Morocco will give you many beautiful landscapes and cultures to explore at your own pace. Once you have cruised the cosmopolitan city of Tangier, come visit the culturally rich hub of Marrakech through an unforgettable road trip and witness several historic towns, mountain sceneries, and endless deserts. Renting a car can give you the time to venture beyond the most visited tourist paths and discover Morocco’s secret treasures. Here’s how to reach some of the best stops along the way:
Table of Contents
1. Tangier – Gateway to Morocco
Rent a car in Tangier Morocco from OneClickDrive and start your journey in Tangier, a city steeped in history and filled with African, Arab, and European influences. As the business entry point into Morocco, this port city will be a fantastic launch into any Moroccan journey. You’ll love getting lost in the medina- the maze of narrow streets with plenty of souks. You will also definitely enjoy visiting the Kasbah Museum, where you can learn all about the city’s past.
A short drive from Tangier provides an exquisite scenery along the Atlantic coast, generally known as the Caves of Hercules. Further ahead is Cap Spartel, a place of breathtaking views where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. These are some of the spots well-serving as an introduction to Morocco’s scenic beauty.
2. Chefchaouen – The Blue City
Next, head south to Chefchaouen, a small town in the Rif Mountains. Nicknamed the “Blue City,” Chefchaouen is a remarkably picturesque town, the dream of every photographer, and a haven of peace. Unlike other medinas, this one is not that manic; its beauty can be enjoyed with an easygoing walk around local shops and cafes.
From here, it’s either a drive to the nearby Ras El Maa Waterfall for a refreshing view or a short hike toward the Spanish Mosque for fantastic panorama views over the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen. Small enough to explore in a single day but too beautiful not to stay longer.
3. Fes
Continue to Fes, which epitomizes a massive ancient city full of historical and cultural significance. Its medina, Fes el-Bali, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, full of architectural marvels and traditional crafts. Walk through small alleys, visit the Al-Qarawiyyin University considered by many to be the oldest continuously operating university in the world, and don’t miss the Chouara Tannery, one of the most spectacular sights in Fes, where leather is treated by methods dating back centuries.
Fes is one of the best towns to glimpse Moroccan culture up close: boisterous souks selling everything from hand-crafted ceramics to spices and textiles.
4. The Middle Atlas – A Natural Getaway
From Fes, enter the Middle Atlas Mountains for the most dramatic change in landscape. Stop first in Ifrane, aptly surnamed “Little Switzerland,” whose architecture and temperate climate recall that of Europe. This is a skiing resort town in winter. In the summer months, its green parks and flower gardens make it an attractive stopover.
Further ahead, there’s Azrou, which invites visitors for a discovery in the Cèdre Gouraud Forest- a home to friendly Barbary macaques. These forests are ideal for a picnic or a short hike and provide a refreshing break from the bustling cities.
5. Merzouga – Gateway to Sahara
Head south for Merzouga, a starting point for the Sahara Desert adventures in Erg Chebbi sand dunes. Merzouga is well-known for its high orange dunes and offers an opportunity to view the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert. You can go on a camel riding adventure in the desert and stay for sunset on dunes, sleep in a traditional Berber tent, and look up into the star-filled sky at night.
To the culturally inclined, local villages around Gnawa have customs and a special brand of music very much steeped in Sahara traditions.
6. Marrakech – The Pulse of Morocco
Finish your road trip in colorful, energetic Marrakech. In Marrakech’s medina, busy souks collide with historic palaces and the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square, where performers, food vendors, and artisans descend upon the area in a lively spectacle. Moreover, if you are a historian, you will definitely love Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs, as the greatness of Morocco’s architecture is reflected in these; driving to Agafay Desert nearby gives you a flavor of Sahara Desert playfulness without leaving the perimeter of the city.
Conclusion
From the coastal charm of Tangier to the desert magic of Merzouga, the pulsating street life of Marrakech offers a different experience at each halt. Rent a car in Morocco to enjoy the flexibility to drive at your own pace and make memories apart from the usual tourist routes.
