It is obvious that Morocco is one of the most popular vacation destinations for the tourists all over the world. With its southern Mediterranean climate, cities, beaches and breathtaking landscapes, Morocco has much to offer, but it is also easily accessible from Europe. Due to its popularity and proximity to Europe, it is quite easy to get to Morocco from Europe airports.
If you’re looking for a change of scenery and find a trip to Morocco appealing, then you’ve come to the right place. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to plan your stay in Morocco. We will help you choose your destination airport and your flights. You will also learn about the best seasons to travel to Morocco.
Which destination airport should I choose?
Morocco has 25 airports, so the choice of destination airports is quite wide. However, there are three airports that stand out: Casablanca, Marrakech, and Agadir.
These three airports are the busiest airports in Morocco and therefore the best way to travel from France or any other country in Europe. What’s more, all these airports serve different regions of Morocco, so no matter what your travel plans are, you will find the right airport for you.
Casablanca – Mohammed V International Airport
Located on the northwestern coast of Morocco, Casablanca is the country’s economic capital and most populous city. It is home to the country’s largest international airport. Casablanca itself is one of the most important cities in Morocco, which makes it a suitable place to visit for the first time. However, it is also a great base camp for travel in Morocco, with Rabat, Fez and Tangier to the north and Marrakech, Essaouira and Agadir to the south.
Marrakech – Menara Airport
No trip to Morocco is complete without a visit to the capital city of Marrakech, known for its bazaars, medinas and narrow alleys that will make you want to get lost. You will find that Marrakech is a must-see destination in Morocco. It is also a wonderful place to stay warm in the winter! Many European tourists also take the opportunity to spend New Year’s Eve in Marrakech.
Marrakech is also located in the center of the country, so vacation options are plentiful. Casablanca and Essaouira can be reached in 2h40min by car, while Agadir and Rabat take just over 3 hours.
Agadir-Almassira Airport
Agadir is the third largest airport in Morocco. Located on the Atlantic coast in southwestern Morocco, Agadir is far from Casablanca and Marrakech, but is the ideal place to escape the crowds and enjoy some of Morocco’s best beaches. It also has some beautiful places for surfers, such as Imsouan beach. From Agadir, trips can easily be arranged to Essaouira, a small coastal town whose historic center is surrounded by 18th century walls.
How to move between cities and places in Morocco?
Morocco is a country with a relatively well-developed transportation network. Trains, buses, cabs, and airplanes are available for travel between regions during your stay abroad, as well as rental cars.
Moroccan cities often have their own bus systems, but cabs are easy to use without knowing the city. Rabat and Casablanca have new, inexpensive, and safe streetcars. The rail network connecting Morocco’s major cities is a convenient way to travel long distances.
Trains in Morocco
Trains are the most convenient way to travel between cities. They connect almost the entire country and are extremely popular. All announcements are in Arabic and French, and information on stops and timetables are available at stations.
For example, a 300 km/h high-speed train connects Casablanca with Tangier in the north. While the coast and the north are easily accessible, there are no trains south of Marrakech. Therefore, if you are heading south, you will need to book a bus ticket (usually through Supratours, a subsidiary of the train company).
Useful to know:
You can buy tickets for most trains.
First class, which is more expensive and has seat assignments and luggage storage, is best for long trips with large suitcases or when the trains are crowded on vacation.
Second class, quite comfortable, but you may have to stand. if there are no seats available.
Taxi in Morocco
Morocco has both large and small cabs. Fares usually depend on the size of the vehicle and the distance traveled. Smaller cabs have a meter that the driver presses when getting in (remind the driver if you are taking a cab near a train station or airport), and the fare is fixed.
Note that small cabs cannot leave the city they are assigned to. On the other hand, large cabs can travel long distances without being tied to a fare. Like buses, they have a fixed route, but can pick up and drop off passengers at any location along the route. Some large cabs are spacious and comfortable, while others are just as cramped as small cabs, yet carry more passengers!
You can now order a cab through Robby.Taxi, a smartphone app available in Marrakech, Casablanca, and Agadir.
Good to know:
Fares are higher at night, up to 50% higher.
Renting a car in Morocco
If you have a valid driver’s license and are traveling alone or with your family, you may rent a car. There are car rental agencies in most cities in Morocco and you will need to present your ID card or passport and international debit card as security.
Good to know:
Make sure the rental price quoted by the agency includes basic insurance and 20% tax.
However, if you book with a travel agency in Morocco for instance, MARRAKESHJOURNEYS agency, you will have your suitable car with a driver who will take you wherever you would like. Also, you will get a great tour trip’s plan to visit the most attractions of Morocco and spend an unforgettable holiday. Here is most of the popular tours of Morocco.
When is the best time to travel to Morocco?
Once you have decided on your destination airport, the next step is the duration of your stay. If you haven’t decided yet, keep in mind that the ideal time to travel to Morocco varies depending on the region you want to visit.
For Marrakech, you should choose the beginning and end of the season, from April to June and from September to November; July and August are too hot, with daily temperatures reaching 40°C, severely limiting outdoor activities. This hot period also changes the rhythm of life for locals, as many stores are closed during the day.
The same is true for Casablanca and Agadir, although these cities are cooler due to their proximity to the sea. In these parts of Morocco, summer temperatures are much milder, averaging around 30°C.
