Morocco: Complete Travel Guide
Everything about Morocco: Marrakech, the Sahara Desert, medinas, Moroccan cuisine and tips for an unforgettable adventure.
Why Morocco Fascinates
Just a 2-hour flight from Spain, Morocco is another world. Labyrinthine medinas, the Sahara Desert, Atlas Mountains, riads with dreamy courtyards and hospitality you won't forget. All at very affordable prices.
Top Destinations
Marrakech
Jemaa el-Fna Square at sunset is a unique sensory experience. The souks, Majorelle Gardens, palaces and riads with pools in the medina's heart.
Daily budget: 25-60€
Fez
The world's largest medieval medina. More authentic and less touristy than Marrakech. Chouara tannery, madrasas and artisan crafts.
Daily budget: 20-50€
Chefchaouen
The Blue City. Blue-painted streets in the Rif mountains. Perfect for photos and relaxing after the chaos of big cities.
Daily budget: 15-40€
Sahara Desert (Merzouga)
Sleep in a luxury camp among sand dunes, sunset camel ride and a starry sky you'll never forget.
Daily budget: 30-80€ (tour included)
Essaouira
Relaxed coastal town with kitesurfing winds, a fishing port and a bohemian medina. Perfect after Marrakech.
Daily budget: 20-50€
Moroccan Cuisine
- Tagine — Slow-cooked stew in a clay pot. Chicken with lemon, lamb with prunes...
- Couscous — The Friday dish, with vegetables and meat
- Pastilla — Flaky pastry filled with chicken, almonds and cinnamon
- Harira — Lentil and chickpea soup, a Ramadan classic
- Mechoui — Whole roasted lamb, tender and spiced
- Mint Tea — The national drink, sweet and comforting
- Msemen — Moroccan flatbread, perfect for breakfast
- Moroccan Sweets — Gazelle horns, chebakia, briwat
Budget
| Category | Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort | |----------|-----------|-----------|---------| | Accommodation | 8-20€ | 25-60€ | 70-200€ | | Food | 3-8€ | 10-20€ | 25-50€ | | Transport | 3-8€ | 10-20€ | 20-50€ | | Total/day | 14-36€ | 45-100€ | 115-300€ |
Essential Tips
Warning
Bargaining is part of the culture in souks and markets. The initial price is usually 3-5 times the real price. Negotiate with humor and respect.
Tip
Book a riad (traditional house with courtyard) instead of a hotel. For 25-50€ you get an authentic experience with Moroccan breakfast included.
- Dress — Dress modestly, especially outside tourist areas. Cover shoulders and knees
- Scams — Unofficial guides, fake "friends" leading you to shops. Be firm but polite
- Cash — Moroccan dirham (MAD). Exchange at banks, not on the street
- Ramadan — Tourist restaurants stay open, but respect those fasting
- Transport — CTM and Supratours are reliable bus companies. Trains connect Tangier-Casablanca-Marrakech
- Photos — Ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural areas