Morocco is an inspiring destination that invites every traveler to the most diverse and least discovered continent in the world.

One of the most surreal and highly desired travel destinations, Morocco unveils a unique travel experience for the wanderlust heart. If you’re looking for the ultimate adventure destination, cultural travel experience, and oasis getaway, start your journey in Morocco.

From astonishing views of impressive desert cities to breathtaking landscapes and panoramic mountain backdrops, Morocco entices the well traveled and first time travelers. 

With its whimsical souks and medinas, ancient cities, stunning sunsets and sand dunes, travelers are intrigued by this land of exotic perfumes, music, and mystery. Enveloped by the fragrance of Damascan roses, a beautiful tradition of Morocco’s annual rose festival in the M’Goun Valley —Vallée des Roses in French or “Valley of Roses”), Morocco is an oasis that quietly seduces. 

For the culture lover, Morocco is a melting pot of people, centuries old traditions passed on by generations, and the most interesting indigenous tribes, intermingle of languages, and unimaginably rich history. The most common language is Maghrebi Arabic with different regional dialects and accents across Morocco primarily influenced by various Berber languages, Latin, Punic, French, and Spanish. Most of the population of local Moroccans speak French, Spanish (in the north), Berber (such as indigenous populations who speak Tamazight and other Berber languages) and English (thanks to tourism).

Despite the diverse geography, people, and cities, there is one thing that remains constant for sure in Morocco. No matter where you find yourself in this vast North African country, you’ll soon discover the warm hospitality and genuine smiles that seems to be embedded in the culture of Moroccan people. From Fez to Chefchaouen and even the remote High Atlas mountains or Sahara, a delicious fresh brewed Moroccan mint tea gestures the beginning of friendships and hospitality.

Veiled in centuries of culture and history, the beauty of the Moroccan people is in their warm hospitality, the time-honored art of traditional Moroccan mint tea, and their unhurried lifestyles.

The perfect year-round destination, Morocco promises not to disappoint. Overall, the best time to enjoy Morocco is in the Spring (March & April) and Fall (September & October) with better chances of mild and pleasant weather. Otherwise, the quietest time to visit Morocco is in January (the peak of wettest and coldest time of the year) or July and August where the heat shies away most travelers. No matter what time of year, the coastline, mountains, and sweeping deserts in this incredibly diverse country offers unique travel moments just waiting to be explored.

Before You Go: Recommended Reads and Things to Know

Travel Guide: Lonely Planet Morocco (paperback and Kindle)

Featuring a pull-out map, itineraries, and brief reads to get you up to speed on Moroccan cuisine, history, architecture, and even Moroccan literature and music, Lonely Planet’s travel guide is a must-have. Informative and easy-to-use, this travel guide breaks it down into five major regions of Morocco. Get detailed information and local insights about how to navigate the medinas and souks (traditional markets), where to catch some Gnaoua music, or where to find traditional Chleuh silver jewelry. Available in print or downloadable as a Kindle e-book, this travel  guide is the perfect travel companion.

Articles: 5 Key Terms You’ll Need to Know Before Heading to Morocco

Videos: Travel to Morocco in 4K, 10 Days in Morocco

Travel Itinerary Recommendations

Atlas Mountain Excursion. The sight of snowcapped mountains as a backdrop to a hot and dry desert is quite an amazingly surreal experience. Explore remote Berber villages in Mount Toubkal where beautiful terraces of the Berbers’ ingenious ancient irrigation systems trace the landscape. Enjoy lunch with the locals in an authentic Berber home where you will find unique handwoven kilims and textiles, handmade tea sets, and a fresh brewed pot of traditional Moroccan mint tea. If you plan on trekking in the Atlas mountains and the Sahara desert, make sure to pack appropriate outfits and shoes for both climates. Temperatures could drop as low as 55 °F (13 °C) in the mountains or climb as high as 104 °F (44 °C) in the desert depending on the time of the year. 

Gnaoua & World Music Festival. For music lovers, don’t miss this spectacular celebration of world music in Essaouria. Gnaoua (or Gnawa music) traces its origin to sub-Saharan Africa through indigenous ethnic groups in the Maghreb region including Morocco and Algeria. Gnaoua music became an international sensation with its bluesy, jazzy sounds and deep hypnotic trance rhythms. If you plan on visiting Morocco from April through June, don’t miss out on Jazzablanca (Casablanca’s snazzy jazz festival), the Festival Mawazine in Rabat, and the Fez Festival of World Sacred Music.

Deemed the gateway to Africa, Morocco is centered midway north and south as well as east and west along the latitude and longitude, making Morocco the perfect travel destination for rich cultural experience between Europe, Africa, and the Mediterranean.

A time capsule into history, Morocco is one of the fewest places in the world where indigenous languages and traditions are part of everyday life. Trace backs hundreds and thousands of years of history and influence from the Byzantine to the Ottoman empire and the French, the cultural exchange between original inhabitants and nomads of North Africa such as the Berber or Amazigh people, traders, and other travelers who explored the region throughout history shaped Morocco until present day.

It is no surprise that each Moroccan city is a jewel in its own unique fusion of world influences that somehow maintained its identity and preserved the local cultures of its people. 

Additional Reads:

Travel Guide Marrakesh, Travel and Leisure
Morocco’s Best Kept Secret, Travel and Leisure
Morocco Experiences, Lonely Planet