How Many Days Do You Need in Morocco?

Morocco's most vibrant city demands at least 2 full days. The medina alone takes a full day to explore properly, with its labyrinthine souks, stunning palaces, and the legendary Jemaa el-Fna square. A third day allows for a day trip to the Atlas Mountains or Essaouira, or deeper exploration of the city's riads, museums, and culinary scene.

Fes has the world's largest car-free urban area and its medieval medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 9,000 alleyways. Two days gives you time for a guided medina walk, the tanneries, major madrasas, and the Jewish quarter. A third day allows visiting the Merenid Tombs at sunset and taking a day trip to Volubilis or Meknes.

The famous blue city is smaller than Marrakech or Fes and can technically be seen in one day. However, two days lets you properly explore the blue-washed medina, hike to the Spanish Mosque for sunset views, visit the Ras el-Maa waterfall, and take a half-day trip to the stunning Akchour waterfalls in the Rif Mountains.

The Sahara Desert experience typically involves a multi-day tour from Marrakech or Fes. A 2-day/1-night trip gets you to the dunes for a camel ride and overnight in a desert camp, but it is very rushed. A 3-day trip via the Dades Valley and Todra Gorge is far more enjoyable and includes Ait Benhaddou, the Draa Valley, and proper time at the dunes for sunrise and sunset.

This laid-back coastal city is a perfect counterpoint to the intensity of Marrakech. One day covers the medina, ramparts, port, and fish market. Two days allows you to enjoy the beach, try water sports, explore the art galleries in the medina, and experience the famous seafood scene at a leisurely pace.

Morocco's economic capital is a modern city with one world-class sight: the Hassan II Mosque, the largest in Africa. Most travelers spend just one day here, combining a mosque visit with the Corniche promenade, a walk through the Art Deco city center, and an optional visit to Rick's Cafe. Many travelers use Casablanca as an arrival/departure point only.

Morocco's capital is often overlooked but rewards a day visit with the impressive Hassan Tower and Mohammed V Mausoleum, the charming Kasbah des Oudaias overlooking the Atlantic, and the atmospheric Chellah ruins with storks nesting on Roman and Islamic monuments. The medina is more relaxed and less touristy than Marrakech or Fes.

The gateway between Africa and Europe has been transformed in recent years. One day covers the medina, Kasbah Museum, and Cafe Hafa sunset. Two days allows for Cap Spartel, the Hercules Caves, the new marina, and a day trip to the white-washed town of Asilah. Essential if arriving by ferry from Spain.