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Morocco
Places to visit in Morocco, natural landscapes and ideas for a slower journey
MOROCCO: A COUNTRY OF CONTRASTS
Morocco is a destination of remarkable contrasts. Within a relatively short journey, you can move from blue-painted mountain towns and quiet valleys to Atlantic beaches, lively cities and wide desert landscapes. For more on the country itself, the official Visit Morocco tourism site is a good starting point.
At NourishAway, we like to discover Morocco at a slower pace, focusing not only on what there is to see, but also on how a place feels. Peaceful surroundings, time outdoors, local food and comfortable places to stay can all shape the way we experience a trip.
The places on this page come from several trips to Morocco over the years. Rather than trying to create one packed itinerary, we have gathered destinations that stayed with us for different reasons — from the peaceful atmosphere of Chefchaouen to the coastal landscapes of Taghazout and the energy of Marrakech.
Whether you are planning your first trip to Morocco or looking for somewhere beyond the usual tourist route, these places can give you inspiration for a more balanced and enjoyable journey.
11 AMAZING PLACES TO VISIT IN MOROCCO
Here are the 11 places to visit in Morocco that stood out the most, each one shaped by a different trip, a different year, and a different season.
Chefchaouen: the blue city, best visited in spring
Chefchaouen is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Morocco, with its blue-washed medina and narrow alleys. We’d recommend visiting in spring, when the weather is mild and the colors feel even more striking. Just outside the city, Akchour is a must: a hike through the gorges leading to waterfalls in the Rif mountains.
Tétouan: clean, calm, and close to great beaches
Known as the “White Dove,” Tétouan stood out to us for its clean, well-kept atmosphere and distinctive character. Located between the Rif Mountains and the Mediterranean coast, the city offers an interesting mix of mountain scenery, local life and easy access to the nearby seaside. We visited in summer, mainly to enjoy the Mediterranean coast, with popular seaside areas such as Marina Smir, M’diq, Cabo Negro and Kabila all within easy reach. For us, Tétouan is a great base for enjoying both the city and the coastal landscapes around it.
Tangier: where two seas meet
Tangier is both an important economic hub and a lively coastal destination, with a distinctive atmosphere shaped by its position between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. Its waterfront, bustling streets and mix of local and international influences give the city a character that feels different from other Moroccan destinations. Just outside the city, Cap Spartel and the nearby Caves of Hercules are among the highlights of the surrounding coastline. For us, Tangier is an interesting choice for travelers looking to combine city life with dramatic coastal scenery.
Marrakech: souks, color, and the gateway to the Atlas
Marrakech needs little introduction, with its famous souks, historic medina, iconic Koutoubia Mosque and the lively atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fna Square, especially as the city comes alive in the evening. Beyond the energy of the city, what made our visits richer were the natural landscapes just outside Marrakech. The Ourika Valley offers a refreshing escape into the Atlas foothills, while Imlil provides a quieter mountain setting and serves as a starting point for treks in the High Atlas. For us, Marrakech is one of the places to visit in Morocco that rewards combining the vibrant atmosphere of the city with time in the surrounding mountains.
Agadir: a relaxed coastal base with surf nearby
A modern, rebuilt beach town, Agadir is an easy and relaxed base for exploring Morocco’s Atlantic coast. Its wide waterfront, mild climate and laid-back atmosphere make it a comfortable place to slow down and enjoy the ocean. Just beyond the city, coastal spots such as Imi Ouaddar, Taghazout and Imsouane offer a different atmosphere, known for their relaxed surf culture and beautiful ocean scenery. For us, Agadir works particularly well for combining a comfortable coastal stay with easy access to quieter places further south.
Beni Mellal: quiet mountain town with a lot around it
Beni Mellal sits at the foot of the Middle Atlas, known for its natural springs, surrounding agriculture and mountain scenery. Aïn Asserdoun, one of the city’s best-known natural landmarks, offers a peaceful green setting at the foot of the mountains.
For those wanting to explore further, the Cathedral of Imsfrane is worth the detour into the Atlas, with its dramatic rock formations and impressive mountain landscapes.
Fès: the medina that never stops surprising
Fès is home to one of the most striking old medinas in Morocco, with narrow streets, traditional architecture and a lively atmosphere that can feel like stepping into another era. At its heart, Al Quaraouiyine adds to the city’s remarkable historical character. For us, Fès is one of the places to visit in Morocco best experienced slowly, taking time to wander through the medina, discover its craftsmanship and appreciate the atmosphere of one of the country’s most historic cities.
Casablanca: Morocco's modern, busy heart
As Morocco’s economic capital, Casablanca feels like a genuinely modern and busy metropolis, with a pace and atmosphere very different from the country’s more historic cities. The Hassan II Mosque, rising beside the Atlantic Ocean, is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and reflects its strong connection with the coast. The Ain Diab Corniche and Casablanca Finance City add to the city’s modern character, from its lively waterfront to its growing business district. For us, Casablanca is an interesting stop for travelers who want to experience a more contemporary side of Morocco, alongside its Atlantic setting.
Rabat: the elegant capital
Rabat is, simply put, an elegant city. Quieter and more orderly than Casablanca, it offers a more relaxed way to experience Morocco’s capital.
With its blend of history, modern life and Atlantic surroundings, Rabat has a distinctive atmosphere. From the iconic Hassan Tower to the peaceful streets of the Oudayas, the city offers plenty to explore without feeling overwhelming.
For us, Rabat is a good choice for travelers who enjoy a calmer city break, with time to walk, discover and take in the atmosphere at their own pace.
Al Hoceïma: Morocco's most turquoise beaches
Al Hoceïma has, in our experience, some of the most beautiful coastal landscapes in Morocco, with strikingly turquoise water along the Mediterranean coast.
Surrounded by the Rif Mountains, the city has a relaxed seaside atmosphere and a strong connection with nature. Its combination of mountains, clear waters and quiet coastal scenery makes it a particularly appealing destination for travelers looking to slow down and enjoy Morocco’s Mediterranean side.
For us, Al Hoceïma stands out as a place to enjoy the sea, the landscape and a more peaceful rhythm away from Morocco’s busier destinations.
Ifrane: Morocco's surprising "Switzerland"
Ifrane is often called the “Switzerland of Morocco,” and it’s easy to see why: cooler air, cedar forests, and an architecture that feels different from anywhere else in the country. Surrounded by the Middle Atlas, the town offers a refreshing change of scenery, especially for those looking to escape the heat and enjoy a quieter mountain atmosphere. For us, Ifrane stands out for its fresh air, green surroundings and distinctly different character.
These are the places to visit in Morocco that we keep coming back to, each one adding something different to how we see the country.
MORE PLACES TO DISCOVER
A few more places to visit in Morocco worth a mention, even without a full write-up yet. We’ll add more detail as we revisit them.
- Tiznit
- Al Jadida
- Asilah
- Oualidia
- Mirleft
- Essaouira
MOROCCO GUIDES
Practical, honest guides from our trips to Morocco, city by city, as we write them.
Chefchaouen, Morocco: A Peaceful Escape in the Blue City
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