Why Fly to Morocco
Morocco is one of the most rewarding destinations you can reach from Europe in under three hours. It hits you immediately — the smell of spices, the call to prayer echoing off ancient walls, the chaos of a medina that hasn't changed much in 500 years. You get desert, mountains, Atlantic coastline, and medieval cities all in one country. It's affordable, culturally rich, and genuinely different from anywhere else on the continent.
The cities alone are worth the flight. Marrakech draws the crowds for good reason — Jemaa el-Fna square, the souks, the palaces — but Fez is where serious travelers go for something more authentic. Casablanca works well as an entry point and surprises people with its Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in the world. Chefchaouen, the blue mountain village, is overrun with cameras these days but still worth a night or two. Rabat, the capital, is quieter and more livable — a solid contrast to Marrakech's intensity.
Best Time to Visit Morocco
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the sweet spots. Temperatures sit between 20–28°C (68–82°F), the light is good, and you're not competing with peak summer crowds. These windows also line up with festivals in Marrakech and cheaper flight prices. Summer inland — particularly in Fez and Marrakech — is brutal. Think 40°C-plus with no relief. If you're going in July or August, stick to the coast. Winter (December to February) is genuinely cold in the Atlas Mountains and chilly at night in the cities, but flights and accommodation are cheaper and crowds are thin. Check the Ramadan calendar before booking — during the holy month, restaurants and shops keep reduced hours and the daytime atmosphere is quieter than usual, which affects the experience significantly.
Getting Around Morocco
The train network (ONCF) is reliable, comfortable, and cheap — it connects Casablanca, Rabat, Fez, Marrakech, and Tangier well. Book ahead for weekend travel. For routes the trains don't cover, CTM buses are the next best option — they run on schedule and are far more comfortable than the cheaper local alternatives. Intercity grands taxis (shared long-distance taxis) fill the gaps to smaller towns and are faster than buses once full. Within cities, use petit taxis — they're metered in theory, but always confirm the meter is running or agree a price first. Domestic flights exist between major cities but rarely make sense given the train times and prices. Renting a car is worth it specifically for the Atlas Mountains, the Draa Valley, or the Sahara edge — anywhere the public transport gets patchy.
Visa & Entry Requirements
EU, UK, and US citizens can enter Morocco visa-free for up to 90 days. Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date, undamaged, and have at least one blank page for entry stamps — get that stamp, or you'll have problems leaving. Border officers may ask for proof of onward travel, accommodation details, and evidence of sufficient funds. If you need to extend beyond 90 days, visit a police station within the first 15 days of your stay, or briefly cross into the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta or Melilla to reset the clock.
Money & Budget
Morocco uses the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). It's a closed currency — you can't buy it before you arrive and can't easily convert leftovers when you leave, so plan accordingly. ATMs are easy to find in cities but thin on the ground in rural areas. Visa and Mastercard work at most bank ATMs; stick to those rather than standalone machines to avoid skimming. Cards are accepted at hotels and larger shops, but cash is essential for souks, street food, local taxis, and tips. Round up taxi fares and leave around 10% in restaurants. Budget travelers can get by on 400–600 MAD (roughly €35–55) per day covering a hostel dorm, street food, and local transport. Mid-range — a private riad room, sit-down meals, and the occasional guided tour — runs 800–1,200 MAD (€70–105). Luxury travelers spending on five-star riads, private drivers, and fine dining should budget 2,000 MAD and up. Add 20% as a buffer for tips and haggling surprises.
Top Cities to Visit in Morocco
- Marrakech — The main event for most visitors. Jemaa el-Fna, the souks, Bahia Palace, and some of the country's best riads and restaurants are all here.
- Fez — The oldest and most intact medieval medina in the world. Go for the tanneries, the food, and the atmosphere. Less polished than Marrakech, which is exactly the point.
- Chefchaouen — The famous blue-walled mountain town. Yes, it's touristy. Still beautiful, and the hiking around it is genuinely good.
- Casablanca — Morocco's largest city and main international hub. The Hassan II Mosque is unmissable; the rest of the city rewards explorers who get off the main drag.
- Rabat — The calm, walkable capital. Good medina, a solid kasbah, nearby Roman ruins at Chellah, and none of Marrakech's hustle.
- Essaouira — A breezy Atlantic port town with whitewashed walls, a working fishing harbor, and a laid-back vibe that's hard to leave.
FAQ — Flights to Morocco
Which airports in Morocco accept international flights?
Marrakech Menara (RAK) and Casablanca Mohammed V (CMN) handle the most international traffic. Fez (FEZ), Agadir (AGA), Tangier (TNG), and Rabat (RBA) also receive direct flights from Europe. Casablanca is the main hub for connections onward within Morocco and across Africa.
How long is the flight to Morocco from Europe?
From London, Paris, or Madrid, you're looking at roughly 3 to 3.5 hours to Marrakech or Casablanca. From further afield — New York, for example — expect around 7 to 8 hours direct. Budget carriers including Ryanair and easyJet run frequent routes from the UK and Europe, which keeps prices competitive.
Is it cheaper to fly into Marrakech or Casablanca?
It depends on where you're flying from and when. Casablanca generally has more flight options and sometimes lower base fares since it's the main hub, but Marrakech attracts heavy budget airline competition from European cities, which regularly drives prices down. Check both when searching — the train between the two cities takes around three hours and costs very little, so landing in one and departing from the other is a practical option.