11 of the best things to do in Morocco

1. Trekking in the Atlas Mountains

Exploring the red peaks and winding riverbeds of the Atlas Mountains in central Morocco is one of our favourite things to do in Morocco. Weaving your way through deep valleys dotted with almond trees, you can hike across lunar-like landscapes and sloping hills beneath clear blue skies. After taking on Mount Toubkal (the highest mountain peak in North Africa), one of our expert local guides will take you to one of the mountains’ small Berber villages. Drinking (very) sweet Moroccan mint tea and learning about their traditional way of life, you’ll look out across high passes and mountain trails swathed in green foliage, snow, or almond blossom (depending on the season).

2. Volunteer with local associations

One of our favourite places to visit in Morocco in the Atlas Mountains is the village of Aghzane. Here, you can learn about a local association working to improve employment opportunities for the women of the region as well as discovering the remarkable efforts the village has undertaken to build a local gite (or, inn) for visitors. Meeting the minds behind these inspiring projects, you can gain a unique first-hand insight into the local community through a regenerative travel experience, working with them to create a lasting, positive impact for this place they call home. In order to support a cause very close to our hearts, we’ll make a donation to the project on your behalf if you wish to include this experience as part of your bespoke trip to Morocco.

3. Private hot air balloon ride over Morocco

Taking to the skies in a private hot air balloon, you can watch as the sun rises over Morocco’s mesmerising landscapes like the Sahara Desert or the Atlas Mountains. Floating over mountain peaks, soft deserts, and Berber villages, you’ll cosy up under blankets as the Sahara breeze whistles through your hair. When the pink and orange hues of the African sun start to fade, you can make your way back to the ground followed by a private champagne breakfast between the dunes. Don’t mind if you do.

4. Stay in a luxury camp in the Agafay Desert

When deciding what to do in Morocco and where to stay, we have a lot of suggestions. But one that combines the best of both worlds is the chance to stay in a luxury camp in the Agafay Desert just 30km south of Marrakech.

First up, there’s Caravan by Habitas, a tented camp sprawled across the dunes. After being welcomed with ice-filled glasses of fresh pomegranate juice (with a dusting of chili), you can follow trails lined with lanterns and olive trees to your private tent or lodge. Later, you can enjoy music, tagine, and starlit skies. Then, there’s Scarabeo Camp, where you can relax in the shade of eucalyptus trees and in tents decorated with Berber rugs and lattice lanterns. But that’s not all. Once every six months, the owners up-sticks and move the entire camp to the perfect spot for the coming seasons. Here, the scenery is – quite literally – ever-changing.

5. Experience a traditional hammam in Marrakech

Hammams, like Turkish baths, are an important part of Moroccan culture. Locals often spend hours (and hours) relaxing in their go-to spot. With steam, soaps, and salts, you can indulge with a soothing hammam treatment in the heart of Marrakech. Heading deep into the ancient medina, we’ll show you where to go in Morocco for the ultimate hammam. Here, you can find Riad Farnatchi with its eucalyptus-scented spa and private marble rooms, and La Villa des Orangers, where you can relax by candlelight, with the (rather apt) scent of orange blossom.

6. Eat at the best restaurants in Marrakech

Morrocco is known for its food. Dishes piled high with olive-scattered couscous; traditional lamb tagines packed with spices. Fresh “khobz” bread – and homemade hummus. Unsurprisingly, some of the best places to visit in Morocco are the restaurants. One of our favourites? Le Foundouk. Tucked away in Marrakech’s sprawling medina, take a seat at the restaurant’s candlelit rooftop terrace overlooking the city; savouring dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients and sipping on Moroccan wine (or sweet mint tea). There are other local eateries, of course (we have a list). This is just a taste.

7. Visit Chefchaouen, Morocco’s Blue City

Nicknamed the “Blue Pearl”, Chefchaouen is picture-perfect. Exploring this enchanting blue city located high in the Rif Mountains is one of our top things to do in Morocco. With henna-dyed walls – a tradition that is said to date back to the 1930s – these terracotta-tiled houses are painted with a fresh coat of oceanic blue every year. Your expert local guide will lead you to the Casbah (the city’s 15th-century fortress) and the bazaar, where you can learn about local folktales and music, watching as shepherds herd their goats across cool stones and locals draw water from wells.

8. Explore the hustle and bustle of Fez medina

Fez, a historic city with its own UNESCO-listed medieval medina, is one of the best places to visit in Morocco. Exploring cobbled courtyards decorated with mosaic fountains and narrow alleyways lined with chebakia (sweet doughnuts sprinkled in sesame) and olive stalls (picked from the city’s surrounding hillsides), you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. We’ll then take you to Chouara, the most famous tannery in the world, where you can learn the art of leather making as you walk between 11th-century stone vessels filled with colourful dyes.

9. Get a taste of the country’s best dishes with culinary tours in Morocco

Marrakech is a delight for the senses. So, it’s only natural that one of our favourite things to do in Morocco is to head to the souks – and then, the kitchen. Passing stalls piled high with spices – cumin, harissa, ginger, cinnamon – and drink carts serving fresh pomegranate and sugar cane juice, you can source (and barter for) the freshest ingredients with your local guide. In the shade of a tranquil courtyard, you can learn the historic techniques that have been passed down through generations before dining on the dishes you’ve prepared.

10. Stay in a traditional Moroccan riad in Marrakech

Resting up at a riad (complete with an indoor courtyard and a garden lit by lanterns), is one of the most enchanting things to do in Morocco. In one of these traditional Moroccan houses (or palaces), you can swim beneath banana palms, indulge in candlelit hammams, and relax in your elegant private suite. In the heart of Marrakech’s medina, we’ll take you to one (or several) of these tranquil hideaways right at the centre of things. The perfect place to explore, and the perfect place to unwind. Put simply, you’ll get the best of both worlds.

11. Tour Marrakech by sidecar

As luxury travel experts, we’re always on the lookout for new (and unusual) ways to explore. This time, by vintage sidecar. Dashing through the streets and souks of Marrakech, you’ll be in good hands (the best, really) as your drivers – and knowledgeable local guides – navigate the glorious chaos of the medina. It’s thrilling (and very fun). If you’re seeking something different to do in Morocco, we’ve got you covered.

There’s plenty more things to see and do in Morocco. The list goes on. And on. When you’re ready to start planning your bespoke trip to Morocco, just say the word and our luxury Travel Experts will craft a trip entirely tailored to you and your passions.