Destinations in Morocco

The Wind City on the Atlantic

Essaouira captivates with its whitewashed ramparts, its bustling fishing port and its cobbled lanes swept by the trade wind. A UNESCO World Heritage medina, it shelters art galleries, craftsmen's workshops and seafood restaurants facing the Atlantic. 2 h 30 from Marrakech, it is the ideal escape for a day or a weekend.

Morocco's economic capital

Casablanca is Morocco's modern metropolis, home to the majestic Hassan II Mosque, Haussmann-style boulevards and a lively seafront. The economic and cultural capital, it offers a striking contrast to the historic medinas. 3 hours from Marrakech, it is the gateway to Atlantic Morocco.

Morocco's royal capital

Rabat, capital of the Kingdom, combines royal elegance with exceptional historical heritage. The Hassan Tower, the Mohammed V Mausoleum and the Kasbah of the Udayas bear witness to a glorious imperial past. 5 h 30 from Marrakech, the city is often visited in combination with Casablanca.

The beach resort of southern Morocco

Agadir is Morocco's premier beach resort, with 300 sunny days a year and a long stretch of fine sand. Rebuilt after the 1960 earthquake, the modern city offers hotels, spas and a lively promenade. 3 hours from Marrakech, it is the sunny alternative for escaping the desert.

The world's best-preserved medieval medina

Fes el-Bali, Morocco's oldest imperial city, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. Its 9,400 alleys, colourful leather tanneries and Bou Inania madrasa transport visitors to medieval Morocco. 7 h 30 from Marrakech, Fes is ideally visited as part of a multi-day circuit.

The city of sultans and Volubilis

Meknes, Morocco's fourth imperial city, preserves the immense monumental gates and granaries of Sultan Moulay Ismail. A few kilometres away, the Roman site of Volubilis displays well-preserved mosaics and triumphal arches. 6 h 30 from Marrakech, Meknes is visited en route to Fes or Chefchaouen.

The blue city of the Rif Mountains

Chefchaouen, nicknamed the blue city, nestles in the Rif Mountains with its alleys dyed in blue and indigo. Founded in the 15th century as a Berber refuge, it offers a unique atmosphere ideal for photography and hiking. 9 hours from Marrakech, it features in most northern Morocco circuits.

Africa's gateway to Europe

Tangier, at the northern tip of Morocco facing Spain, is a cosmopolitan city steeped in literary and diplomatic history. Its port and medina blend Arab, Andalusian and European influences. 9 h 30 from Marrakech, it is often the start or end point of northern Morocco circuits.

The gateway to the desert and film capital

Ouarzazate, nicknamed the gateway to the Sahara, is famous for its film studios that hosted Gladiator, Game of Thrones and Lawrence of Arabia. The Taourirt kasbah and proximity to Aït Ben Haddou make it a must-stop. 1 h 45 from Marrakech via the Tizi n'Tichka pass.

The UNESCO ksar, Game of Thrones film set

Aït Ben Haddou is Morocco's best-preserved earthen ksar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Its ochre towers are reflected in the Ounila river and have served as a backdrop for dozens of films and series. 1 h 30 from Marrakech, it is one of the most impressive visits in southern Morocco.

The great dunes of Erg Chebbi in the Sahara

Merzouga is the gateway to Erg Chebbi, a mass of golden dunes reaching 150 metres high. A night under the stars in a Berber camp, a camel ride at sunrise and the silence of the Sahara make for an unforgettable experience. 7 h 15 from Marrakech, Merzouga features in 3 to 10-day circuits.

Draa desert and gateway to the Sahara

Zagora marks the entry into true desert at the end of the Draa Valley, a long oasis of palm trees and kasbahs. The famous sign indicating Timbuktu at 52 days by camel symbolises the Saharan spirit of the place. 3 h 45 from Marrakech, Zagora is a closer alternative to Merzouga for a night in the desert.

Berber villages and waterfalls in the High Atlas

The Ourika Valley runs up into the High Atlas between red-earth villages, walnut trees and a lively river to the Setti Fatma waterfalls. An hour from Marrakech, it offers argan cooperatives, traditional Berber homes and riverside lunches in a peaceful mountain setting.

The gateway to Toubkal, North Africa's highest peak

Imlil, a mountain village at 1,740 m altitude in the High Atlas, is the base camp for treks towards Jebel Toubkal (4,167 m). Loaded mules, children in djellabas and trekkers cross paths in an authentic atmosphere. 50 minutes from Marrakech, it is one of the most spectacular nature excursions.

Stone desert 40 minutes from Marrakech

The Agafay is a rocky, lunar-hill desert near Lake Lalla Takerkoust, just 40 minutes from Marrakech. Without dunes but with a breathtaking panorama of the snowy High Atlas, it hosts glamping camps, camel rides and magical sunsets.

Morocco's highest waterfalls (110 m)

The Ouzoud Falls tumble 110 metres in three tiers down a lush gorge of olive and carob trees, with free-roaming Barbary macaques. A boat ride in the spray, terrace lunch facing the falls and shaded trails make this site the most popular excursion from Marrakech.

Red gorges and Berber kasbahs on the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs

The Dades Valley, with its red-walled gorges and kasbahs stacked on the Atlas foothills, is one of the finest stages of the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. Roses and almond blossoms in spring, snow in winter: the landscape changes with every season. 3 hours from Marrakech.

Granite gorges 300 metres high in the High Atlas

The Todra Gorge is a spectacular granite canyon with dizzying 300-metre walls between which a clear stream flows. A pilgrimage site for climbers worldwide, it also offers walks accessible to all. 3 h 15 from Marrakech.