by The magic of Morocco is unforgettable and beyond dreamy. A country full of color, hospitality and grace. Falling in love with this place came easy. And has made its way to #1 of my top 5 Destinations! 🙂 This exquisite country has so much to offer from its high tourist attraction, bustling souks to desert wonderlands. The blue city of Chefchaouen is one of the most photogenic and aesthetically dreamy places I’ve visited. Today, Morocco remains one of the most accessible parts of Africa, divided only by the Strait of Gibraltar from Europe — in fact, it takes less than hour to reach Tangier by boat from Spain.
Traveling solo as a woman felt like a dream. It’s a great destination for travelers, women in particularly despite what you might read.
Morocco is a great destination to visit all year long. With its coastline, mountains, and desert landscapes, it’s an incredibly diverse country offering something unique to see any time of the year.
1. Marrakech
Marrakech effortlessly blends tradition and modernity, and it is considered the major city of Central Morocco. With streets painted a gorgeous shade of red, and the buildings to match – hence its well-known nickname, The Red City. This is a great start, especially for first time travelers to Morocco, or even solo travelers like myself. Depending on where you book your stay you will be minutes away from shopping centers, restaurants, the medina (old town with souks for shopping) and so much more.
Whether it’s exploring the winding streets through bustling souks, discovering archaeological and architectural gems, taking a moment to bask in gorgeous sunsets or escaping the city to the beautiful Atlas Mountains. Every direction more breathtaking than the next. Or spending the night in the Agafay Desert watching the sunset fade into a dreamy starlit sky. Live your BEST LIFE as a prince/princess should and BOOK THE TRIP TO MARRAKECH. The city life here is what I normally would dislike, with it being too large, the busy streets, it’s intense. But I was wrong! It’s everything I’ve been craving from the gorgeous and vibrant lantern stalls in the Jemaa El-Fnaa, Marrakesh’s medina quarter (old city) to the artwork in the streets, and the midday atay (tea) with views all-around.
Accommodations in Marrakech
I highly recommend booking your stay in Gueliz, the so-called Ville Nouvelle (new town) of Marrakech. As I mentioned before, so many things are within walking distance such as a grocery store (Carrefour) unlimited options of delicious restaurants, and not to mention makes it easy for tour guides and drivers to get to you.
2. Tangier & Chefchaouen
Tangier, the gateway to Africa, the magical coastal city that invites you in with warmth and beauty! I made sure to book a flight in advance from Marrakech for a total of $27USD. Tangier or Tanger, is a breathtaking port town in northern Africa just across the Gibraltar Strait. I was swept away by all of the beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The sounds and colors just ignited a fire in me like no other place in the world. 😉 Most importantly, I knew I had to include Chefchauouen, the blue city.
Although a gorgeous destination now, Tangier wasn’t always like this. Morocco’s last king made a point to divert all national investment away from his country’s fourth city. The new king, who took the throne in 1999, believes Tangier should be a great city again. The first city he visited after his coronation was Tangier. It’s exotic, warm, inviting, riveting even.
If you have the time, and luckily I did, Tangier has a colorful, relaxed vibe that invites you to adventure off to explore and unwind. While walking through the medina, I found a cute restaurant where I sat and enjoyed a hot glass of atay (tea) and people watched as families gathered or passed by, some shopping and others dining.
HOW TO GET TO TANGIER
There are multiple ways to get to Tangier. Depending on where your starting point or destination is. I decided it was easiest to fly from Marrakech to Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport (TNG). It will take just about an hour and cost $27USD on Ryan Airlines. You can also catch the train which is about 5.5 hours and from $220-$430 MAD (Moroccan Dirham) which is about $225-$45USD. If you decide to take the train, there will be a couple stops along the way making it easy to travel to different cities such as Fes and Casablanca.
You can get to Tangier by ferry from Spain, France, and Italy. Most ferries arrive at the port of Tanger Med, which is located about 40 km from the city. A ferry from Spain to Morocco typically costs between $75 and $300USD. The cost depends on things such as the route, time of year, and whether you are traveling with a vehicle, etc.
WHERE TO STAY IN TANGIER
There are many pleasant accommodations to choose from in Tangier.
Hotel Continental Featuring views of the Port of Tangier, free grocery shopping service, two on-site restaurants, a library and more.
Pestana Tanger A city center hotel with apartment-like rooms. Only 7 minute walk to Tangier Beach, 1 minute walk to the mall, and 24 minute drive from Tangier (TNG) airport.
Wander through the kasbah, experience the medina, immerse yourself in the deep rooted history. I’d wander around the Medina, relax at Café Tanger. It’s quite easy to get lost as you wind up and down the small streets through the Medina however, you can always ask one of the friendly locals if you’re in need of direction.
3. Essaouira
I Es-swear-a You’re Going to Love It!
From the moment I arrived at Essaouira, I could immediately tell there was something special about this place.
A port city of about 80,000 people on Morocco’s west coast. Just past the medina’s ramparts towards the sea, is a busy working port and a 2-kilometer sandy beach with a promenade strung with seaside restaurants and cafes. the Medina in Essaouira is by far one of my favorite throughout Morocco. In addition to this being my personal fave, this is another filming location for Game of Thrones. Luckily, these ramparts are open to the public for free from sunrise to sunset. I 🙂
Essentials for Essaouira
A few things to keep in mind while traveling to this amazing coastal town:
It’s 3 hour drive from Marrakech. You can reach by bus, car or tour
Cooler weather, strong winds
Wander / Explore & shop in the lively Medina (or discover it with a local on this popular walking tour)
Visit the city’s many art galleries and museums
See the vibrant fish market (and snap the blue boats)
Eat at Café Berber for a good value local meal, or head to Dar Baba if you feel like something fancy
Grab a sunset drink from Taros
WHERE TO STAY IN TANGIER
A couple days spent in Essaouira can give you ample time to explore this beautiful city! Below are some cost-effective stays that will absolutely blow your mind!
Salut Maroc – Art based Boutique Hotel has 180 degree sea views over the Atlantic Ocean and located in the old medina of Essaouira. With gorgeous rooms that accentuate beautiful artwork and design.
BEST THINGS TO DO