Morocco is a very popular destination as it’s easy to get to from Montreal. It’s a change of scenery and it’s not so far from Quebec!
It’s a country that will mesmerize you with the smell of spices in the medinas, its vibrant colours and its magnificent landscapes. There are so many things to discover in this Maghreb country.
Morocco’s economic capital, this “art deco” city on the Atlantic coast is a sure gateway to the country.
The spectacular Hassan-II mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, can be found there, and is considered emblematic of Casablanca.
It is possible to visit the interior of the Hassan-II mosque as part of a guided tour.
In the very north of Morocco is the city of Tangier, opposite Spain across the Strait of Gilbatar.
The Tangier-Tarifa ferry connects Morocco and Spain; the journey takes about an hour. For centuries, Tangier was the gateway to Africa for Europeans, and you can still see a melting-pot of cultures here to this day.
From Tangier, you can book an excursion to Cap Spartel and the Hercules cave, including a camel ride.
This beautiful city is surrounded by the Rif mountains. Chefchaouen is one of the most beautiful cities in Morocco perhaps even in the world, where you feel part of an artsy and picturesque universe.
The medina of Chefchaouen is unique and full of charm with its bright blue and very distinct buildings. It was painted by refugees who lived there at the beginning of the twentieth century, because they wanted to contemplate blue skies and paradise.
The large square of the medina is lined with multiple cafes and is flooded with a crowd of locals and tourists. This private tour of Chefchaouen with an English-speaking guide will show you the city’s treasures.
From Meknes, we were able to visit the Roman ruins at the archaeological site of Volubilis. These ruins have been very well preserved in this region of North Africa during the Roman Empire.
We then explored the alleys and streets of the famous Fez medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
A medina is defined as the “old city” in contrast to the new modern European-inspired neighbourhoods. In fact, the majority of Moroccan cities are separated into a medina and a new town.
It is impossible not to get lost, since the medina of Fez is the largest medieval medina in the world.
This labyrinth is full of life, as it houses a large number of artisans, souks, restaurants, etc. I loved walking around! Unlike the Khan Al-Khalili Bazaar in Egypt, I didn’t feel harassed by the shopkeepers.
Thus, I was able to take advantage of my shopping experience and purchase several Moroccan handicrafts to bring home. You can even see the craftsmen at work and encourage them by purchasing magnificent items.
You can also take a look at the tanneries of Fez and buy leather products at a reduced price.
Don’t hesitate to book this free tour of Fez.
This small village is located at the edge of the Sahara; Merzouga is especially famous for its sand dunes which are the highest and most beautiful of Morocco.
There is a large number of campsites since the influx of tourists is very important. The typical activity offered is a camel ride at sunset, followed by a night of camping under the stars, and a return to town at daybreak.
Some facilities and companies are really outdated and archaic. The difference can be enormous. For a better experience, do your research to find reputable operators.
On my first visit to Morocco, I booked a tour online and loved the experience. The walk in the desert was long and very satisfying; they knew that I liked to take pictures and they guided us to the most beautiful dunes.
Then, we had a king’s feast and ended the evening around a lovely campfire under the stars of the Sahara desert.
I loved it so much that I went back a few years later to relive the experience. Since I knew that prices were 50% to 60% cheaper in the city, I decided to go directly with a travel agency.
Mistake! I didn’t even get any photos of the camels, or of the sunset, because it was already too late for our escapade. Then, for supper, we had no utensils at our disposal, nor plates for the meal.
This three-day excursion from Marrakech to Merzouga will give you the opportunity to discover the Moroccan Sahara desert.
With huge cliffs on both sides, the gorge is an oasis of palm trees. Although there are plenty of souvenir vendors, it is still possible to find more serene places to walk.
These gorges are also a destination of choice in Morocco for climbing enthusiasts. Hundreds of routes are accessible on the reddish limestone walls of the gorges. There’s a wide range of climbing routes for all levels, and the weather is always good!
A number of films and TV series have been shot in the High Atlas region, including Gladiator, Game of Thrones, Prince of Persia, Sex and the City 2. Even today, these are prime locations for filming; Atlas Film Studios is one of the largest studios in the world.
We can understand why, because Ouarzazate provides not only beautiful landscapes, but a quality of light that is highly prized by filmmakers.
We then continued towards Aït-Ben-Haddou, an old Berber citadel or casbah with superb panoramas at its top. This one is one of the most intact and demonstrates well the traditional Berber architecture. This citadel was very important in the history of Morocco, as it was located on the trade route between Marrakesh and Sudan.
Moroccans often refer to Casablanca as the brain of Morocco, while Marrakech represents the heart of their culture. Marrakech is the third largest city in Morocco after Fez and Casablanca. Nicknamed “the red city”, it is located next to the Atlas Mountains and is a gateway to the Sahara Desert.
The city is divided into two distinct parts: the new town and the historic quarter with the medina and Jemaa el-Fna square. The latter is emblematic of tourism in Morocco.
Snake charmers, henna tattoos, fortune tellers with crystal balls, musicians, restaurants, markets; this place is very lively and you can deeply feel its soul.
The Majorelle Garden is also a must-see during a visit to Marrakech. It is a botanical garden created by the French artist Jacques Majorelle; it took 40 years to build!
It would be easy to spend a week in this city, as it has so much to offer. This guided tour of Marrakech is sure to please.
In addition, it is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding areas in Morocco.
To end a trip to Morocco, I recommend spending a few days in a seaside port city like Essaouira or Agadir.
In Essaouira, you’ll probably spend most of your time on the water. Winds can be quite strong, but conditions are ideal for water-based activities such as kitesurfing and windsurfing.
For those who prefer a quieter environment at the beach, Agadir is best. Agadir is a little less open to the Atlantic, so it’s possible to relax on the beach. There is also a good choice of all-inclusive hotels and more tourist traffic.
Another highlight on a trip to Morocco is the food. You can expect every bite to be an explosion of flavours!
The local cuisine is exquisite, and as I write this, I am still reminiscent of what I ate in Morocco. Tagine is surely the best-known Moroccan dish; it’s a way of cooking meat and vegetables.
I still dream of returning to Morocco to enjoy another tangia dish. Like the tagine, tangia is a way of cooking. The tangia is a ceramic pot where the meat is cooked and candied for long hours to infuse maximum flavour.
Where did I eat the best tangia? On a random street in Marrakech that was just a simple counter: best street food ever.
Indeed, the opportunities to eat at low cost with street foods are everywhere! For a few dollars, you can get kebabs, massive sandwiches, sausages, etc.
I have been to Morocco several times and each time, La Sqala restaurant is on my schedule for both brunch and dinner because of its exquisite Moroccan menu. This restaurant is located in front of the port of Casablanca and not too far from the medina.
You can visit Morocco at any time of the year, as it is a country with a very diverse climate: coastal beaches, mountains, Sahara desert and cities.
The best time to discover most of what Morocco has to offer is in spring and autumn:
It can be very cold in some areas in winter and the heat can be very oppressive in the middle of summer. Indeed, temperatures can be freezing in the Sahara desert in December and January.
Morocco‘s coastal regions, such as Agadir, can be visited year-round.
It’s possible to become absorbed in the culture and feel the pulse of the country after just a few days, but I suggest spending between one and two weeks to discover all Morocco’s hidden treasures.
Geographically, it makes more sense to start the trip in Casablanca, before exploring northern Morocco (Fez, Rabat, Tangier, Chefchaouen), then moving on to the Sahara desert and ending in Marrakech.
From Marrakech, why not extend your stay in Morocco with a trip to Essaouira or Agadir.
On the other hand, you could start or end your trip in Tangier if you combine it with a vacation in Spain or Portugal.
When we went to Morocco, we paid for a flight in cash, as it was very affordable following a valuation calculation. I then used the NBC travel points I got for free, obtained with the National Bank World Elite Mastercard® to cover a large portion of the cost of the flight.
I could also take advantage of the card’s travel insurance and use the travel credits to select our seats.
In summer 2024, Air Transat began operating non-stop flights between Montreal and Marrakech.
Air Canada offers direct service between Montreal and Casablanca, starting at 35,000 Aeroplan points for a one-way economy flight, according to Air Canada’s points predictor.
You’ll get a free checked bag for yourself and up to eight other people on the same reservation!
On the other hand, there is also Royal Air Maroc which flies directly between Montreal and Casablanca. Since Royal Air Maroc has joined Oneworld, it is possible to use Avios to pay for a flight. Fares are based on the distance travelled.
Don’t forget that you can add a second destination (or even more), in Spain or Jordan for example, and take advantage of Oneworld’s multi-partner price structure!
Upon arrival at Casablanca airport, you can take the train to Casa Port station which is more convenient for people wanting to reach the tourist centre of the city.
The Casa Voyageur station connects Casablanca to other major Moroccan cities (Marrakesh, Tangier, Fez, Meknes).
To get to other towns like Chefchaouen, there’s the CTM bus company with their own stations, offering a very safe service.
As far as Marrakech is concerned, it is possible to take a public bus between Jemaa el-Fna square and the airport.
During our stay in the cities, we chose to stay near the main squares and medinas in order to get around almost exclusively on foot.
Cabs are not very expensive in Morocco, but you’ll have to use your negotiating skills.
In Morocco, there are choices for all manner of tastes and budgets when it comes to accommodation. In big cities like Casablanca, Fez or Marrakech, you can find cheap beds in youth hostels.
For an authentic experience, book a night in a riad, which is a traditional Moroccan multi-storey house surrounding an inner courtyard. In the past, riad owners included wealthy merchants and well-to-do people.
Nowadays, most of the riads in Morocco have been converted into hotels, often very well located near the medinas.
The inner courtyard of the riads is now used as a restaurant or lounge for tourists. We loved our experience in this type of establishment with traditional architecture. Prices for staying in a riad vary enormously from place to place.
Finally, for Marriott Bonvoy fans, Morocco is a sweetspot for the program, with several Marriott hotels offering good deals on nights booked with points.
So, signing up for a Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card and a Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card could give you enough points for almost every night of your trip!
Hotels include:
Casablanca Marriott Hotel
Arm yourself with a travel guide like the Fabuleux Maroc guide and our invaluable advice, and off you go for an unforgettable trip.
To follow my adventures on my Instagram account @wanderingaline, this is the way!
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aline Le (@wanderingaline)
A post shared by Aline Le (@wanderingaline)
Morocco can be visited at any time of year. However, the best time to discover the vast majority of what Morocco has to offer is in spring and autumn.
It’s all up to you! Your budget will depend on the period you choose, your accommodations and your activities. To save when you travel, use credit card points and keep an eye out for generous welcome bonuses.
If you love culture, go to Marrakech, Morocco’s third-largest city after Fez and Casablanca. Snake charmers, henna tattoos, musicians, good restaurants, traditional markets: this is a lively city.
From Marrakech, you could book a three-day tour of Merzouga and the Sahara desert . Activities include camel riding and exploring the Atlas Mountains.
It is also possible to depart from Fez on this tour of the Sahara desert, with a two-day stay at the Merzouga camp.
Savings are here:
