Your guide to Morocco

Koutoubia Mosque rises above the bustling Marrakech medina. Access to the interior is reserved for Muslim visitors, but its stunning grounds are enjoyed by all. One of the Ounila Valley’s best-preserved fortified villages, Aït-Ben-Haddou has appeared in ‘Gladiator’ and ‘Game of Thrones’. Wind sculpts the orange dunes of Erg Chebbi into dramatic, ever-shifting forms.

As beautiful as the country’s desert, the beaches here let you explore Morocco’s laid-back side. The artsy port city of Essaouira boasts a white-sand beach perfect for windsurfing. Head to the fishing village of Taghazout to surf Morocco’s famous waves. Or spend a day at Saïdia for relaxing warm-water swims and plenty of amenities.

From lofty mountains to arid deserts, Morocco’s nature punches up the drama. Experience the otherworldly landscapes of the Sahara Desert at Erg Chebbi, a sea of sand filled with towering dunes. Go for a hike in the High Atlas Mountains, home to North Africa’s tallest peak, Toubkal. And explore Iriqui, the country’s largest national park, where you’ll find migratory birds, gazelles and hyenas.

The museums in Morocco celebrate the ancient and the modern. At the Museum of History and Civilisations in Rabat, artefacts tell the story of Morocco from prehistory to the Roman settlements and beyond. The Mohammed VI Museum features contemporary works by local and international artists. And the Musée Yves Saint Laurent spotlights the French fashion designer’s work.

Showing off Arabian, African and European flavours, Moroccan cooking pops with spices like cumin, turmeric and cinnamon. The best restaurants in Morocco range from humble kitchens to Michelin-star stunners. Comb menus for traditional ‘tagine’, a tender, stew-like dish slow-cooked in a ceramic vessel of the same name. The country also has a thriving wine region and produces a pale variety called ‘gris’ or grey wine.

Magicians, storytellers and other performers captivate visitors in Jemaa El Fnaa, the main square in Marrakech. On a hot day, cool off in a lazy river or ride the waterslides at Oasiria water park in Marrakech. The hiking trails at Ifrane National Park are perfect for spotting wildlife like the Barbary macaque.

Buses: Buses are an affordable way to explore Morocco. CTM and Supratours offer intercity routes as well as regional service throughout the country. CTM travels to more destinations, but Supratours, owned by the Moroccan National Railway Office (ONCF), coordinates with train timetables. Buy tickets in advance, as they often sell out. Local bus companies service rural areas but are usually less reliable.

Trains: Trains operated by ONCF connect most major cities. One main line runs from Tangier to Marrakech, while another links Meknes and Fes with eastern destinations like Oujda. For a faster ride, Al Boraq links Tangier to Casablanca in just over two hours.

Smaller airports in Errachidia and Ouarzazate connect major hubs and coastal cities with the Sahara. Royal Air Maroc handles most domestic flights, but budget airlines like Air Arabia and Ryanair also operate within Morocco, offering affordable options between popular destinations.

Driving can be a great way to travel outside of Morocco’s cities. But the crowded, narrow streets of Casablanca, Marrakech and Fes are best left to the taxis and local drivers. Most major highways are in good condition, but mountain passes and desert roads can be hard to navigate. Avoid driving at night.