Things to Do in Morocco: 50+ Best Activities and Experiences
Deserts, medinas, mountains, coast and kasbahs, with tours and day trips to book
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Discover the Best Experiences in Morocco
Morocco packs an unusual amount into a small area: golden dunes and snow-capped mountains, ancient medinas and Atlantic beaches, kasbahs used as film sets and waterfalls tumbling through olive groves. It is impossible to do everything in one trip, so this guide to the best things to do in Morocco is grouped by type of experience, with the best places, the best seasons and the tours and day trips that make each one easy to book.
Use the buttons below to jump to a section, or contact us and we will build an itinerary around the activities you like.
Six Experiences Not to Miss
If you only have time for a few things, start with these.
Ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset and sleep in a desert camp under the stars.
Lose yourself in the souks and join the evening crowds in Marrakech’s famous square.
Walk through the world’s largest car-free medina, with its tanneries, madrasas and workshops.
Visit the UNESCO-listed kasbah that has been a backdrop for many films.
Walk in the Toubkal region, home of the highest peak in North Africa.
Explore the UNESCO medina, the fishing port and the beach.
Sahara Desert Experiences
The Sahara is the highlight of most trips to Morocco. The dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga and Erg Chigaga near M’Hamid are the most popular places to experience it.
- Camel trek at sunset. Ride a dromedary into the dunes and watch the sun set. A ride of an hour or two suits most people. See our 3-day tour from Marrakech to the Sahara.
- Sleep in a desert camp. Spend a night in a tent camp among the dunes, with dinner, a sky full of stars and sunrise over the sand. Read about desert camps.
- Sunrise over the dunes. Wake early and walk up a dune to see the desert change colour as the sun rises.
- Sandboarding and 4×4 excursions. Camps and guides in Merzouga offer sandboarding and 4×4 tours of the dunes and nearby villages.
- Khamlia and Gnawa music. Visit the village of Khamlia, whose people come from sub-Saharan Africa, and hear traditional Gnawa music.
- Rissani souk and Erfoud. Shop in the traditional Rissani market, once a meeting place of the trading caravans, and see the fossil workshops of Erfoud.
- Fossil hunting. The desert around Erfoud and Merzouga is famous for trilobites, ammonites and dinosaur remains. See our fossils and minerals tour.
- The Draa Valley. Drive through the palm groves of one of the longest river valleys in Morocco on the way to Zagora.
Cities, Medinas and Culture
Morocco’s imperial cities are full of history, colour and craft. Give each one at least a day.
- Jemaa El Fna, Marrakech. Join the crowds in the famous square, where storytellers, musicians and food stalls fill the evening. Read about the medina of Marrakech.
- The souks. Wander the souks of Marrakech and Fes for carpets, lanterns, spices and leather, and practise your bargaining. Prices are usually reasonable.
- Palaces and gardens. Visit the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, the Ben Youssef Madrasa and the Majorelle Garden in Marrakech.
- The Fes medina. Explore Fes el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its tanneries, the Al Quaraouiyine mosque and university, and its madrasas.
- Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca. See one of the largest mosques in the world on a guided visit, on the shore of the Atlantic.
- Rabat, Meknes and Volubilis. Visit the Hassan Tower in Rabat, the gates of Meknes and the Roman mosaics of Volubilis.
- A traditional hammam. Try a hammam, the local steam bath, for a scrub and a massage, as Moroccans do.
- Chefchaouen. Walk the blue lanes of the mountain town in the Rif and enjoy its relaxed atmosphere.
Mountains, Waterfalls and Outdoor Adventures
The Atlas Mountains offer everything from a gentle walk to a serious trek, and the landscapes change with the seasons.
- Trekking and hiking. Walk from the village of Imlil in the Toubkal region, or join a multi-day trek. See our Imlil and Toubkal day trip and our 12-day High Atlas trek.
- Ouzoud Waterfalls. See the 100-metre cascades, hike down through olive groves and look for Barbary macaques. See our Ouzoud day trip.
- The Ourika Valley. Follow the river into the High Atlas to Berber villages and the Setti Fatma waterfalls. See our High Atlas and Ourika day trip.
- Cedar forests and macaques. Stop in Ifrane and the Azrou cedar forest, home of the Barbary macaque. See our guide to Morocco wildlife.
- Skiing at Oukaimeden. Ski in the High Atlas in winter, when there is enough snow, at a small resort with a ski lift and slopes for different levels. Check conditions before you go.
- Rock carvings. See prehistoric rock carvings of animals in the mountains near Oukaimeden.
- Mountain biking. Cycle through the Skoura palm grove with a local guide. See our bike tour in Ouarzazate.
- The Todra and Dades Gorges. Walk beneath the towering walls of the Todra Gorge and see the rock formations of the Dades Valley. See our Roses Valley and Dades Gorges day trip.
Coast and Water Sports
Morocco has Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, and the strong winds of the Atlantic make it a favourite for wind sports.
- Essaouira. Explore the UNESCO-listed medina, the ramparts and the fishing port with its blue boats. See our Essaouira day trip.
- Windsurfing and kitesurfing. Essaouira and Agadir are famous for ideal windsurfing conditions.
- Surfing at Taghazout. Learn to surf or ride waves at one of Morocco’s best-known surf villages, near Agadir.
- Camel rides on the beach. Take a short camel ride along the sand at Essaouira.
- Asilah. Stroll the ramparts and murals of the white-walled town on the Atlantic coast.
- Oualidia and the lagoons. Eat fresh oysters and seafood by the lagoon at Oualidia, and look for flamingos and waterbirds on the coast.
- Goats in the argan trees. In the Souss valley and around Essaouira you may see goats climbing argan trees to eat the fruit.
Kasbahs, Film Sets and Oases
The south of Morocco is the land of kasbahs, and its landscapes have made it a favourite location for filmmakers.
- Ait Ben Haddou. Visit the fortified village that has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987 and a location for films such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
- Kasbah of Telouet. See the former palace of the Glaoui family, in the mountains on the road between Marrakech and Ouarzazate.
- Taourirt Kasbah and Atlas Studios. Explore the kasbah in the centre of Ouarzazate and visit the film studios. See our Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou day trip.
- Skoura palm grove and Kasbah Amridil. Walk or cycle through the palm grove and visit the 17th-century kasbah.
- The Fint Oasis. Have lunch with a local family and walk in the palm groves. See our Fint Oasis day trip.
- The Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. Drive through the Roses Valley and the Dades Valley, lined with kasbahs and palm groves.
- Volubilis. Walk among the Roman ruins and mosaics near Meknes.
Food, Crafts and Shopping
Morocco is a paradise for food lovers and shoppers, and the best souvenirs come with a story.
- Mint tea. Accept a glass of sweet mint tea wherever you are welcomed, from shops to family homes.
- Tagine, couscous and pastilla. Try the classics, and look for local specialities in each region. Read our guide to Moroccan cuisine.
- Craft workshops. Watch potters, weavers, leather workers and metalworkers at work in Fes, Marrakech and the villages of the south.
- Carpets, zellige and leather. Buy hand-woven carpets, ceramic tiles and leather goods. See more in our guide to the culture of Morocco.
- Argan oil and rosewater. Visit an argan oil cooperative near Essaouira, and buy rosewater and rose products in Kelaat M’Gouna.
- Spice markets. Smell the pyramids of spices in the souks, and pick up a blend of ras el hanout.
Festivals and Events
Time your trip with a festival for an extra dose of local colour. Dates change from year to year, so check before you go. Read more in our guide to the culture of Morocco.
Roses Festival, Kelaat M’Gouna
Usually in spring, celebrating the rose harvest of the Roses Valley.
Gnaoua World Music Festival, Essaouira
Usually in summer, with concerts across the old town.
Mawazine, Rabat
A large international music festival, usually in late spring or early summer.
Asilah Arts Festival
Murals, music and art in the white-walled town of Asilah, held in summer.
Fes Festival of World Sacred Music
Concerts and performances in the historic city of Fes.
Ramadan evenings
The month of fasting ends each day with lively evenings when families break the fast together.
When to Do What
Morocco is a year-round destination, but each season suits different activities.
Spring (March to May)
Ideal for the Sahara, trekking and the cities, with warm days and green landscapes. The Roses Festival takes place in the spring.
Summer (June to August)
Head to the coast for windsurfing and beaches, or to the high mountains for cooler air. The desert and the interior are very hot.
Autumn (September to November)
A second ideal season for the desert, the cities and hiking, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.
Winter (December to February)
Enjoy the cities in mild weather, ski in the High Atlas and celebrate New Year’s Eve in the Sahara, but pack warm layers for the desert nights.
Ideas for Your Itinerary
Combine these experiences on one of our private tours, and we will adapt the route to your interests.
3 Days: Sahara from Marrakech
Camel trek, Ait Ben Haddou, the Dades and Todra Gorges and a night in a desert camp. See the 3-day tour.
4 Days: Fes to Marrakech
Ifrane, the Azrou cedar forest, the Ziz Valley and a full day in the Sahara dunes. See the 4-day tour.
11 Days: Cities and Desert
Casablanca, Rabat, Chefchaouen, Fes, the Sahara and Marrakech. See the 11-day tour.
Adventure and Off-Road
Off-road desert tracks and the Draa Valley on the adventure tour, or a family trip on the family tour.
Easy Day Trips
Short on time? These private day trips are easy to add to any stay.
See the 100-metre cascades, hike through olive groves and meet Barbary macaques.
Drive into the High Atlas, visit Berber villages and hike to the Setti Fatma waterfalls.
Ride through the Skoura palm grove with a local guide, with tea, kasbahs and artisans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top things to do in Morocco?
Ride a camel and sleep in the Sahara, explore the medinas of Marrakech and Fes, see the kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, walk the blue lanes of Chefchaouen, hike in the High Atlas and enjoy the coast at Essaouira.
How many days do I need in Morocco?
You can reach the Sahara from Marrakech in 3 days. To combine the imperial cities, the mountains and the desert, plan 7 to 11 days. See our tours in Morocco.
What is the best time to visit Morocco?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal for most activities. Summer suits the coast and the high mountains, and winter suits the cities and skiing.
Can I ski in Morocco?
Yes. Oukaimeden in the High Atlas has a small ski resort in winter, when there is enough snow. Conditions vary, so check before you go.
Where can I windsurf or kitesurf?
Essaouira and Agadir are famous for their wind and are the best-known places for windsurfing and kitesurfing on the Atlantic coast.
What can I do with children in Morocco?
Children enjoy camel rides, the beach at Essaouira, the Ouzoud Waterfalls and a night in a desert camp. See our Morocco family tour.
Is a camel trek comfortable?
A ride of an hour or two is comfortable for most people. Longer treks can leave you sore and tired, so do not plan a multi-day camel trek unless you are used to it.
How do I book an activity or a tour?
Send us your dates, group size and the activities you would like on our contact page or by email at travelstomorocco@gmail.com, and we will reply with a free quote.
Keep Exploring
More Morocco travel guides:
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Email: travelstomorocco@gmail.com | Phone: +212 6 62 38 50 95