Morocco Travel Guide | Beyond the Dunes

Morocco is beauty in contrast — desert silence and souk chaos, sunrise surf and sunset tea, Berber mountain trails and Atlantic breeze.

It’s one of the most captivating destinations on the planet, and travellers are catching on fast: the country welcomed 14.5 million visitors in 2023, up 35 % from 2022 (Moroccan National Tourism Office).

This guide will walk you through Morocco’s most magnetic regions — the coast, the desert, and the cities between — and show you why it’s a perfect playground for movement, mindfulness, and a little mystery.

Why Morocco

Perched on Africa’s northwest tip, Morocco blends Arab, Amazigh (Berber), Mediterranean, and French influences into something wholly its own.

It’s ancient and modern, wild and grounded — a place where you can surf Atlantic swells in the morning, wander spice markets by afternoon, and end the night beneath Saharan stars.

Why travelers fall hard for it:

• Depth of culture. 1,200-year-old medinas, mosque calls at dusk, and the art of hospitality woven into daily life.

• Geographic variety. Surf beaches, Atlas peaks, dunes, and palm oases — all within a day’s drive.

• Wellness in motion. Hammams, mint tea, movement, and food that nourishes without trying.

• Safe and stable. Friendly locals, strong tourism infrastructure, and simple visa rules for most nationalities.

• That energy. Every corner hums with color, sound, and life — balanced by long stretches of quiet horizon.

If you crave experiences that wake you up inside — Morocco delivers.

Regions & Top Activities

We’re focusing on Morocco’s western and southern corridor — where ocean, culture, and calm collide.

Taghazout & Tamraght (Coastal Wellness Hub)

The country’s laid-back surf capital. Once a fishing village, now a global surf-yoga destination.

• Do: Surf Anchor Point or Banana Beach; sunrise yoga on rooftop terraces; hammam steam and argan-oil massage afterward.

• Eat: Let’s Be Healthy Café, World of Waves, Sunset Taghazout.

• Stay: Amouage by Surf Maroc, Darna Surf House, or Beyond the Dunes Retreat Villa.

• Move: Morning workouts, coastal runs, SUP sessions at low tide.

  Best for: Wellness travelers and surf beginners.

Essaouira – The Wind City

Bohemian port town with blue-and-white alleys, sea air, and centuries of trade history.

• Do: Kite-surf or windsurf in the bay, walk the 18th-century ramparts, visit the Skala de la Ville lookout.

• Eat: La Table by Madada (seafood), Tara Café, Triskala Organic Restaurant.

• Shop: Hand-carved thuya wood, woven rugs, argan oil straight from cooperatives.

• Stay: Salut Maroc Riad, Madada Mogador.

  Vibe: Artistic, musical, restorative.

Agadir – Gateway to Adventure

Modern beach city south of Essaouira.

• Do: Longboard mellow waves at Devil’s Rock, hike Paradise Valley, or ATV the dunes.

• Eat: Pure Passion Restaurant on the marina.

• Wellness: Beachfront running paths and hammams in nearly every hotel.

• Day Trips: Drive inland to the Souss-Massa National Park for flamingo sightings.

Marrakesh – The Heart of the Kingdom

A sensory overload that somehow restores you.

• Do: Lose yourself in the Jemaa el-Fna square, visit Jardin Majorelle, explore riads and rooftop cafés.

• Eat: Nomad, Café Atay, Dar Yacout.

• Wellness: Try a traditional hammam at Les Bains de Marrakech or a yoga class on a riad terrace.

• Stay: Riad Be Marrakech, El Fenn.

  Best for: Culture lovers and shoppers with stamina.

Atlas Mountains – Into the Air

The contrast after the city.

• Do: Hike Toubkal National Park, visit Amazigh villages, have mint tea at Kasbah du Toubkal.

• Stay: Dar Imlil or Kasbah Tamadot.

• Wellness Note: Clean air, cold rivers, and deep sleep guaranteed.

Casablanca – Modern Gateway

Morocco’s cosmopolitan face.

• Do: Tour the Hassan II Mosque, stroll La Corniche, and eat seafood by the Atlantic.

• Stay: Barceló Anfa, Hotel Le Dogon.

• Fly in/out: Best international connections, just 4 hours from Taghazout by road.

Cultural Norms & Etiquette

Morocco’s culture is rooted in respect, hospitality, and modesty — and travelers are warmly welcomed when they honor that.

Dress & Respect

• Cover shoulders and knees in cities, mosques, and rural towns.

• Swimwear is fine on resort beaches, not in town streets.

• Ask before photographing people, especially women.

Greetings & Language

• Salam alaikum (hello) → reply Wa alaikum salam.

• Shukran = thank you; La shukran = no thank you.

• Bslama = goodbye.

  Arabic and French are most common; English widely understood in tourist areas.

Religion & Customs

• Islam is the national religion; calls to prayer echo five times a day.

• During Ramadan, eat/drink discreetly in public daylight hours.

• Friday is the holy day; expect slower service mid-day.

Social Tips

• Accept mint tea — it’s hospitality, not optional.

• Use right hand for giving/receiving items.

• Bargaining in souks is expected; smile, be patient.

Practical Travel Logistics

Currency & Payments

• Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD).

• ATMs: Common in cities; carry cash in small bills for taxis and markets.

• Cards: Accepted in hotels/restaurants, less so in souks.

• Tipping: 10 % standard in cafés and restaurants.

Airports & Entry

• Casablanca (CMN) – main international hub.

• Marrakesh (RAK) – tourist favorite.

• Agadir (AGA) – best for surf coast.

• Visa: Most countries = 90 days visa-free. Passport valid 6 + months required.

• Check official entry updates: visitmorocco.com.

Best Time to Visit

• March–June / Sept–Nov: Ideal temps (20–28 °C).

• July–Aug: Hot inland; cooler coast.

• Dec–Feb: Mild, great for surf & city travel.

Getting Around

• Domestic flights connect main cities.

• Trains (ONCF) = comfortable & punctual.

• Buses (Supratours/CTM) = budget option.

• Car rental = best for surf coast flexibility.

• Grands taxis (shared vans) for short hops.

Connectivity

• SIMs from Orange, Inwi, Maroc Telecom at airport kiosks.

• Wi-Fi solid in cities, slower on the coast — download offline maps.

Health & Safety

• Tap water safe in cities; bottled elsewhere.

• Recommended vaccines: Hep A & Typhoid.

• Emergency = 190 (police) / 141 (ambulance).

• Hospitals: Excellent private care in Casablanca, Marrakesh, Agadir.

• Insurance: Essential for surf and trekking coverage.

• Safety: Petty theft possible in medinas; violent crime rare. Locals protective of guests.

Packing Checklist

✅ Passport (6 + months)

✅ Travel insurance

✅ Lightweight layers & scarf

✅ Modest clothing for towns

✅ Swimwear for coast

✅ Sunglasses / sunhat / sunscreen

✅ Reusable water bottle

✅ Offline maps & translator app

✅ Patience & openness

Final Checklist

✅ Passport & return ticket

✅ Dirham cash & card

✅ Sunscreen & electrolytes

✅ Respectful clothes

✅ Travel insurance & health docs

✅ Curiosity & sense of adventure

Wellness, Movement & Retreat Travel

Morocco has a rhythm that moves you — from ocean flow to desert stillness.

If you crave a week that blends surf, sweat, and souk energy, join our SALTY Beyond the Dunes Retreat | May 16 – 23 2026.

Seven days of movement, surf, and Moroccan magic — from the beaches of Taghazout to the colors of Marrakesh — led by Erin, Nate, and guest coaches TBD.

Structure when you want it. Space when you need it. Fun always optional — except the kind that finds you.