Share the article
Last updated
Stunning architecture, fascinating cities and beautiful Mediterranean beaches.
It’s no wonder Morocco is having a moment!
Where else in the world can you laze on a Mediterranean beach one day and explore the Sahara the next?
According to the authorities the country registered no less than 10 million visitors by the end of July, a new record.
And the good news is that Americans can fly nonstop to this lesser-known Mediterranean hotspot this fall.
Flying to Morocco
Morocco may sound like a remote and exotic destination, but it actually is excellent flight connections to the US
If you fly non-stop to Morocco, you have two options: you can fly there Casablanca or to Marrakesh.
Direct flights to Casablanca depart from Miami, New York and Washington DC
Flying from Miami from October 18 to October 27, non-stop in economy class costs $774. This flight is operated by the Moroccan airline Royal Air Maroc.
That’s why I often fly with foreign airlines saves so much moneybut if you prefer an American airline, the same route on the same dates on American Airlines costs $1,422 for a return in economy class.
The flight time on this route is 8 hours and 15 minutes there and 9 hours and 15 minutes return.
Direct flights to Marrakech depart from New York, and these are usually slightly more expensive than direct flights to Casablanca.
A round-trip flight from October 24 to October 30 in economy class costs $1,709.
This flight path is managed only by United.
The flight time on this route is 7 hours and 35 minutes there and 9 hours and 5 minutes return.
Why visit Marrakech
Marrakech might be the one most famous city in Moroccoand my personal favorite.
The historic charm, the bustling narrow streets and the lively medinas have captured my heart.
Marrakesh does a visual treat; with so much to see, it can almost feel overwhelming.
The intricate carvings, beautiful tilework and impressive architectural details add to even the most ordinary buildings.
If you only visit one place in Marrakech, make sure this is the place Medina.
This is a walled medieval city that is full of trade and people.
Once inside it has a maze-like feel. This is the place to shop in the thriving souks, or to stop for mint tea and watch the world go by.
Tip: If you want to take a souvenir home with you, you can buy handmade textiles and pottery here.
Other highlights in the city include the Jardin Majorelle, a landscape and botanical garden with cubist elements and buildings in a beautiful shade of blue.
Better known as the Yves Saint Laurent Gardens, the gardens were an important source of inspiration for the designer. Buy tickets directly on the Jardin Majorelle website for the best prices.
Tickets cost Dhs165 ($17) per person.
Finally, Marrakech has some of the best palaces in Morocco.
Visit the Bahia Palace for some of the best examples of traditional Moroccan marble and zelli tiles, ornamental work and ornate decoration.
Why visit Casablanca
Casablanca is a beautiful coastal city, which means it offers the best of both worlds. Cultural explorations and lazy days on the beach.
Casablanca has a very different atmosphere than Marrakech. It feels much more relaxed and the people here are less focused on tourists (which can sometimes be overwhelming in Marrakech).
From a cultural perspective, the Hassan II Mosque is the main attraction in Casablanca. It has a 210-metre minaret topped with lasers aimed at Mecca and sits in a prime position above the water, meaning it dominates the city’s skyline.
Muslims can enter the Hassan II Mosque for free for daily prayers. If you are not a Muslim then you need a guide to enter the mosque.
Book this directly with the mosque for the best price, which is 140 dhs ($14). Other tours pick you up from your hotel, but are significantly more expensive.
Tip for female travelers: If you are visiting Morocco (or any other Muslim country) and want to visit the mosques, bring a scarf or shawl that you can use to cover your hair. You can’t get in without it!
I often pack a lightweight beach towel that can double as a hair towel to save space in my suitcase.
You can’t talk about Casablanca without talking about the beaches!
Sidi Abderrahman Beach has the calmest water here, so it is the perfect place for swimming and other water sports.
If you just want to relax by the beach, choose the fully equipped Plage Madam Choual.
✈️Join our Travel Off Path community forum: Where travelers come together, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel companions!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path breaking travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
