Morocco is a desert country in Northern Africa. Officially called the Kingdom of Morocco, you can find this country in the Maghreb region of the continent, with the Mediterranean Sea north, and the North Atlantic Ocean to the west.
The Strait of Gibraltar sits between Morocco and Spain, and spans just 8.1 miles (or 7 nautical miles).
So, while you might think that Morocco is far away from everything, a short ferry ride can allow you to hop between Africa and Europe – isn’t that amazing?
This allows for a great access point if you are already in Southern Europe, and want an easy way to cross over to a new adventure – or if you would like to leave Morocco on that route.
If you are thinking about visiting Morocco for an extended period of time, then you might need some help with planning an itinerary.
There is so much to see and do in this beautiful country, it definitely would not be recommended to just straight in without a plan.
So, if you would like to get an idea of what you can do in Morocco, as well as some key things to pack and remember when visiting this country, keep reading!
We will cover everything you need to know in the section below.
What You Should Pack For Morocco
Like any country, there are a few things to take into consideration when you are going to Morocco.
This is a hot (mostly) desert country with new signs, smells, sounds, tastes, and a climate that you may not be used to.
As such, you will want to be prepared, because if you haven’t been to a country like it before, it can be a shocking experience for your body.
Along with all the basic clothing items (and the rules to consider in the sections below), you should make sure to pack the following items for a trip to Morocco:
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Snood
- Light jackets
- Vests
- Appropriate footwear
- High SPF sunscreen
- Insect repellant
- Imodium
- Dioralyte
Things To Be Aware Of In Morocco
Scams
This is particularly an issue in the wonderful city of Marrakech, and something you need to be aware of.
There will be scams everywhere, so knowing how to spot them can save you time and money. The people running these scams are typically very aggressive in their sales tactics.
There are a number of other scams to be aware of, including pictures with live animals, fake tour guides, hidden prices on restaurant menus, and fake items that are sold in the markets.
You can read this article for more information regarding the various scams to look out for, and how you can avoid them.
Clothing Rules To Follow
It is essential to point out that Morocco is an Islam country. This means that there are rules, especially regarding clothing, that you should always try and follow out of respect.
Clothing and what is deemed appropriate in this country will be very different to countries like the United States or the United Kingdom – particularly for women.
This should by no means be something that should put you off from visiting this beautiful country, though! Just consider the below tips, and pack your clothes accordingly.
When you are in another country, you need to remember that you are a tourist and foreigner, and you need to respect the culture and traditions of that country.
Here are some crucial tips for you to bear in mind when packing clothes to go to Morocco as a woman:
- Cover your shoulders
- Skirts, dresses, and shorts should at least cover your knees
- Do not wear tops that show off cleavage
- It’s better to wear full-length pants and skirts
- You can wear tighter fitting pants, but pair them with a longer shirt to cover your butt
- A lightweight travel scarf is a must, especially for keeping the sand away from your face
- Something to cover your head, especially when visiting mosques, as this is a must
Here are some crucial tips for you to bear in mind when packing clothes to go to Morocco as a man:
- Try to stick to collared shirts, as this is more appropriate
- Tank tops and singlets are not usually seen as appropriate
- Avoid clothes with noticeable branding, designs, or logos
- Be wary with long shorts, as these will not always be appropriate unless the weather is very hot. You will need to find out what is and what is not appropriate in the specific area you are in, as some areas consider any kind of shorts to be underwear.
Three Week Morocco Itinerary To Cover The Whole Country
Now that you are aware of some of the basics to consider when traveling to Morocco, you can start planning your vacation.
Although there are dozens of potential locations you can go, and many orders to enjoy them in, we would recommend the order that we have laid out below.
Each of these locations offers something amazing, and you are bound to love every single one. Plan everything carefully, but allow yourself some time to relax and simply enjoy your surroundings
Startin In Marrakech
Most trips to Morocco are going to start in Marrakech. While this is not the capital of Morocco (that’s Rabat), Marrakech is a bustling, must-see spot for any visitor.
You are bound to see all manner of snake charmers, spices, and souks (marketplaces) here.
Known as the “city of luxury”, Marrakech draws in travelers from all over the world with its rich culture and luxurious restaurants, spas, gardens, and houses.
Depending on the time of year that you visit, there could be many different things to enjoy and experience.
Every year in January, the Marrakech Marathon takes place – attracting all the top long-distance runners from around the world.
There’s also the Marrakech International Film Festival, which takes place annually some time between fall and winter.
If music is more your thing, you can try and make it to Marrakech for the Oasis Festival in December, where there is plenty of great techno, electronic, and house music.
There is also the wonderful Marrakech Biennial, a festival that stretches over several weeks in the city, with the aim of celebrating the arts and building bridges between cultures.
This festival may be more difficult to time, though, as it happens every two years rather than annually (Also check out Amazing Festivals In Morocco)!
Places You Should Check Out While In Marrakech
Visit Ali Ben Youssef Madrasa and get a private walking tour, take a walk through the Rahba Kedima Square, and stroll by the Mellah.
The Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, and even the home of Yves Saint Laurent are notable spots to check out if you have the time.
There are countless things to see and enjoy in Marrakech, so make sure you give yourself enough time to really enjoy everything and take it in.
You should also check out the various souks (marketplaces) around the city:
- Souk Cherratine – this souk is full of incredible leather goods. Here, you can take a walk through all the full arcades and take in the smell of leather all around you.
- Souk Haddadine – here, you can find everything to do with metalwork. This includes stunning jewelry trinkets, pots, and so much more. The items here are produced in time with the sound of a beating tin.
- Souk des Teinturiers –at this souk, you will find bright colors and stunning fabrics. Wool is dyed here and is hung all over the walls, so it makes for a fantastic photo opportunity.
- Souk des Babouche – you can find row upon row of colorful slippers at this interesting souk, offering yet another fantastic photo opportunity.
- La Criée Berbère – you can find a host of stunning Berber carpets here, so be sure to look around and take it all in!
Merzouga In The Sahara Desert – 4 Days Exploring
You can’t go to Morocco without experiencing the desert and all it has to offer.
Heading out on a desert adventure to see the Erg Chebbi dunes, Erg Chigaga, and the High Atlas sights like the Dades Valley or Ait Ben Haddou will blow you away.
To experience this, you should definitely book a tour in Marrakech. This will make sure that everything is organized professionally, so you don’t fall short in any areas.
Find the perfect tour operator in advance and book it – these tours can be two or three days, but we would recommend a four-day option to make sure that you get the most out of the whole experience.
These trips will usually include a camel ride along with an overnight stay in the stunning desert. On the way, you will get to take in the numerous sights that the area has to offer.
Some Top Tips For Travelers Taking This Route
These tours are super fun, but they do take a toll on you, especially if you are not used to the heat of Morocco.
You will cover a lot of ground in a short space of time, and you will be waking up early to get moving, with brief stops at different locations.
Because of this, you’re going to be exhausted by the end of it – but it will all be worth it.
One of the best things you can do is enjoy the sunrise and sunsets while out in the desert, and climb the dunes at night to stargaze.
It should be noted that it is not recommended for anyone who is pregnant to go on a camel ride.
Riding camels can easily go wrong, and it’s a long fall to the ground, even if you would be landing in sand.
Even if you are experienced, the risk is not worth it, and a tour guide or company to book through should not accept someone who is pregnant for a camel ride under any circumstances.
Back To Marrakech To See Essaouira On The Coast
After your tour of the Sahara Desert, you are going to end up back in Marrakech.
You could either stay in the city and see the sights you didn’t see before, or you can head to Essaouira, on the coast.
This is a stunning, fortified town with a much more laid back atmosphere. There are great markets to explore here, too, and it won’t be nearly as busy as Marrakech.
You can comparably spend a day or two here, enjoying the serenity and chilling.
Check out the Medina and ramparts of the city, and the Centre d’art Le Real Mogador, as well as the beach, Galerie la Kasbah, and the Centre de la Bijouterie Artisanale Maalem Ali 1908.
There’s also a great quad experience to be had on the outskirts of the city, if you would like a little more adventure.
What You Can Do Here
If you manage to visit Essaouira in June, you can enjoy the wonderful Gnaoua Festival – this is a festival all about music and life.
Here, they celebrate Moroccan and African music with beautiful performances, vibrant colors, and a whole host of incredible additions. There are even art workshops, as well as plenty of music and dance.
You can expect to see a wide variety of music played at this festival, including rock and blues, so this is something that everyone will love. It will be an incredible experience for everyone involved.
Tangier
Tangier is a beautiful, historical city located in Northern Morocco.
It is located on the Strait of Gibraltar, so it could be your starting point, or even your ending point if you wanted it to be!
This will be a part of the lesser traveled Morocco route that you can take or fit into your overall itinerary (Also check out this Morocco Itinerary for 3 Days).
Since this city is located right across from Spain, it gives you a lot of options for your next steps.
If you want to stay in Morocco and come back here when your trip is over, you can get a ferry across the strait, or pay for an incredibly affordable plane ticket.
What You Can Do Here
There is a lot to see in this stunning town, and you can guarantee that it won’t be as busy as Marrakech (Also check out Things To Do In Marrakech).
Here, you should take a look at the Hercules Caves, Kasbah Museum, Tangier American Legation Museum, Grand Socco, and Cape Spartel.
The Medina and Moshe Nahon Synagogue are also must-see locations if you would like to spend some time within the city and enjoy everything it has to offer.
Don’t forget to spend time on the beaches and take in the stunning sunsets that this city has to offer.
There are a number of great tours that would be worthwhile checking out, too, as you will get a good understanding of the city’s history, and see all the best spots (While you’re at it, also check out these Amazing Cruises To Morocco).
Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen is a stunning mountainside town near Tangier, where you will quickly notice something unusual – many of the houses are blue!
This town sits right on the edge of the Rif mountain range, and gives travelers the perfect chance to explore the great outdoors.
Staying within the town itself is also an option, but as you can expect, this place can get busy. Those blue buildings have a habit of attracting tourists who need their photos for Instagram.
While it’s nice to get a snapshot or two, it’s important to remember that people live in this town, too! You can have a great time visiting here, but don’t overdo it with the camera.
If you want to get your steps in for the day, we would recommend heading out to God’s Bridge – a nearby rock formation and canyon hike.
This excursion is beyond stunning, and definitely recommended if you want to see the best of what Morocco’s nature and trails has to offer.
What You Can Do Here
Chefchaouen is an interesting location because the city itself is the must-see part. There are plenty of things to do and enjoy here, but the whole point is to simply enjoy the city as a whole.
You can stop by the Place El Haouta, the Spanish Mosque, and the lovely Lina Ryad & Spa in the town.
Beyond that, you should take the time to enjoy the views and the great food that this place has to offer before moving onto your next location.
Fes
Fes is located further south, and is famous for its two beautiful medinas (or, old cities) within the city itself.
Together, these form the largest medina in the world, which is an incredible sight on its own!
This city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s not hard to understand why. There is so much to see and experience, and the sights will simply blow you away.
Spend at least two days in this to make the most of it, and be sure to pay for guided tours where you can.
Don’t miss out on the history that the guides can bestow upon you!
What You Can Do Here
While you are in Fes, you will need to make the time to check out at least a few of the top locations.
These include places like the stunning Jnan Sbil Gardens, Bou Inania Madersa, the various tanneries in the town, and the oldest university in Africa – Kairaouine.
Make sure you take a moment to get some delightful, fresh orange juice at the various juice stalls around the city – it is a great way to start your morning!
Once you have that, head over to the Al-Attarine Madrasa and Dar Al-Makhzen, or the Royal Palace.
When you want to start winding down, it’s worth taking a stroll through the souks and looking at what the town has in store, then watch the sunset from a rooftop – there and plenty of rooftop cafés, like Café Clock.
Moulay Idriss Or Meknes
Now, you start the loop back to the beginning – wherever that beginning may be. You can go the route of Moulay Idriss, or Meknes.
If you want to stop by the Roman Ruins of Volubilis, you will want to go the Meknes route. This town has a lot to offer, and is usually overlooked – but we can’t understand why!
There are stunning city gates (Bab Mansour), as well as the Museum of Moroccan Art and a beautiful medina.
There are even wineries and vineyards to visit if that interests you, like Château Roslane and Volubilia-Domaine de la Zouina.
If you head to Moulay Idriss, you will not be disappointed, either.
Here, you can visit the stunning Haroune Aqueduct, or even visit the Bab Rmila Natural Park. You may even choose to go between the towns, as they are practically neighbors.
Make sure that you give yourself at least a full day in one of these locations to soak in the calm atmosphere and take in the sights.
Two or three days would be great since there is so much to see. When you are ready to leave, your final stop can be Asilah.
Asilah
Asilah is a beautiful seaside town that you are probably never going to want to leave.
It’s peaceful and quiet, and offers you spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. Between the quiet beaches and the tranquility of the town itself, this is a peace lover’s paradise.
Like with many of the other towns in Morocco, Asilah has a great medina to enjoy, as well as beautiful coastal areas like the Puerto de Asilah.
There are also churches, like the Church of San Bartholomew, and even a Jewish Cemetery you can visit to pay your respects.
We would definitely recommend paying for some private tours if you would like to get better acquainted with the town, and really take in everything it has to offer.
There are day trip options available from Tangier, or simple tours around Asilah itself.
What You Can Do Here
If you would like to see more of the surrounding area, you can go on a quad adventure for the day.
However, there is plenty to see and enjoy in the city, too. This includes enjoying some time at the Riad Oasis D’Asilah, Dar Tabia, or even the Patio de la Luna.
Stop by at a fancy restaurant like Port XIV, or Restaurant La Perle D’Asilah. If you would like something more low-key and simple for your final night in Morocco, you can stop by restaurants like Dar El Marrakchia or Restaurant Alibaba.
These simple spots won’t be too costly, so you can spend your money on other things before you leave.
Your Next Adventure
If you are planning on leaving your Morocco trip there, then you have reached the end of the list!
However, you might want to head back to Tangier if you are planning on heading into Europe. That short ferry ride will get you across in no time.
If you are headed home – wherever that may be – you might also be getting a plane. You can get planes from some of the larger cities like Marrakech, or the capital, Rabat.
To make the most of your Morocco trip, we would recommend having at least three weeks to get it done.
Any less, and you will be in too much of a rush to enjoy everything. Even four weeks would be ideal, but you always need to factor the cost of these things into your planning.
You might choose to swap around the order of some of the locations, depending on where you are coming from and where you are going once the trip has ended.
Maybe you are continuing your adventure in one of the surrounding African countries! Perhaps you are continuing into Europe, or even going to Asia (which isn’t too far, either!).
Take the time to plan your whole trip properly, so that you are not faced with any unpleasant surprises at the end.
You should also take the time to become familiar with all you need to know before leaving home for your trip – what foods you can expect if you have allergies, the language, and much more.
That way, you will have a far easier time when you arrive, and you will be able to enjoy your vacation to the fullest.
Final Thoughts
Traveling to Morocco will always be an adventure, and there are so many ways to enjoy your trip. You can choose to follow our easy itinerary, or you can mix and match.
There is nothing wrong with adding in or removing some of the locations we’ve mentioned to find the itinerary that is perfect for you.
If you have been to Morocco before, and traveled via a completely different route, then you might want to stick with it, or try something new.
Either way, why not let us know how your own trip went, and what your favorite part of the experience was?
Hopefully this article can help you out with planning your own trip to Morocco, and it is as amazing as you hope it will be.
Remember to be respectful of the rules and guidelines we’ve mentioned at the beginning of the article, and bear in mind that you’re a visitor. As long as you do that, you will have a wonderful time.
