Solo Travel Morocco: Where to Visit in 2026
As Morocco continues its rise as one of the world’s most exciting cultural and adventure destinations, 2026 is the year to go.
For solo travellers, the myth has well and truly been busted that Morocco is a “challenging” travel destination or one you have to visit as part of a guided tour.
Lots of independent adventurers are flocking here each year, for long weekends in Marrakech or multi-month explorations to all corners of the country.
I first visited Morocco in 2014 as a solo traveller, intending to stay just a few weeks. I ended up falling in love with the country and an Amazigh man who later became my husband.
Despite it being a complete cultural contrast to Australia (where I’m from), it’s a country that has embraced me wholeheartedly. Personally, I think I’ve gained perspective on life and learned a lot about what it means to be a good person by connecting with Moroccans.
If you’ve been thinking about travelling to Morocco for a while now, 2026 is your year to go.
With improved transport networks and new hotels being built in the lead-up to the Africa Cup of Nations and 2030 FIFA World Cup, Morocco is making moves. Heritage sites are being restored, sustainable lodges are being built and there’s increased tourist infrastructure to ensure travellers feel safe and supported.
Unlike some places around the world that are protesting against tourism, Morocco is actively promoting itself as a travel destination. Essentially, tourists are being welcomed with open arms.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to uncover lesser-known treasures, here are the best places to travel in Morocco in 2026. It includes everything from trendy-setting coastal towns to off-the-beaten-track desert escapes and vibrant cultural hubs.
If it’s your first time travelling to Morocco, discover some of the best cities to visit here.
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1. Marrakech — Morocco’s Cultural Powerhouse
Best for: culture lovers, foodies, solo travellers
Yes, it’s busy. Yes, it’s touristy. But Marrakech remains unmissable in 2026. Even if you’ve visited the “Red City” before, I would argue that there are plenty of reasons to return.
New cultural institutions are popping up, innovative restaurants are opening their doors and design-led riads are providing ever more inspiring places to stay. Plus, Marrakech remains a gateway to some of Morocco’s best adventures – the Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert.
If you’re visiting Marrakech in 2026, look for:
- Innovative food and cooking experiences (plus a stunning muralled tea room) at the Moroccan Culinary Arts Museum.
- Contemporary art galleries in Gueliz – check out Comptoir des Mines, L’Blassa Art Space and Loft Art Gallery.
- Boutique riads in less-touristed parts of the medina (Mouassine, Sidi Ben Slimane and the Kasbah district).
For more info about visiting Marrakech and things to do, check out my solo traveller’s guide to the “Red City”.
Alternative to Marrakech
If you’ve already “done” the Red City or are looking to escape the tourist crowds, consider visiting Taroudant. This walled city near Agadir has been nicknamed the “Mini Marrakech” and offers a taste of its big-sister counterpart in times gone by.
2. Chefchaouen — Slow Travel in the “Blue Pearl”
Best for: slow travellers, solo travellers, nature lovers
In my opinion, Morocco’s “Blue City” is the ultimate destination to escape the hustle and bustle of Fes and Marrakech. Instead, it provides an opportunity to embrace the “slow travel” movement – all about deep immersion rather than rapid sightseeing.
In Chefchaouen, you can spend relaxed days wandering the medina (without ticking off sights) and enjoy people-watching in the sun-drenched Plaza Uta el-Hammam.
And if you can draw yourself away from the dreamy blue streets, the magnificent Rif Mountains are calling. This rugged range is criss-crossed by wonderful hiking trails that allow you to explore off the beaten tourist track.
Planning a slow travel itinerary in Morocco? Discover some of the best destinations to visit.
If you’re visiting Chefchaouen in 2026, look for:
- Relaxed hiking routes in Talassemtane National Park (from half-day to multi-day).
- Artisanal workshops: calligraphy, making goat’s cheese and playing the oud.
- Rustic eco-lodges in the Rif Mountains – check out the Azilane Mountain Club and Gite Talassemtane.
For more info about visiting the “Blue Pearl”, check out my solo traveller’s guide to Chefchaouen.
3. Essaouira — Morocco’s Bohemian Coastal Escape
Best for: kite surfers, creatives, festival fans
With its creative energy and laid-back charm, Essaouira is firmly cementing its place as one of Morocco’s trendiest destinations. It’s the kind of place you arrive with the intention of spending a couple of days, then end up staying a couple of weeks.
Essaouira’s windy conditions make it a must-visit for fans of kite-surfing and windsurfing. But it’s also an incredibly artistic city. There are countless independent art galleries and cultural spaces with pop-up exhibitions – keep an eye on posters in the medina for up-and-coming events.
Why visit Essaouira in 2026:
- Eclectic cafes hosting art exhibitions, live music nights and cultural events.
- A growing live music scene – don’t miss the Gnaoua World Music Festival in June!
- Stunning villas in the argan-dotted countryside for a Mediterranean-like retreat.
- Le Jardin des Douars
- Kasbah d’Eau (in the surf town of Sidi Kaouki)
- Riad Yanitri
For more info about visiting Essaouira, check out some of the best things to do or these solo traveller-friendly places to stay.
4. Sahara Desert — Beyond Merzouga
Best for: adventurers, photographers, romantic escapes
In 2026, Moroccan desert travel is diversifying, with travellers starting to venture beyond Merzouga.
While the well-trodden camel trails of Erg Chebbi are still worth exploring (you’ll find some of Morocco’s best desert camps and kasbah hotels here), there’s a lot more to discover.
Those wanting classic Saharan scenery (dunes as far as the eye can see) should consider Erg Chigaga – a lesser-visited dune system accessed via the gateway town of M’Hamid.
If you’re short on time, spend a night amidst the rocky desert landscapes of Agafay (on the doorstep of Marrakech).
Morocco desert experiences to consider in 2026:
- M’Hamid and Erg Chigaga for remote, wild dunes and serene desert camps.
- Drive the Route of 1000 Kasbahs through the spectacular Drâa Valley.
- Stargazing retreats led by local astronomers (check out Morocco Astro Tours).
Discover more amazing Moroccan desert experiences beyond Merzouga here.
5. Fes — A Medieval City Reborn
Best for: history lovers, foodies, culture seekers
With the restoration of its UNESCO-listed medina continuing, Fes should be high on your list of must-visit destinations in Morocco for 2026. It’s an ancient city that’s endlessly enchanting and boasts a rich history of artisan crafts that’s still alive today.
The re-opening of Dar Batha following extensive renovations is reason alone to visit Fes in 2026. It has been transformed into a Museum of Islamic Arts, complete with an Andalusian-style garden that I absolutely love!
Fes also makes a great base for day trips to explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the imperial city of Meknes and the Barbary macaques of Azrou.
What to do in Fes in 2026:
- Participate in an artisan craft workshop: ceramics/zellige, weaving, calligraphy and leather/metalwork.
- Food tours and experiences focusing on centuries-old Fassi cuisine.
- Stay at a lovingly restored heritage riad for a taste of traditional Moroccan design:
For more info about visiting Fes, check out my solo traveller’s guide or these amazing places to stay for solo travellers.
6. Atlas Mountains — Eco-Travel Adventures
Best for: hikers, outdoor travellers, wellness retreats
Sustainable travel is on the rise in the High Atlas, Middle Atlas and Anti-Atlas regions of Morocco. Dotted with traditional villages, their rugged terrain is ideally explored on one of the many hiking trails or scenic drives that wind through the mountains.
Aside from family-run eco-lodges in Imlil (the gateway to Mount Toubkal), the Atlas Mountains are home to an increasing number of high-end hotels. While staying at these luxurious retreats, you can experience the majesty of the mountains without compromising on creature comforts.
My top picks for luxury hotels in the Atlas Mountains:
You’ll find more unforgettable adventures in the Atlas Mountains in my detailed guide here.
7. Tangier — Morocco’s Artsy Northern Gateway
Best for: culture lovers, art enthusiasts, foodies
Once a bohemian haunt, Tangier is now a cultural hub where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic. It’s easily accessible from Spain by ferry, and with the high-speed Al Boraq train whisking you to Tangier from Casablanca (or Rabat) in less than two hours, there’s no excuse not to visit!
Aside from a major redevelopment project happening around the city port, buildings are being restored throughout Tangier’s atmospheric Kasbah district and medina. Several museums and cultural institutions have been given a facelift – don’t miss Dar Niaba, the Kasbah Museum of Mediterranean Cultures or the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Plus, the street art in Tangier is incredible – you never know what you’re going to find!
Reasons to visit Tangier in 2026:
- New galleries, cafes and concept stores are popping up in the Kasbah district.
- High-speed train access (Al Boraq) makes it easy to reach.
- Beautiful beaches along the Cap Spartel coastline.
- Fantastic under-the-radar restaurants – I particularly love Restaurant Ahlen
For more info about visiting Tangier, check out my solo traveller’s guide.
8. Agadir & Taghazout — Surf Coast 2.0
Best for: surfers, beach lovers, winter-sun travellers
Once considered separate destinations, it’s getting harder to tell Agadir and Taghazout apart. The stretch of coastline that separates the two has been heavily developed in recent years, with luxury and all-inclusive hotels dominating the beachfront.
There’s part of me that mourns the Taghazout of years gone by, with this colourful fishing village now overflowering with surf tourists. But it’s still one of my favourite places for a beach vacation in Morocco – there are lots of hidden coves and expansive stretches of sand to discover.
The drive from Agadir to Taghazout has received a serious upgrade and tourist infrastructure has improved greatly. Added to that, there are fantastic cafes serving health-conscious fare and a thriving digital nomad community if you’re looking for somewhere to linger a little longer.
Why visit Agadir + Taghazout in 2026:
- Great surf camps and yoga retreats on the doorstep of world-class waves.
- Modern all-inclusive resorts in Agadir for a stress-free beach vacation.
- Improved coastal roads for road trips to Imsouane, Tamri and Paradise Valley.
Alternatives to Agadir + Taghazout
If the area around Taghazout/Tamraght is too busy for you, consider heading south from Agadir to Mirleft and Sidi Ifni. Here, you’ll find stunning beaches, lesser-known surf spots and a far more relaxed vibe.
9. Dades & Todra Gorges
Best for: hikers, outdoor lovers, slow travellers
I’ve said it many times, but Dades and Todra are among my favourite places to visit in Morocco. The scenery here is otherworldly – crumbling kasbahs, surreal rock formations and life-giving palm oases.
If you want to slow down and experience the rhythms of rural Moroccan life, these gorges are among the best places to do it. Food-filled gardens hug the rivers and there are lots of unmarked trails where you can get completely lost while connecting with local villagers.
Reasons to visit Dades and Todra in 2026:
- Stay at the ultra-stunning (and luxurious) Eden Boutique Hotel in Dades.
- Get off the beaten track while hiking along ancient shepherd trails and between fertile food gardens.
- Feast on some of the best organic food you’ll eat in Morocco at Dar Jnan Tiouira.
For more info about visiting Dades and Todra, check out my detailed travel guide here.
10. Rabat — Morocco’s Relaxed Capital
Best for: culture vultures
Rounding out this list of the best places to visit in Morocco in 2026 is the capital, Rabat. It’s relaxed, picturesque and there’s lots of explore. Plus, it’s on the doorstep of Casablanca (around an hour by train) if you want to marvel at the Hassan II Mosque (which you should definitely do!)
In Rabat, you’ll find great museums focused on everything from ancient civilisations to contemporary art, plus some pretty incredible monuments. The unfinished Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohammed V are not to be missed.
Directly across the Bou Regreg River is Rabat’s sister city of Salé. So essentially, you get two destinations for the price of one.
Reasons to visit Rabat in 2026:
- A modern tram network connects to Salé – home to one of the least touristy medinas in Morocco.
- Changing exhibitions at the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.
- Beautifully restored heritage hotels:
Why Travel to Morocco in 2026
✓ Improved transport systems
High-speed rail expansion, extensive bus networks and improved roads make travel easier than ever.
✓ Sustainable tourism focus
Eco-lodges, community-based tours, artisanal workshops and cultural preservation programs are growing.
✓ Increased global exposure
AFCON 2025/26 and preparations for the 2030 World Cup mean upgraded tourism infrastructure – roads, public transport, hotels and security.
✓ Atmospheric accommodation
Design-led riads, luxury rural retreats and hiker homestays are increasing the accommodation options.
There are lots of destinations you could visit in 2026. So why Morocco?
The country is riding a wave of popularity thanks to dreamy images being splashed across social media and an ever-increasing interest in Moroccan design. It’s safe for solo travellers and will appeal to everyone from culture vultures to hard-core hikers and those wanting to bliss out on the coast.
Additionally, there’s a much-needed move towards “slow travel” experiences, which Morocco offers in spades. Whether it’s lumbering through the desert atop a camel, learning to weave with Amazigh women or listening to the call to prayer ring out from your riad rooftop, there are endless ways to immerse yourself in Moroccan culture.
The government has invested heavily to get “tourist-ready” for AFCON 2025/26 and the FIFA World Cup 2030. And if you travel to Morocco in 2026, you’ll reap the rewards!
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About Me
I’m Malika, an Australian-born travel writer with an intense love for Morocco. I first travelled here solo in 2014 and after meeting (and marrying) a local, I made this North African gem my home. Since that time, I have explored the country extensively, travelling to all corners with my partner, friends and on my own.
Morocco is an incredible destination and one that I think everyone who has the “travel bug” should experience. The scenery is spectacular, the medinas are enchanting and the locals are among the friendliest (and funniest) people I’ve ever met.
It’s no secret, however, that there a lot of questions and concerns voiced online about solo travel to Morocco, particularly from female travellers. So I wanted to create this resource filled with honest and up-to-date information. It’s designed to help solo travellers explore the country safely and have an amazing time along the way.
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I’m Malika, an Australian-born travel writer with an intense love for Morocco. I first travelled here solo in 2014 and after meeting (and marrying) a local, I made this North African gem my home.
Over the last 10 years, I have explored the country extensively, travelling to all corners with my partner, friends and solo.
