Morocco: 10 Best Places to Visit, Casablanca to Chefchaouen

Explore Morocco's most iconic destinations across 4,174 km, from the coastal charm of Casablanca and Essaouira to the blue-painted streets of Chefchaouen and the imperial grandeur of Marrakech. The route covers cultural landmarks including Fes's ancient medina, Roman ruins at Volubilis, and natural wonders like Todra Gorge and Erg Chebbi's towering sand dunes.

Mode
Places
Start
Casablanca: Gateway to Morocco
End
Chouara Tannery
Stops
19
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Casablanca: Gateway to Morocco — Morocco's largest port city and economic hub, home to the stunning Hassan II Mosque overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
  2. Meknes: Imperial City — Former royal capital featuring massive fortified walls, ornate gates, and palaces built during the 17th-century Alaouite dynasty.
  3. Volubilis: Roman Ruins — Ancient Roman settlement showcasing well-preserved mosaics, temples, and administrative buildings from the 1st-3rd centuries.
  4. Chefchaouen: The Blue City — Mountain town in the Rif region where nearly all buildings are painted in shades of blue, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.
  5. Asilah: Historic Seaside Town — Charming Atlantic coastal village with whitewashed medina walls, vibrant street murals, and a rich Portuguese-Moroccan heritage.
  6. Essaouira: Windswept Coast — Coastal city famous for consistent Atlantic winds, fresh seafood markets, and Portuguese fortification architecture.
  7. Fes: Former Capital & Culture — Medieval city preserving Morocco's intellectual traditions through ancient universities, intricate medina layout, and traditional craftsmanship.
  8. Chouara Tannery: Ancient Craft — Historic leather tannery using centuries-old techniques with colorful vats, offering visitors insight into traditional artisanal production.
  9. Todra Gorge: Mountain Canyon — Dramatic limestone canyon in the Atlas Mountains with towering 300-meter cliffs, perfect for hiking and photography.
  10. Merzouga: Desert Gateway — Saharan village serving as the primary base for camel treks and exploring Morocco's most accessible desert landscapes.
  11. Erg Chebbi: Sand Dunes — Vast golden sand dune field near Merzouga rising up to 160 meters, creating a quintessential Sahara Desert experience.
  12. Marrakech: The Red City — Former imperial capital known for terracotta architecture, vibrant Jemaa el-Fnaa marketplace, and legendary palaces and gardens.
  13. Jardin Majorelle: Botanical Oasis — Art Deco garden in Marrakech featuring exotic plants, striking cobalt-blue buildings, and tranquil water features amid desert setting.
  14. Legzira Beach — Located south of Agadir, Morocco's most unique beach featuring gigantic sea arches.
  15. Agadir — Coastal city in southwestern Morocco, gateway to Legzira Beach.
  16. Volubilis — Roman ruins located near Meknes, one of Morocco's most significant archaeological sites.
  17. Tangier — Major city in northwest Morocco, close to Chefchaouen and a popular tourist destination.
  18. Paradise Beach — Wide sandy beach located approximately 1.5 miles south of Asilah, popular with locals and tourists.
  19. Chouara Tannery — 11th century tannery in Fes, one of the oldest in the world, producing traditional leathers.

Useful for your trip

Timing
Visit Legzira Beach at low tide to stand underneath the gigantic sea arches; they glow red at sunset for a picturesque scene.
Tip
Have drinks at Rick's Cafe in Casablanca, a reconstruction of the famous bar from the 1942 film.
Tip
Shop for Moroccan handicrafts like woven blankets in Chefchaouen, which are not found elsewhere in the country.
Where to stay
Asilah has a good selection of budget hotels and restaurants, making it an affordable seaside resort option.
Tip
Visit the 11th Century Chouara Tannery in the bustling marketplace of Fes, one of the oldest tanneries in the world.
Timing
Visit Essaouira in summer months if you're interested in windsurfing, as water-sports fans take advantage of strong winds.
Tip
Wander down narrow alleys in Fes to discover two Islamic schools with intricate cedar carvings and elaborate tiles dating back to the 14th century.
Timing
Visit High Atlas Mountains for snow sports in winter or hiking in summer for year-round outdoor recreation.
Tip
Take an overnight camel ride through Erg Chebbi sand dunes (up to 500 feet high) and stay in a Berber tent camp with dinner and stargazing.
Food
In Marrakech's medina, sample local delicacies such as sheep's head and experience traditional tea houses serving mint tea.
Tip
Visit Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech, a botanical garden blending art deco and Moorish features.

Video on this route

10 Best Places to Visit in Morocco - Travel Video

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