Morocco Kingdom of Light

Why Morocco?

With bustling centers, incredible scenery, and an exuberant culture that seeps into your soul, Morocco is a wonderfully vibrant myriad of sun, sand, and life. From Fez to Marrakesh and out through the cerulean Atlantic coast, visiting this North African country is a whirlwind experience. A perfect destination to spend a couple of weeks stretching your horizons, Morocco will grip you and won’t let go until far after you’ve left her desert borders.

Good to know

At a glance

Flag

Georegion

Northern Africa

Population

37.1M

Capital

Rabat

Largest city

Casablanca

Official languages

Arabic

Berber

Time zone

UTC+01

(local time)

Currency

Moroccan Dirham (MAD)

1 USD = 1
1 EUR = 1.1

Daily budget

$50 or less

(category: budget )

Driving side

Right

Solo female travellers

LGBTIQ+ friendly

Where to stop

Tours

No tours available yet for this destination.

What to do

Experiences

Grid view

Map view

When to go

Best time to visit

When it comes to Morocco there are generally a few times you’ll want to avoid. Peak tourist season where the already packed crowds grow to unfathomable density, Mid-summer where the heat of this desert country reaches killer highs, and of course the wet and cold winter.

Due to the country’s unique landscape layout – the Sahara Desert to the East, the Atlantic to the West, and the mountain range that cuts between both – the climate in Morocco can become quite challenging to navigate. One area will be sweltering hot while a quick two-hour drive will drop you into frigid temperatures. The key is to find the perfect balance within the mild weather season.

The best time to visit Morocco is in the shoulder seasons. Whether you go from April to May with highs of 24°C, or September to November with highs starting in the early 30’s before dropping to the early 20’s, you are sure to get the best of the best when it comes to weather, prices, and crowds.

Going while it’s the shoulder season gives you the best chance of doing everything you want, whether that’s hiking in the High Atlas Mountains, kitesurfing in Essaouira, or riding a camel through the Sahara’s dunes.

From A to B

Getting around

Flying

Most travelers to Morocco arrive at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca or Menara Airport in Marrakesh. Casablanca is also the main hub for domestic flights to other major cities, many of which are operated by the national airline Royal Air Maroc. However, traveling by plane around Morocco is not particularly worthwile and doesn't save much time unless it is for longer distances.

Trains

Trains are a great mode of transport if you plan to travel between major cities, as Morocco's rail network has good coverage west of the High Atlas region. There are several types of trains, including the high-speed TGV, and some trains have sleeper cars called couchettes. Tickets can be purchased at the stations, but you can also check the ONCF website for schedules and prices or for booking your tickets in advance.

Rental Car or Bike

If you're short on time, self-driving is a good option and a wonderful way to explore the country, especially in the south where buses and taxis can be scarce. On the other hand, the country has a high accident rate and driving practices in Morocco can be alarming. Driving in the cities can be especially stressful because road users often do not follow the traffic rules. If that doesn't sound relaxing to you, chartering a grand taxi and agreeing on a daily rate is usually a good alternative.

Buses

Buses are an inexpensive and popular means of transportation in Morocco and the network of public and private bus companies covers a large part of the country. National companies such as CTM or the subsidiary of the rail network operator Supratours offer fast and reliable bus services with fixed schedules, and you can buy your tickets online in advance. Private companies, on the other hand, only leave when they are full and may be less comfortable, but they serve smaller villages and towns that are otherwise more difficult to reach.

Taxi & Last Mile

One of the best ways to travel in Morocco is by taking one of the "grands taxis" - collective taxis (usually old Mercedes sedans) that run on set routes between towns and cities. Taxis are usually faster than buses and not much more expensive. However, it is common for them to carry six passengers: four in the back and two in the front seat next to the driver. If that sounds too cramped and you're not on a strict budget, you can pay for two seats or even charter the whole taxi.

Boats & Ferries

There is a ferry service to Morocco from France, Italy, Spain, or Gibraltar. However, given that the crossing of the Mediterranean sea takes a lot of time, most travelers choose to arrive by plane. If you're interested in ferries nevertheless, we recommend you check the offers directly with the ferry operators.

Know before you go

Essentials ^{Partner links}

Travel and safety information

Make sure to check your home country's latest travel advisory for Morocco before you book (DE | US).

Visa information

Not sure if you need a visa to enter Morocco? You can usually find your visa requirements and the links to apply for your visa on the website of your foreign office (DE | US ). Or you can ditch the stress of handling the visa process yourself and instead

use iVisa's fast and easy application process

Travel confidently

Unfortunately, bad things can happen even on vacation. To make sure you're covered for all eventualities, it is therefore advisable to have a good travel insurance in place before you go. Since 2002, World Nomads have been protecting, connecting and inspiring independent travelers. They offer simple and flexible travel insurance and safety advice to help you travel confidently.

Visit World Nomads

We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads . This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Stay connected

Are you one of those who desperately search for free WiFi when traveling? Look no further, it has never been easier to stay connected even when abroad. If your mobile device supports eSIM, check out Airalo. They offer digital SIM cards for 190+ countries at a fair price.

Get your eSIM now

Explore the details

It's always handy to have a travel guide that covers the details for each of your stops. We've had good experience with Lonely Planet and Rough Guide guidebooks when traveling and can recommend both. When in doubt, go for the most up-to-date one.

Lonely Planet Morocco (Nov 2023) The Rough Guide to Morocco (Aug 2019)

Morocco Tour Planner

Ready to plan your tour to Morocco? Get your customized and free itinerary within minutes, we'll guide you through each step!