The Ultimate Guide to Morocco: Everything You Need to Know
Wandering through the Medina in Marrakech, Morocco.
Morocco is the kind of destination that captures your heart and leaved you dreaming about it long after you’ve left. From wandering through ancient medinas and getting lost in blue-washed alleyways to exploring the dunes of the Sahara at sunset, it’s a country that offers adventure, culture, and magic in equal measure.
If you’ve been dreaming of ticking Morocco off your bucket list, this ultimate guide has everything you need to plan your trip… including when to go, how to get around, what to pack, essential tips, and a detailed 14-day itinerary based on my own travels through this unforgettable country.
When to go to Morocco & weather (what it actually feels like)
Morocco’s climate varies depending on where you are - the coast, desert, or mountains.
Best overall: Mar-May & Sep-Nov (warm days, cool nights, clearest skies for photos/hiking).
Spring (March-May): One of the best times to visit. The weather is warm but not scorching, flowers are blooming, and the landscapes are lush.
Autumn (September-November): Another perfect season, with mild temperatures, clear skies, and fewer crowds.
Summer (June-August): The desert and southern regions get unbearably hot, but the coast and mountains are cooler. Sahara/central cities are roasting (40°C+); coast is pleasant (mid-20s).
Winter (December-February): Chilly in the mountains (you may even see snow!) and cold nights in the desert. Cities like Marrakech and Fes remain pleasant during the day.
Ramadan: Beautiful cultural experience, though can be a little trickier for travellers, with shorter opening hours & fewer day tours. Book ahead and dine at riads if needed.
If you want comfortable weather for sightseeing, aim for spring or autumn.
Weather in Morocco
Coastal cities (Casablanca, Essaouira): Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters.
Inland cities (Marrakech, Fes): Hot summers, cooler winters, big day/night temperature swings.
Atlas Mountains: Cool year-round, snow possible in winter.
Sahara Desert: Scorching hot in summer, freezing at night in winter.
Pack layers, because you’ll likely experience a mix of all these climates on one trip.
Essential Information for Travellers (save this)
Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD) - ATMs are common in cities; cash is kIng, carry cash for souks/smaller towns.
Language: Arabic and Amazigh are official, but French is widely spoken. English is common in tourist areas.
Religion: Islam - respect local customs (e.g., modest clothing in conservative areas, avoiding public displays of affection).
Visas: Many nationalities (including Australians, NZ, UK, EU, US, Canada) can enter visa-free for up to 90 days.
Tipping: A small tip is expected for most services, from café waiters to guides… and even using the restroom.
Connectivity: eSIM/airport SIMs (Maroc Telecom/Orange).
Power: Type C/E (Euro).
Etiquette: Dress modestly in medinas; ask before photographing people; right hand for eating/handing money.
Camels in the Sahara Desert, Morocco.
Food and Culture
Moroccan cuisine is a feast for the senses… rich spices, slow-cooked stews, sweet and savoury blends, and endless cups of mint tea.
Must-try dishes: Tagine, couscous, pastilla (a sweet-savoury pie), zaalouk (eggplant dip), harira soup, and msemen (layered pancakes).
Vegan travellers: While meat-heavy dishes dominate, there are plenty of vegan-friendly options like vegetable tagine, couscous, lentil or bean soups, and market-fresh salads. Just ask for “sans viande” (without meat).
Tea culture: Mint tea is offered everywhere… it’s a symbol of hospitality.
Culturally, Morocco is a fascinating mix of Arab, Amazigh (Berber), and French influences. Expect intricate tilework, call to prayer echoing through ancient cities, and markets bursting with colours, smells, and sounds.
How to Get Around Morocco (stress-free options)
By Train: Comfortable, reliable, and great for major cities (Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Marrakech). The high-speed train connects Casablanca to Tangier in just 2 hours.
By Bus: Companies like CTM and Supratours cover many towns not accessible by train.
Hire Car: Fine outside medinas; use guarded parking. High-mountain passes require confident driving.
Private Driver/Tour: Many travellers opt for small group tours or private drivers for longer journeys into the mountains and desert. Best for Fes → Sahara → Ait Ben Haddou → Marrakesh loop.
Taxis: Available in cities, always agree on a price first (or ask for the meter).
Where to Stay in Morocco
Accommodation is part of the adventure. Options range from modern hotels to atmospheric riads… traditional Moroccan houses with inner courtyards that feel like hidden sanctuaries.
Casablanca: Corniche/Ain Diab (coast walks) or near the Hassan II Mosque. Stay in international hotels or boutique riads.
Marrakech: A riad in the Medina is an experience not to be missed.
Chefchaouen: Inside the medina for blue-door dawn shots.
Fes: Fes el-Bali Riads are the way to go - beautifully decorated, intimate, and full of character.
Sahara Desert: Unmissable experience - sleep in a desert camp under the stars.
M’Goun Valley: Stay in a traditional gîte for an authentic Amazigh homestay.
Dades/Ait Ben Haddou: Guesthouses with rooftop terraces.
Is Morocco Safe for Travellers?
Generally yes, with big-city common sense: watch pockets in souks, use licensed guides/taxis/drivers, confirm prices before services, avoid isolated lanes at night. Women may experience catcalling… stay confident, ignore, or respond with a firm “la, shukran” (no, thanks). Be alert for petty theft and scams in busy medinas and tourist areas.
I travelled as a female… sometimes with a group, others times just with my sister, and always felt safe. Just use the same street smarts you’d use anywhere.
What to Pack for Morocco
Clothing: Modest outfits (cover shoulders and knees), lightweight layers, a warm jacket for evenings, and a scarf/shawl (great for sun, sand, and mosque visits).
Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones and hikes. Cushioned trainers + sandals; hiking shoes for Todra/M’Goun (optional).
Desert essentials: Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, a light scarf (for sand).
Extras: Reusable water bottle, universal adapter, power adapter (Type C/E), hand sanitiser, and a microfibres cloth to clean dust off your lenses in the Sahara.
Blue doors in Chefchaouen, Morocco.
The Ultimate 14-Day Morocco Itinerary
Here’s my recommended 2 week itinerary, based on the route I followed - a mix of bustling cities, mountain villages, and desert magic.
Day 1: Casablanca - Arrival & First Impressions
Your Moroccan adventure begins in Casablanca, the country’s largest city and economic hub. While many travellers only use it as a gateway, it’s worth arriving a day early to explore.
Must-See: The Hassan II Mosque, perched dramatically on the Atlantic coast. It’s one of the largest mosques in the world, and one of the few open to non-Muslims. Its ornate details and oceanfront location are breathtaking. Visit first thing in the morning.
Optional: Wander the medinas, and explore the coastal areas. Pop into Rick’s Cafe (based on the film) for a bit to eat.
Tip: Casablanca can feel a bit modern compared to Morocco’s other destinations, so don’t worry if it doesn’t sweep you off your feet right away… the magic begins tomorrow.
Overnight: Hotel in Casablanca
Day 2: Rabat & Meknes - From Capital to Imperial City
Start your morning with a final glimpse of Casablanca (like sunrise at The Hassan II Mosque) before heading to Rabat, Morocco’s laid-back capital.
Kasbah des Oudaias: Wander the white-and-blue painted lanes of this old fortress quarter, where you’ll be treated to mint tea overlooking the river.
Hassan Tower & Mausoleum of Mohammed V: The striking 12th-century minaret and the ornate mausoleum where Morocco’s former king is laid to rest.
After exploring Rabat, continue inland to Meknes, one of Morocco’s four Imperial Cities. While less visited than Marrakech or Fes, Meknes charms with its quiet medina, grand gates, and royal heritage.
Overnight: Hotel in Meknes
Day 3: Volubilis & Chefchaouen - Ancient Ruins to the Blue Pearl
This is a big day, and one of the most photogenic of the trip.
Morning: Explore Volubilis, Morocco’s best-preserved Roman site. Walk along ancient mosaics and crumbling arches, set against rolling hills… a surreal glimpse of history in North Africa.
Afternoon: Continue to Chefchaouen, the “Blue Pearl” of Morocco. Nestled in the mountains, this town is painted in endless shades of blue. A photographers dream.
Evening in Chefchaouen: Take a slow stroll through the medina, browse local handicrafts, and soak in the relaxed vibe (a refreshing change from bigger cities). Watch the sunset from a restaurant with a view, such as Restaurant Triana.
Overnight: Riad in Chefchaouen
Day 4: Chefchaouen to Fes - From Tranquillity to Tradition
Spend a lazy morning in Chefchaouen. Take the opportunity to explore the blue lanes without the crowds, explore the Kasbah, and perhaps hike to the Spanish Mosque for sweeping views.
By afternoon, make your way to Fes, Morocco’s cultural and historical heart. Dinner is the perfect time to try pastilla, a savoury-sweet pastry filled with spiced vegetables or pigeon (or try a vegan version).
Overnight: Hotel in Fes, or Medina stay
Day 5: Fes - A Living Museum
A full day in Fes el-Bali, the largest car-free urban area in the world, feels like stepping back in time.
Highlights:
Medersa el Attarine - an exquisite Islamic school with intricate tilework.
Funduq al-Najjarin - once a caravanserai, now a woodwork museum.
Tanneries of Chouara - iconic leather pits where hides are still dyed by hand.
Tip: Fes can be overwhelming… it’s a maze of over 9,000 alleyways, so a local guide is a must!
Evening: After dinner in a riad restaurant, return to your accommodation and rest… Fes is as intense as it is magical.
Overnight: Hotel in Fes, or Medina stay
Day 6: Midelt - Mountain Air
After days of medina chaos, today feels refreshing. Drive south into the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing cedar forests and apple orchards.
Activity: Take a gentle hike through a traditional valley village… the air is crisp, the views are stunning, and you’ll get a taste of Morocco’s rural life.
Overnight: Hotel in Midelt
Day 7: Sahara Desert - Camel Trek & Starry Skies
Today is the stuff of travel dreams. Travel through picturesque mountain passes before reaching Merzouga, on the edge of the Sahara.
Camel Trek: Ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes just before sunset. The light on the sand is unforgettable. Alternatively you can cruise the dunes in a 4WD buggy… or walk beside your groups camel trek as I did.
Evening: Share a meal under the stars, listen to traditional music by the fire, and sleep in a desert camp.
Tip: Pack a scarf to shield from blowing sand and a warm layer… desert nights are freezing in winter.
Overnight: Desert camp
Day 8: Todra Gorge & M’Goun Valley - Canyon to Kasbah
Wake early to watch sunrise over the dunes… trust me, it’s pure magic. Then journey to Todra Gorge, a towering canyon perfect for short walks.
Continue to M’Goun Valley, a remote region where Amazigh traditions are strong. Stay in a gîte (mud-brick guesthouse), a chance to experience true Moroccan hospitality. Be sure to dress modestly in this region.
Overnight: Gîte in M’Goun Valley
Day 9: M’Goun Valley - Hiking & Henna Traditions
Spend the day hiking through Amazigh villages, terraced fields, and rose-filled valleys. Life here is simple, rural, and deeply tied to the land. Be sure to dress modestly in this region.
In the afternoon, learn about the art of henna tattooing from a local naquasha. Not just decoration, henna is used for festivals, weddings, and milestones. Supporting this tradition directly benefits local women.
Overnight: Gîte in M’Goun Valley
Day 10: Ait Benhaddou - Kasbahs & Cinematic Scenery
Drive along the Road of 1,000 Kasbahs, stopping at Skoura Oasis to see kasbahs rising from palm groves.
Arrive in Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO-listed ksar. Its mud-brick walls have featured in Game of Thrones, Gladiator, and countless films.
Experience: Visit Tawesna Teahouse, a women-run cooperative serving homemade tea and pastries… a highlight for both taste and story.
Overnight: Guesthouse near Ait Benhaddou
Day 11: Marrakech - Into the Red City
Cross the winding roads of the High Atlas Mountains, stopping for obligatory photo stops with epic views. By afternoon, you’ll arrive in Marrakech.
Evening: Head straight to Djemaa el-Fna, the bustling square filled with street food and performers. Grab fresh orange juice and watch the chaos unfold.
Overnight: Riad in Marrakech
Day 12: Marrakech - Palaces, Souks & Secret Gardens
Explore the Old Medina on your own (as we did… totally do-able) or with a local guide.
Highlights:
Bahia Palace - a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture.
Koutoubia Mosque - its minaret inspired Spain’s La Giralda.
Le Jardin Secret - Beautiful garden escape in the middle of the city.
Souks with endless spices, carpets, and lanterns.
Optional: Visit the lush Majorelle Gardens, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent, or unwind in a traditional hammam.
Overnight: Riad in Marrakech
Day 13: Marrakech - History & Architecture
You're back in the Medina for your final full day, finishing with some unmissable historic sights before your journey comes to an end.
Highlights:
Ben Youssef Madrasa - an old Islamic college with stunning architecture.
El Badi Palace - Ruins of a 16th century royal complex.
Saadian Tombs - Quieter site with beautiful stonework.
Optional: If you’re looking for a different pace, consider a sunrise hot air balloon ride, cooking class, or a day trip to Essaouira.
Overnight: Riad in Marrakech
Day 14: Marrakech - Departure
After breakfast, if time allows, wander through the souks for last-minute souvenirs, or simply sit on a rooftop terrace sipping mint tea, letting Morocco’s beauty sink in one last time.
This two-week itinerary is the perfect balance of Morocco’s greatest hits and authentic moments… the kind of journey that leaves you changed forever.
The Medina in Marrakech, Morocco.
Final Tips
Embrace the chaos of the medinas… getting lost is part of the fun.
Always carry small change for tips and taxis.
Accept mint tea, it’s a gesture of welcome.
Slow down and soak in the rhythm of Moroccan life.
Morocco is a country of contrasts… where ancient meets modern, mountains meet desert, and chaos meets calm. Whether you’re sipping mint tea in a riad courtyard, hiking through Amazigh villages, or watching the stars blaze over the Sahara, this is a trip that will leave you forever changed.
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