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Sahara desert dunes

Morocco Travel Guide

Mountains, desert, surf – Morocco has it all.

🗺️ Northwest Africa
💰 30€+/day
🌞 Mar–May & Sep–Nov
🏜️ Desert, mountains & coast

Overview

Morocco fires up every sense: spice aromas, afternoon heat, drum beats at night. Lose yourself in souks, Sahara skies or mountain colors.

Diversity is huge: surf the Atlantic, hike high passes, ride through desert plains or even go skiing in season. North sometimes feels Mediterranean, the South deeply North African.

It can be loud and intense – but if you lean in, it’s magic.

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Location & landscapes

Northwest Africa – close to Europe yet culturally a different world. Atlantic coast, monumental Atlas and the infinite Sahara create striking contrasts.

Safety

I felt safe at all times. Souk vendors hustle and pickpockets exist in big medinas – stay polite but firm.

Women may feel more comfortable dressing modestly – not a rule, just respectful.

Police checkpoints are everywhere when driving – we were waved through most. A quick document look and you’re off.

Best time

  • Mar–May & Sep–Nov: Pleasant temps.
  • Summer: Extremely hot inland/desert.
  • Autumn: My pick – Atlas in warm tones, desert not too hot.

Practical info

Currency & Language

  • Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD) – 1 € ≈ 10–11 MAD.
  • Money: Withdraw locally or exchange on-site.
  • Language: Arabic & French; English works in hostels. A little French helps a lot.

Visa

Many nationalities (incl. EU) get 90 days visa-free. Passport valid 6+ months.

SIM & Internet

Cheap prepaid (10–20 GB under €10) from Maroc Telecom, Orange or Inwi – fast & reliable.

Getting around

  • Flights: Low-cost (Ryanair, EasyJet) to Marrakech, Agadir, Fes.
  • Trains: Comfortable & cheap.
  • Buses: CTM & Supratours – safe & AC.
  • Grand taxis: Shared intercity taxis.
  • Car rental: Freedom for Atlas & desert routes – roads better than expected.

Top places

Tap a box for details & photo. Double tap to open Google Maps.
Marrakech – City of senses
Chaotic, colorful, addictive. TheJemaa el-Fna square is Marrakech’s beating heart – street food, storytellers, music and aromas day & night.
Tip: Rooftop + mint tea + sunset = magic.
Open on Google Maps
Fes – The intense sister
UNESCO medina, endless alleys – fascinating but personally a bit much for me.
Open on Google Maps
Chefchaouen – Blue calm
Laid-back, photogenic and framed by mountains – spend at least 2–3 nights if you can.
Open on Google Maps
Merzouga & the Sahara
Did a 3‑day tour from Marrakech for €90 (bargain hard). Overnight in desert tents under absurdly bright stars – unforgettable.
Open on Google Maps
Atlas Mountains – My highlight
Rugged passes, deep gorges, Berber villages – rent a car and just go. This felt like the “real” Morocco to me.
Open on Google Maps
Essaouira – Wind & art
Chill harbor town with creative vibe and a huge beach – great reset after the desert.
Open on Google Maps
Taghazout – Relaxed surf hub
Better than expected – tasty food, friendly people, good waves and lots of social energy.
Open on Google Maps
Agadir – Okay for a stop
Less authentic but useful glimpse into everyday coastal life.
Open on Google Maps
Tangier – Big & modern
Didn’t vibe with it – preferred Chefchaouen’s atmosphere way more.
Open on Google Maps

Food & drinks

Culinary picks

  • Tajine: Slow-cooked meat & veggies.
  • Couscous: Friday classic, fluffy and filling.
  • Harira: Hearty soup (esp. Ramadan).
  • Msemen: Layered breakfast flatbread.
  • Mint tea: Everywhere – embrace it.
  • Harbor fish: (Essaouira) fresh & cheap.
Tajine being prepared

Budget

Cheap if you want, but easy to scale up for comfort.

Daily costs

  • Daily budget: from €30
  • Hostel bed: €7–15
  • Riad room: €20–30
  • Street food: €1–3
  • Restaurant: €5–10

Extras

  • Desert tour (3 days): €90–120
  • Includes food & lodging
  • Always bargain!

Experiences

Car in mountainous landscape

🤩 Unforgettable moments

  • Camel trek into Sahara dunes
  • Sandboarding at sunset
  • Surf session in Taghazout
  • Motorbike through Atlas passes
  • Rooftop sunset in Marrakech
  • Night in a Berber village
  • Hammam & tea with locals

Conclusion

Morocco isn’t a checklist country – you experience it. Desert, mountains, coast, cities, villages, food & culture just hours from Europe.

I love it especially in winter: affordable, diverse, friendly once off the tourist track. One of my top backpacking picks.

🌟 Want more Morocco inspiration?

Dive deeper into my blog or explore more destinations:

On the blog I share personal tips & experiences across Morocco. Explore other backpacking destinations like Thailand, Colombia or the Philippines!

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