Morocco is a fascinating country, and a stark contrast to its neighbouring African countries. With its Arab, Moorish, African and European influences, Morocco is home to an intoxicating blend of cultures. They seem to blend seamlessly to deliver outrageously good food, architecture anda  mix of languages. 

From the peace of the Sahara to the chaos of the Marrakesh medina, Morocco has a lil’ summin summin for every kind of traveller, you just need to know where to look. Whether you want to stay in a tent in the desert, a surf camp by the sea or a luxury riad in the city – I’ve got ya covered.

I’ve been lucky enough to visit Morocco more times than I can count, and honestly, I still feel like I could return time and time again and explore it further. I first visited in 2015 and fell in love with the colourful chaos of Marrakesh before venturing out to see the rest of the country. You can now often find me working away in a cafe in the surf town of Taghazout! 

Anyway, enough about me! It’s time to dive into the best places to stay in Morocco and what makes each special so that you can decide where you want to spend your time. So, let’s get into the good stuff and find which area of Morocco is best for you!

People shopping in a busy local market in Tangier, Morocco.
It’s time to trade a cold beer for hot tea! Let’s get into it.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short

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Morocco Neighbourhood Guide – Places to Stay in Morocco

BEST FOR FIRST TIMERS
A busy street with people, motorbikes and shops in the medina in Marrakech, Morocco.
BEST FOR FIRST TIMERS

Marrakesh

Marrakesh is home to cheap eats, bustling souks, gorgeous riads, and a ton of colour and chaos. It is a stimulating place that you’ll either love or hate!

BEST FOR YOUR BUDGET
Best Place to stay in Morocco for Families
BEST FOR YOUR BUDGET

Fez

Fez truly feels like you’ve transported into another world, with it’s maze-y medina and wild, old-world feel that is kinda confusing but also totally addictive. Plus, it’s brilliant for those travelling on a budget!

BEST FOR COUPLES
casablanca mosque by sea
BEST FOR COUPLES

Casablanca

Casablanca is a great spot to perch up for couples. It has a much calmer vibe than the big city medinas, and plenty of beaches, cafes, and open spaces to enjoy together without being too overwhelming.

BEST FOR FAMILIES
Where to Stay in Morocco on a Budget
BEST FOR FAMILIES

Essaouira

Home to beaches, relaxed streets and a more mellow medina that’s fun to explore without the intensity of Morocco’s big cities. You’ll find plenty of places to let the kids run around, plus there are plenty of surf-schools that cater for families of all levels.

MOST UNIQUE
A person looking out over the blue city of Chefchaouen, Morocco
MOST UNIQUE

Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen is a super unique place to stay in Morocco. It’s a bit off the beaten path and offers calm streets, epic mountain views and a more laid-back energy. This funky blue town is a great choice for travellers after something a lil’ different.

FOR ADVENTURE TRAVEL
Where to Stay in Morocco for Adventure
FOR ADVENTURE TRAVEL

Atlas Mountains/Sahara Desert

The Atlas Mountains and Sahara is without a doubt the place to go if you want to go on a real adventure and get completely away from the crowds. The mountain roads wind into tiny villages, then climb into big, empty landscapes, and at night you’ll get to marvel the the starriest skies you’ll ever see!

BEST FOR SURFING
a mirror showing a reflection of the beach, with blue boats docked on the shore and a camel standing on the sand in taghazout morocco
BEST FOR SURFING

Taghazout

Taghazout is one of the more up-and-coming places in Morocco. It is popular all year around with the surfing season being over the winter, and the beach-comers flocking in over the summer. It’s a tiny town, packed with surf-schools, cafes and a cool laid-back vibe.

A Guide to Morocco’s Best Cities

Visiting Morocco can be a wildly diverse adventure. If you head to the cities, you’ll experience a mildly addictive slap in the face of chaos and tradition. If you head to the coast, you’ll be surfing waves while camels roam the beach in front of you. And, if you head into the mountains and desert, you’ll feel like the only person on earth.

However, it’s a big country, and unless you’re planning on spending an extended amount of time here, you’ll have to pick and choose what you want to experience. So, on that note, let’s dive into the best places to stay in Morocco!

1. Marrakesh – The Overall Best Place to Stay

Marrakesh may not be Morocco’s capital, but it’s undeniably its #1 attraction. The city’s heartbeat is Jemaa el-Fna, where souks spill into the square and the air fills with spices, music, and the yells of traders. Beyond the bustle, calmer corners like Jardin Majorelle, the Bahia Palace, and the Koutoubia Mosque offer space to breathe from the chaos.

No trip to Morocco feels complete without at least a night here. Marrakesh is a vivid introduction to the country’s culture and history. After a day exploring some of the best places to visit, you’ll be grateful for somewhere comfortable to unwind.

For a classic experience, stay in the Old Medina. Its cafes, stalls, and traditional riads give you an authentic base and a peaceful retreat when the city’s intensity peaks. If you prefer something sleeker, Hivernage and Gueliz serve up epic nightlife, modern restaurants, and it’s here that you’ll find Marrakesh’s most luxurious hotels.

  • Location: Central Morocco, at the edge of the High Atlas Mountains.
  • Best for: Culture lovers, foodies, shoppers, couples, and adventurous first-timers.
  • Stay here if: You want a high-energy city packed with souks, history, rooftop cafes, and sensory overload.
  • Transport Level: Walkable within neighbourhoods; taxis needed between districts; no car required.
  • Ideal stay: 3-4 nights.
  • Best time to visit: March-May or October-November for warm, comfortable weather.
  • Skip it if: You’re craving a calm, low-stimulus break. Marrakech is full-on.
A busy street with people, motorbikes and shops in the medina in Marrakech, Morocco.
You’ll either love it… or hate it!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short

Things to See and Do:

  • Explore the souks of the Medina and shop for spices, textiles, and handmade crafts.
  • Visit the iconic Jardin Majorelle and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum.
  • Experience the energy of Jemaa el-Fnaa Square at sunset.
  • Take a day trip to the Agafay Desert or the Atlas Mountains.
  • Wander through the Bahia Palace and El Badi Palace.
  • Relax in a traditional hammam for a steam and scrub.
  • Rock the Kasbah at Bab Agnaou, one of the two original gateways and a great place to spot storks!

Riad Veridis | Best Hotel

hotel and riad veridis morocco

Riad Veridis feels calm the second you step inside, with beautiful details everywhere and a rooftop that’s perfect after the chaos of the medina. The staff were genuinely lovely, breakfast was great, and the whole place just felt like a little oasis while staying in Marrakesh.

The Central House Marrakech Medina | Best Hostel

The Central House Marrakech Medina

When people usually think of hostels, they don’t have something this fancy in mind. It may not be the cheapest hostel in Marrakesh, but who cares when you can enjoy a rooftop terrace and swimming pool? With Air-conditioned rooms, comfy beds and a delicious traditional breakfast served daily. This snazzy hostel stands out above many in Marrakesh!

Private Luxury Riad with heated pool | Best Large Group Airbnb

Private Luxury Riad with heated pool

Located In the Medina neighbourhood, experience a slice of luxury with this five-bedroom snazzy Airbnb. Combining the traditional riad architecture with modern-day luxuries, you can experience traditional Moroccan culture without sacrificing your comforts. It can fit up to 10 people, so rally up your mates – the more of you there are, the cheaper it becomes. It’s one of the best Moroccan Airbnbs.

2. Fez – Best Place to Stay on a Budget

Fez is an unconventional, fascinating city, AND it’s one of the best places in Morocco if you’re travelling on a budget. The architecture is incredible, blending 8th-century roots with later dynasties and colonial touches, yet the prices for food, riads, and activities stay surprisingly low. Even the famous medieval tannery is free to visit… though you might want to brace yourself for the smell.

The Old Medina is the ideal base for budget travellers. It’s car-free, atmospheric, and packed with affordable riads tucked down cobbled alleyways. Other great-value areas include the Blue Gate and Fez el-Jdid, the “new” part of the medina that’s still centuries old. The train station area is convenient for onward travel, but it won’t give you the same authentic feel.

As Morocco’s cultural capital, Fez is perfect if you love history, craftsmanship, and exploring on foot without having to take out a mortgage to fund your trip. You can also pick up gorgeous leather goods around the tannery for far less than you would in Marrakesh.

  • Location: Northern Morocco, in the foothills between the Rif and Middle Atlas Mountains.
  • Best for: Budget travel, culture, history, food, and artisan shopping.
  • Stay here if: You want an immersive, old-world experience inside one of the most atmospheric medinas on the planet.
  • Transport Level: The medina is fully walkable (and maze-like). Taxis are needed for newer districts.
  • Ideal stay: 2-3 nights.
  • Best time to visit: March-May or September-November for warm but comfortable weather.
  • Skip it if: You get overwhelmed easily. Fez is intense, traditional, and wonderfully chaotic.
tannery in Fez
Top tip: visit the tannery, but hold your nose.

Things To See and Do:

  • Explore the labyrinth of the Fes el-Bali Medina, one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world.
  • Visit the Chouara Tannery and watch leather being dyed in centuries-old stone vats.
  • Admire the intricate tilework at Bou Inania Madrasa and Al-Attarine Madrasa.
  • Wander through the Royal Palace gates in Fes el-Jdid.
  • Shop for pottery, leather goods, and traditional crafts in the artisan souks.
  • Relax in a rooftop café overlooking the medina’s maze of rooftops and minarets.
  • Take a cooking class to learn classic Moroccan dishes.
  • Visit the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts.
  • Walk up to the Merenid Tombs for panoramic sunset views over the city.
  • Take a day trip to the Roman ruins of Volubilis or the blue streets of Chefchaouen.

Dar Fes Tresor | Best Hotel

Dar Fes Tresor

Located in the Old Medina, Fez El-Bali, this guest house-style hotel is an awesome base, and it’s great for a stay with kids! A delicious breakfast is included as part of the deal, too. Deluxe quadruple rooms comfortably fit a family of four.

Riad Verus | Best Hostel

Riad Verus

Travelling on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice an incredible experience, as this Moroccan hostel proves. There are free board games and a cinema room to come back to after your day of exploring the medina or heading out on a day trip. The quadruple private room will suit a family.

Amazing Whole Riad in Fez Medina | Best Airbnb

Amazing Whole Riad in Fez Medina

If you’re travelling in a group, look no further than this Fez Airbnb. You’d think that a traditional riad with space for seven would break the bank, but no. That’s the beauty of travelling in a country where the cost of travel is generally quite low! It’s a stone’s throw from the city’s Spice Market.


3. Casablanca – Where to Stay for Couples

More modern than either of the locations we’ve looked at so far, Casablanca isn’t quite as charming or atmospheric as Fez or Marrakesh. However, it’s still well worth a visit. Its French colonial architecture is mixed with traditional Moorish buildings and traditional Arab culture. There are lots of museums and palaces to visit, as well as the world’s second-largest mosque. Plus, it’s on the coast, so you can spend some time enjoying some of the best Moroccan beaches.

The Corniche, locally known as the Ain Diab neighbourhood, is one of the best parts of town to stay in, thanks to a long beach and a number of beach bars and surf clubs. Couples will be able to enjoy a romantic experience in the Habous Quarter, which is where the most beautiful buildings and best restaurants can be found.

  • Location: Western Morocco, on the Atlantic Coast.
  • Best for: Modern vibes, architecture, food, business, and coastal walks.
  • Stay here if: You want a big city experience, or to visit Art Deco streets, and the iconic Hassan II Mosque.
  • Transport Level: Good trams and taxis. Walkable in certain areas.
  • Ideal stay: 1-2 nights.
  • Best time to visit: March-June or September-November to avoid the scorching heat and enjoy milder coastal weather.
  • Skip it if: You’re expecting a traditional, medina-heavy Moroccan experience. Casablanca is modern, urban, and not built for sightseeing.
casablanca mosque by sea
Casa Blanca is famous for its Hassan II Mosque.

Things To See and Do:

  • Visit the spectacular Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world.
  • Stroll along the Corniche for ocean views, cafes, and a chill coastal vibe.
  • Explore the Art Deco architecture in the city centre.
  • Wander through the Old Medina for a more traditional side of Casablanca.
  • Visit the Villa des Arts for contemporary Moroccan artwork.
  • Stop by the Royal Palace (you can’t go inside, but the exterior is super impressive).
  • Browse the boutiques and restaurants at Morocco Mall.
  • Enjoy fresh seafood at the port or a rooftop drink overlooking the Atlantic.
  • Take a day trip to Rabat for a quieter, more historic contrast to Casablanca.

Relax Hotel Casa Voyageurs | Best Hotel

Relax Hotel Casa Voyageurs

This three-star hotel is a little out of the centre, but the Roches Noires district means you can immerse yourself in the local culture, go for walks on the beach, and save yourself some cash all at the same time. Rooms are clean and comfortable. It’s a fabulous place to stay in Casablanca.

L’Hostel à Casablanca | Best Hostel

L'Hostel a Casablanca

Out-and-out hostels aren’t that common in Casablanca, but they do exist. L’Hostel is located in a Moroccan villa – a bit of an oasis in the city! More than just a place to sleep, return from a day of discovery to chill out in the garden or on the terrace. Deluxe private rooms will suit couples more than the dorms.

Charming & Chic Studio with Nice View | Best Airbnb

Charming & Chic Studio with Nice View

This gorgeous Casablanca Airbnb is one of the most romantic places to stay in Morocco. Close to the Corniche neighbourhood, it offers views of the ocean and the Anfa hills. The design makes this a lovely place to spend an evening together with the ocean, beachy vibes. It’s honestly one of my favourite places I’ve stayed in all of Morocco.

4. Essaouira – Best for Families

Essaouira is one of the easiest, most enjoyable places in Morocco for families. It’s relaxed, safe, and a wonderfully walkable place to explore. It’s a total contrast to the intensity of the bigger cities like Marrakesh and Fez. Known as the Wind City of Africa, it’s famous for surfing, wide beaches, and breezy coastal vibes! It’s also one of the kinder places to visit in Morocco to your wallet, especially if you stay just outside of the busy hot spots.

The best time to visit is April to November, when the weather is warm, and the surf schools are in full swing. But even outside peak season, Essaouira’s medina is a families friendly activity to explore. It is compact, friendly, and far less overwhelming than the likes of Marrakesh or Fez.

If you’re here for the waves, there are plenty of family-friendly surf camps that cater to all levels. Otherwise, you’ll find a great mix of riads, small hotels, and guesthouses to stay in. Many have rooftops or courtyards where you can unwind after a day at the beach with a view of the sea.

  • Location: Atlantic Coast of Morocco, west of Marrakech.
  • Best for: Families, beaches, slow travellers, surfing, first-timers.
  • Stay here if: You want a chilled medina, great seafood, ocean views, and a slower pace.
  • Transport Level: Walkable medina. And taxis are available for getting to beaches and the outskirts.
  • Ideal stay: 2-3 nights.
  • Best time to visit: April-June or September-November for warm days and steadier coastal winds.
  • Skip it if: You want heat and stillness. Essaouira is famously windy year-round!
Where to Stay in Morocco on a Budget

Things To See and Do:

  • Wander the mellow, white-and-blue medina of Essaouira.
  • Walk the city walls and Skala de la Ville for epic ocean views.
  • Spend a day on the wide sandy beach, perfect for the kids to run around.
  • Try a family surf or kite-surf lesson, the schools cater to all ages and levels.
  • Browse the artisan workshops for woodwork, jewellery, and textiles.
  • Visit the fishing port to watch the boats come in and sample fresh seafood.
  • Relax in a rooftop cafe overlooking the medina and ocean.
  • Explore the Jewish Quarter (Mellah) for a quieter taste of history.

Suite Azur Hotel | Best Hotel

Suite Azur Hotel

This is right up among the top places to stay in Morocco. Just look at the beautiful roof terrace with a swimming pool! An ideal place to spend an afternoon topping up your tan and letting the kids splash around. The rooms are spacious for families and have a private bathroom, plus breakfast is included.

The Chill Art | Best Hostel

the chill art hostel morocco

I really loved my stay at The Chill Art. It’s super relaxed, colourful, and has that chill vibe that makes meeting people feel easy. The rooftop is a ridiculously cool spot to chill out with a mint tea while you take in the views. The staff are lovely, and the location is ideal for exploring Essaouira. It’s honestly just a really f’ing cool place to stay. But potentially not with young kids… sorry, families!

Spacious Central Apartment | Best Airbnb

Spacious Central Apartment

For those who are looking to enjoy a mix of the Old Town and the beach, Airbnb is the answer – with this spacious central apartment. It’s part of a 17th-century riad, and we’re sure that you’ll love the natural light, traditional floors, and blue wooden ceilings. The king Bed is a dream for couples.

5. Chefchaouen – The Most Unique Places to Stay

If you’re looking for a Moroccan city that feels genuinely unlike anywhere else, Chefchaouen is the one. The whole place is washed in blue, walls, doors, steps, alleyways!

Despite its Instagram picture-perfect outside, the medina still feels authentic and slow-paced, and has a real sense of mountain life present. The town is small, so you don’t need to stress too much about neighbourhoods or ending up miles from the centre.

Pretty much everywhere you book should be close enough to the medina, and most places will be housed in traditional buildings rather than modern blocks. And, because it’s so popular with travellers, the accommodation standard is surprisingly high!

  • Location: Northern Morocco, in the Rif Mountains.
  • Best for: Slow travel, photography, mountain views, relaxed trips, first-timers.
  • Stay here if: You want blue-washed streets, relaxed cafes, and a peaceful break from Morocco’s big cities.
  • Transport Level: Walkable medina. Taxis for trailheads and venturing further.
  • Ideal stay: 1-2 nights.
  • Best time to visit: March-May or September-November for milder weather and clear mountain views.
  • Skip it if: You want big-city energy or a packed sightseeing agenda. Chefchaouen is all about slow living.
A person looking out over the blue city of Chefchaouen, Morocco
Worth the 3-hour bus ride.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short

Things To See and Do:

  • You can spend hours just wandering the blue medina.
  • Walk up to the Spanish Mosque for sunset views.
  • Visit the Kasbah in the main square.
  • Chill in Outa el Hammam with a mint tea.
  • Browse small shops for rugs and local crafts.
  • Go on easy hikes in the Rif Mountains.
  • Do a day trip to Akchour waterfalls.

Résidence Hoteliére Chez Aziz | Best Hotel

Residence Hoteliere Chez Aziz

You won’t find a lot of regular hotels in Chefchaouen. This residence is an aparthotel, so you’ll have your own private space without seeing too much of a dent in your budget. Breakfast is included – perfect fuel for a day of exploring the medina.

Aline Hostel | Best Hostel

Aline Hostel

Greeted by panoramic views of the incredible mountains that surround this hostel. Aline Hostel is a welcoming home for budget backpackers to meet, connect and make memories. The helpful staff will not only help you navigate your way around the maze of cobblestone streets, but also offer tips on how to get to awesome sites nearby, such as Akchour waterfalls and God’s Bridge.

Magnifique Studio au centre de l’ancienne Medina | Best Airbnb

Magnifique Studio au centre de l’ancienne Medina

This cosy and comfortable studio is right in the heart of Chefchaouen’s fabled medina. As well as a double bed, you’ve got a kitchen, so you can keep your costs down by preparing your own meals. Of course, if you can’t be bothered to cook, there are some tasty restaurants and cafes on your doorstep.

6. Atlas Mountains/Sahara Desert – Where to Stay for Adventure

If you’re a nature lover or outdoor enthusiast and looking for the best areas to stay in Morocco, then take a closer look at the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert. Both covering a vast area of land, you’ll need to spend a few days here to enjoy some of the most enticing activities in Africa, including camel trekking, overnight camping, and hiking and biking in the mountains.

If you’re interested in the desert, Ouarzazate and Mhamid are good bases – but it’ll take a camel trek or a 4 x 4 to get to the camps right in the Sahara. While you can visit the Atlas Mountains on day trips from other Moroccan cities, Imlil is a good place to start if you want the full experience.

Both the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert offer a great chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the cities, and I’d wholeheartedly recommend staying overnight in the desert for one or more nights. You’ll never see so many stars in your life!

  • Location: Central and southern Morocco, stretching from the High Atlas near Marrakech to the dunes of Merzouga and Zagora.
  • Best for: Slow travel, hiking, desert camps, big landscapes and even bigger adventures.
  • Stay here if: You want mountain villages, dramatic passes, desert sunsets, camel treks, and star-filled skies
  • Transport Level: A car or private transfer is ideal. Public transport is limited and slow in remote areas.
  • Ideal stay: 2-4 nights, depending on whether you’re doing mountains, desert, or both.
  • Best time to visit: March-May or September-November for comfortable temperatures in both the mountains and the dunes.
  • Skip it if: You dislike long drives. Reaching the Sahara involves hours on the road, but the payoff is huge.
Atlas Mountains Morocco
A completely contrast to the city chaos.

Things To See and Do:

  • Explore Berber villages for a glimpse of everyday mountain life.
  • Hike in the High Atlas on short trails or full-day routes.
  • Visit Aït Benhaddou, the famous clay-brick ksar used in films.
  • Drive the Tizi n’Tichka Pass for epic views and winding mountain roads.
  • Stay in a desert camp and experience a night in the dunes.
  • Ride camels over the sand for the classic Sahara experience.
  • Watch sunrise and sunset in the desert when the colours change.
  • Stargaze under clear desert skies with nearly no light pollution.
  • Visit Todra Gorge for huge canyon walls and easy walks.
  • Walk through Dades Valley to see the rock formations and small villages.

Chez Le Pacha (Mhamid) | Best Hotel

Chez Le Pacha Mhamid

Made up of a mix of Berber tents and African huts, Chez le Pacha feels like it’s at the end of the world. It’s on the last road before you properly enter the Sahara. When it gets too cold to take a dip in the cool, share a warming cocktail with a camel instead. Yes, really! There’s an enclosure by the hotel bar where orphaned Jamelia can hang out with guests.

Riad Ouassaggou (Imlil) | Best Budget Stay

Riad Ouassaggou (Imlil)

Right in the High Atlas Mountains, this friendly guesthouse offers the ideal place to plan your next trek. It’s perfectly positioned if you’re planning to ascend to the summit of Toukbal. Located in the traditional village of Imlil, there’s delish Moroccan cuisine offered on-site too.

Ali & Sara’s Desert Palace | Best Airbnb

ali and sara s desert palace morocco

An unforgettable experience awaits you in Merzouga. The gateway to the Sahara Desert, you’ll be able to stay in a typical Moroccan desert camp. Experience traditional Berber-style desert tents with clean, comfortable beds and massive shower rooms with flush toilets. This is an ideal place for families or groups of friends exploring Morocco’s great outdoors.

7. Taghazout – Best Place To Stay For Surfing

Taghazout has been on the rise for a good few years now. With a coastline packed with surf-breaks that cater for every ability, surfers of all abilities are flocking to this tiny coastal town. From the pros at Anchor Point to beginner-friendly white wash at Panorama Beach.

The town itself can get pretty busy; it is bustling with restaurants, shops and surf schools. It’s home to a mix of locals, long-term travellers and plenty of digital nomads, which gives the place a more easy-going feel. Most people will spend their time here doing yoga, surfing, chilling on rooftops, watching the sunset or just sipping tea in the local cafes. It’s not fancy, but that’s kinda the whole point.

Due to its rise in popularity, there are plenty of places to stay here. From cute guesthouses to a huge range of surf hostels, you’ll have plenty to choose from. Everything is close together and walkable, so you don’t need to worry too much about where you decide to stay.

If you want to experience a similar surfy vibe, with a lot fewer people, you can choose to stay in Tamraght, just 15 minutes up the road. I stayed here during my recent visit, and dare I say it was much more enjoyable than the now slightly-too-commercialised town of Taghazout.

Top tip: Book a place with a rooftop! Most places have them, and they are gorgeous at sunset.

  • Location: Atlantic Coast of Morocco, just north of Agadir.
  • Best for: Digital nomads, slow travel, surfing, beachy days, yoga, chilled trips.
  • Stay here if: You want mellow days, surf lessons, smoothie bowls, and yoga rooftops.
  • Transport Level: Walkable village. Taxis or buses to Agadir. No car is needed unless you want to explore further up the coast.
  • Ideal stay: 2-4 nights.
  • Best time to visit: September-April for the best surf; May-August for warm, sunny beach days.
  • Skip it if: You want culture, medinas, or nightlife. Taghazout is simple, sleepy, and all about the waves.

Things To See and Do:

  • Surf at one of the local breaks like Panorama (beginner) or Anchor Point (advanced).
  • Take a yoga class overlooking the sea.
  • Walk the rugged beachfront path and stop at small cafes.
  • Join a surf lesson or a multiday surf camp.
  • Relax on the beach and watch the sunset.
  • Visit nearby beaches like Tamraght or Imourane.
  • Try fresh seafood at a simple local restaurant.
  • Explore Paradise Valley for swimming holes and palm-lined views.

Taghazout Life | Best Hotel

taghazout life morocco

Taghazout Life is a fabulous place to stay by the sea. It’s got the key feature – an epic rooftop to relax on at the end of your days spent in the sea.

It won’t break the bank, but feels a bit like an affordable luxury stay for a backpacker on a budget.

Moonlight Surf Hostel | Best Hostel

moonlight surf hostel morocco

Staying at Moonlight Surf Hostel felt super easy and relaxed. Everything’s new, clean, and comfortable, and the hostel, Mohamed, genuinely looks after everyone.

The rooftop is the best bit, it’s quiet, sunny, and the perfect place to unwind with a hot tea after surfing. It’s super close to the beach and town, too.

Playa Private Room | Best Budget Airbnb

playa private room morocco

You can’t get much cooler, or much more Moroccan, than this Airbnb. It is literally on the beach; you will step out of the guesthouse and be on the sand. It’s right in the centre of town and looks over Hash Point, one of the best surf points in town. There is a shared common area on the rooftop (tick!) where you can catch the sunset. This place is a HUGE winner, you won’t want to miss this stay.

How to Pick Where to Stay in Morocco

Deciding where to base yourself in Morocco starts with deciding what kind of experience you’re after. The country is wildly diverse, and the pace often feels better when you don’t try to cover too much ground.

Decide on your mood. If you want to experience the full chaos of a Moroccan city, Marrakech, Fez, and Casablanca each offer their own take on it. For seaside, slower days, Essaouira and Taghazout are my fav coastal picks. If big landscapes are calling, the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara give you mountains, valleys, dunes, and those mega desert skies. And for something peaceful and ridiculously photogenic, Chefchaouen is a classic mountain escape.

Time matters more than people expect. Distances are long, and mountain or desert routes can be super slow. With just a few days, stick to one base and properly sink into it. With a week, two bases, usually a city plus either the coast or the mountains, works really well. Ten days or more gives you room for a third stop without feeling crazy rushed.

Think about transport, too. If you’re not renting a car, it’s easiest to base yourself in well-connected spots like Marrakech, Fez, Casablanca, Essaouira, Taghazout, or Chefchaouen. However, if you do decide to rent a car, you’ll have the freedom to explore more remote spots on your own schedule.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Morocco

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

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Which Part of Morocco Should You Choose?

Whether you want to go trekking through the Atlas Mountains, pick up some bargain artisan crafts in the souks of Marrakech, or even camp out under millions of stars in the Sahara Desert, Morocco is sure to leave its stamp on you.

It’s a country that gets a real mixed bag of reviews, especially from travellers who only experience the touts and crowd of Marrakesh. But for every one traveller who can tell you a ton of reasons not to visit Morocco, you’ll find two to tell you why you should (like me!)

So, go forth, fellow traveller and experience it for yourself. Report back with what you find. I’d love to know what you think. Happy travels!

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