feel Morocco’s pulse away from the tourist trail? Pull into Zaida, a hidden gem famous for its roadside grills. You’ll smell it before you see it—smoke from lamb, goat, and tagine dishes cooked right in front of you.
This isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a place to eat, chat, and see rural Moroccan life in all its unfiltered glory.
Getting Around Morocco: Why Rent a Car?
Let’s be real. Trains and buses are decent, but Morocco is best explored by car. You’ll want the flexibility to pull off the road when you see a viewpoint, visit a remote village, or change plans on the fly.
At addCar Rental, we offer easy, quick, and budget car rental options across Morocco. You can pick up your car at major airports, rail stations, and even hotels. Whether you're planning a cross-country adventure or staying around a few cities, our fleet gives you the freedom to explore your way.
Available pick-up locations include:
- Agadir-Al Massira Airport
- Casablanca Mohammed V Airport
- Fez Airport
- Marrakech Menara Airport
- Rabat-Salé Airport
- Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport
- Casa-Port & Marrakech Railway Stations
- Multiple hotels and city centers in Casablanca, Rabat, and more.
Visit addcarrental.com to book your ride—no hidden fees, flexible pick-up, and local support whenever you need it.
Final Thoughts
Morocco isn’t just a destination. It’s a country of contrasts—beaches and mountains, deserts and ancient cities, marketplaces and silence. Whether you're staying for a few days or a few weeks, there are endless sights to see in Morocco, each offering a unique window into its layered beauty.
From the hum of city life to the hush of vast dunes, from rickety medinas to rooftop dinners, these are the Morocco travel destinations that stay with you long after the trip ends.
Is Morocco safe for tourists?
Yes, Morocco is generally safe for tourists, especially in popular destinations like Marrakech, Fez, and the coast. Still, as in any country, it's smart to keep an eye on your belongings and avoid isolated areas at night. In medinas and crowded markets, stay alert—petty theft can happen.
Do I need an international driver’s license to rent a car in Morocco?
If your license is in Latin script (e.g., English, French), most rental companies accept it. However, having an International Driving Permit (IDP) is still a good idea, especially if your original license is in a different alphabet. For peace of mind, bring both.
What's the best way to get around Morocco?
Honestly? If you want real flexibility and the ability to explore both the tourist hubs and the off-the-beaten-path gems, renting a car is your best bet. Trains and buses connect major cities, but they don’t reach remote villages, desert routes, or hiking areas.
With addCar, you can start your trip at the airport—Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir, Rabat, Fez, or Tangier—and explore the entire country at your own pace. One-way rentals are also possible.
Is it difficult to drive in Morocco?
Driving in Morocco is quite manageable outside of city centers. Rural roads, desert highways, and mountain passes offer breathtaking views—and often very little traffic. In big cities like Casablanca or Marrakech, traffic can get hectic, but nothing a confident driver can’t handle.
Can I drive into the desert with a rental car?
You can drive as far as Merzouga or Zagora, the gateways to the Sahara Desert, with a regular car. But for driving on actual sand dunes, you’ll need a guided tour or a 4x4 vehicle—those are not typically allowed with standard rentals. Many travelers park at the edge of the desert and join a camel ride or guided trek.
When is the best time to visit Morocco?
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are ideal. The weather is warm but not scorching, and the landscapes—from the Atlas Mountains to the Atlantic Coast—are lush and alive. Summer can be brutally hot in the south and desert regions.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Morocco?
Prices vary by season and car type. Expect to pay around €25–€40/day for a compact model. Long-term rentals (weekly or monthly) are often more budget-friendly. With addCar, you’ll find transparent pricing with no hidden fees—and excellent support if your itinerary changes.