An 18th-century fortified medina, an earthen ksar and the dunes near Merzouga each bring a different character to Morocco. In the cities, craftsmanship and historic buildings take center stage; elsewhere, mountains, desert landscapes and bodies of water shape the scenery. The places that appeal to you depend on whether you are looking for cultural heritage, landscapes or outdoor activities.

Medinas, Craftsmanship and Urban Culture

Fes has retained its status as Morocco’s cultural and spiritual center. The Medina of Fes is considered Morocco’s oldest and largest city. Its craftspeople include tanners, weavers, coppersmiths and potters. In Marrakech, the alleys of the Semmarine Souk showcase traditional crafts from Amazigh and Arab traditions. Together, the two medinas offer insight into different craft traditions.

Marrakech’s architecture also reveals different sides of the city’s historic character. Its medina includes the Koutoubia Mosque, with its 77-meter-high minaret, the kasbah, city walls, monumental gates and gardens. Jemaa el-Fnaa is an open-air theater and is inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The Medina of Essaouira, formerly Mogador, is a fortified city dating from the mid-18th century. It is surrounded by a wall inspired by the Vauban model. For centuries, the medina was an international trading port connecting Morocco and sub-Saharan Africa with Europe and the rest of the world. The historic city of Rabat lies on Morocco’s northwest Atlantic coast. There, the Chellah necropolis was built on the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Sala Colonia.

Archaeological Sites and Historic Architecture

The archaeological site of Volubilis has yielded a large number of mosaics, marble and bronze statues, and hundreds of inscriptions. After the city was abandoned for centuries, its ruins remained in an excellent state of preservation. Ait-Ben-Haddou showcases a different architectural form: the ksar is a traditional pre-Sahelian settlement of earthen buildings surrounded by high walls. The oldest buildings appear to date no earlier than the 17th century.

The Atlas Mountains, Hiking Trails and Desert Landscapes

The High Atlas range stretches for more than 750 kilometers, dividing Morocco into Atlantic, Mediterranean and Saharan regions. One specific route leads to Mount Toubkal: it begins in the village of Imlil, and hikers spend the night in mountain huts before reaching the summit. In Talassemtane National Park, circuits and excursions bring together hiking, trekking and adventure. This means there is both a route with a named starting point and overnight stays in mountain huts, and an offering that combines several types of hikes and excursions.

The Erg Chebbi area near Merzouga features dunes, palm groves, tracks and hiking trails. Travelers can take a sand bath in the dunes. The landscape is therefore associated not only with its varied terrain, but also with a specific activity.

Dakhla Between Lagoon and Sea

Dakhla lies in southern Morocco, between the waters of the Atlantic and the sands of the Sahara. The two beach areas also differ in the water sports mentioned: PK25 Beach, on the lagoon side, is used for kitesurfing. Foum El Bouir, on the sea side, is a surf spot where surfers gather. Dakhla Bay and Lagoon, at the entrance to Rio de Oro, are home to migratory birds, pink flamingos, turtles, monk seals, rays and humpback dolphins. In Dakhla, water sports spots meet a lagoon landscape rich in wildlife.

Discover more destinations: Marrakech, Meknès-Tafilalet, Tadla-Azilal, Souss-Massa-Draa, Grand Casablanca, Oriental, Rabat-Sale-Zemmour-Zaer, Doukkala-Abda, Taza-Al Hoceima-Taounate, Guelmim-Es Semara, Chaouia-Ouardigha, Tanger-Tétouan, Laayoune-Boujdour-Sakia El Hamra, Fès-Boulemane, Gharb-Chrarda-Beni Hssen