About Morocco: facts, culture and travel tips

Morocco is known for the Sahara desert and the Erg Chebbi dunes, the imperial cities of Marrakech, Fes, Meknes and Rabat, the blue town of Chefchaouen, the Atlas Mountains, its souks and crafts, mint tea, tagine and couscous.

Morocco is a popular destination and most visitors travel without problems. Use common sense: watch your belongings in crowded places, agree prices before you buy or take a taxi, use official guides and check your government's travel advice before you go. A private driver and local guide make the trip easier.

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are usually the most comfortable for cities, mountains and the Sahara. Summer is very hot inland and in the desert, and winter nights in the Sahara and the Atlas are cold. The coast is mild most of the year.

The Moroccan dirham (MAD). Cards are accepted in many hotels and restaurants in the cities, but you need cash for markets, taxis, small shops and tips. Withdraw dirhams from ATMs or exchange money at banks and exchange offices in Morocco, and check the rate before you change.

Many nationalities, including citizens of the EU, UK, US, Canada and Australia, can enter Morocco without a visa for up to 90 days. Rules change, so check the official requirements and your passport validity with the Moroccan embassy or your government's travel advice before you book.

The official languages are Arabic and Amazigh (Berber). Moroccans also speak Darija, a local Arabic dialect, and French is widely used in business and tourism. English is common in tourism, and Spanish is spoken in the north. Our guides speak English and Spanish.

Rabat is the capital. Casablanca is the largest city, Marrakech and Fes are the best-known tourist cities, and Tangier is the main gateway from Europe.

Choose light, loose clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, especially in medinas, villages and religious areas, and carry a scarf. Bring a warm layer for evenings and the desert. We explain it in detail in our Moroccan clothing guide.

A short stay of 3 to 4 days can cover Marrakech and a Sahara trip. With 8 to 10 days you add Fes, Chefchaouen and the coast, and 14 days lets you see the main regions at a relaxed pace. We adapt each tour to your dates.

Distances are long and mountain roads are slow, so many visitors choose a private driver with a local guide. Trains are good between Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca and Marrakech, but they do not reach the Sahara or the mountains.

Try tagine, couscous (traditionally served on Fridays), pastilla, harira soup, grilled meats, fresh bread and mint tea. Food markets, riads and local restaurants are a big part of the experience.

Send us your dates and number of travellers with the contact form, by WhatsApp or by email. We reply with a free, no-obligation quote and, when you are happy with it, we confirm the booking.