Morocco is a country like no other. Spanning over 440,000 square kilometers, with a history dating back thousands of years and a beguiling cultural legacy, this North African nation will take you by the heart and soul. Whether you visit here to discover its ancient cities or explore the expansive Sahara Desert, Morocco will leave you with an indelible impression.
Through our Luxury Desert Camps in Morocco, we share the beauty of our home with visitors from all around the world. And while we are based in the Sahara Desert, we understand our guests want to see as much of this captivating country as possible.
Are you looking to plan a top Morocco itinerary of your own? We’re here to help! We’ve created this guide to the best places to visit in Morocco to help you plan a truly unforgettable experience. If you have any questions for us about our camps, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Marrakech: A Must for Any Morocco Bucket List
Marrakech is often people’s first introduction to Morocco, either as their primary destination or as the gateway to the country’s treasures. Whether you’re passing through or exploring the city, Marrakech is a wonder to behold.
Known as the ‘Red City’ for the color of its buildings, Marrakech is home to some of Morocco’s most famous tourist attractions, including Jardin Majorelle, Jemaa el-Fnaa, Bahia Palace, and Koutoubia. As one of Morocco’s former imperial capitals, it was considered a symbol of the nation and continues to be one of the most popular destinations not just in the country, but in North Africa.
You can learn about other iconic sites in Morocco with our blog: What are Morocco’s Most Famous Landmarks?
Fes: One of the Top Cities to Visit in Morocco & Its Cultural Heart
Considered the cultural capital of Morocco, Fes is one of the most historic cities in the country. Founded as the first imperial city in the 8th century, Fes is at the heart of many enduring traditions, such as leatherwork, pottery, and woodwork, and a staple of many a top Morocco itinerary.
Not to be missed is its iconic medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest car-free urban area in the world. Here, you can explore the numerous alleyways and discover artisanal workshops, including the Chouara Tannery, one of the largest in the city.
Another highlight of Fes is Karaouiyne University, regarded as the oldest university in the world, dating back to 859 AD.
Casablanca: Morocco’s Largest and Most Cosmopolitan City
As a meeting point of ancient history, modernity, and economic progress, Casablanca is one of Morocco’s most unique cities. It’s the largest city in the country as well as the financial center, bringing with it a bustling cosmopolitan atmosphere. There’s no surprise, then, that it often features on many people’s Morocco bucket list.
The port city’s most famous attraction is the Hassan II Mosque, the second largest functioning mosque in the world, with its minaret towering at 210 meters high. You can explore the old medina or discover the neighborhood of La Corniche, popular among beachgoers and surfers.
Many people make the trip from Casablanca to Marrakech to make the most of their time in Morocco, and you can read our Guide to Travelling from Casablanca to Marrakech to learn about the best way to make the journey.
Sahara Desert: Off-the-Beaten-Path Morocco Destinations Don’t Get Any Better!
Beyond its bustling cities, large swathes of Morocco are made up of the Sahara Desert. This breathtaking landscape is one of the main attractions for many visitors to Morocco — camel rides, starry skies, and thrilling dune activities await all who venture here.
Desert Luxury Camp has set up two deluxe campsites in the scenic sands of the Sahara, allowing visitors from all over the world to discover its beauty. Our Erg Chebbi Luxury Camp, located by Merzouga, places guests in the heart of some of the biggest dunes in the desert, while our Erg Chigaga Luxury Desert Camp takes you off the beaten path and offers a more secluded experience.
Put simply, any top Morocco itinerary must include a stay in the Sahara! For inspiration on what to see and do here, check out our blog on 10 Things to Do in the Sahara Desert Beyond a Camel Ride!
Chefchaouen: The Blue Pearl of Morocco
Known as the ‘Blue Pearl of Morocco’, Chefchaouen is one of the most breathtaking cities not only in Morocco, but the world. The buildings of the city have been painted in stunning blue hues, although the reason why remains a mystery. Some say the blue colors were used to repel mosquitoes or to help the buildings stay cool. Others say it represents the colors of the sea, while the most often cited reason is that it represents the blue sky in accordance with Jewish custom.
Whatever the reason, Chefchaouen is a Morocco bucket list destination and a photographer’s dream!
Are you already wondering what to pack for your trip? Our blog Sahara Travel Checklist: Pack for Morocco Desert Glamping is the perfect place to start planning.
Aït Benhaddou: A Historic Gem for Any Top Morocco Itinerary
You might recognize Aït Benhaddou from one of the numerous films it’s featured in: Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy, Gladiator, and Kingdom of Heaven, to name just a few. While this village has served as the backdrop to famous movies, its true story is far more fascinating.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Aït Benhaddou is an example of a traditional ksar, or fortified village, and of Moroccan earthen clay architecture. Its location on a historic trans-Saharan trade route made Aït Benhaddou of strategic importance, and the town has continued to be protected and preserved today.
Located more than three hours away from Marrakech by car, this is one of the best off-the-beaten-path Morocco destinations.
Rabat: The Capital and One of the Top Cities to Visit in Morocco
One of Morocco’s four original imperial cities, Rabat is today the official capital. This city exhibits a captivating blend of Islamic and French colonial influences and is a hub of history and culture. Rabat is home to numerous historic landmarks, including the Hassan Tower, an incomplete minaret intended to be the largest in the world, Chellah, an archeological site with Roman ruins, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V.
Rabat is also home to a number of art museums, including the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art and the Villa Des Arts, making this city perfect for cultural connoisseurs and history buffs.
High Atlas Mountains: Morocco’s Highest Peaks
Adventure seekers will be easily drawn to the High Atlas Mountains, home to Morocco’s tallest peak, Mount Toubkal. Towering at 4,165 meters, Toubkal is one of the most rewarding summits for hikers and mountaineers. However, it’s not the only trek to be enjoyed here, with plenty more routes taking explorers through the unparalleled scenery.
Beyond hiking, the High Atlas Mountains are home to numerous authentic Berber villages that are worth visiting. In winter, the slopes are covered in snow, making it a popular skiing destination. Along with the Sahara, the Atlas Mountains are one of the best off-the-beaten-path Morocco destinations.
If you’re a nature lover heading into the mountains and desert, don’t miss our blog Exploring Morocco’s Desert Wildlife and Landscapes. It’s a fascinating introduction to some of the animals that call these harsh environments home.
Discover Morocco with Desert Luxury Camp
With so many places to visit in Morocco, we understand if you want to explore every single one on our list. And that is entirely possible with our Popular Morocco Tour, which visits all of these incredible places! You’ll also get to spend two nights in our luxury Erg Chebbi camp, immersing yourself in the Sahara Desert. If you have any questions about our tours or our camps, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. We can’t wait to show you Morocco!
