Top 10 tips for traveling to Morocco: visit the North or the South of Morocco?
- 6 days ago
- 7 min read
Are you planning to travel to Morocco?
Find in this series of articles all the advice you need to best organize your trip to Morocco.
Top 10 tips for traveling to Morocco:
Maps of Morocco: visit the south or north of Morocco
Best time to travel to Morocco, weather in Morocco
Means of transport in Morocco
Passport, visa, vaccinations for traveling to Morocco
Call Morocco, get a SIM card
Shopping in Morocco
How to dress for traveling in Morocco
Traveling alone in Morocco
Learn the essentials in Darija for traveling
Visit the south or the north of Morocco?
Morocco is a beautiful country with diverse landscapes: seaside, mountains, countryside, and desert. It is also a vast country, spanning 710,850 km2 (including Western Sahara) and 3,500 km of coastline.
Also, if you have less than 3 weeks of travel planned, we recommend focusing on either northern or southern Morocco. This will allow you to truly appreciate and explore the regions you are traveling through.
It is often said that Morocco is a country that is appreciated by taking its time, at the pace of encounters with the population, because it is also the philosophy of life of the Moroccans to know how to move forward without stress. "If you are in a hurry, you are already dead" according to a famous adage that the Moroccan prides itself on throwing at Europeans arriving too tense!
Visit the North of Morocco:
Let's start with Tangier , a port city located in northern Morocco, at the crossroads of Europe and Africa. It is known for its unique blend of cultures, sunny beaches, and bustling old port. Tangier has a cosmopolitan atmosphere, with a history dating back to ancient times, making it a fascinating place to explore for its narrow streets, markets, and historical sites.
Let's move on to Tetouan , a city located in the north of the country, famous for its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tetouan is often called the "Pearl of the Rif" because of its narrow streets, white houses, and traditional souks. The city is also renowned for its handicrafts, including pottery, embroidery, and wood carving, which reflect a rich cultural heritage.
Next, Chefchaouen , the "blue city," is a must-see destination for its buildings painted in different shades of blue. Nestled in the Rif Mountains, this city offers a peaceful and enchanting setting, perfect for strolling and exploring. Its relaxed atmosphere, colorful markets, and spectacular views make it an ideal place to recharge your batteries.
Asilah is a charming coastal town known for its artistic frescoed walls and cultural festivals. Located near Tangier, it captivates with its beaches, cobblestone streets, and artistic atmosphere. Asilah is also famous for its art festivals and exhibitions, which attract visitors from all over the world.
Fez is often considered the cultural capital of Morocco. Its ancient medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is filled with mosques, madrasas, souks, and historical monuments. The city is a true center of knowledge, crafts, and traditions, offering a deep immersion in the richness of Moroccan culture.
Meknes is a city rich in history and heritage. Known as one of Morocco's four imperial cities, it offers a journey through time with its magnificent ancient gates, sumptuous palaces, and Roman ruins. The Meknes Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a true gem where you can stroll through its colorful souks and discover local crafts. It's an ideal destination for history and culture lovers.
Casablanca is the economic capital of Morocco and a modern and dynamic city. Its impressive architecture, blending traditional and contemporary styles, gives it a unique charm. The famous Hassan II Mosque, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, is a must-see, offering spectacular views and a spiritual experience. Casablanca is also known for its beaches, lively restaurants, and vibrant nightlife, perfect for those seeking an urban and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Rabat , the administrative capital of Morocco, harmoniously blends history and modernity. The city boasts magnificent historical sites such as the Hassan Tower and the Kasbah of the Udayas, which offer a glimpse into Morocco's rich past. At the same time, Rabat is a modern city with beautiful avenues, lush gardens, and interesting museums. It is an ideal destination to experience Moroccan culture in a setting that is both traditional and contemporary.
When to visit Northern Morocco?
Northern Morocco enjoys a largely temperate climate year-round thanks to its Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts. Depending on your preferences, you can enjoy beautiful beaches in summer or milder temperatures that lend themselves to visiting cultural sites while it's cold in Europe.
Northern Morocco in summer:
Summer weather in northern Morocco is generally warm and sunny. Temperatures can often reach between 25°C and 35°C, or even higher on the hottest days. The climate is often dry, but there can be a pleasant sea breeze thanks to the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean, which can soften the heat a little. This is an ideal time to enjoy the region's beaches and beautiful scenery.
The further inland you go, the hotter it will get. Cities like Fez and Meknes can quickly see temperatures rise to 35°C/40°C.
Northern Morocco in winter
In winter, the weather in northern Morocco is generally mild and pleasant, but it can vary depending on the region. Average temperatures often range between 10°C and 15°C, with sunny days and cooler nights. In some mountainous areas or areas closer to the coast, it can be slightly cooler, especially at night, and there is occasional precipitation in the form of rain or snow, particularly in mountainous regions such as the Rif.
Visit the south of Morocco
As southern Moroccans, we may not be the most objective when we say that the south is even warmer than the north! But it's travelers who tell us that. Southern Morocco is known for the friendliness of its people, who live at a more leisurely pace. It's easy to be invited for tea and meet the family.
Marrakech
Marrakech is arguably one of Morocco's most iconic cities. Known for its colorful souks, sumptuous palaces like the Koutoubia and Bahia, and lush gardens like the Majorelle Garden, it attracts millions of visitors each year. The city offers a unique experience blending tradition and modernity, with its riads, hammams, and lively squares like the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa. It's an ideal destination to discover Morocco's rich culture, local crafts, and gastronomy.
Essaouira
Located on the Atlantic coast, Essaouira is a charming port city known for its relaxed atmosphere and white and blue architecture. The city is renowned for its sandy beaches, perfect for surfing and windsurfing, as well as its lively old port. The historic ramparts, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed medina, and its music festivals make it a popular destination for art, culture, and water sports enthusiasts.
Taroudant
Often referred to as "Little Marrakech," Taroudant is a fortified city surrounded by impressive ramparts. It offers an immersion in traditional Moroccan life with its colorful souks, artisans, and surrounding agricultural landscapes. The city is also a starting point for exploring the Anti-Atlas region, ideal for hiking and discovering the wild nature of southern Morocco.
Agadir
Agadir is a modern seaside resort, famous for its long golden sandy beaches and mild year-round climate. The city was rebuilt after an earthquake in the 1960s, giving it a contemporary feel. It's an ideal destination for sunbathing, water sports, or simply relaxing in its many hotels and resorts. The city also boasts a bustling port and a vibrant nightlife.
Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate is often called the "Gateway to the Desert" due to its strategic location at the entrance to the Sahara. Known for its renowned film studios, where many famous films and series have been shot, the city is a true center of the film industry. It also offers impressive historical sites, such as the Taourirt Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Dades Valley, famous for its spectacular landscapes. Travelers discover a unique blend of Berber culture, traditional architecture, and breathtaking desert scenery.
Zagora
Located in the heart of the Moroccan Sahara, Zagora is a must-see for those wishing to explore the desert. Known as the "Gateway to the Sahara," this city offers the opportunity to take 4x4 or camel excursions to discover the golden dunes and surrounding oases, all the way to the Sahara dunes. Zagora is also rich in Berber traditions, with its colorful markets and authentic villages. It's an ideal destination for an authentic Saharan experience, enjoying the tranquility of the desert and admiring landscapes as far as the eye can see.
When to visit southern Morocco?
Southern Morocco in winter:
If you're looking for sunshine and mild temperatures in the middle of winter, southern Morocco is the place to be! Indeed, southern Morocco, and especially the desert, offers mild temperatures with sunny days ranging from around 15 to 25°C. Rainfall is rare and occurs in short bursts.
As for the nights, they are cool, even cold. Plan to cover yourself in the evening and you'll appreciate the thick blankets at night. January is the coldest month, and the thermometer drops to 0 at its coldest, rarely below.
The climate varies depending on the region. On the Atlantic coast, you'll have stable temperatures year-round. Agadir stays between 20 and 25°C.
Overall, winters are very pleasant in southern Morocco and it is not for nothing that many retirees spend several months there from November to March.
In conclusion:
North or South? It's primarily a matter of taste and color, but also of season. Either way, you won't be disappointed.
