Morocco
Why visit Morocco?
While Morocco is the most visited country in Africa, it still offers plenty off-the-beaten-path destinations for those looking beyond the tourist trail. It remains one of North Africa’s most captivating and colorful countries. Ancient medinas, sweeping deserts, and remote mountain villages come together in a vibrant tapestry of culture and tradition.
The country is divided into several distinct regions: the north offers a Mediterranean charm, the High Atlas Mountains provide dramatic alpine landscapes, and the south is home to the windswept dunes of the Sahara. Each area reveals a different facet of Morocco’s rich blend of Arab, Berber, and French influences.
Quick Country Facts
Capital
Rabat
Currency
Moroccon Dirham (MAD / Dh)
1€ = 10,41Dh
Population
37,7 Million
Languages
Arabic, French, Berber
Best time to visit
October - May
Food
Tajine - Slow-cooked spiced Stew
Couscous - Steamed semolina with vegetables
Harira - Hearty tomato-lentil soup
Safety
Morocco is generally safe for visitors in 2025. While the country faced instability during the Arab Spring in 2011 and a terrorist incident in 2018 involving two Scandinavian tourists, Morocco has since significantly strengthened its security and remains one of the most stable destinations in North Africa today.
That said, petty crime like pickpocketing is common in crowded areas, particularly in cities like Marrakech and Casablanca. As Morocco is also the most visited country in Africa, tourist scams are widespread, ranging from overly persistent “guides” to inflated prices for basic services, especially in major urban centers.
Solo travelers, including women, can explore Morocco safely by taking some standard precautions. Dress modestly, stay in well-lit areas after dark, and be confident when dealing with pushy vendors or unsolicited attention.
For a more detailed analysis read my Blog Post Is Morocco save to visit in 2025?
Before you go
Visa
Visa free for EU, UK and US citizens, as well as many latin american and asian countries.
Nationalities without free visa can apply online.
Getting around Morocco is relatively easy and budget-friendly. Intercity travel is best done by bus or shared taxis (called grand taxis), which connect towns and cities efficiently. Popular bus companies like CTM and Supratours offer comfortable and reliable service across the country.
For longer distances, Morocco has a growing train network, including high-speed rail between Casablanca, Rabat, and Tangier. In rural or remote areas, grand taxis and local minibuses (collectifs) are often the only options. Always make sure to agree on a price beforehand and don’t be afraid to haggle.
Transport
Difficulty
Morocco is often the first country in Africa many travelers visit. With a solid tourism infrastructure, a wide range of hotels and hostels easily found online, and travel apps like GetYourGuide, it’s beginner-friendly and relatively easy to navigate. Especially in popular cities like Marrakech, Fes, or Chefchaouen, it’s simple to plan day trips, book tours, and find your way around — though you’ll mostly stay on the well-trodden tourist path if you rely solely on these tools.
For newer travelers, Morocco may still require patience, especially when dealing with haggling, persistent touts, or common tourist scams, which can be tiring at times. But stepping beyond organized tours brings a different side of the country. Once outside the major cities and typical hotspots, travel becomes more relaxed, and you’re likely to encounter warm hospitality and a more authentic enviroment.
Morocco is well connected to Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Africa, making it an easy country to access for most travelers.
✈️ Arrival by Air
Morocco has several international airports that serve as main gateways into the country:
Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) – The busiest and best connected, with many international flights.
Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) – A popular choice for travelers headed straight to the city’s vibrant medina.
Fes-Saïss Airport (FEZ) – Convenient for exploring northern Morocco and cities like Fes or Chefchaouen.
⛴️ Arrival by Sea
If you’re coming from Europe, Morocco is also accessible via ferry:
From Spain: The shortest and most common sea routes are from Algeciras or Tarifa to Tangier or Tangier Med. Ferries run frequently and are often used by overland travelers.
From France and Italy: There are longer ferry connections to Tangier Med, though they’re less frequent.
🚗 Arrival by Land
Algeria: All land borders with Algeria are closed and have been for decades.
Mauritania: The Guerguerat border is open but located in a politically sensitive area. Learn more about the Mauritania border in my Blog Is Morocco save to visit in 2025?
Getting in
Budget
Morocco is ant affordable travel destination, especially for backpackers and budget-conscious travelers. While prices in tourist hotspots can be inflated, it’s still very possible to explore the country without spending a lot.
Accommodation
Morocco has a wide range of budget-friendly stays. Dorm beds start from 5€ while private rooms usually cost 10 – 30€. While you’ll find many options on Booking.com, Airbnb or Hostelworld the most budget friendly places are not listed online.
Food & Transportation
Both Food and Transportation are very affordable. Shared Taxis between cities are 10 – 15€. A tagine or couscous meal at a local restaurant costs around 2 – 5€.
Estimated Daily Budget
If you’re staying in more affordable accommodations and eating locally, a budget of around €30 per day is very doable.
What is going on in Western Sahara?
You might have noticed on Google Maps that a large area in southern Morocco is marked as “Western Sahara.”Both Morocco and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) claim this land, a complex situation rooted in the legacy of colonialism and unresolved decolonization. While Morocco administers most of the territory today, the political status of Western Sahara remains a subject of international debate. It’s a region with a fascinating, often overlooked history — and yes, you can travel there. I cover everything you need to know in my blog post: How to visit Western Sahara in 2025.