EXPERIENCES EVERY TRAVELER SHOULD HAVE IN MOROCCO!

Morocco is simply mesmerizing. It’s a country we could explore for months and never tire of. How could you, when it encompasses the vastness of the Sahara, the most ancient medinas, countless epic mountain ranges, and more? And that’s without even taking into account the hospitality of the locals and the flavors of the food. Yes, it’s safe to say that this North African destination has countless attractions to boast of. So, how to narrow them down? Well, these top 10 Morocco experiences are a pretty good place to start.

Here at Intrepid we’ve spent hours combing through cities up north, port towns in the west, and scenic spots all over, to come up with this list. Our favorite activities include the iconic and the unconventional, the obvious and the lesser-known, and we’re excited to share them with you. Here they are, a selection of Moroccan experiences truly worth crossing off your bucket list:

Spend a night in the Sahara

Forgive us for starting with such an obvious one, but visiting the Sahara just defines a quintessentially Moroccan experience. An experience that’ll stay with you forever – particularly if you plan your camel ride to coincide with sunset, and visit the dramatic sand dunes of Erg Chebbi (psst, our Morocco Uncovered trip does!). In all honesty, the landscape here is so spectacular and otherworldly that it’ll leave you breathless.

Close to the Algerian border, the closest Saharan village (Merzouga) is as isolated as it gets. But that’s not to say you’ll be lonely when visiting. Visit with Intrepid (we have a 10-day trip, if you’re short on time) and you and the group will camp out on the dunes in traditional style, try local cuisine, enjoy an open fire, and gaze up at the stars. It’s a night like no other. 

Horse ride in Essaouira

We love Essaouira. The port city is as unassuming and relaxed as it is stunning and white-washed. It’s a destination you go to sit on the ancient city ramparts and just listen to the crash of the Atlantic waves. A destination where you feel at home immediately, thanks to the sense of calm and the winding streets. And although we love it so much that we’ve written a whole ode to it, we better mention some activities you can do there (lest you think it’s only for chilling).

Known as the ‘Wind City of Africa’, the seaside attractions are plentiful. Kite-surfing and general surfing are big here. You can take lessons and make the most of peak windsurfing season – April to November. Our favorite activity, however, is horse riding. It’s hard to explain exactly why but there’s just nothing as memorable as a horseback ride across Essaouira’s white-sand beaches, the wind in your hair and the feeling of freedom that’s, um, oh so freeing. 

Cycle around Tangier

Tangier is a city that often gets left off visitors’ wishlists, but we think the ‘gateway to Africa’ is pretty fascinating. Set in the far north of the country, the port city is close to Spain, but has so much history and culture that it’s incomparable to anywhere else. And here, the whitewashed, hillside medina is certainly worth a visit, but there’s so much to see that our favorite activity is actually cycling around.

Where to bike? Well, start by visiting the Grottes d’Hercules (Caves of Hercules), a cave that Hercules (allegedly) stayed in. It’s an interesting little spot as it’s been used as a brothel, a concert venue and much more since. From here, venture to a dream day trip destination: Cap Spartel. Situated at the northwestern extremity of Africa’s Atlantic Coast, this 19th century lighthouse offers gorgeous views, a selection of beaches nearby, and a gorgeous journey to reach through the pine-covered headland. 

Try Berber cuisine in Aroumd

Morocco itself is a melting pot, so it will come as no surprise that the food is reflective of this – containing the best of Berber, Arabic and European influences. It’s full of fresh ingredients, served with exceptional hospitality, and, in fact, is so delicious that we dedicated our 10-day ‘Morocco Real Food Adventure’ to it. Experiences on it range from an olive press visit to a cous cous demonstration and dinner, but one of our most-loved has to be the homestay in Aroumd. 

For those of you not in the know, Aroumd is a small Berber village set in the sweeping High Atlas Mountains. It might be a long drive to get to, but the snow-dappled mountains (in winter) and valley in full flower (in warmer weather) are just magical. 

But, of course, it’s the people not the place that count for the most. And the Berber host family here are more than happy to share their orchard, and its culinary delights, with you. Surrounded by the smell of woodstoves and bread, you’ll learn how to prepare Berber cuisine (such as the iconic tagine) before enjoying a shared dinner overlooking mountain vistas and a memorable night’s stay. 

Shop in the Marrakech medina

 Marrakech’s medina is so special that it’s a genuine UNESCO Heritage Site. Walk around here and you’ll understand the allure. Its main landmark is the minaret of the Koutoubia mosque, but its Jemaa El-Fna square, the main square, where you’ll likely spend a lot of time. Overwhelming – thanks to the hive of activity and abundance of musicians, food stalls and craft-sellers – it’s also captivating. We recommend heading to any of the many rooftop terraces around the main square and watching it become (even more) alive at sundown. 

Seek out street art in Casablanca

We thought we’d end with a quirky option.. Because everyone loves a bit of street art, right? And the largest city in Morocco, Casablanca, has quite the up-and-coming creative feel to it. Graffiti included. And industrial slaughterhouse-turned-cultural center included too (yep, head to La Fabrique Culturelle des Anciens Abattoirs de Casablanca for street art exhibitions plus dance and music events). 

The old city is home to much of the street art, and it’s well worth a browse, especially as the murals you’ll see are some of the only and best in the country. This is no coincidence. Street art has been encouraged here, and whether you’re walking round the Al Hank neighborhood or lazing around the United Nations Square, you’ll see evidence of this. 

But it’s not just about the street art in Casablanca – the city provides an important insight into modern Morocco. It’s a country home to ‘Morocco Mall’ (one of the largest shopping centers in the continent), Art Deco villas and expats in fancy restaurants as much as it’s home to ancient medinas and souks. And it’s a country that never fails to surprise, bewilder, and delight.