Morocco travel itinerary

Planning a trip to Morocco? Here you'll find our day-by-day itinerary (Marrakech, Fes, Sahara (Merzouga), Atlas and the gorges, Chefchaouen, Casablanca and Rabat), plus all the practical info to organise your journey: currency, visa, e-SIM, health, plugs and useful numbers.

When to go to Morocco

The climate varies: mild and temperate on the coasts, hot and dry inland (summer in the south and the desert exceeds 40 degrees), with mild winter days but very cold desert nights and snow on the Atlas. The best times are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). Bring layers: you go from the heat of the day to the cold of the evening, especially in the Sahara.

Practical info for travelling in Morocco

Updated: June 2026

Documents and visa

You need a valid passport (at least for the duration of the stay). EU citizens need no visa for tourism up to 90 days. On arrival you may be asked to show a return ticket and proof of sufficient funds. An ID card is NOT enough: a passport is required. Citizens of other countries should check their own rules.

Currency and payments

The currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD): about 11 dirhams to 1 euro. NOTE: the dirham is not convertible and CANNOT be exported; change money locally (banks, authorised offices, ATMs) and reconvert any leftovers before leaving, keeping the receipts. In cities cards are accepted in hotels and restaurants, but you need plenty of cash for souks, taxis, tips and rural areas. In the souk you always haggle.

Language

The official languages are Arabic and Amazigh (Berber), but French is very widespread and is the language of tourism and business; Spanish and Italian are fairly understood, while English is less common. A few words of French help a lot.

Health, water and vaccines

No mandatory vaccines; discuss hepatitis A and B with your doctor and, for prolonged rural stays, rabies. Tap water is drinkable in the big cities but better drunk bottled, especially outside towns, avoiding ice, raw vegetables and unpeeled fruit (intestinal upsets are common). Private healthcare in cities is adequate but paid and expensive: insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation is strongly recommended.

eSIM and connectivity

Mobile coverage (Maroc Telecom, Orange, Inwi) is almost complete, better in cities than in mountain and desert areas. Morocco is outside the EU, so EU roaming is NOT included: a local SIM or eSIM, cheap and easy to buy, is best. WiFi is common in riads and hotels.

Electricity

Power is 220V/50Hz with type C and E sockets, the same as continental Europe: European two-round-pin plugs fit without an adapter.

Time zone

Morocco is at UTC+1, generally one hour behind Central Europe (two hours when summer time is in force there). During Ramadan the country temporarily puts the clock back one hour.

Good to know

Drugs: beware the Rif — Moroccan law is very strict on drugs: for possession or purchase of hashish, even small amounts for personal use, many Europeans end up in prison every year with heavy sentences. In the Rif region (north), where hashish is grown, small dealers approach tourists to lure them into buying: it is not uncommon for the seller to then report them to the police. Always refuse firmly.
Areas to avoid and seismic risk — The classic circuit (Marrakech, Atlas, desert, Fes, Chefchaouen, imperial cities) is safe. However, avoid the Western Sahara region, the border areas with Algeria and Mauritania (no overland travel towards Mauritania) and run-down suburbs. In the mountains and the desert do not travel alone: rely on authorised guides and 4x4 vehicles with water supplies. Morocco is seismic (a strong earthquake hit Marrakech in 2023).
Driving — An Italian licence (valid 12 months) or an International Driving Permit is enough; third-party insurance is compulsory (Green Card or a policy at the border). ZERO tolerance for drink-driving. Roads are good but traffic is undisciplined and the accident rate high: drive carefully and AVOID driving at night outside towns. Important: if you enter Morocco with your own car, you must leave with the same one (it is registered at customs); motorways are tolled.
Religion and customs — Morocco is a Muslim country: dress respectfully (shoulders and knees covered, especially outside tourist areas) and during Ramadan avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight (reduced hours and services). Mosques are closed to non-Muslims, with the exception of the great Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. Homosexuality is considered a crime: utmost discretion. Tips are a widespread custom.
Souks, taxis and petty crime — In the medinas and souks haggling is expected (start below half the asking price, with a smile). Beware of 'fake guides' who offer to accompany you and then demand money, and of pickpockets in crowded places. For city taxis (petit taxi) insist on the meter or agree the fare first; the long-distance shared grands taxis are less reliable. Avoid isolated places after dark.

Useful numbers

112 — Emergencies (from mobile)
19 — Police (from landline)
15 — Ambulance and fire brigade
177 — Royal Gendarmerie (rural areas)
+212 537 219730 — Italian Embassy in Rabat (emergencies: +212 661 221324). For other nationalities, contact your own country's embassy

💡 Remember the dirham does not leave Morocco: change only what you need and reconvert any leftovers before departure (with receipts). Carry cash for souks and taxis, always haggle with a smile, and do not be tempted by anyone offering hashish in the Rif: it is the fastest way to ruin your trip (and end up in prison).

Morocco