9 Reasons to Go to Morocco Right Now

Traveling to Morocco is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I would recommend to absolutely anyone. No matter where you decide to go – Marrakesh, Casablanca, Tangier, or Fez – you will be enamored by the beauty of the country, its people, and its unique culture. This blog post is all about 9 reasons you need to go to Morocco as your next travel destination.

1. The food is indescribably delicious.

Calling on foodies! Get ready – because Moroccan cuisine will not disappoint. Consisting of bold and distinct flavor combinations, Moroccan food will undoubtedly leave you wanting more. Their unique cuisine is influenced by Mediterranean and European culture.

The fragrant spices used in Moroccan cooking include fenugreek, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric, saffron, star anise, cumin, and paprika. These spices are combined with others into spice blends and rubs used in cooking. A popular blend of spices called ras el hanout can have as many as 40 different spices in it.

Tajines, couscous, pastillas – let’s not forget the delicious mint tea.

2. The architecture is a sight to behold.

Nothing beats experiencing the breathtaking detail if Moroccan architecture in person. The attention to detail and creativity in their tilework is unmatched. Don’t believe me? Check out the photos below from Ben Youssef Madrasa in Marrakesh.

3. Stay in a Moroccan riad.

Wondering what a Moroccan riad is? Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered here. Now that you know – you have to stay in one! Here are 9 stunning options to choose from in Marrakesh to enjoy the beauty and personalized hospitality of these traditional homes. This is a top reason to go to Morocco since you can’t get this experience anywhere in the world.

4. Or… you can stay in a desert oasis and embrace your inner adventurer.

There are so many beautiful landscapes to explore in Morocco, my personal favorite being the desert. There you will find several stunning lodges and luxury camps to choose from to escape the bustling cities. Make the most of your desert stay by enjoying exciting excursions like hot air ballooning, ATVing, and camelback riding. These camps are perfect for both relaxation and plenty of adventure.

5. Experience the Amazigh culture.

Over 80% of the population in Morocco identifies as part of the Amazigh culture, also commonly referred to as Berber. Their indigenous name ‘Amazigh’ means free people in their native language whereas the name ‘Berber’ was ascribed by the Romans – meaning Barbarian in Greek. This name is far from accurate however because the Amazigh are extremely hospitable and creative people. They are skilled tradespeople and create beautiful carpets, pottery, weaving, jewelry, and art.

There is a museum in Jardin Marjorelle that you can visit to learn more about Amazigh culture. The exhibits are beautiful and I highly recommend stopping here while in Marrakech. Since the museum is in Jardin Majorelle, check out these tips on how to beat the long lines at this popular attraction.

6. Shop until you drop!

If you love to shop as much as I do, you’ll have a great time in Morocco. The souks and shops in the medinas and cities of Morocco are wondrous. The variety of artfully crafted handmade goods you can find include clothing, pottery, lanterns, leather goods, silk, glassware, teapots, rugs, carpets, baskets, market bags, and more.

The best part about it all is you get to flex your haggling skills in the process and bargain for great prices – especially when in Marrakesh’s medina. Not a haggler? That’s okay! There are stores with set prices that sell the same items you can find in the medinas. Be careful though, not everything in the medina is what it seems. Wondering what to shop for? Check out this guide on what souvenirs you need to buy in Morocco.

7. Behold the Sahara Desert.

Another great reason to go to Morocco is that it is home to one of the seven natural wonders of the world – the Sahara Desert. This is an absolute must-see if you are spending a week or more in Morocco. There are several incredible tours leaving from both Marrakesh and Casablanca to take you to experience traversing this grandiose desert firsthand. These tours are usually a minimum of 3 days so definitely plan ahead for this experience.

8. You won’t meet friendlier people.

One of my favorite parts of Morocco had to be the wonderfully hospitable people. Locals and transplants alike are extremely friendly and generally amiable toward tourists. Still exercise caution as you would anywhere else though. Sometimes this friendliness can make it easy to get scammed. The locals also speak many different languages (Amazigh, Arabic, English, French, and Spanish) from their interactions with tourists. Have a pot of mint tea with some locals you will learn so much more about their culture, get amazing recommendations, and make new friends.

9. Scenic mountains

Another beautiful landscape worth exploring in Morocco is its picturesque mountains. Usually only a day trip from Marrakesh, the Atlas mountains offers breathtaking views and fun hiking opportunities. Learn all about the Atlas mountains and what they have to offer here.