Studio M Travel is a luxury travel advisory founded by Marilyn Olson, a Fora Pro and Virtuoso-affiliated advisor specializing in curated itineraries, handpicked hotel recommendations, and exclusive Fora Preferred Partner perks for travelers who want more from a destination than a highlights reel. This guide covers six of the best places to visit in Morocco, with property recommendations and booking perks available exclusively through Studio M Travel.
Quick Reference: Morocco’s 6 Best Places to Visit
- Best for first-time visitors: Marrakech (culture, food, design) and Fes (history, authentic medina life)
- Best for nature: Atlas Mountains (day trip from Marrakech) and Sahara Desert (multi-day or fly-and-drive)
- Best coastal escape: Essaouira (relaxed medina, surf, fresh seafood)
- Most photogenic: Chefchaouen (blue-painted mountain town in the Rif Mountains)
- Best desert experience near Marrakech: Agafay Desert (30 minutes out, no long transfer required)
- Recommended trip length: 3-4 days for Marrakech only; 10 days for a multi-city itinerary
- Best time to visit: January and fall months (mild weather, fewer crowds)
- Avoid: Summer heat; Ramadan 2027 runs February 7 – March 9(limited restaurant hours, restricted alcohol)
- Hotel perks available through Studio M at: Royal Mansour Marrakech, Four Seasons Resort Marrakech, La Mamounia, Riad Fes, Hotel Sahrai, Caravan by Habitas Agafay, Caravan by Habitas Dakhla, L’Heure Bleue Essaouira
From bustling ancient cities to natural wonders, Morocco’s best places to visit are a compelling mix of culture, beauty, and adventure (along with plenty of relaxation, too). Here are my six top recommendations:
1–2. Marrakech & the Atlas Mountains: Culture Meets Natural Wonder
It’s hard to think of a place that better captures so many elements of Morocco’s spirit than Marrakech. This ancient city blends historical significance with contemporary Moroccan culture.
Additionally, some of the country’s most stunning natural destinations are within day-trip distance (or an add-on experience for a few days). That includes the world-famous Sahara Desert and the lesser-known but equally beautiful Atlas Mountains. There’s also the nearby Ouzoud Falls, the largest series of waterfalls in North Africa.
Where to stay in Marrakech: Royal Mansour, Four Seasons, La Mamounia
Royal Mansour Marrakech was commissioned by King Mohammed VI to serve as a riad-style hotel for elite travelers. Four Seasons Resort Marrakech is perfect for families. And La Mamounia is an opulent stunner.
There are so many incredible choices in Marrakech that it can be overwhelming. But if you connect with me, I’ll help you sort through all the choices and choose one that resonates with your travel style while securing VIP hotel perks.
Fora Perks at Royal Mansour Marrakech: $100 food / beverage credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at Four Seasons Resort Marrakech: When you book Four Seasons through me, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits. I’ll be pleased to give you more details.
Fora Perks at La Mamounia: $100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
3. Fes: one of Morocco’s best places to visit for authentic culture
As far as big cities go, Fes may be the best place to visit in Morocco for travelers who want to experience local culture at its most authentic. Fes is less cosmopolitan than Marrakech and much more in tune with its Islamic roots. The city is a haven for crafting, and its leather tanneries are legendary.
The Medina of Fes features bustling souks, impressive exhibits of ancient Moroccan architecture, and maze-like streets primed for exploring. However, in contrast to Marrakech, the streets are much narrower and the vibe as a whole is less polished (which is part of its charm). It’s highly recommended to explore with a guide so that you don’t get lost.
Where to Stay in Fes
Riad Fes is a favorite place to stay in Morocco. The overall vibe is charming, but with an overlay of luxury. Traditional Moroccan design elements are front and center here, but there are also notable Andalusian elements.
If you prefer something more contemporary, Hotel Sahrai — Riad Fes’ sister property — is a solid choice, especially if you want to stay somewhere that will feel familiar when you’re done exploring the otherworldliness of the city at large.
- Fora Perks at Riad Fes: VIP welcome, breakfast daily.
- Fora Perks at Hotel Sahrai: $50 hotel/resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
4. Sahara Desert: a renowned landscape that’s anything but empty
If you’ve never been to a desert, the Sahara is definitely a great first impression. First , yes we know, the Sahara is exceedingly hot during the day and surprisingly frigid at night through mostof the year. But the Sahara enjoys much milder temperatures and less dramatic swings in spring and fall.
Sandboard over dunes, go off-roading through rugged valleys or try a camelback ride. But the Sahara is also a beautiful place to simply take in the scenery. The horizon either seems to stretch forever or is almost jarringly interrupted by majestic mountain ranges. If you’re looking for a unique escape from urban living, consider the Sahara a contender.
Where to Stay in the Sahara Desert
Caravan by Habitas Dakhla is in the Western Sahara region of Morocco — and sits on the country’s Atlantic coast. But if your goal is to connect with nature and escape the confines of urbanity, you can’t go wrong here.
The resort is beautiful, authentic and, perhaps most of all, fun. Here you can kitesurf in the Dakhla lagoon, dine on a rare fusion of Moroccan and Mexican cuisine and enjoy the lavish amenities of their riad-style units.
Caravan by Habitas Agafay offers a true desert experience. This location is composed of elegant yet rustic tents (and lodges). But it’s more glamorous than it sounds — there’s a simple authenticity here that makes staying at this location a worthwhile experience. Above all, though, culture is at the heart of Caravan by Habitas Agafay, with curated activities and performances that celebrate local Moroccan traditions amid the dunes and rocky formations.
- Fora Perks at Caravan by Habitas Dakla: Complimentary Air & Concierge Services.
- Fora Perks at Caravan by Habitas Agafay: Complimentary Air & Concierge Services.
5. Chefchaouen: the Blue Pearl of Morocco
Centuries ago, the homes, buildings and walls of the town of Chefchaouen were painted a striking blue for reasons that have been lost to history. Some theories suggest the blue paint simply reflects sunlight better, serving as a clever way of keeping temperatures down, while others point to a more spiritual purpose. Either way, Chefchaouen is a spectacle to walk through.
The blue-washed buildings create a dazzling contrast with the surrounding mountainscapes — the town is located in the Rif Mountains — while the small-town atmosphere offers a window into the everyday lives of local Moroccans, earning its place among Morocco’s best places to visit.
6. Essaouira: a chill beach town with a unique medina experience
With scenic beaches, fresh seafood and a surprisingly relaxed medina experience, Essaouira is a coastal gem among Moroccan cities and towns.
Whereas most medinas in Morocco are loud, electric and eclectic, the Essaouira Medina is more laid-back. Strolling through the medina’s labyrinthian alleyways and streets, you’ll still encounter traders and artisans selling Moroccan goods and street food, but it’s not quite the overwhelming experience you would expect in Marrakech or Fes.
If you walk along the medina’s seawall, marked by ramparts and old canons dating back to when the city was under European control, you can take in stunning views of the shoreline.
Speaking of the shoreline, Essaouira is also an excellent surfing destination for beginners, particularly during warmer months when the Atlantic trade winds reach their peak. If you happen to visit in spring or fall, though, the beaches can be a great place to enjoy a peaceful day on the sand as the crowds tend to disappear with the mild weather.
Where to stay in Essaouira: L’Heure Bleue
Most of the city’s hotels either border the medina or sit along the shoreline, but in either case, the city is small enough that staying near one doesn’t preclude you from the other. On that note, L’Heure Bleue is one of my favorite properties. It’s located in the heart of the city, where it used to be a luxury residence before it was converted into a boutique hotel. It’s also known as Heure Bleue Palais, and there are only about 30 rooms here, so there’s a bit of an exclusive vibe.
Fora Perks at L’Heure Bleue: A VIP welcome & breakfast daily
Frequently Asked Questions: Visiting Morocco
What are the best places to visit in Morocco?
The six best places to visit in Morocco are Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains, Fes, the Sahara Desert, Chefchaouen, and Essaouira. Each offers a distinct experience: Marrakech is ideal for culture and design lovers, Fes for history and authentic local life, Essaouira for a relaxed coastal escape, Chefchaouen for its iconic blue-painted streets, and the Sahara and Atlas Mountains for dramatic natural landscapes.
How many days do you need in Morocco?
It depends on how many destinations you want to cover. Three to four days is enough for a Marrakech-focused trip. For a multi-city itinerary that includes Fes, the Sahara, and the coast, ten days is closer to the sweet spot. Trying to fit everything into less time often means spending more time in transit than actually experiencing the country.
When is the best time to visit Morocco?
January and the fall months (September through November) offer the most comfortable combination of mild temperatures and manageable crowds. Summer heat can be intense, particularly in inland cities like Marrakech and Fes. Ramadan (February 17 through March 19, 2026) is worth avoiding on a first trip, as many restaurants have limited hours, alcohol availability is restricted, and the general pace of services slows significantly.
Is Morocco safe to visit?
Morocco is generally considered a safe destination for travelers, including solo travelers and women traveling alone. As with any international destination, basic precautions apply: stay aware of your surroundings in busy souks, use reputable guides, and book transfers in advance. Working with a travel advisor who knows the destination adds an additional layer of security and logistical support.
What is the best city to start a Morocco trip?
Marrakech is the best starting point for most first-time visitors. It has the strongest international airport connections, the widest range of hotel options across all categories, and the most accessible introduction to Moroccan culture, food, and medina life. From Marrakech, you can add day trips to the Atlas Mountains or Agafay Desert, or continue onward to Fes, Essaouira, or the Sahara.
What is the difference between the Sahara Desert and the Agafay Desert?
The Sahara is Morocco’s iconic vast desert, known for its towering sand dunes, camel treks, luxury tented camps, and star-filled skies. Reaching it requires a multi-day overland drive or a combination of flight and ground transfer. The Agafay Desert is a rocky desert plateau located just 30 minutes from Marrakech. It doesn’t have the Sahara’s sweeping dunes, but it does offer sunset camel rides, al fresco dinners under the stars, and a genuine desert atmosphere without the long journey. For travelers short on time, Agafay is a practical and beautiful alternative.
What is Chefchaouen known for?
Chefchaouen, often called the Blue Pearl of Morocco, is a mountain town in the Rif Mountains whose buildings, walls, and alleyways are painted in shades of blue. The origin of the tradition is debated, with theories ranging from sun reflection to spiritual significance. Today, Chefchaouen is known for its striking visual contrast against the surrounding mountains, its calm small-town atmosphere, and the sense of stepping into everyday Moroccan life away from the larger tourist centers.
Do I need a guide in Morocco?
A guide is highly recommended, particularly in Fes and for first-time visitors to Marrakech. The medinas in both cities are UNESCO-protected, car-free, and deliberately labyrinthine. Getting lost is part of the experience, but having a knowledgeable guide ensures you find the right tanneries, artisan workshops, and viewpoints, and helps you navigate the souk without feeling overwhelmed. A good travel advisor can arrange vetted, private guides as part of your itinerary.
What hotels in Morocco offer VIP perks for travelers?
Through Studio M Travel’s partnership with Fora and Virtuoso, travelers can access exclusive perks at several top properties, including daily breakfast, hotel credits, room upgrades, and extended check-in and checkout at Royal Mansour Marrakech, Four Seasons Resort Marrakech, La Mamounia, Riad Fes, Hotel Sahrai, Caravan by Habitas Agafay, Caravan by Habitas Dakhla, and L’Heure Bleue in Essaouira. These perks are not available when booking directly or through standard online travel agencies.
