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DestinationsMoroccoNorth Africa

Should I visit Morocco?

If you’re tossing up whether to book that flight to Morocco, let us save you the internal debate. The answer is: absolutely. A resounding, mint-tea-sipping, camel-riding, souk-wandering YES. Morocco is the kind of place that gets under your skin in the best way possible. One day you’re chasing the sunset on a sand dune, the next you’re getting lost in a 1,000-year-old medina or sipping sweet tea in a tiled courtyard while a call to prayer drifts across the rooftops. It’s magic. And best of all? You don’t need to empty your wallet to experience it.

Image courtesy of Visit Morocco

Why Morocco should be your next trip

1. A Tapestry of culture

Ever walked through a city that feels like a living museum? That’s Morocco. In Marrakech and Fez, the medinas are living, breathing labyrinths where every corner hides a spice stall, a mosaic-tiled fountain, or a cat lounging on ancient cobblestones. This isn’t a place where culture is served on a plate—it’s in the air you breathe. From the grandeur of Koutoubia Mosque to the zellige-tiled courtyards of riads, Morocco wears its heritage proudly, with a splash of Andalusian, Arab and Berber flair for good measure.

2. Landscapes that change like a slide show

Let’s talk variety. Morocco’s landscape is basically nature’s mixtape. One minute you’re hiking through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, the next you’re standing on top of snowy Mount Toubkal, and before you know it, you’re cruising across golden dunes in the Sahara or catching waves on the Atlantic coast. It’s like someone jammed five countries into one.

3. Warmth in more than the weather

There’s something about Moroccan hospitality that sticks with you. Whether it’s your riad host walking you halfway across the city to find the best mint tea, or the shopkeeper who insists you try his cousin’s tagine recipe, people go out of their way to make you feel at home. Bonus: it’s normal to be greeted with dates and Arabic coffee like you’re royalty.

Image courtesy of Visit Morocco

4. Affordability without compromise

Who said adventure had to come with a hefty price tag? Morocco proves otherwise. You can live large on a modest budget—think luxurious riads under $100, delicious meals for less than $10, and transport that’s efficient and pocket-friendly. Have a look:

TransportDetailsTime/Cost
FlightDirect from EU/US to CMN or RAKEU: ~$300-600 / US: $700+
FerrySpain to Tangier (1–36 hrs)€25 (Algeciras) / €80 (Barcelona)
TrainCasablanca to Marrakech~3h / €10-20
BusFes to Merzouga (desert)~6h / €5-10
Grand TaxiMarrakech to Ouarzazate~3h / ~$20pp
Petit TaxiWithin cities$1-3 per trip
Car RentalFor remote regions~$30/day

Where to stay

Traditional accommodation in Morocco. Image courtesy of Visit Morocco

Accommodation in Morocco isn’t just a place to crash—it’s part of the experience. Stay in a riad and you’ll understand. Waking up to birdsong in a sunlit courtyard, sipping mint tea surrounded by mosaics and hand-carved woodwork… it beats any beige hotel chain.

TypeDescriptionPrice Range (USD)Location Examples
RiadsCourtyard homes with historic decor$30–150Marrakech, Fez, Essaouira
HotelsBoutique and modern comfort$50–200+Casablanca, Rabat
HostelsBudget-friendly shared dorms$10–25Chefchaouen, Marrakech
Desert CampsGlamping tents in the Sahara$40–100Merzouga, Zagora
GuesthousesSmall family-run homes$20–50Rural villages

Things to do

Morocco isn’t the kind of place where you ask “What should we do today?” It’s the kind of place where you ask, “How will we fit it all in?” From market madness to desert silence, here’s your dream itinerary:

ActivityLocation(s)Highlights
Medina MazeFez, Marrakech, MeknesSouks, palaces, street food
Night MarketMarrakech (Jemaa el-Fnaa)Drummers, snake charmers, grilled meats
Camel Trek & Sahara CampMerzougaDesert sunset, starry nights
The Blue CityChefchaouenInstagram-worthy alleyways
Atlas Mountains TrekImlil, ToubkalScenic hikes, Berber villages
Kasbah & Gorge ToursAït Ben Haddou, Todra GorgesFortified towns and canyon views
Historic Roman RuinsVolubilisMosaics, Roman architecture
Beach and SurfEssaouira, TaghazoutWaves, seafood, chilled vibe
Hammam & Cooking ClassMajor citiesSpa-like baths and tagine cooking

Morocco vs. other regional hotspots

Morocco vs. Spain (Barcelona)

Barcelona has Gaudí, sangria, and the Med. Lovely stuff. But Morocco? It’s got tagines, medinas, and the actual Sahara Desert. It’s wilder, warmer (in every sense), and won’t rinse your bank account. Think handmade rugs instead of Zara, and camel rides instead of beach strolls. If you want exotic without the eye-watering price tag, Morocco wins hands-down.

Morocco vs. Turkey (Istanbul)

Turkey is a stunner and Istanbul is a spectacular, no doubt – minarets, mosques, and the mighty Bosphorus. But Morocco goes toe-to-toe with it on culture, while offering epic mountains and rolling sand dunes on the side. Marrakech’s chaos is more intimate, the landscapes more varied, and the adventures more off-grid. Less cruise ship, more camel caravan.

Morocco vs. UAE (Dubai)

The UAE, especially Dubai, dazzles with its skyscrapers, designer boutiques, and indoor ski slopes. Morocco, however, dances to a different beat. Less bling, more soul. You’ll trade air-conditioned malls for souks bursting with colour, and swap rooftop lounges for desert bonfires under the stars. You’ll come home with stories, not receipts.

Marrakesh, Morocco. Image courtesy of Visit Morocco

Final verdict

Morocco doesn’t just tick travel boxes—it scribbles outside the lines and adds a few extra chapters. It’s chaos and calm, colour and quiet, modern and ancient—all rolled into one. Whether you’re solo and soul-searching or just up for a wild adventure with mates, this place delivers.

And with Morocco upgrading its transport, accommodation and tourism game (seriously, have you seen the new boutique riads?), now’s the perfect time to go. So, should you visit Morocco? In every language, that’s a yes. Pack light, go big—and get ready to fall in love with this unforgettable slice of North Africa.

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