The North African country of Morocco fascinates visitors from all over the world with its incredible diversity.
In this post, we will help you figure out exactly how many days in Morocco is enough to get a true taste of the Moroccan culture!
Ready To Travel? Don't Go Without Travel Insurance.
I recommend SafetyWing Nomad Insurance, an affordable travel insurance offering automatic monthly payments that you can cancel anytime. I've been using it since 2019, and I can assure you it's the perfect solution for nomads like you and me. Learn more by reading our SafetyWing review.With the Atlantic Ocean to its west and the Mediterranean Sea to the north, it quite literally has something for everyone!
Where else in the world can you find mountains, deserts, and tropical beaches, interspersed with bustling towns and exceptional architecture?
To add to its appeal, Morocco is still a very affordable destination, with a rich, fascinating culture along with colorful and flavorful cuisine.
So just how many days in Morocco do you need to explore its intriguing landscape and cities? How long does it take to really get a feel for the lively culture and soak up the country’s unique atmosphere?
You should definitely plan to spend at least a week in Morocco if you’re visiting for the first time. That will allow you to see much of the desert and tour some of its cities, all at a comfortable pace.
Ideally, though, you want to aim for anywhere from 10 days to 2 weeks.
This will give you time to include a mountain hike or two in your visit, plus allow for some relaxation or surfing at one of Morocco’s picturesque beaches.
Before you make your final decision, however, there are a few more points to consider.
How To Choose How Long To Stay In Morocco
These are some of the factors you need to take into account when working out how many days in Morocco you will need.
I’ve also included some of the best activities and experiences available so that you can plan your time and create an itinerary for your visit.
To help you figure out exactly how long you’ll need in Morocco, make a list of the things you want to do in Morocco, and consider the time of arrival and departure.
Then, look at the distance between places to keep it realistic.
At the end of this exercise, you’ll know how many days in Morocco you’ll need.
Time Of Arrival, Hotel Check-In Time, And Time Of Departure
If you arrive late in Morocco on your first day – or leave early on your last – then you won’t really be able to plan any sightseeing for either of those days.
You might want to consider adding an extra night to your stay to compensate for this.
The next thing to consider is your hotel check-in time. Does it match your time of arrival in Morocco?
If not, then you will need to plan what to do with your luggage so that you are free to go and see the sights! The same will apply on your last day if you have to check out several hours before leaving the country.
Your first port of call will be your hotel or accommodation provider. Most will be happy to store your luggage for you either before checking in or after checking out.
Not all hotels will oblige, though, so make sure you check in advance. If there is no luggage storage available at your accommodation, you might want to consider booking a private company to look after your bags for you.
There are a few offering this service across the country and they use a network of local shops and hotels.
Alternatively, you could wait until you are in the country to find somewhere to leave your bags. Many restaurants around the main airports, for example, will store them for you for a fee.
But the benefit of booking online with a private company in advance is that you know your space is secured, giving you peace of mind before you travel.
Activities In Morocco
The list of attractions and activities available is a long one, so planning your itinerary in advance is essential! To help you calculate how many days for Morocco you will need, make a list of all the things you most want to see and do.
Using my list of highlights (below) and your own research, work out just how long you will need to fit them all in comfortably.
Don’t forget to take the time spent traveling from one attraction to the next into account. You should also allow extra time in case the lines for some of the activities are long.
Pace Of Activities
How quickly you are prepared to see Morocco’s sights will play a big part in how many days you’ll need for your visit.
If you only plan to spend a week in the country then you should plan to see everything at a reasonably fast pace in order to take in as many attractions as possible.
But this approach might not suit everyone and it is important to think about how much downtime you want to enjoy on your trip.
Is your idea of a good vacation to be able to spend time relaxing over a good meal? Do you want the freedom to spend longer at the attractions that interest you most?
Then plan for at least 10 nights in Morocco, or ideally 2 weeks.
Transportation
Public transport is reasonably good in Morocco and the rail network is the best way to travel between the major cities. Journeys are pretty quick, although delays to the services can be frequent.
Some routes offer ‘couchettes’ for night-time travel, where you get your own locked carriage and a guard.
Shared taxis are another great option. They are quicker than buses but not that much more expensive.
They operate on a wide variety of routes and can accommodate up to 6 passengers.
Buses are generally more comfortable than taxis, although some of the older ones can be lacking in legroom for taller passengers. Buses run by the national company – CTM – tend to be quicker than private ones.
Alternatively, you can rent a car, which opens up routes for you that might be inaccessible any other way. The cheapest option is usually to arrange your car rental in advance, using the travel company that arranged your flight.
Be aware, though, that many motorists in Morocco ignore traffic regulations, meaning that the accident rate is quite high.
What To Do In Morocco
Here are my recommendations for some of Morocco’s very best activities and attractions, plus how long you’ll need to set aside for each one.
Visit The Blue City Of Chefchaouen
Nicknamed the ‘blue pearl of Morocco’, this beautiful city in the mountains is filled with gorgeous blue-washed buildings and alleyways.
On this tour starting from Fez you’ll get to explore its streets in your own time, perhaps stopping for lunch at one of the local cafes or indulging in some people-watching at the main square of Plaza Uta el-Hammam.
The Kasbah Museum is here, or you might prefer to visit the Ethnographic Museum to see its collection of musical instruments, antique weapons, and photographs of the old town.
Suggested time: 12 hours
Join A Desert Safari
Traveling from Marrakech to Merzouga this unforgettable safari experience includes a night at a Bedouin camp and a ride on a camel across the dunes of Erg Chebbi.
You’ll see the gates of the Sahara Desert at Ouarzazate and the UNESCO world heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, which has served as the backdrop for many Hollywood movies.
Food, transportation, and overnight stays are included.
Suggested time: 3 days
Experience The Tranquility Of Paradise Valley
A world away from Morocco’s lively cities, the Valley of Paradise is located in the region of Imouzer Ida Outanan, north of Agadir.
It more than lives up to its name, with palm grove trails, tiny mountain villages, small streams, and incredible waterfalls.
A certified mountain guide will accompany you throughout your guided tour and a waterfront tagine lunch is included.
Suggested time: 6 hours
See The Atlas Mountains From Above
Starting with an early morning pickup in Agadir, this hot air balloon experience includes a trip via 4X4 into the desert.
Here you’ll enjoy breakfast whilst your hot air balloon inflates, ready to soar towards the high Atlas Mountains as the sun rises.
The views of the valleys and gorges from above simply defy description and your trip ends with an authentic breakfast in a Berber tent.
Suggested time: 5 hours
Tour The Ouzoud Waterfalls From Marrakech
Combining a guided hike and a boat tour, this trip will get you close to the spectacular Ouzoud waterfalls where you can watch the wild monkeys that roam the area.
Your local guide will take you through the region’s groves of olive trees to an argan oil co-operative, whilst sharing his knowledge about Berber culture.
Stop off at a viewpoint to buy fresh orange juice and take some amazing photos, then board the traditional boat for a short ride to the pool at the foot of the falls.
Suggested time: 10 hours
Explore The Highlights Of Tangier
This private tour is the perfect way to see Tangier’s main attractions, from the grottoes of Hercules Cave to its famous Kasbah, filled with stucco work, mosaics, and wood carvings.
The views at the Cap Spartel promontory are breathtaking and you’ll get an opportunity to buy some special mementos of your visit at the Berber market of Sidi Bouabid before you leave.
Suggested time: 6 hours
Final Thoughts On Morocco Getaways
I hope that this guide has helped you put together an exciting itinerary and decide just how many days in Morocco you’ll need for an unforgettable trip.
Before you go to Morocco, you can learn more about Morocco WiFi.
Visiting Africa soon? Read one of the following blog posts:
