A holiday to Morocco will introduce you to a country that’s a feast for the senses. While sunseekers head to resorts like Tangier and Agadir for the glorious beaches and sapphire seas, or the fantastic surfing in Essaouira, those who want more than a tan from their break will find plenty of things to do in Morocco. Browse a spice-scented bazaar and haggle for bargains, marvel at magnificent mosques, and even live like one of the Bedouins and spend a night under the stars in the vast Sahara Desert. In Morocco, there's something for everyone.
Shopping for spices, rugs and crafts
Shopping is almost a national sport and one of the most popular things to do in Morocco. For an immersive shopping experience, head to Djemaa El Fna in Marrakech and lose yourself in the labyrinth of souks, stalls and streets. Here, you'll find everything and anything from heady spices and delicate jewellery to handwoven carpets and traditional clothing. By night, the narrow, dusty backstreets are buzzing with entertainers, magicians, and other street artists.
For something less touristy, try Agadir's Souk El Had. With over 3,000 stalls to browse, it's a bargain hunter's dream. Make sure to put your haggling head on, as it's almost expected that you'll try to wrangle a good price out of the merchants.
Explore ancient ruins and elaborate tombs
With a rich history stretching back centuries, this beautiful country is bursting with examples of its past. If you're looking for things to do in Morocco that give you a taste of its culture, look out for the Royal Saadian Tombs in Marrakech. There, you'll explore a sprawling network of opulent mausoleums dating back as far as the 16th century. Using gold and marble imported from Italy, alongside ornate carvings and outstanding tilework, this necropolis is possibly the most jaw-dropping attraction in Marrakech.
And, while they might not be as eye-catching, the ruins of the city’s El Badi Palace are just as fascinating. Explore vast courtyards, sunken gardens, and even take a peek into the dungeons. The palace ruins also host the Festival of Popular Arts which, if you're looking for things to do in Morocco, takes place in June or July.
Soak up views of the coast, mountains and waterfalls
While you might think of Morocco as either beach or desert, the country does have some amazing non-sandy scenery to enjoy, too. For a backdrop that's guaranteed to give you some superb holiday snaps, make your way up the hillside to the medieval ruins of Agadir Kasbah, the original town. For the best views, take a walk along the dusty, rust-coloured walls, which overlook Agadir's harbour on one side and the atmospheric collection of old buildings and tumbledown ruins on the other.
If you prefer your scenery even more rugged, head for Morocco’s Ouzoud Falls, which cascade for over 300 feet in the Atlas Mountains. Keep a close eye on the olive trees while you’re there and you might spot a monkey or two!
